NEW DELHI (BNS): The Department of Defence will purchase a new short- range air defence capability for ADF with Australian designed and built radars and vehicles.

Minister for Defence, Christopher Payne, said the Government is committed to providing the Australian Defence Force with the best capability to protect Australia’s national interests.

“This new air defence capability combines world leading Australian radar technology with a highly effective air defence system that will contribute to the protection of our service men and women from modern airborne threats,” Minister Pyne said.

“The capability will be based on the Raytheon/Kongsberg National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) which is used by several countries including the United States.

“Australia’s version of NASAMS will use advanced radars designed and manufactured by Canberra-based company, CEA Technologies.

“The CEA radar that has been so successful on our ships will now be integrated into an Australian designed and built vehicle, the Thales Hawkei.

The short-range air defence capability will replace the Army’s current ageing RBS-70 man-portable air defence system, the Australian Department of Defence said in a statement.