IHS Janes 360:
- HMAS Ballarat has successfully launched two Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles simultaneously
- Launch proves out the platform’s recently completed anti-ship missile defence upgrades
The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) ANZAC (MEKO 200)-class guided-missile frigate HMAS Ballarat (155) has successfully demonstrated its latest anti-ship missile defence capabilities during a live-fire exercise in the waters off Hawaii, the service disclosed on 4 August.
The exercise, which included the firing of three RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSMs), was conducted as part of the US Pacific Fleet-hosted Rim of the Pacific (‘RIMPAC’) 2016 international maritime drills. Two of the missiles were fired simultaneously, said the RAN.
Also conducted during the tests, were a launch of Ballarat ‘s Harpoon anti-ship missile, and two Hellfire missiles from the platform’s embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter.
Ballarat received a number of upgrades to improve its anti-ship missile defence capabilities in 2015. These included the installation of the CEAFAR S-band active phased-array radar, the CEAMOUNT X-band multichannel active phased-array missile fire-control illuminator, the Saab Systems 9LV 453 combat management system, and the Sagem Vampir NG infrared search-and-track system.
These upgrades enable the frigate to identify, track and guide its ESSMs simultaneously, as per what was demonstrated at ‘RIMPAC’ 2016. According to the RAN, the missiles successfully terminated their designated targets during the exercise that was conducted on 14 July.
Australia has been participating in the ‘RIMPAC’ series of exercises since 1971. Besides Ballarat , other participating assets from Australia include three AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, the RAN’s lead Canberra-class amphibious assault ship (L02) and another ANZAC-class frigate, HMAS Warramunga (152).
