Australian Navy enhances defense with successful Standard Missile 6 Test by HMAS Sydney.

According to information published by the Australian DoD on August 10, 2024, HMAS Sydney has successfully fired a Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) during Exercise Pacific Dragon 2024 near Hawaii.
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Australian Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Sydney firing SM-6 missile. (Picture source: RAN)

The SM-6, which will be progressively integrated into the Navy's Hobart-class destroyers and future Hunter-class frigates, represents a major leap in the lethality and versatility of the fleet.

The firing comes as part of a broader effort to equip the Navy with advanced strike capabilities, enabling it to engage maritime, land, and air targets over extended distances.

Australia's three guided missile destroyers, equipped with the Aegis Baseline 9 combat system, are central to this upgrade. The system is designed to counter airborne threats, including ballistic missiles, enhancing the country's defense against increasingly sophisticated adversaries.

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In a conflict scenario, the SM-6 would allow Australian ships to engage threats at much greater distances than current systems, offering a broader area of defense and the ability to push adversaries farther from Australia's shores.

This extended range is particularly valuable in countering China’s advanced missile systems and air capabilities, as it can intercept both aircraft and ballistic missiles before they pose a significant threat.

Furthermore, integrating the SM-6 with Australia's Hobart-class destroyers—and future Hunter-class frigates—provides a multi-layered defense system that enhances the RAN’s ability to protect not just its vessels but also key strategic assets across the region.

The missile’s ability to operate with other advanced systems, like the F-35, and its capacity for over-the-horizon targeting further increases the RAN’s operational flexibility and deterrence capabilities.