Australian Warship HMAS Melbourne Tests Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles: Advanced US Missiles Coming
Australian Navy’s Adelaide class frigate, HMAS Melbourne, has successfully fired Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles and reiterated its war-fighting and mariner skills. The Royal Australian Navy frigate is now readying for its deployment in counter-terror and counter-narcotics duty in the Middle East by end of 2015.
The firings were conducted off the coast of New South Wales on 24 June against two unmanned aerial targets launched from the Beecroft Range at Jervis Bay. The MK-41 Vertical Launch System of the frigate deployed the missiles and controlled the in-flight path until it successfully engaged the target. Navy ships have year round training and conduct mariner and war-fighting training for operational duties. The frigate’s commanding Officer Bill Waters said the firing proved the efficacy of the frigate’s combat systems.
Medium Range Missile
The Evolved Sea Sparrow is a medium-range, semi-active homing missile capable of making flight corrections via radar and midcourse data uplinks. It is usually used against surface-to-air and surface targets and is a major part of the weapons used by Australian frigates.
In the Middle East, the frigate will play a major part in the “Operation Manitou” for supporting counter terrorism and anti- narcotics operations. The Australian Department of Defense in a release said, "we do extensive simulation, but conducting a live missile firing helped in validating this training and to prove the accuracy and precision of our combat systems," quoting Bill Waters, commander of the ship.
US Missiles
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has approved the sale of AGM-88B High Speed Anti-Radiation missiles to Australia under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program. The combined price tag of the missiles, equipment, parts and logistical support will be around $69 million.
Australia had requested for HARM tactical missiles, AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles, CATM-88B Captive Air Training Missiles, CATM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles, AARGM guidance sections, AARGM control sections and AARGM tactical telemetry missiles for purposes of live-fire testing.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency in a note to the Congress said, "the sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of Australia." It described Australia as a major contributor to political stability, security and economic development in Southeast Asia. The agency also said the proposed sale will improve Australia's capability in current and future coalition efforts. The weaponry will also assist Australia in enhancing its deterrence against regional threats and strengthen homeland defense.
(For feedback/comments, contact the writer at k.kumar@ibtimes.com.au)
