Royal Australian Navy Fires SM-6 Missile from HMAS Sydney Destroyer for the First Time | Aviation

The first launch of the SM-6 is a ‘step-change’ in the lethality, air and missile defence, and long-range strike capabilities of Australia’s surface combatant fleet, as it undergoes a series of improvements to enhance deterrence and boost capabilities.

The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) HMAS Sydney guided missile destroyer test fired for the first time a U.S.-made SM-6 (Standard Missile-6) earlier this month, the country’s DoD (Department of Defence) revealed on Aug. 10, 2024. This first launch of the SM-6 marks the service’s acquisition of advanced and extended air defense capabilities, in line with the U.S. Navy, as part of the improvements being applied to the fleet.

“HMAS Sydney has conducted a successful firing of Standard Missile-6, only weeks after the successful firing of Naval Strike Missile,” Australia’s Department of Defence said. “This is another key milestone in enhancing the lethality capabilities of our Surface Fleet. Standard Missile-6 will further the Royal Australian Navy’s air defence capability, extend the range of the Navy’s weapon systems and complement Standard Missile-2 already in service.”

The test launch was performed in…