I'm no expert so this is my best guess.Maybe I'm getting old and jaded, but I still don't really comprehend how the LBASM capability is going to work, or more to the point, what it offers over, or even as well as fighter / strike / MPA with ASMs, or for that matter, destroyers, frigates and corvettes, or even old school FACs.
I get HIMARS, and think the ADFs acquisition of it or MLRS is decades over due. I get longer range tactical missiles, even GLCM (all with ASV capability). I could understand acquiring a mobile system using different missiles for different effects, including ASM. AEGIS Ashore and/or a mobile equivalent also makes sense, especially if cruise missiles or hypersonic missiles are incorporated as well as multi role SM-6. I just don't get LBASM as a stand alone capability.
If it need to be deployed in troop strength minimum, with its versions control, targeting and data links, as well as security elements, we are talking a lot of amphibious lift to get them out of country as well as significant road movement in country. With the amphib s, they will need escorts and logically speaking, those escorts should have an integrated air defence system, data links, ASW and ASV capability themselves.
So why LBASM?
I'm am knocking it but I also, seriously need to have someone explain it to me. I get the feeling this may be like the US Army WWII tank destroyer doctrine or the UKs turret fighters. Seems workable, even, necessary, but ends up being so specialised that it is almost never used as intended and other capabilities would have been a better investment.
It offers another layer of complexity to an adversary contemplating mischief in our maritime environment.
Be it our island nation or where we seek to deploy overseas.
While I can see the arguments for spending limited finances on other capabilities and there well many be merit on such an approach .
I can also see such a capability having a great deterrence factor that should be at least considered.
I liken it to a maritime land mine.
The other guy knows you have them, but not where they are or how many you have. It complicates their mores.
Sure the ADF has planes and ships and other things that go bang, but in all reality given the enormous size of our land mass and the seas surrounding it, our equipment while impressive on some levels will always be dwarfed by the task at had.
Just open to the fact that LBASW may be good bang for your buck.
Cheers S