Australia achieves landmark prototype missile defence live fire

The Albanese Government continues to accelerate the introduction of integrated air and missile defence capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with the successful live‑firing of a medium-range ground-based air defence system by Australia and the United States – supported by local Australian defence industry. 

Last month, the ADF successfully employed a prototype ground-based active missile defence system to engage an airborne target with a Standard Missile-2, at the Woomera test range in South Australia during Exercise Taipan Strike 26.

The missile firing integrated an Australian radar that communicated with a United States weapon control system and missile launcher, to shoot down a cruise missile target with an Australian missile. This followed a period of close collaboration, innovation and engineering to produce this successful prototype.

Australian industry partner CEA Technologies worked with Lockheed Martin to complete this first-of-type integration between a CEA radar and the Aegis Combat System.

The 2026 National Defence Strategy highlights the increasingly complex strategic environment in the region and underscores the need for modern, effective capabilities to counter advanced threats. 

The Albanese Government has directed the acceleration of a medium-range, ground-based air defence capability to protect against long-range and high-speed missile threats. The live‑fire engagement directly supports this priority, demonstrating performance of this potential capability option.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“This first of type life 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.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“Taipan Strike 26 highlights the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to working with partners and defence industry to build sovereign capability and self-reliance in support of our national defence.”

Quotes attributable to Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell:

“Taipan Strike 26 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.

“The success of the Taipan Strike 26 live-fire event is further evidence of the strength of our partnerships, as well as our integral relationship with industry.”

MEDIA NOTE:

Media can access imagery/vision at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20261794