<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>326073</docID> <postdate>2024-08-11 07:34:46</postdate> <headline>Navy to boost capability after long-range missile test</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-326080" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/missile-test.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="485" /></p> <caption>HMAS Sydney has successfully tested the firing of a US made missile designed for long range warfare. Photo: Department of Defence</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Caitlin Powell</strong> in Canberra</span></p> <p><strong>Australia's navy has hit a significant milestone in boosting the lethal nature of its national defence strategy following a long-range missile test.</strong></p> <p>HMAS Sydney successfully fired a Standard Missile 6 during Exercise Pacific Dragon 2024, which was recently held near Hawaii.</p> <p>It was the second test on the cruiser in less than a month after the vessel fired a Naval Strike Missile during Exercise RIMPAC 2024, the world's largest international maritime exercise, in July.</p> <p>The missiles, which are being acquired from the US, will improve the navy's long-range capability once rolled out to its surface combatant fleet.</p> <p>Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the recent test was another step toward strengthening the Australian Defence Force's "lethality".</p> <p>"The ability to deter an adversary from extended ranges and to deter attempts to project power against Australia is a core part of the National Defence Strategy," he said in a statement.</p> <p>The federal government's $50.3 billion National Defence Strategy announced in April laid down plans to transform the defence force in coming years.</p> <p>Defence Minister Richard Marles said at the time that Australia was facing "the most complex and challenging strategic environment since the Second World War".</p> <p>The missiles will be deployed across the navy's Hobart class destroyers, which provided air defence for accompanying ships, land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas.</p> <p>In the future, the missiles will be included on the Hunter class frigates - the Australian anti-submarine warships which are still under construction.</p> <p>HMAS Sydney will return to Australia later this year.</p> </body>