HMAS Sydney, a Hobart class destroyer, successfully fired a Naval Strike Missile during the RIMPAC 2024 international maritime exercise. The Australian Navy ordered the NSM missile from Norwegian company Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace as part of its surface fleet modernization project in 2022. The missiles are expected to be in service in the second half of 2024 and will be equipped on Australian Anzac-class frigates and Hobart-class destroyers as their main anti-ship weapons. The NSM is a subsonic anti-ship missile with a range of more than 185 km and a 120 kg warhead. Australia’s move to strengthen its navy comes amid increased Chinese fleet activity in Oceania.
Sources: Militarnyi, Australian Navy, Defense
ملخص الأخبار
- HMAS Sydney launched the NSM from the missile destroyer.
- Australian Navy emphasizes enhanced strike capabilities.
- NSM missiles to be main anti-ship weapon on Anzac-class frigates and Hobart-class destroyers.
- Australia strengthens navy due to increased Chinese fleet activity.
