HMAS Melbourne fires Sea Sparrow
HMAS Melbourne has launched an Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile in a test off the east coast of Australia, the Royal Australian Navy announced on 8 November.
The testing saw the vessel’s combat management system track and engage a UAS target drone, proving the weapon’s ability to protect the vessel in a hostile environment.
Melbourne's Air Warfare Officer, Lieutenant Rhys Ryan, said the activity went smoothly.
'The firing took months of preparation to understand the combat system, and how its various components integrated with each other.
'Our mission is to fight and win at sea, and the test was not only important in proving our combat system works but to give confidence to our ship’s company in our war fighting ability.'
The ESSM is designed for anti-ship missile defence. The semi-active, medium-range homing missile can conduct mid-course flight corrections through radar and data uplinks. It can engage surface-to-surface and surface-to-air targets and is used by Australian frigates.
The test was conducted as part of Melbourne’s three week sea qualification trials following a period of dry docking and maintenance.
More from Defence Notes
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
![UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?]()
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
![UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review]()
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
![US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities]()
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.
