Lockheed tests Aegis on Australian destroyer
Lockheed Martin has commenced the integration and testing of the Aegis combat system aboard Royal Australian Navy’s air warfare destroyer (AWD), HMAS Hobart, it announced on 30 March.
The company's team of technicians and engineers will facilitate the combat system's testing and ensure that the system is properly installed and functional. Australia's Hobart class will be its first ships to be equipped with the Aegis system and SPY-1D(V) radar.
Rob Milligan, surface ships program lead, Lockheed Martin Australia, said: ‘The Lockheed Martin team has successfully brought Aegis to life. Our team is dedicated to ensuring the successful delivery of Hobart’s Aegis capability to the Royal Australian Navy.’
‘We strengthened the AWD test team which now includes experienced Lockheed Martin engineers and technicians from both Australia and the US to conduct the Aegis combat systems integration.’
Cmdre Craig Bourke, CSC, Program Manager Air Warfare Destroyer, Australian Navy, said: ‘This milestone is a significant step towards an increase in the Royal Australian Navy’s maritime security capabilities through the seamless integration of the Aegis combat system to defend against advanced air, surface and subsurface threats.’
The Hobart class destroyers are being built through Australia’s SEA 4000 programme, under which three advanced multirole ships will be delivered. Australia has ordered the baseline 8 configuration of the Aegis weapon system that features open architecture and commercial-off-the-shelf technology.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
-
![UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions]()
UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was launched as one of the first acts of the UK’s new Labour Government in June last year. The review has recommended a major big-picture reform of the country’s forces.
-
![Foreshadowing of UK defence review suggests it is light on programme details]()
Foreshadowing of UK defence review suggests it is light on programme details
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was designed to answer two questions: What is needed to fix UK defence and make it fit for the 2040s, and what do you get for a fixed financial profile? The SDR outlines that work still needs to be done on specifics.
