Australia successfully tests SM-6 naval missile in major defence milestone

The Australian government announced its first successful test of the Raytheon SM-6 missile from a Navy ship, marking a key advancement in incorporating this advanced air-defence weapon into its arsenal.

The test was carried out by HMAS Sydney near Hawaii as part of the Pacific Dragon 2024 exercise, described by Australia’s defence ministry as a "significant milestone" in a program initially approved in 2021, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The SM-6 is the most advanced naval air defence missile in the U.S. arsenal, capable of targeting ballistic missiles, ships, and ground targets, and engaging in air-to-air combat. This missile represents a major upgrade for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), enhancing its ability to deter threats from extended ranges and protect against power projection attempts.

Pat Conroy, Australia's Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, highlighted the test as a demonstration of accelerated acquisition of critical naval capabilities. He emphasized that such advancements are central to the National Defence Strategy.

Australia has been strengthening its military capabilities amid growing tensions with China, including U.S.-funded upgrades to its bases. Expanding the defence range of its ships will allow the RAN to operate further into contested waters if a conflict arises.

In March, Australia supported a separate U.S. SM-6 test by providing data collection, communication, and tracking services. The Australian government has not disclosed the number of missiles it plans to acquire, but the 2021 foreign military sale approval estimated costs at $350 million, covering both SM-6 and the older SM-2 missiles already in use by the RAN.

The timeline for when the SM-6 will be operational has not been specified, but it will be deployed on Australia’s Hobart-class destroyers, of which there are three. Each destroyer can carry up to 48 air-defence missiles.

Euan Graham, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, noted that the SM-6’s versatility makes it a valuable addition to the RAN’s missile inventory, complementing the recently tested Naval Strike Missile with enhanced anti-ship and missile defence capabilities.