The Royal Australian Navy has completed the maiden fire test of its Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) from the HMAS Sydney (DDG 42) Hobart-class air warfare destroyer in Hawaii.
The “significant milestone” supports Canberra’s evaluation of the weapon, which is planned to be distributed across the service’s Hobart ships and incoming Hunter-class frigates.
Australia’s defense agency noted that the event demonstrated the required enhanced lethality according to the government’s National Defence Strategy and the Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet Independent Analysis.
The US State Department unveiled a prime contract to supply the service with SM-6 Block I missiles in August 2021.
“This is another example of the acceleration in acquisitions of critical capabilities for the Navy that enhances lethality within the surface combatant fleet and the capacity for the [Australian Defence Force] to safeguard Australians and their interests,” Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy stated.
“Standard Missile 6 is being acquired from the United States and will provide Navy’s surface combatants with an enhanced air and missile defence capability, increasing the fleet’s lethality and survivability.”
“The ability to deter an adversary from extended ranges and to deter attempts to project power against Australia is a core part of the National Defence Strategy.”
Supporting Commitment
Canberra wrote that the SM-6 will be integrated with the Aegis Baseline 9 combat system to boost the fleet’s capability against airborne threats including ballistic missiles.
The warhead will be managed through a new Joint Air Battle Management System being developed for the military.
Moreover, the SM-6 will complement the navy’s existing Standard Missile 2 or SM-2 missiles aboard the fleet once operational.
“HMAS Sydney’s first-of-class firings of both Naval Strike Missile and Standard Missile 6 in less than a month is a clear demonstration of Navy’s intent to deliver on our commitment to accelerate our ability to support Defence’s strategy of denial in concert with our key Allies and partners,” Royal Australian Navy Chief Vice Admr. Mark Hammond commented on the latest activity in Hawaii.
“Delivering on both of these key milestones in this accelerated time frame is a testament to the hard work and dedication of a committed team of people from across Navy, Defence, industry and international partners.”
