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Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles and SM-2 Standard Missiles have been loaded onto Australian, Canadian and US warships during a historic first milestone for naval rearmament in northern Australia.
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The naval rearmament of vertical launching system (VLS) munitions for the Royal Australian Navy, Royal Canadian Navy and the United States Navy was performed at the conclusion of Exercise Kakadu in northern Australia earlier this month.
The Royal Australian Navy-led biennial international engagement exercise was supported by the Royal Australian Air Force, bringing together more than 3,000 participating personnel, ships from 10 partner nations and aircraft from five countries.
“The Australian Defence Force has achieved a significant first for naval rearmament in northern Australia, rearming Australian, Canadian and US warships with vertical launching system munitions,” Defence said.
“The Royal Australian Navy, Royal Canadian Navy and the United States Navy conducted rearmament activities in northern Australia in September 2024 after Exercise Kakadu.
“HMAS Warramunga and USS Dewey were rearmed at East Arm Wharf, Darwin, while HMCS Vancouver was rearmed at Broome Port, Western Australia.
“This was the first time a partner other than the US conducted a vertical launching system rearmament activity in Australia and was also the first rearmament of its kind to occur in northern Australia. VLS is the main launch system for missiles fired from modern warships.”
Earlier this year, the Royal Australian Navy successfully fired a Standard Missile 6 from Hobart Class guided missile destroyer HMAS Sydney during Exercise Pacific Dragon 2024.
The firing of Standard Missile 6 was conducted in the vicinity of Hawaii and follows HMAS Sydney’s successful first-of-class firing of a Naval Strike Missile during Exercise RIMPAC 2024 in July. The Standard Missile 6 complements the Standard Missile 2 already in service.
The Standard Missile 6 will be progressively deployed across Navy’s Hobart Class destroyers and, in the future, the Hunter Class frigates.
“HMAS Sydney’s first-of-class firings of both Naval Strike Missile and Standard Missile 6 in less than a month is a clear demonstration of Navy’s intent to deliver on our commitment to accelerate our ability to support Defence’s strategy of denial in concert with our key allies and partners,” Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, RAN said at the time.
“Delivering on both of these key milestones in this accelerated time frame is a testament to the hard work and dedication of a committed team of people from across Navy, Defence, industry, and international partners.”
