Article Posted on : - Dec 18, 2009

Standard Missile 2 being test launched from on board the HMAS Melbourne guided missile frigate. Image credit: Australian Defence Dept

CANBERRA (BNS): Australian navy’s guided missile frigate, HMAS Melbourne, has demonstrated its updated air defence capability by recently test-firing a Standard Missile (SM 2) off the Jervis Bay, Australian Defence Ministry announced Friday.

“This missile firing was the first time a SM 2 has been fired from an Adelaide class frigate.

“The missile was prepared, launched and supported in flight before engaging a target,” Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science Greg Combet said.

The missile test was conducted on December 8.

With the latest Standard missile test, the warship has now been equipped with two modern missile systems to combat anti-ship missiles and aircraft.

HMAS Melbourne is one of the four Adelaide class guided missile frigates commissioned in the Royal Australian Navy in 1992.

The frigate is designed to be fitted with 76mm rapid fire gun, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, Standard surface-to-air missiles and two triple anti-submarine torpedo tubes. It is capable of carrying two Seahawk helicopters.

Equipped with sophisticated computer-based command and control system and comprehensive sensor system, the warship is capable to counter simultaneous threats from aircraft, surface vessels and submarines.