The Royal Australian Navy has this week successfully test fired the new Evolved Seasparrow Missile from HMAS Warramunga at the Pacific Missile Range in Hawaii.
Defence Minister Robert Hill said the test firing was a milestone for the Seasparrow project, which involves fitting Australia's ANZAC ships with the new self-defence weapon for use against anti-ship missiles.
“HMAS Warramunga is the first ANZAC frigate to be fitted with the missile and leads the way for it to be brought into service in the remaining ANZAC ships,” Senator Hill said. “The Evolved Seasparrow Missile is expected to now be fitted in ANZAC Ships along with significant combat system software upgrades and illumination radar.
“The test firing off the HMAS Warramunga is part of the operational evaluation stage of the project which is being managed by the Defence Materiel Organisation.
“The test in Hawaii was carried out under a new Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Australia.
“The MOU provides mutual benefits to both countries in undertaking test events, reciprocal and cooperative use of test facilities and greater exchange of information between the two countries.”
Senator Hill said the missile has been developed, tested and manufactured under a cooperative program by ten nations - including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Turkey and the United States.
Australian industry will undertake work in excess of $500 million for development and production activities over the life of the project. The Defence Science and Technology Organisation also participated in the development and test programs for the missile.
