USS Rafael Peralta, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, reloaded the Mk 41 vertical launch system and replenished a stockpile of SM-2 anti-aircraft missiles for the first time in Australia

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) took part in an exercise in Australia. To do so, the ship had to reload the Mk 41 vertical launch system. This was the first time such an exercise was held in Australia.

Here's What We Know

In the Indo-Pacific region, the number of strategic sites where US warships can resupply missiles is increasing. The importance of this was noted by the commander of the destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), Captain Charles Cooper.

The US warship took part in the Talisman Sabre 2023 exercise at the end of July. After that, it sailed to Sydney and from 11 to 21 August it was waiting for the Malabar 2023 exercise, in which Australian, American and Japanese destroyers participated.

During the events, USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) used solid fuel Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) anti-aircraft missiles, which were designed for shipboard air defence systems. The SM-2 can sometimes act as an anti-ship missile.

The anti-aircraft missile can engage enemy ships, aircraft and helicopters. Its key feature is its ability to counter airborne threats that travel at different altitudes and speeds.

The SM-2 can provide protection over a radius of more than 160 kilometres. The anti-aircraft missile itself is capable of speeds in excess of Mach 3 (3,675 km/h). The Mk 41 vertical launch system can use other Standard family missiles along with Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Source: DIVIDS