The 10th Fires Brigade has been diligently putting the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) through its paces for the Australian Army during Exercise Raptors Strike in Cultana, South Australia.
Having already proven the ability to engage and destroy targets on multiple occasions in South Australia and across the Northern Territory, the exercise was the culminating testing event against a number of operational scenarios by the soldiers from 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery.
Commander 10th Fires Brigade Brigadier Corey Shillabeer said introducing a transformational capability is a deliberate process, while noting the work already undertaken on the path to Full Operational Capability (FOC) this year.
“We have already technically proven on a number of occasions the system’s ability to track targets through various sensors, including our radar systems, and then successfully engage with NASAMS utilising various missile types," Brigadier Shillabeer said.
“While that’s important, just as critical is the tactics, logistics, movement, and survivability factors that are associated with any air defence system.
“To effectively protect the force and our partners from threats such as aircraft, missiles and drones, technical skills alone will not suffice.”
Exercise Raptors Strike included the testing and evaluation of procedures that cover the movement and setup of the Troop and Battery through to the operation and relocation as needed. All are vital aspects in ensuring protection from aerial threats.
“FOC is an important milestone as it means the integrated force has more options at its disposal,” Brigadier Shillabeer stated.
“Our soldiers stand ready to step out the door and professionally undertake their mission anywhere across the globe.”
Commanding Officer 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, Lieutenant Colonel Owain Griffiths recognised the work undertaken by his soldiers and predecessors.
“This journey has been years in the making and while we find ourselves at the end of the formal introduction into service, it’s just the beginning for the Regiment and the deployment of the NASAMS,” Lieutenant Colonel Griffiths said.
“It’s the hard work and dedication of everyone in the Brigade, Regiment and project team that has delivered a state of the art capability for the Australian Army and wider ADF.”