Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Ballarat has demonstrated its warfighting capability with the successful firing of six missiles during Exercise RIMPAC 2016 in Hawaii.

The Anzac-class frigate fired a Harpoon anti-ship missile, three Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles and launched its embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter to fire two Hellfire missiles at the ex-USS Thatch during the SINKEX (sinking exercise) on 14 July 2016.

HMAS Ballarat’s Commanding Officer, Commander David Landon, said the firing capped a successful month at the world’s largest maritime exercise where the frigate embedded with the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group.

“The ship has had a very busy and successful year, our activities at RIMPAC attest to that. The ship’s company have worked tirelessly and the successful firing is a direct result of their continuous effort and hard work,” Commander Landon said.

In the complex multi-threat warfare environment, Ballarat conducted air defence, surface and anti-submarine serials.

The Evolved Sea Sparrow (ESSM) is a medium range, surface-to-air missile that can destroy threats that include high speed, highly manoeuvring anti-ship cruise missiles, low velocity air threats (LVATs), high-diving threats and surface-based targets.

It can also engage attack aircraft, helicopters and ships.

Exercise RIMPAC is a multi-national activity held from 30 June to 2 August 2016 and includes more than 25,000 personnel from 26 countries.