Australian Defence Force completes successful firing of SM-2 from Derringer launch system

The missile firing integrated an Australian radar that communicated with a US weapon control system and missile launcher to shoot down a cruise missile target with an Australian missile.

Australian industry partner CEA Technologies worked with Lockheed Martin to complete this first-of-type integration between a CEA radar and the Aegis Combat System.

“This first-of-type life fire test is a practical demonstration of how the Australian Defence Force is working with its partners and local industry to deliver crucial defence capabilities – growing our sovereignty and helping to keep Australians safe,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.

The federal government has directed the acceleration of a medium-range, ground-based air defence capability to protect against long-range and high-speed missile threats.

“Taipan Strike 26 highlights the Albanese Labor government’s commitment to working with partners and defence industry to build sovereign capability and self-reliance in support of our national defence,” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said.

A CEA Technologies Phased Array Antenna system was also set up for Exercise Taipan Strike 26 activities held at the Woomera Test Range, South Australia.

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The system under test included CEA sensors, Virtualised Aegis Weapon System and a trailer-mounted Expeditionary Launch System firing a RAN surface-to-air missile.

This Royal Australian Air Force-sponsored activity was conducted in collaboration with the Navy, the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, US government agencies, and US and Australian industry partners.

“Taipan Strike 26 is an Air Force-led Integrated Air and Missile Defence activity designed to explore medium-range air defence capability options to inform capability acquisition decisions,” Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell said.

“The success of the Taipan Strike 26 live-fire event is further evidence of the strength of our partnerships, as well as our integral relationship with industry.”

TSTK26 reduced technical and integration risks and validated system performance of a candidate option for a future ground-based medium-range air defence solution.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.