AIM-9 Sidewinder Missile Successfully Fired from Hawkei-Mounted NASAMS by Australian Army

The Australian Army conducted a live-fire trial at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia, marking a significant milestone in its air defense modernization efforts. The trial involved the successful launch of an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile from a NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) High Mobility Launcher mounted on a Hawkei 4x4 protected mobility vehicle. This event represents a notable development in the adaptation of air-to-air missile technology for ground-based air defense applications.

The Hawkei vehicle, developed by Thales Australia, is a lightweight, 7-tonne 4x4 platform designed for high survivability and rapid deployment. It offers scalable protection against ballistic threats, improvised explosive devices, and mines, while maintaining off-road mobility and air transportability via C-130 Hercules or CH-47 Chinook aircraft. The integration of the NASAMS launcher onto the Hawkei transforms it into a mobile short-range air defense (SHORAD) system capable of deploying up to six surface-to-air missiles.

The missile used in the trial, the AIM-9 Sidewinder, is traditionally an infrared-guided air-to-air missile. The variant employed—likely the AIM-9X—features a high-resolution imaging infrared seeker, thrust vectoring for enhanced agility, and data link capabilities for mid-course updates. Its adaptation for surface launch through NASAMS provides a passive homing interceptor that complements the radar-guided AIM-120 AMRAAM, which is already certified for NASAMS use. 

The trial was conducted by the 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, and included a “ripple fire” scenario in which both Sidewinder and AMRAAM missiles were launched from canister and mobile launchers at the same target. This dual-launch capability enhances the flexibility and responsiveness of the system. The test concluded an 18-month training period for 111 Battery soldiers, many of whom were engaging in live missile firing for the first time.

Australia is now one of only three countries to have launched a Sidewinder missile from a NASAMS platform. This capability allows for rapid repositioning and shoot-and-scoot tactics, reducing vulnerability to counter-battery fire. Each NASAMS troop can deploy a mix of mobile and canister launchers, all coordinated through a Fire Distribution Centre (FDC), where tactical control officers assess threats and select appropriate munitions based on parameters such as altitude, speed, and flight trajectory.

The integration of the Sidewinder into NASAMS aligns with Australia’s broader defense strategy, as outlined in the National Defence Strategy and the Integrated Investment Program. These initiatives emphasize the need for enhanced force protection systems to counter the growing threat of long-range and high-speed missile systems. The NASAMS system, originally developed by Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and the U.S. company Raytheon, has demonstrated flexibility in accommodating various missile types, including the AIM-120 and AIM-9 variants.

The Australian Army’s adoption of NASAMS and its certification of the AIM-9 Sidewinder for ground-based launch reflect a strategic shift toward a more layered and mobile air defense posture. This approach aims to protect key infrastructure, personnel, and operational assets across the continent. The use of legacy air-to-air missiles in ground-based roles is part of a broader trend among allied nations seeking to maximize the utility of existing munitions in evolving threat environments.

The successful trial of the AIM-9 Sidewinder from a Hawkei-mounted NASAMS launcher represents a significant advancement in Australia’s short-range air defense capabilities. It underscores the adaptability of existing missile systems and the importance of mobility and flexibility in modern air defense strategies.