The Australian Government has launched Mission Talon Strike, an initiative focused on fostering the development of an affordable precision loitering munition (PLM) within the local industry.
This PLM is intended to fill the operational gap between short and long-range munitions, providing ground forces with improved tactical options against potential threats.
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The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) is actively pursuing technological solutions through this initiative, which aims to equip the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with enhanced capabilities.
The central challenge posed by this mission is to identify methods for engaging land targets from a medium range using cost-effective and deployable loitering munitions.
ASCA is mandated to execute a swift procurement process as part of its Mission Talon-Strike, which operates under an acquisition framework previously sanctioned by the Vice Chief of the Defence Force.
In line with this directive, ASCA has issued a Request for Tender (RFT) inviting industry submissions for the provision of a PLM solution.
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By GlobalDataTo support this goal, the initiative is in search of appropriate flight platform vehicles along with their corresponding launching systems, as well as transport and storage solutions. These components are essential for conducting tests and obtaining certification for the PLM systems.
The procurement process under Mission Talon-Strike emphasises the need for these systems to be supplied in quantities that meet the testing and certification requirements set by defence.
Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said: “The launch of Mission Talon Strike by ASCA is about developing a priority capability at an accelerated pace.
“This mission is aligned with the Albanese Government’s work over the last three years, in conjunction with the ADF, to develop a domestically manufactured precision loitering munition capability that addresses threats quickly and accurately.
“Through Talon Strike, we are continuing to back Australian industry and ingenuity while demonstrating support for a critical pathway to meet the needs of the ADF.”
Mission Talon Strike’s announcement comes on the heels of the market approach for ASCA’s recent launch of Mission Syracuse, which aims to enhance the ADF’s counter-drone capabilities.
Mission Syracuse is dedicated to the rapid development of advanced technology options that can be integrated with the ADF’s existing counter small uncrewed aerial systems.
Both Mission Talon Strike and Mission Syracuse represent a concerted effort to provide the ADF with advanced, integrated solutions to counteract potential threats.
Mission Syracuse represents the subsequent endeavour for ASCA, coming after the successful allocation of contracts to two Australian companies in January 2025 under Mission Black Thorn.
This previous initiative, Mission Black Thorn, was centred on the rapid development of technologies aimed at degrading integrated air and missile defence systems of prospective adversaries.
According to a report from GlobalData, Australia’s defence budget in 2024 stood at $37.8bn. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 6% during 2025-2029.
The budget allocated for acquisitions is anticipated to rise because of the planned procurement of aircraft, submarines, naval vessels, and missiles.
