Australia’s NASAMS Conducts Initial Live-Fire Success

Download IPFS

On 16 July 2025, at Bradshaw Field Training Area—about 600 kilometres south of Darwin—the Australian Army’s 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, successfully conducted its first live-fire of the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. Two AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles were launched, intercepting a simulated high-altitude cruise missile several kilometres away.

Gunner Seth Allen, a 111 Battery Air and Missile Defence Operator, reflected on the achievement, noting the excitement and intense preparation among the team. The system integrates advanced ground-based radar, featuring components developed domestically, and networked command and control that significantly enhances the Australian Defence Force’s capability to counter aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.

NASAMS was acquired under Land 19 Phase 7B, a A$2.5 billion programme—in partnership between Raytheon Australia and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace—to deliver a medium-range ground-based air defence system.

This historic event was part of the 11th Talisman Sabre exercise, running from 13 July to 4 August 2025, involving approximately 35,000–40,000 personnel from 19 nations. It represents Australia’s most geographically extensive and technologically complex military drill to date.

The successful firing not only validates NASAMS in a live environment but also enhances ADF interoperability with allies. Major coordination with US forces—particularly the integration with allied air and missile defence systems—underlines a maturing joint capability architecture in the Indo-Pacific.