Lockheed Martin backs Australia’s live-fire test of new medium-range air defence system

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Lockheed Martin has supported a live-fire demonstration of a developmental medium-range ground-based air defence system in South Australia. The trial, named Taipan Strike 26, took place at the Woomera Test Range. The Commonwealth of Australia and the US Navy joined Lockheed Martin in the effort, according to a Lockheed Martin statement.

Integrated systems put to the test

The demonstration tracked a representative threat using a radar system supplied by CEA for the Australian Defence Force. A small-scale, expeditionary version of the Aegis Weapons System handled command and control. Aegis then initialised a mobile ground-based launcher, which engaged the target directly.

The prototype draws on the Aegis baseline built for the Hunter Class Frigate and Hobart Class Destroyer modernisation programs. This approach unlocks cross-service integration, according to Lockheed Martin, while making use of existing ADF investments.

Industry and defence leaders weigh in

Joe DePietro, Mission Integration Command and Control Vice President and General Manager at Lockheed Martin, said the demonstration showed how coalition partners can orchestrate existing systems across domains. He added that the prototype gives decision-makers more time to respond to threats.

Jeremy King, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, said the live-fire trial delivers accelerated options for medium-range air defence. He noted the system can fire any weapon currently fielded on Hobart Class Destroyers or future Hunter Class Frigates.

King added that a medium-range ground-based platform would shift the ADF from point defence toward a networked, medium-range deterrent, strengthening operational flexibility and coalition interoperability.

Lockheed Martin is the strategic partner for Defence’s AIR6500 Joint Air Battle Management System. The company says it stands ready to integrate future MRGBAD capabilities into the ADF’s air and missile defence architecture.

Learn more on Lockheed Martin’s website

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