The Australian Special Operations Command will benefit from an A$1 billion equipment package that will see the operators receive new kit and capabilities.
According to the government, the investment will include new communications and intelligence equipment, unspecified “new” water and land vehicles, tactical equipment and weapons, as well as new facilities.
The investment into the new capabilities for the command will be part of the second phase of project Greyfin, Australian prime minister Scott Morrison said.
First revealed in 2019, the project would see special operations forces bolstered with new capabilities, with the second stage focusing on “agility and strategic posture.”
“Our special forces and commandos are the best in the world at what they do, and we’re committed to ensuring they’ve got the right kit to do their jobs,” prime minister Morrison said.
“Our special forces and commandos defend Australia and our interests 24 hours a day and project Greyfin will keep them at the cutting edge.”
“Given the rapidly evolving strategic and threat environment facing Australia, special forces troops need the best gear. And it’s equally important that defense is agile enough to get this equipment to the troops, when they need it,” defense minister Peter Dutton added.
Australia announced the investment into the special operations command after revealing it would invest $2 billion into the acquisition of Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM Block 2) capability for the Royal Australian Navy.
Earlier this year, the country also announced it would be fast-tracking the purchase of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range (JASSM-ER) for the air force and the Naval Strike Missiles for the navy at a total cost of A$3.5 billion.
