HMAS Sydney (DDG 42) fired a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) for the first time on 18 July as part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024.
During the exercise's Sinking Exercise (SINKEX) a variety of munitions - including Sydney’s NSM - were fired at the former USS Tarawa (LHA 1).
“Naval Strike Missile is a key capability for the lethality enhancement and survivability of our ships and enables our ability to hold an adversary at risk at greater range,” said the Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond.
Sydney was among the first ships in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) fitted with NSMs as part of Project Sea 1300.
Defence signed a contract with Kongsberg Defence Australia for the missile system in January 2023, after the government selected the capability for integration in April 2022.
Several Australian companies including Marand, Aerobond, Australian Precision Technologies, Nupress Group, Axiom Precision Manufacturing and Stahl Metall have contributed to the program alongside prime contractor Kongsberg Defence Australia (KDA).
NSMs will eventually be rolled out across all three Hobart class destroyers and the seven remaining Anzac class frigates.
It’s also expected to be fitted aboard the Navy’s six Hunter class frigates.