KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Navy and Air Force successfully test-fired two air-to-surface missiles in a joint exercise on Friday.
The operation - utilising the Navy Frigate Te Kaha, Naval Seasprite Helicopters from 6 Squadron and an Air Force P3 Orion - saw two AGM65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles launched against two targets at sea east of Great Barrier Island.
Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Tony Parr said the operation was an important demonstration of the Seasprite and Maverick missile capability.
"It is also a very good example of sailors and airmen working together to bring to bear that capability," he said.
"The activity involved a 'start to finish' validation of current Royal New Zealand Navy and Royal New Zealand Air Force standing operating procedures, orders and instructions, and to verify the Seasprite as a firing platform for the Maverick missile."
Commodore Parr said the Maverick missile was introduced to service seven years ago by the New Zealand Defence Force but this was the first live-firing from a SH-2G (NZ) Seasprite, against either maritime or land targets.
"Exercises like today's allow air and ground crews to practice preparation, loading and firing procedures - as well as the handling of live forward firing ordnance on board our ships," he said.
Commander Mat Williams, Commanding Officer of HMNZS Te Kaha said the firing was very successful.
"The air-to-surface missile performed as expected and has proven the capability."
- NZ HERALD STAFF
