Australia Test-Fires Future Ground-Based Air Defense Prototype

MRGBAD uses radar, the virtualized Aegis Weapon System, and a mobile launcher to engage threats in a recent live-fire test.

Australia has put its developmental Medium-Range Ground-Based Air Defense (MRGBAD) prototype through a live-fire test, validating how its core systems work together during an operational engagement.

Conducted during Exercise Taipan Strike 26 at the Woomera Test Range, the demo was led by Lockheed Martin in partnership with the US Navy.

The test began with a radar from CEA Technologies detecting and tracking a representative threat before transmitting target data to an expeditionary version of the virtualized Aegis Weapon System.

Acting as the command-and-control node, the Aegis system processed the data and directed a mobile ground-based launcher to initiate the engagement.

“This demonstration showcased how existing systems can be integrated across domains and orchestrated across coalition partners to achieve mission success,” said Joe DePietro, vice president and general manager of Mission Integration Command and Control at Lockheed Martin.

“This prototype demonstration lays the groundwork for air defense modernization… increasing the effectiveness of coordinated air and missile defence systems.”

Supporting Integrated Air Defense

The MRGBAD is compatible with weapons currently deployed aboard the Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart-class destroyers as well as those planned for the future Hunter-class frigates.

The system is designed to provide medium-range, ground-based protection against aircraft and missile threats while supporting flexible deployment across a range of operational scenarios.

It can operate independently or alongside other elements of the Australian Defence Force’s integrated air and missile defense network.

The MRGBAD forms part of the Australian Defence Force’s broader Integrated Air and Missile Defense Program.

Source: Defence Post