Raytheon Australia Integrates Sidewinder Missile With NASAMS Launcher to Strengthen Air Defence.

On June 30, 2025, Raytheon Australia integrated Sidewinder Missile on NASAMS High-Mobility Launcher strengthening ground-based air defence capabilities. In a significant demonstration at the Woomera Test Range, the Australian Army’s 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, successfully fired the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile from a Hawkei High-Mobility Launcher, marking a world-first for this missile-platform pairing. This milestone underlines the growing relevance of adaptable, layered air and missile defence systems for Australia’s national security.
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The successful integration of the Sidewinder missile onto the NASAMS High-Mobility Launcher represents a tangible leap in Australia’s ground-based air defence (Picture source: Australian Army)

The NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System), developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace in partnership with Raytheon, is designed to provide short to medium-range air defence against aircraft, UAVs and cruise missiles. In this trial, the Sidewinder missile, traditionally used as an air-to-air weapon, was adapted to be launched from a ground-based high-mobility platform. The Hawkei protected mobility vehicle serves as the launcher, capable of carrying up to six missiles, including both the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM, giving operators the flexibility to choose munitions based on target type and mission requirements.

The development of integrating the Sidewinder with NASAMS reflects over 18 months of rigorous training and testing by the 111 Battery detachment, culminating in this successful live-fire event. The NASAMS has been evolving within the Australian Army since the Land 19 Phase 7B program was signed, with Raytheon Australia acting as the prime contractor. Previous operational milestones include the first live-fire of an AMRAAM from NASAMS in 2023, laying the groundwork for expanding its missile suite to the Sidewinder.

This integration significantly broadens the tactical envelope of the Australian Army’s ground-based air defence. Compared to systems that solely rely on canister-based launchers or single munition types, the dual-option configuration enhances both the mobility and responsiveness of the force. Historically, the Sidewinder has been one of the most widely used air-to-air missiles worldwide, valued for its agility in dogfights. Bringing this agility to ground-based defence introduces a unique countermeasure against low-flying and highly manoeuvrable aerial threats, an advantage that systems limited to larger, longer-range interceptors like the AMRAAM might lack at close range.

Strategically, this development positions Australia among a select group of nations with this level of adaptable air defence. With regional tensions and missile threats growing across the Indo-Pacific, the ability to protect critical infrastructure and personnel from increasingly sophisticated aerial threats is vital. The demonstration at Woomera sends a clear message about Australia’s commitment to enhancing its integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) posture, in line with the National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program. Geopolitically, it strengthens Australia’s position as a regional security contributor, deterring potential adversaries with layered and flexible capabilities.

The budget behind the NASAMS acquisition under Land 19 Phase 7B reflects a significant investment in modernising the Australian Defence Force’s ground-based air defence. Raytheon Australia, supported by local industry partners, secured the contract as the prime integrator. The recent firing confirms that the program is delivering on its milestones and will likely inform future procurement decisions, with additional orders expected to expand this capability across more Army units.

The successful integration of the Sidewinder missile onto the NASAMS High-Mobility Launcher represents a tangible leap in Australia’s ground-based air defence. By merging the proven agility of an iconic air-to-air missile with the flexibility of a mobile launch platform, the Australian Army is pushing the boundaries of adaptable force protection, demonstrating innovation, deterrence, and a clear commitment to safeguarding the nation’s skies in an increasingly contested region.