21 May 2011

AUS: Navy to Flex Missile Muscle in the Pacific

The Royal Australian Navy’s missile capability is set to be tested during a mid-pacific deployment involving two frigates in a missile range off Hawaii.


HMAS Perth


HMA Ships Sydney and Perth have departed Garden Island in Sydney on a two month deployment which will see them involved in testing and trials for various missile system capabilities at the Pacific Missile Range Facility. As one of the upgraded Adelaide Class frigates (FFG), HMAS Sydney is the ‘first of class ship’ to conduct acceptance testing of their recently acquired standard block 2 missile (SM-2).


20090801ran8098578_095.JPG
HMAS SYDNEY sails south along the United States east coast
enroute for Mayport, Florida, during Northern Trident 2009.
 
Commanding Officer of Sydney, Captain Peter Leavy, said his crew will fire up to six missiles over six days.

“Sydney’s SM-2 firings in Hawaii will provide critical data for the ongoing development on the FFG combat system software. Once accepted into service, the SM-2 will provide a significant and credible Area Air Defence capability for the ADF.”

The deployment will include a number of port visits in the region with the ships scheduled to return to Australia in July.

AUS Navy