The ADF employed a prototype ground-based active missile defense system last month to engage an airborne target with a Standard Missile-2 (SM-2). The firing took place at the Woomera test range in South Australia during Exercise Taipan Strike 26.
The missile firing integrated an Australian radar with a United States weapon control system and missile launcher. The system used an Australian missile to shoot down a cruise missile target after a period of close collaboration, innovation and engineering.
Australian industry partner CEA Technologies worked with Lockheed Martin on the integration effort. The government said the event marked a first-of-type integration between a CEA radar and the Aegis Combat System.
The 2026 National Defence Strategy identifies an increasingly complex strategic environment in the region and the need for modern capabilities to counter advanced threats. The Albanese Government has directed the acceleration of a medium-range, ground-based air defense capability to protect against long-range and high-speed missile threats.
“This first of type life fire test is a practical demonstration of how the Australian Defence Force is working with its partners, and local industry to deliver crucial defence capabilities – growing our sovereignty and helping to keep Australians safe,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said. The government said the live fire engagement directly supports its priority by demonstrating the performance of a potential capability option.
“Taipan Strike 26 highlights the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to working with partners and defence industry to build sovereign capability and self-reliance in support of our national defence,” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said. The activity also reflects cooperation between Australia, the United States and industry on missile defense development.
“Taipan Strike 26 is an Air Force-led Integrated Air and Missile Defence activity designed to explore medium range air defence capability options to inform capability acquisition decisions,” Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell said. “The success of the Taipan Strike 26 live-fire event is further evidence of the strength of our partnerships, as well as our integral relationship with industry.”
