Australia Tests Ground-Based Missile Defence System

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has test-fired a ground-based air defence system aimed at intercepting incoming missiles bound for Australia.

The live-fire test of the prototype took place in June at the Woomera testing range in South Australia.

The test involved a Standard Missile-2, which has a range of up to 166 kilometres and is used by the Royal Australian Navy, and an American launcher and control system.

An Australian radar system was used to guide the interceptor and take down an airborne cruise missile target.

The ADF is expecting to spend between $7 billion and $10 billion over the next 10 years on missile defence across the country, including a new medium-range ground-based air defence system.

The Australian and American test, conducted last month, is seen as a step towards rolling out the system in strategically significant areas around Australia.

The release of new details and imagery from the test comes days after China test-fired a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile in the South Pacific.

The Chinese missile test prompted widespread criticism from countries in the Pacific, as well as Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

It also prompted concern from the federal opposition about Australia's ability to intercept such a missile.

The federal government argues that the development of defence capabilities is critical to countering long-range and high-speed missiles targeting the country.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said the test marked a step forward on that path.

"This first of type live-fire test is a practical demonstration of how the Australian Defence Force is working with its partners and local industry to deliver crucial defence capabilities, growing our sovereignty and helping to keep Australians safe," he said.

Air and missile defence a priority

Defence's 2026 Integrated Investment Plan, which charts where and how Defence will spend its money over the next decade to build its capability, indicates integrated air and missile defence as a priority.

The need for a medium-range, ground-based air and missile defence system is singled out and the document points to decisions likely to be made this year.

Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, the chief of the Air Force, said this testing was a key part of that development process.

"[This exercise] is an Air Force-led Integrated air and missile defence activity designed to explore medium-range air defence capability options to inform capability acquisition decisions," he said.

Earlier this week Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson criticised the pace at which air and missile defence was being pursued.

He pointed to the Chinese ballistic missile test as an example of an attack Australia could struggle to defend.

"I'm very concerned about the lack of Australia's integrated air and missile defence," he told Channel 7.

"We don't have sufficient capabilities to intercept missiles like this if they were launched towards Australia.

"We are not investing fast enough or moving quick enough to have those capabilities."