Raytheon Australia to develop new test range.

• Author: Machi, Vivienne
• Position: Global Defensse

* The Australian government has committed to building a new military testing ground at the largest such land-based facility in the world.

Raytheon Australia was awarded a $219 million contract to develop an advanced weapons test range at the Royal Australian Air Force Woomera Range Complex, according to a June press release.

The announcement came on the heels of a long-awaited defense white paper and an integrated investment program released by the Australian government, said Charles Forrester, a senior defense analyst with IHS Jane's.

"The government said it was looking at increasing the [Woomera] site's capabilities in electronic warfare testing and development, as well as its capabilities for air weapons testing and evaluation," he said. The Australian government has said it plans to invest between $365 million and $560 million to upgrade the test range between 2018 and 2026, he said.

Woomera covers about 47,000 square miles in South Australia near Adelaide, according to Raytheon Australia. It has been used as a test area for rocket systems, air-launched weapons, space monitoring and training, Forrester said.

The contract reflects the Australian government's renewed commitment to defense upgrades after being hampered in recent years by both program and government delays in committing to new procurement, he said.

"The trend since 2001 has been joint operability, and working with the United States in particular," he said. "But they want to get some sovereign capability rather than rely on partners to do it."

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull emphasized the commitment to invest domestically in its defense...