The Australian Army’s National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) has achieved full operational capability (FOC), signifying it is ready for deployment, according to a 9 September statement by the Minister of Defence. On the same day, the government announced the investment of a further A$2.4 billion in integrated air and missile defence capability.
The NASAMS capability has been delivered under the Short Range Ground Based Air Defence (SRGBAD) project, in which Australian industry has played a central role, with the radar technology provided by CEA Technologies. The FOC declaration follows live-fire activities and training by 16 Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. “NASAMS demonstrates how Defence and industry are working together to deliver advanced capability and operational outcomes for the Australian Defence Force […] Australian-designed radar technology is a key part of this capability, highlighting the important contribution local industry makes to Australia’s national security,” commented the Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry.
The $2.4 billion investment announced at the same time will be spread over six years through Defence’s existing strategic partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia. Delivered as part of the second tranche of AIR 6500, the project will centre on the Joint Air Battle Management System, which connects information and capabilities force-wide into a single, effective network, enhancing situational awareness and enabling faster, better-informed decision-making. Using JABMS to replace legacy systems will help connect current and future platforms, ranging from Hobart-class destroyers to the F-35A Lightning II aircraft and the accelerated Medium-Range Ground-Based Air Defence system. The Hon Richard Marles MP, Minister for Defence, commented: “AIR 6500 is a landmark investment in Australia’s air and missile defence and will help ensure the Australian Defence Force can respond effectively to future threats and deliver on the priorities of both the National Defence Strategy and the Defence Industry Development Strategy”.
Headline image shows the Australian Army NASAMS at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia. (Australian Defence/LAC Jonathon McCaffrey)
