Australia achieves final operational capability for NASAMS

NASAMS provides the Australian Army with a networked capability to counter aircraft, missiles, and uncrewed aerial vehicles. (Commonwealth of Australia)

Australia has achieved final operational capability (FOC) for its National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS), the country's Department of Defence (DoD) announced on 9 September.

The DoD said the milestone confirmed that NASAMS had met “all requirements for operational service” and was ready to support Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations.

NASAMS was delivered to the ADF under its Short-Range Ground Based Air Defence (SRGBAD) programme. The capability constitutes the inner layer of Australia's integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) architecture, complementing naval air-defence systems and combat aircraft in protecting ADF personnel, critical infrastructure and key assets.

“NASAMS provides [the Australian Army] with a … networked air defence capability designed to detect, track and defeat a range of airborne threats, including cruise missiles, aircraft, helicopters, and drones,” the DoD said.

The FOC milestone followed a phased introduction into service that included successful live-fire activities and operator training conducted by soldiers from 16 Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, validating the capability for operational employment. The unit is headquartered at Woodside Barracks, South Australia.

In May 2026, the Australian Army conducted a live-fire certification activity at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia. The exercise involved the launch of Raytheon's AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 Advanced Medium‐Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) from NASAMS and the Hawkei 4×4 high-mobility launcher vehicle.