Heritage Foundation Urges Australia to Buy US Missile Systems

The Heritage Foundation, a Washington-based think tank, is urging Australia to invest between $5 billion and $10 billion in US-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) missile interceptors. The recommendation aims to protect critical sites, including RAAF Base Darwin and HMAS Stirling, while reducing the cost and inventory burden on the United States.

In a report authored by Jim Fein, the think tank suggests using the AUKUS framework to co-produce these weapons. This approach is intended to address lagging production and depleted US stockpiles following a conflict with Iran. While the Trump administration is pushing Australia to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, some experts argue that more affordable systems, such as Patriot missiles, would be sufficient.

The United States Department of Defense has denied any munitions shortage. However, the Centre for Strategic and Independent Studies reports a significant decline in THAAD and Patriot interceptor inventories. Australia is currently exploring medium-range air defense options and recently committed $736 million for AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missiles.