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
-
![GDELS unveils Nemesis 155mm SPG at FEINDEF]()
GDELS unveils Nemesis 155mm SPG at FEINDEF
GDELS has unveiled the Nemesis self-propelled artillery system, combining the ASCOD chassis with KNDS’s Artillery Gun Module to enhance European artillery capabilities.
-
![BAE Systems expands Amphibious Combat Vehicle family with modular capabilities for future missions]()
BAE Systems expands Amphibious Combat Vehicle family with modular capabilities for future missions
BAE Systems recently announced two contracts for a total of 60 ACVs for the US Marines and has displayed its ACV Logistics concept.
-
![US Army to test droppable camera for perimeter security under the xTech programme]()
US Army to test droppable camera for perimeter security under the xTech programme
Bounce Imaging’s Thermal Camera Spike is a rugged, deployable 360° surveillance tool.
-
![Oshkosh Defense starts production on ROGUE-Fires and develops MTVR 4×4 variant]()
Oshkosh Defense starts production on ROGUE-Fires and develops MTVR 4×4 variant
Both ROGUE-Fires and the MTVR demonstrator have been designed for Indo-Pacific mobility and expeditionary operations.
-
![How Ukraine’s wartime innovators are redefining tactical communication]()
How Ukraine’s wartime innovators are redefining tactical communication
A Ukrainian company in a race against Russian jammers has been demonstrating how the country’s innovative start-ups have been beating the West at its own game.
