As reported by the ABC this morning (22July2024), HMAS Sydney (DDG 42)  has successfully fired the first RAN Naval Strike Missile (NSM) at the 2024 Rim of the Pacific exercise in Hawaii. The NSM missile was launched from one of a set of canisters mounted midships on Sydney’s superstructure. The NSM missile is intended to replace the RAN’s existing HARPOON surface-to-surface missile capability.

DEFENCE CONNECT has reported that about 320 members of the Australian Defence Force have joined partner nations for Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024. Hosted by the Commander of the US Pacific Fleet, the world’s largest maritime exercise will be held between 27 June and 1 August 2024. In support of the exercise, the Australian Defence Force contributed a Royal Australian Navy Hobart Class guided missile destroyer, HMAS Sydney, and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

The exercise will feature 40 surface ships, three submarines, and 150 aircraft from 29 nations, with approximately 25,000 personnel. Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton said RIMPAC24 demonstrates Australia’s ongoing willingness to support its existing regional partnerships . “Australia’s participation in RIMPAC reflects the closeness of our alliance with the United States and the strength of our military relationships with other regional defence partners. We face complex strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, and the ADF will take every opportunity to assure our friends that Australia has the ability and the intent to stand by its alliances, agreements, and bilateral relationships.”

The exercise will cover a range of mission scenarios, including disaster response, humanitarian assistance, maritime security operations, and warfighting, RIMPAC24 Commander Australian Contingent, Air Commodore Louise Desjardins added. “This year marks the first time HMAS Sydney will participate in RIMPAC, the ship and her crew will be evaluating capabilities in training and live fire exercises. Air Force will deploy one P-8A Poseidon aircraft to contribute to high-end warfighting capabilities in realistic maritime scenarios aimed at enhancing interoperability.”