An E-7A Wedgetail departs RAAF Base Williamtown to conduct a sortie during Exercise Archer 25. Photo: Leading Aircraftman Kurt Lewis

US Joins Air and Missile Defence Trials off NSW

Our Bureau - : Aug 19, 2025 - : 4:02 pm

Australian and United States naval and air forces have completed live missile firing and advanced target trials off the New South Wales coast. Launched from RAAF Bases Williamtown and Amberley, the Royal Australian Air Force deployed F-35A Lightning II, F/A-18F...

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Australian and United States naval and air forces have completed live missile firing and advanced target trials off the New South Wales coast.

Launched from RAAF Bases Williamtown and Amberley, the Royal Australian Air Force deployed F-35A Lightning II, F/A-18F Super Hornet, and EA-18G Growler aircraft for the drills called Exercise Archer 2025.

During the combat drills, a live missile firings against drones launched and controlled by Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and QinetiQ Air Affairs personnel at the Beecroft Weapons Range in Jervis Bay, NSW.

US Air Force (USAF) 53rd Wing specialist weapons load teams and air-to-air range safety officers supported the exercise, increasing RAAF knowledge and proficiency in the planning and conduct of advanced weapon firings. The F-35 United Operational Test Team provided subject matter experts to support Air Force F-35A weapons employment and analysis of trial outcomes.

To support safe and effective firing, a RAAF E-7A Wedgetail and RAN destroyer with an MH-60R helicopter conducted integrated surveillance, command, and control of the air and sea space. An Air Mobility Group KC-30A aircraft supported the activity with air-to-air refuelling of all fighter types.

Commander Air Combat Group (ACG) Air Commodore Peter Robinson said Exercise Archer 25 created an opportunity to demonstrate integrated weapons employment concepts and to test personnel within a safe and controlled operating environment.

“Air Combat Group personnel worked as an effective team to test each component of employing live munitions during Exercise Archer,” Robinson said in a statement.

He added: “From pilots firing weapons through to maintenance personnel such as armament technicians preparing and loading weapons, Ex Archer 25 demonstrated interoperability within ACG, the wider ADF, our United States partners and contractors.”

The exercise further served to contribute to the introduction into service of RAN Maritime Warfare Centre’s new sub-sonic aerial target, the BQM-74E, and to pave the way for the more advanced and capable BQM-177i.

The BQM-74E operation was supported by the US Navy (USN) Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division specialist launch and control teams, providing further opportunity for coalition training, USN-RAN integration and development of improved range capabilities.

The successful conduct of Exercise Archer 25 demonstrated seamless integration of the RAAF and RAN in the conduct of integrated air and missile defence system live serials. It highlighted the close and effective relationship between the ADF, USAF and USN.

The activity enhanced Australia’s readiness and warfighting capability while building critical relationships and procedures to enable future advanced weapons events and training.