Australian Navy launches first AWD
The Royal Australian Navy launched the first of three Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs), Hobart, alongside the Port River wharf in Adelaide on 23 May.
The second AWD, Brisbane, is currently in an advanced state of fit-out. More than half the blocks have already been consolidated on the hardstand so far. With the Hobart launched, Brisbane will be next to undergo final block consolidation. The keel of the third AWD, Sydney, will also be laid.
Once operational, the three warships will take on a leading command and control role in the Australian Defence Force and coalition forces, capable of carrying out multi-mission operations.
The AWD programme is being conducted by the AWD Alliance, which includes the lead shipbuilder ASC, the Department of Defence and mission systems integrator Raytheon Australia. The US Navy, Navantia, Lockheed Martin, Forgacs, BAE Systems and MG Engineering also support the programme.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![BMT and DNV partner to meet Australia’s heavy landing craft requirement]()
BMT and DNV partner to meet Australia’s heavy landing craft requirement
Under Project Land 8710 Phase 2, Australia has been seeking to acquire an undisclosed number of Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels to replace the Balikpapan-class. The programme has an estimated value of AU$1.4 billion (US$910 million), with IOC slated for 2032.
-
![Babcock to take over upkeep of Royal Navy Type-23 frigates]()
Babcock to take over upkeep of Royal Navy Type-23 frigates
The Royal Navy’s Type-23 Duke-class frigates for the UK Royal Navy were designed as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships but now have a multi-role function. Of the 16 Type 23s built, 12 remain in service with the Royal Navy and will be replaced by the Type-26 frigates before 2035.
-
![Austal completes autonomy trials with former Royal Australian Navy patrol boat]()
Austal completes autonomy trials with former Royal Australian Navy patrol boat
The work took place under the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT), which has been a collaboration between Austal, Greenroom Robotics, the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre and the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Warfare Innovation Navy Branch.
-
![Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine]()
Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine
The era of southeast Asian submarine modernisation has been in full swing fuelled by growing tensions in the South China Sea.
-
![Keel laid for third Hellenic Navy frigate as harbour trials start for first]()
Keel laid for third Hellenic Navy frigate as harbour trials start for first
On 24 March 2022, Greece and Naval Group have signed a contract for three defence and intervention (FDI) frigates. Two warships will be due for delivery in 2025 and the third expected the following year, with the deal including an option to add a fourth frigate to be ready in 2027.
