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
-
Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand
Ukrainian intelligence has catalogued more than 20 Russian uncrewed surface vessels, revealing a portfolio weighted towards mine warfare and logistics, with implications for Western naval investment.
-
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.
-
German Navy’s Israeli missile test points to deepening defence-industrial ties
The test-firing of an Israel Aerospace Industries LORA ballistic missile from a German vessel highlights the Bundeswehr’s focus on speed to capability as it trials Israel’s operationally proven technology.
-
Global submarine suppliers compete for a rapidly shrinking market
Diminishing submarine competitions worldwide are leaving fewer acquisition opportunities, pushing contractors toward alternatives.