The Australian Defence Force has released footage of a live-fire test of a new ground-based air defence system designed to intercept incoming missiles, in a move that comes just days after China tested an intercontinental ballistic missile in the South Pacific. The timing has heightened tensions and put a spotlight on Australia's efforts to build up its long-range missile defences, with officials framing the capability as central to protecting the country and strengthening its sovereignty.

The prototype system was tested in June at the Woomera range in the South Australian outback, in an exercise involving both Australian and American forces that saw a Standard Missile-2 launched, with Australian radar used to track and guide a non-explosive interceptor to detonate the target mid-air. The ADF plans to spend between A$7 billion and A$10 billion over the next decade building a national missile defence network, including a new medium-range ground-based system. Air Marshal Stephen Chappell described the exercise as an Air Force-led activity to explore medium-range air defence options, while Defence Minister Richard Marles defended the spending as crucial to keeping Australians safe from long-range threats.