Australia showed Derringer launcher from Lockheed Martin for firing SM-2 naval surface-to-air missiles with Block III version 160 kilometer range. One can say effectively a new surface-to-air missile system type appeared in world, which Americans created in cooperation with one of their partners.
Separately interesting is that Australia received Lockheed Martin cooperation proposal in spring 2025, against backdrop of possible russian Tu-95MS threat that could be deployed at one of Indonesian airbases.
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Australian Defense Ministry announced Derringer appearance in official release. It states first test launch from this system occurred in June 2026 during Taipan Strike 26 exercises.
Firing was conducted at BQM-74E reactive target drone, however launch range, speed and target flight altitude and other parameters are not disclosed. As directly follows from provided photos, Derringer is towed launcher for two missiles, for which C-130 Hercules transport aircraft can be used for delivery.
Australian Defense Ministry release states that within this SAM system creation project, local defense company CEA Technologies worked on radar integration into Aegis fire control system. From which in turn follows that Derringer is directly Lockheed Martin product.
Worth recalling here that Lockheed Martin directly offered Australia cooperation in April 2025, but initially discussion involved SM-6 launchers at 370 kilometers.
Whether same SM-6 can be loaded onto Derringer is currently unclear. Cannot exclude that Australia over certain time may show capabilities for SM-6 launch from ground launchers as own air defense means. Especially as SM-6 is effectively deep SM-2 modernization.
Regarding Australian defense industry radar manufacturing capabilities, worth mentioning Australia has 1,000-3,000 km detection range radars that Canada wants to purchase for joint U.S. missile defense.
Which in turn indicates how attractive Australia itself is for cooperation in radar technology and air defense means segment.
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