Land Forces 2026: Australia prepares medium-range air-defence competition under Land 6504

Australia's Department of Defence is preparing a tender for medium-range ground-based air defense under Project Land 6504, with issue expected before mid-October 2026. An initial industry briefing took place at Land Forces in Perth on October 7, outlining a capability intended to join Australia's national integrated air and missile defense network. Land 6504 replaces the earlier Land 6502 Phase 1 program and would complement the Army's existing NASAMS capability. The broader investment plan allocates AUD7.2–10 billion to air defense over the coming decade, but the briefing did not announce a supplier selection or contract.