Australia fires AIM-120 AMRAAM from NASAMS in move to replace RBS 70 MANPAD systems
The Australian DoD announced the successful test-firing on 18 November. (Photo: Australian DoD)
In March 2019, the Australian government announced that it would purchase integrate CEA Technologies' radar technology with Raytheon/Kongsberg National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) for a new air defence system under a AUD2.5 billion (US$1.64 billion) project.
The Australian Army’s live-firing of a Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) from its new NASAMS system has marked a major step forward in the introduction of the system into service and has followed on from an order placed four years ago.
The new capability comprises an integrated system between a Kongsberg launch platform, a AIM-120 missile and radar, based on CEAMount fire control radar, from CEA Technologies.
It has been designed to provide protection from current and emerging air threats including indirect weapons, uncrewed aerial vehicles, air-delivered weapons and aircraft.
The firing took place at the Woomera test range in South Australia and was conducted by the 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, which will ultimately operate the system.
The project will see 16th Regiment move to new facilities at Edinburgh Defence Precinct in South Australia with relocation scheduled for late-2025.
The eventual introduction of the system into service will be a major capability enhancement for the Australian Defence Force replacing the less powerful RBS 70 man-portable air-defence (MANPAD) systems.
Chief of Army Lt Gen Simon Stuart said the firing was a substantial step towards meeting the challenges outlined in the Defence Strategic Review.
‘The firing of this world-class capability is a significant milestone for the modernisation of the army supported by defence industry partners,’ Stuart said. ‘NASAMS will enable the army to be interoperable with the wider Australian Defence Force and coalition militaries to provide integrated air and missile defence.’
More from Land Warfare
-
![Scorpion light mortar completes tests with US Army and moves to next exercise]()
Scorpion light mortar completes tests with US Army and moves to next exercise
Having completed five days of trials with the US Army, the two Scorpion Light mortar systems will stay in Hawaii to take part in planned Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training exercises in early November.
-
![EOS improving Slinger CUAS role as industry pushes forward]()
EOS improving Slinger CUAS role as industry pushes forward
EOS Defence Systems officially launched its Slinger anti-drone system in 2023. The system features a remote weapon station, visual sensors and a Northrop Grumman 30mm cannon with specially designed ammunition, combined with EOS’s stabilisation and pointing technology.
-
![Bidders for Australia’s long-range fires requirement push development of offerings]()
Bidders for Australia’s long-range fires requirement push development of offerings
Lockheed Martin is competing against a joint Kongsberg and Thales team to meet Australia’s requirement for a land-based, long-range fires system to protect Australia’s northern approaches. Both bidders have announced recent developments on associated missiles.
-
![How AI and robotics drive innovation in land-based defence]()
How AI and robotics drive innovation in land-based defence
The future on the frontlines: automation and AI isn’t just about improving efficiency or driving down labour cost - for Pearson Engineering it’s everything.
-
![How do land and air defense forces defend against complex threats?]()
How do land and air defense forces defend against complex threats?
Learn how RTX systems defend against complex attacks from adversaries including hostile drones, and multi-range missiles.
