Australia Fires Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles

The Royal Australian Navy has successfully fired two Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles from the HMAS Melbourne Adelaide class frigate on Wednesday.

The missiles were deployed off the coast of New South Wales using Melbourne’s MK-41 Vertical Launch System against two unmanned aerial targets launched from the Beecroft Range at Jervis Bay.

The missiles were controlled in flight and resulted in a successful engagement with the target as part of her operational training program.  

Navy ships conduct mariner and war-fighting training all year round to prepare for operational duties and Commanding Officer Melbourne, Commander Bill Waters, was quoted as saying by the official Australian Navy website.

He said the firing proved the effectiveness of the frigate’s combat systems.

“We do extensive simulation, but by conducting a live missile firing we validate this training and prove the accuracy and precision of our combat systems,” said Commander Waters.

The Evolved Sea Sparrow is a medium-range, semi-active homing missile that makes flight corrections via radar and midcourse data uplinks.  It can be used against surface-to-air and surface-to-surface targets.  The missile is part of the suite of weapons use by Australian frigates.

Later this year, Melbourne will deploy to the Middle East as part of Operation MANITOU where she will support efforts to counter and deter terrorism and the trade of narcotics.

MANITOU is the Australian Defense Force’s maritime security contribution to the international effort to promote security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East region.