Currently deployed on more than 150 Australian and United States warships, Nulka is a rocket-propelled, expendable, offboard, active decoy designed to ‘seduce’ modern anti-ship missiles away from their targets.
Nulka has a unique and advanced design in that it hovers in mid-air while luring the incoming anti-ship missile.
The hovering rocket concept was initiated in Australia by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), before we designed, developed and then manufactured the product.
Nulka is the aboriginal meaning for ‘be quick’. It is our most successful export product to date.
Platform sustainment
We are responsible for the design, development and integration of the Nulka system.
The current $200 million upgrade project is a 20-year program that will include a new launch system and supporting technology to enhance the missile decoy’s effectiveness and will ensure that it continues protecting Australian and allied fleets well into the future.
The Nulka system is fitted to the Royal Australian Navy's ANZAC and Hobart class frigates. The Canberra Class Amphibious Assault Ships (LHDs) and Hunter class frigates will also be equipped in the future.
Technology training
Ongoing training is essential as new technologies are evolving to ensure all personnel and sectors are up-to-date with Nulka’s advanced technology requirements.
Alongside our colleagues at DSTO, we have provided advanced technology training to our Navy since the project began.
Testing and operational training
We undergo extensive operational training and testing for Nulka. We build the flight control hardware at our manufacturing facility in Edinburgh Parks in South Australia, and assemble and test the completed Nulka Round at the Nulka Round Assembly Facility in Mulwala, New South Wales.
Future technologies
Under the Nulka upgrade, we will continue to work with leading scientists and engineers from the DSTO to enhance the Nulka’s effectiveness, and to develop new technologies. This will allow the missile decoy to stay up-to-date with advanced industry technologies, while remaining the most successful defence export.
