HMAS Melbourne fires Evolved Sea Sparrows
The HMAS Melbourne Adelaide-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy fired two Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles off the New South Wales coast on 24 June.
The missiles were fired against two unmanned aerial targets that were launched from Beecroft Range, Jervis Bay, as part of the vessel's operational training programme. HMAS Melbourne used its MK-41 Vertical Launch System to deploy the missiles and successfully engage the target.
Cmdr Bill Waters, commanding officer, HMAS Melbourne, said: 'We do extensive simulation, but by conducting a live missile firing we validate this training and prove the accuracy and precision of our combat systems.'
The Evolved Sea Sparrow is a semi-active, medium-range homing missile that 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.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Eureka Naval Craft and Strategic Marine make pitch to build next-gen Aircat Bengal MC craft]()
Eureka Naval Craft and Strategic Marine make pitch to build next-gen Aircat Bengal MC craft
A vessel currently used in the offshore oil and gas sector could act as an alternative to corvettes and frigates, claims US shipbuilder.
-
![NATO seeks suppliers for a new, improved variant of the Sea Sparrow missile]()
NATO seeks suppliers for a new, improved variant of the Sea Sparrow missile
The NATO Sparrow Project Office has outlined its interest in exploring cutting-edge technologies to be integrated into the ESSM Next Significant Variant.
-
![Hanwha commits $5 billion to improving Philadelphia shipyard]()
Hanwha commits $5 billion to improving Philadelphia shipyard
Hanwha Group said the cash would be dedicated to boosting the Philadelphia-based shipyard’s capacity and output.
-
![US Coast Guard sets sail in search of robotics and CUAS capabilities]()
US Coast Guard sets sail in search of robotics and CUAS capabilities
The USCG has been increasing efforts to accelerate the process to develop, procure, deploy and sustain autonomous and counter-uncrewed systems across its fleet.
-
![Managing risk in a changing world: how the Royal Navy can win]()
Managing risk in a changing world: how the Royal Navy can win
A fighting force such as the Royal Navy must inevitably focus on its core capabilities, platforms and readiness. But to avoid unexpected outcomes and costly oversights, a complex organisation like this needs to be underpinned by sound enterprise-level risk management principles and systems.
