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.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Kraken’s Royal Navy USV contract signals next step in crewed-uncrewed integration]()
Kraken’s Royal Navy USV contract signals next step in crewed-uncrewed integration
The UK Royal Navy’s rapid procurement of uncrewed platforms aligns with the force’s strategic shift towards a fleet better equipped to handle modern threats.
-
![HMS Anson’s milestone stay in Australia cut short during AUKUS deployment]()
HMS Anson’s milestone stay in Australia cut short during AUKUS deployment
The Astute-class submarine’s visit to Australia was the first time maintenance activity on a UK Royal Navy nuclear submarine had been carried out in the country.
-
![How Operation Epic Fury could reduce US readiness to face China]()
How Operation Epic Fury could reduce US readiness to face China
The offensive against Iran could impact training and maintenance cycles and accelerate the degradation of the US arsenal on top of depleting Washington’s stockpiles.
-
![UK Royal Navy explores modular counter-drone capabilities for future hybrid fleet]()
UK Royal Navy explores modular counter-drone capabilities for future hybrid fleet
The UK MoD is scoping out systems to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems, with a focus on low-cost modularity and speed to field.
-
![US Pentagon claims to have severely damaged Iranian capabilities, promises to increase attacks]()
US Pentagon claims to have severely damaged Iranian capabilities, promises to increase attacks
US military authorities claim to have sunk 20 Iranian vessels and destroyed Tehran’s Air Force, with the Pentagon making plans to send additional assets to the region.
