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Air Affairs Australia (AAA) and Air Target Services (ATS) have been left delighted after the recent missile firing carried out by HMAS Hobart, with AAA providing the unmanned aerial target for the test.
AAA's Phoenix Jet unmanned aerial target (UAT) was successfully launched and flown towards Hobart in order to emulate a realistic airborne threat.
During the attack profile, HMAS Hobart responded by successfully tracking and engaging the Phoenix Jet UAT.
"AAA and ATS would like to congratulate Hobart’s Commanding Officer, Commander Ryan Gaskin, and the crew onboard Hobart, together with AMWC (Australian Maritime Warfare Centre) personnel on this successful firing," a release from the companies said.
CMDR Gaskin said the successful firing was a significant step in progressing Navy’s high-end warfighting capability.
"The missile firing was an opportunity to test recent upgrades to the ship’s Aegis combat system and prepare the ship’s company for their upcoming deployment. Our advanced sensors provide a real-time picture of the tactical situation, which when combined with our weapons systems gives us a formidable defence capability," he explained.
The AAA Phoenix Jet is a remotely piloted aircraft that operates as a UAT in support of the Australian Defence Force weapons tracking and firing programs, and is a fixed-wing, small to medium size jet capable of high performance flight, and is manufactured exclusively in Australia by AAA.
The unit has been in service since 2012, and is used by the Royal Australian Navy, RAAF and Australian Army.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the successful missile firing demonstrates the capabilities of the RAN’s most advanced warships.
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