The exercise, hosted by the United States Navy off the coast of Hawaii, involved a simulated activity to test the sinking of Ex-USS Tarawa LHA1. This event highlights the progress toward achieving the objectives of the National Defence Strategy by enhancing the Defence Force’s integrated capabilities. It also exemplifies the strong collaboration between the Defence sector, industry, and international partners.
HMAS Sydney, built at Osborne in South Australia, is a guided missile destroyer equipped to provide air defence and maritime protection for accompanying ships, land forces, and coastal infrastructure.
Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, praised the collaboration between Defence and Kongsberg Defence Australia, alongside local Australian companies such as Marand, Aerobond, Australian Precision Technologies, Nupress Group, Axiom Precision Manufacturing, and Stahl Metall. He emphasized the Australian Government’s commitment to accelerating the integration of enhanced lethality capabilities.
“The National Defence Strategy’s strategy of denial aims to prevent any adversary from coercing Australia through force while supporting regional security and prosperity,” said Conroy. “This successful firing exemplifies our collaboration with international partners and Australian industry to deliver new capabilities that promote regional stability. The Naval Strike Missile’s introduction enables our Navy’s surface ships to conduct long-range maritime strikes, increasing the capability and lethality of our Navy.”
Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, RAN, highlighted the significance of this milestone: “HMAS Sydney’s firing of the Naval Strike Missile during RIMPAC 2024 represents a substantial increase in the lethality of our surface fleet and demonstrates our commitment to accelerating the introduction of enhanced strike capabilities. The NSM is crucial for enhancing the lethality and survivability of our ships, enabling us to hold an adversary at risk at greater range. Multi-domain strike capabilities, including the NSM, are foundational to deterring any potential adversary’s attempts to project power against Australia.”
