Final RAN Anzac frigate completes upgrade
The Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) Anzac class frigate, HMAS Stuart, has been undocked at BAE System's Henderson Dockyard in Western Australia after completing its anti-ship missile defence (ASMD) upgrade, the RAN announced on 26 March.
HMAS Stuart, which was the last RAN Anzac class frigate to receive the ASMD upgrade, will now undergo trials of its systems and modifications.
The upgrade includes the installation of an improved combat system and the Australian designed CEAFar active phased array radar suite.
The frigate has also been modified to embark the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter. Stuart will complete several months of harbour acceptance trials to test the upgraded systems while the ship's company reconstitutes the platform.
RAN vessels Perth, Arunta, Anzac, Warramunga, Ballarat, Parramatta and Toowoomba have all cycled through the programme with crews transferring between in-going and outgoing platforms.
HMAS Stuart is expected to complete the upgrade process by late 2017, representing full delivery of the project to the navy.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
HMS Agamemnon: details of the dive and what the Astute-class signifies for the UK Royal Navy
As HMS Agamemnon moves closer towards joining the UK’s in-service submarine fleet, how does the sixth Astute-class fit into the Royal Navy’s defence strategy?
-
French Navy frigates to align with Hellenic Navy after Aster missile enhancement
The FDI frigates will have an enhanced warfare capability that matches the configuration of ships ordered by Greece.
-
Khabarovsk submarine launch reflects Russia’s nuclear modernisation progress
The nuclear-powered vessel, which could carry the Poseidon autonomous torpedo – dubbed the “doomsday missile” – marks another step forward in Russia’s maritime defence push.
-
Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening
The new underwater vehicle has been described as an “important deterrent” thanks to its ability to operate undetected for extended periods of time.