THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Friday, 18 December 2009
133/2009
NAVY’S AIR DEFENCE CAPABILITY GROWS STRONGER
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science today
announced that HMAS Melbourne has fired a Standard Missile (SM 2) in the
East Australian Exercise Area off Jervis Bay.
“The launch of the SM 2 demonstrates an updated Naval Air Defence
capability for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), which will be further enhanced
over the next year,” Mr Combet said.
“This missile firing was the first time a SM 2 has been fired from an Adelaide
class frigate. The missile was prepared, launched and supported in flight
before engaging a target.
“HMAS Melbourne is an Adelaide class guided missile frigate (FFG) that has
completed the multi-million dollar FFG Upgrade Program and has recently
undergone additional SM-2 related alterations to its combat system.
“HMAS Melbourne is now equipped with two modern missile systems to
combat anti-ship missiles and aircraft.
“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 SM 2,” Mr Combet said.
Although variations of the Adelaide class guided missile frigates are in service
with many navies around the world, only the RAN Adelaide class FFG have
been fitted with SM 2.
Media note: Vision and stills of the firing can be found at
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
