The 10th Fires Brigade conducted an operational test and evaluation of the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) while deployed on Exercise Raptor's Strike at Cultana Training Area, South Australia.

The exercise, in late May, was the culmination of testing against a number of operational scenarios by soldiers of the 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (16 Regt RAA), to be able to declare full operational capability.

Commander 10th Fires Brigade, Brigadier Corey Shillabeer, said they had already technically proven, on a number of occasions, the system’s ability to track targets through various sensors, including radar systems, and then successfully engage with NASAMS using various missile types.

“While that’s important, just as critical is the tactics, logistics, movement and survivability factors that are associated with any air defence system,” Brigadier Shillabeer said.

“To effectively protect the force and our partners from threats such as aircraft, missiles and drones, technical skills alone will not suffice.”

Exercise Raptor’s Strike included the testing and evaluation of procedures that cover the movement and set-up of the troop and battery through to operation and relocation to ensure protection from aerial threats.

Brigadier Shillabeer said it was an important milestone that provided the integrated force with more options.

“Our soldiers stand ready to step out the door and professionally undertake their mission anywhere across the globe,” he said.

Commanding Officer 16 Regt RAA Lieutenant Colonel Owain Griffiths said his soldiers and their predecessors had done a lot of work in the years leading up to the exercise.

“And while we find ourselves at the end of the formal introduction into service, it’s just the beginning for the regiment and the deployment of the NASAMS,” Lieutenant Colonel Griffiths said.

“It’s the hard work and dedication of everyone in the brigade, regiment and project team that has delivered a state-of-the-art capability for the Australian Army and wider ADF.”