Australia (Washington Insider Magazine) – The Australian Navy has successfully tested its new Naval Strike Missile (NSM) in a “major milestone” for the nation’s military capabilities. The test was conducted at the Rim of the Pacific exercise on July 15, hosted by the United States off the coast of Hawaii
NSM Replaces Aging Harpoon System
Acquired from Norwegian company Kongsberg, the NSM will replace the Navy’s older Harpoon weapon system. Vice Admiral Mark Hammond highlighted that the NSM promises a “significant increase in the lethality” of Australia’s naval fleet. The test firing was conducted aboard the guided missile destroyer HMAS Sydney.
Improving naval lethality and regional stability
According to ABC, Vice Admiral Hammond emphasized that the Navy’s surface fleet’s capacity to strike was significantly enhanced with the launch of the NSM by HMAS Sydney during RIMPAC 2024, and that this development was a part of a larger commitment to enhance striking capabilities. The Department of Defence, foreign allies, and Australian business have worked together to expedite the delivery of this new capacity, which is essential to fostering regional stability, as noted by Defence Minister Pat Conroy.
Multi-Domain Strike Capabilities
The HMAS Sydney simulated the sinking of the Ex-USS Tarawa LHA1 ship during the exercise. Built in South Australia, the destroyer can provide air defense and maritime protection for accompanying ships, land forces, and coastal infrastructure. This combination of air and maritime capabilities, known as “multi-domain strike,” is a strategy recently adopted by the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Strategic Advantages of the NSM
Vice Admiral Hammond stated that the NSM is essential for enhancing the lethality and survivability of Australian ships, enabling them to hold adversaries at greater distances. This multi-domain strike capability is fundamental to deterring any potential threats against Australia. Although the Navy has not confirmed the NSM’s range, manufacturer Raytheon advertises it at 185.2 kilometers, a significant improvement over the Harpoon system’s 124-kilometer range.
Investment in Advanced Military Technology
The ADF has invested over $1 billion in the NSM contract, which also includes the HIMARS rocket system. Defence Industry Minister Conroy noted that the exact expenditure remains undisclosed to prevent adversaries from estimating the number of missiles acquired. The purchase decision was influenced by the effective use of such weapons in the Russia-Ukraine War, showcasing the strategic value of mobile rocket systems.
Conclusion
The successful test of the NSM represents a critical step forward for the Australian Navy, enhancing its strike capabilities and ensuring greater security in a rapidly changing strategic environment. The integration of advanced technologies like the NSM and HIMARS positions Australia to better defend its interests and maintain stability in the region.
