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The Anzac Class frigate HMAS Toowoomba has successfully fired an Evolved Sea Sparrow missile during training off the Western Australian coastline.
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The missile test was the first since Toowoomba completed its 18-month Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) upgrade in April 2022.
Out-of-water maintenance and significant capability upgrades to radar, communication, and platform systems were conducted during the upgrade.
Evolved Sparrow surface-to-air missile is launched from a Mark 41 Vertical Launching System installed on Adelaide Class guided missile frigates, Anzac Class frigates, and Hobart Class guided missile destroyers.
Toowoomba’s weapons electrical engineering officer Lieutenant Commander Kieran Davis said it was a significant part of maintaining operational readiness.
“The purpose of Toowoomba’s ESSM firing was to verify combat system performance in the detection, tracking, and engagement of manoeuvrable targets at sea,” he said.
“The safe and successful execution of this firing involved synchronisation from many parts of ship, including the weapons electrical department, combat systems operators, warfare officers, and the navigation team.
“Thanks to the combined efforts of ship’s company, we were able to effectively fire an ESSM and intercept the intended target.”
Toowoomba is one of five Anzac Class frigates to complete the AMCAP upgrade.
