Army's first live-fire of advanced surface-to-air missile system

The Australian Army has conducted its first live-fire of the National Advanced Surface to Air

Missile System (NASAMS) at the Woomera test range in South Australia.

The firing by the 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, demonstrates the modernisation

of Army’s land-based integrated air and missile defence capabilities towards a fully

integrated and more capable Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart said the event was another step forward in

preparing Army to meet the challenges outlined in the Defence Strategic Review.

“The firing of this world class capability is a significant milestone for the modernisation of

Army supported by defence industry partners,” Lieutenant General Stuart said.

“NASAMS will enable Army to be interoperable with the wider ADF and coalition militaries to

provide integrated air and missile defence.

“NASAMS is currently used by more than a dozen militaries, including the United States and

Ukraine, and is a mature and proven surface-to-air missile system.”

The new capability comprises an integrated system between a Kongsberg launch platform, a

Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM missile and the highly capable radar from CEA Technologies.

It will replace current legacy RBS-70 man-portable air-defence systems.

NASAMS is a highly capable, modern air and missile defence system that will provide

protection to the ADF and its partners from current and emerging air threats including

indirect weapons, uncrewed aerial vehicles, air-delivered weapons and aircraft.

Head of Land Systems Division, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group,

Major General Andrew Bottrell, highlighted defence industry’s significant role in advancing

Army’s capabilities.

“Land Systems Division’s collaboration with Raytheon Australia, Kongsberg and CEA

Technologies is testament to the knowledge, skill and commitment of all teams to deliver this

highly complex capability,” Major General Bottrell said.

NASAMS will be operated by 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, based in Woodside,

South Australia. The project will also deliver 16th Regiment new facilities at Edinburgh

Defence Precinct, with relocation scheduled for late 2025.

Media note

Media can access vision and imagery of this activity at:

http://images.defence.gov.au/S20233454

Media contact

Defence Media: media@defence.gov.au