Australia has made a powerful statement about its growing military capabilities with the recent live demonstration of the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) during the 2025 Talisman Sabre exercise. The advanced defense system, jointly developed by Raytheon Australia and Norway’s Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, was showcased in action as part of an integrated precision fires sequence involving U.S. and Australian forces on July 15.
NASAMS is a combat-tested, medium-range air defense solution known for its rapid target-switching ability and high precision. Currently, Australia fields two NASAMS batteries, designed to counter a range of airborne threats from unmanned aerial systems and cruise missiles to precision-guided munitions and fixed or rotary-wing aircraft.
The system’s backbone is the AIM-120 AMRAAM interceptor, a versatile missile capable of engaging threats up to 15 to 20 miles away and reaching altitudes of 15,000 meters (approximately 49,212 feet). What sets NASAMS apart is its ability to tailor responses to dynamic battlefield threats, offering advanced adaptability in a multi-domain combat environment.
The system integrates a cutting-edge sensor suite, including active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar like the CEAFAR tactical radar, along with electro-optical systems and passive detection tools. Together, these technologies provide a high degree of situational awareness and robust target acquisition .
During Talisman Sabre 2025, the deployment of NASAMS demonstrated not only Australia’s technological maturity but also its commitment to advancing joint operational readiness. The exercise, which brought together over 35,000 troops from 19 allied and partner nations, served as a live platform to test the effectiveness of high-tech assets in complex, simulated battlefield environments. The NASAMS performance validated its role in coalition-wide missile defense and highlighted its importance in Indo-Pacific deterrence strategy.
The system’s integration into combined operations also supports broader defense objectives. According to Army Recognition, NASAMS has proven to be a “critical enabler for modern air and missile defense within the Indo-Pacific theater,” emphasizing its strategic value in safeguarding regional airspace amid growing security challenges.
The event also marked a milestone: the first-ever live fire of the U.S. Army’s MRC (Mid-Range Capability) system on Australian soil, signaling enhanced interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces and a mutual push for forward-deployed readiness.
Commenting on the strategic implications, Lieutenant Colonel James Floyd, commanding officer of the Australian Defence Force’s 16 Regiment, noted, “Australia currently has a small ground-based air defence capability, we provide a specific effect, which is very capable and of great interest to the US and other coalition partners.”