News Review: First SM-2 firing by upgraded FFG | ADM Feb 2010

1 February 2010

The RAN's upgraded FFG frigate HMAS Melbourne became the world's first FFG to fire an SM-2 missile during a test firing campaign in the East Australian Exercise Area off Jervis Bay.

"The launch of the SM 2 demonstrates an updated Naval Air Defence capability for the RAN, which will be further enhanced over the next year," Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science said.

"This missile firing was the first time a SM 2 has been fired from an Adelaide class frigate," he added.

"The missile was fired from the Missile Launching System that has recently been modified as part of the project to replace the SM-1 in the Upgraded FFG.

"This firing is a significant achievement and provides confidence in the ship's updated weapon control system.

"The firing was supported by the combat system installed during the FFG Upgrade Project with revised Weapon Control System software being developed by an international team to employ the SM2."

HMAS Melbourne recently completed the multi-million dollar FFG Upgrade Program and has also undergone an additional SM-2 related upgrade to its combat system.

The RAN's FFGs are now equipped with two modern missile systems, the SM-2 and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) to combat anti-ship missiles and aircraft.