Australia has taken another step in building a stronger shield against airborne threats as its National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) reached Final Operational Capability, Australia’s Defence Ministry announced on Thursday.
NASAMS, delivered under Australia’s Short Range Ground Based Air Defence (SRGBAD) project, is part of the country’s emerging layered air defense network.
The system can detect, track and intercept threats such as cruise missiles, aircraft, helicopters and drones, working alongside other defense systems.
“The milestone confirms that NASAMS has met all requirements for operational service and is ready to support Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations,” the ministry said.
“This capability reflects Defence’s commitment to ensuring the Australian Defence Force remains equipped to respond to an increasingly complex strategic environment,” said Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles.
The achievement follows a phased introduction that included live-fire exercises and training by soldiers from 16 Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery.
The milestone confirms that the full NASAMS capability has met Defence requirements for operational service.
The NASAMS system connects its radars, control systems and missile launchers through a single network, allowing them to be placed at different locations to provide flexible protection for key areas.
It also uses Australian-designed radar technology from CEA Technologies to help detect and track incoming airborne threats.