Australia has recently showcased its powerful defense system that can destroy multiple types of aerial threats mid-air. Called National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), the system offers rapid target-switching capacity and high precision in operations.

The system was showcased during the U.S. and Australian forces’ integrated precision fires sequence Talisman Sabre conducted on July 15.

Currently, Australia has two NASAMS batteries that can counter aerial threats, unmanned aerial systems, cruise missiles, and other precision-guided munitions.

Combat-proven medium-range air defense solution

The system, managed by Raytheon Australia in collaboration with Norway’s Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, is a highly adaptable combat-proven medium-range air defense solution.

NASAMS provides air defenders with a tailorable, state-of-the-art defense system that can maximize their ability to acquire, engage, and destroy current and evolving enemy fixed and rotary wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and emerging cruise missile threats.

The system’s primary interceptor is the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, which can engage a variety of threats including fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles, loitering munitions, cruise missiles, and precision-guided weapons.

Effective engagement

The interceptor offers an effective engagement range of up to 15 to 20 miles and an altitude of up to 49,212-ft (15,000 meters).

The system integrates an advanced sensor suite, including active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar such as the CEAFAR tactical radar.

It also has electro-optical systems and passive detection tools for comprehensive situational awareness and robust target acquisition capabilities.

Deployment and operational use of NASAMS

Reports revealed that the deployment and operational use of NASAMS in battlefield environment underscore Australia’s commitment to enhancing joint interoperability and multi-domain warfighting capabilities.

Talisman Sabre provides a unique platform to integrate advanced systems like NASAMS into real-time coalition operations, strengthening coordination with key regional and global partners. The system’s performance during the exercise demonstrates its role as a critical enabler for modern air and missile defense within the Indo-Pacific theater and highlights the maturity of Australia’s defense technology base in line with its strategic objectives, according to Army Recognition.

As the largest exercise in the Indo-Pacific — bringing together over 35,000 participants from 19 allied and partner nations — Talisman Sabre 25 spans multiple domains and theaters. In the Northern Territory, Australia, MRF-D, alongside Australian Army’s 5th/7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (5/7 RAR), and the U.S. Army’s 3rd MDTF, executed a fires demonstration designed to validate joint and combined fires in support of simulated littoral maneuver across Australia’s outback, according to a press release.

The event marked the first-ever live fire of the U.S. Army’s MRC system in Australia, signaling a significant advancement in regional integrated deterrence.

“Australia currently has a small ground-based air defence capability, we provide a specific effect, which is very capable and of great interest to the US and other coalition partners,” said Lt. Col. James Floyd, commanding officer of 16 Regiment, ADF.