Royal Australian Navy’s amphibious ship HMAS Canberra tested its anti-ship missile defense off the south coast of New South Wales as part of exercise Ocean Explorer.
Upgrades to the Nulka anti-ship missile decoy system have been tested with the use of civilian aircraft including an underslung Nulka payload carried by helicopter and a Learjet simulating an incoming anti-ship missile.
Weapons Electrical Engineering Officer Lieutenant Commander Mark Williams said the trial was an integral part of ensuring Navy’s ability to fight and win at sea.
“The Nulka is a hovering rocket decoy system that prevents anti-ship missiles from becoming a threat to our force,” he said.
“It forms a part of our layered defensive capability in the maritime environment.
“During the testing of new components, we aimed to increase the tactical effectiveness of the Nulka against anti-ship missiles.”
The navy used the major fleet exercise Ocean Explorer 2018 to work with the Defence Science and Technology Group, Air Affairs Australia and Kestrel Australia to conduct the trials.
“We used fast jets fitted with missile simulators, and helicopters carrying a Nulka payload to generate a realistic missile engagement scenario,” Lieutenant Commander Williams said.
“The more effective Nulka is, the more enhanced will be the defence of our largest ships, the landing helicopter docks.”