In northern Queensland, 10th Fires Brigade's high mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) took to the beach with the help of HMAS Choules.
Having earlier exceeded expectations by firing various missile types ahead of schedule, and at distances new to Army, attention has turned to the deployability of HIMARS on aircraft and ships to extend the ADF's ability to defend Australia's northern approaches.
The platform has been certified to deploy on Royal Australian Air Force C-130 and C-17 aircraft and on board the Royal Australian Navy's landing helicopter docks (LHDs). Now it was time to prove the ability to transport the platform from ship to shore.
Using the landing craft mechanised Mark 8 (LCM-8) and the Mexeflote, the HIMARS, its resupply vehicle, munition pods and support trailers were transported between Choules and Cowley Beach Training Area.
Australian HIMARS are now capable of being projected by all major in-service lift platforms and ship-to-shore connectors. Future work will be undertaken for transport on Army's future littoral manoeuvre vessels when they enter service.
'From here, things will only get bigger and better as we receive more platforms.'
For Commander 10th Fires Brigade Brigadier Corey Shillabeer it was a milestone that provided options for the joint force.
"When we receive a new platform it is important to test it thoroughly," Brigadier Shillabeer said.
"It's vital that we test our procedures to develop safe and efficient means to deploy Army's long-range fires capability.
"Firing the HIMARS is one thing, but being able to deploy and manoeuvre across Australia and beyond is vital to contributing to the defence of Australia's northern approaches.
"14th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, along with the project team, are progressing well into the introduction into service of the weapon system, offering a viable option today for the joint force."
Commanding Officer 14th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Barletta, said he was proud of what his team has been able to achieve.
"For such a young group of soldiers, they have been challenged daily when asked to rapidly introduce this new capability. With support from the project team and our United States counterparts, they have demonstrated their professionalism and dedication to Australia's defence," Lieutenant Colonel Barletta said.
"From here, things will only get bigger and better as we receive more platforms from the United States and the new littoral manoeuvre vessels are delivered."
