The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has released footage of a live-fire test of its new ground-based air defence system, conducted in June at the Woomera testing range in South Australia. The test, which involved a Standard Missile-2, was a joint exercise with the American military. Australian radar technology was utilized to track the missile and guide the non-explosive interceptor, designed to detonate an incoming missile mid-flight.
This development comes just days after China tested a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile in the South Pacific. The Chinese state-owned media outlet Xinhua described the launch as part of a "military training program," noting it was conducted with a dummy warhead. Experts have expressed concern that China's missile technology is advancing rapidly, with some warning that such weapons could reach Australian shores.
Michael Shoebridge, director of the Strategic Analysis Australia think tank, stated that the recent Chinese test appeared to be a submarine-launched ballistic missile with a 10,000-kilometer range, capable of reaching cities like Brisbane and Sydney. He noted that this technology has been in development in China since 2018 and warned of China's expanding global military reach. Shoebridge also highlighted that the ADF currently lacks the capability to defend against such missile threats.
Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, chief of the Air Force, described the June exercise as 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 ADF plans to invest between $7 billion and $10 billion over the next decade to establish a comprehensive missile defence network across Australia, including the new medium-range ground-based air defence system tested last month.
Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized the importance of the large budget, calling it crucial for protecting Australia from long-range missile threats. He stated that the live-fire test was a practical demonstration of the ADF's collaboration with partners and local industry to develop vital defense capabilities, enhance sovereignty, and ensure Australian safety.
Concerns have also been voiced by political figures. Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson expressed significant worry about Australia's lack of integrated air and missile defense capabilities. He urged for faster and more substantial investment to acquire the necessary interception technologies, citing the recent Chinese missile test as a point of concern. Paterson recalled a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy live firing exercise near Australia and New Zealand last year, which disrupted commercial flights, as further evidence of China's expanding military operations.