Anzac ASMD upgrade nears end
The Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac-class frigate Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) upgrade programme is nearing its end at the BAE Systems Shipyard in Western Australia, the navy announced on 7 September.
HMAS Toowoomba is due to undock on 13 September 2016, while HMAS Stuart’s upgrade is well underway, with the vessel scheduled to be delivered in late 2017.
Work on the first upgrade began with HMAS Perth in 2010, followed by the entire Anzac-class fleet at the Henderson shipyard.
During the programme, each frigate is docked for around 12 months for the significant structural work required to install a new mast that supports the Phased Array Radar system, coating with a new haze grey livery and other docking-dependent tasks.
This is followed by several months of harbour acceptance trials and system work, culminating in a one-month sea trial period. Following successful trials, the frigates are being formally returned to full service with the navy.
It is estimated that more than half a million hours of work are expended on each ship as it progresses through the upgrade.
Stuart’s delivery back into navy service will conclude one of the most significant upgrade programmes ever undertaken by the Royal Australian Navy.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Baltic naval priorities shift towards mine warfare and versatile platforms]()
Baltic naval priorities shift towards mine warfare and versatile platforms
Baltic states are investing in mine warfare, uncrewed systems and multirole platforms as major warship purchases remain scarce, industry sources indicate.
-
![Force renewal in the Royal Canadian Navy opens long-term opportunities for suppliers]()
Force renewal in the Royal Canadian Navy opens long-term opportunities for suppliers
Canada's ambitious naval modernisation plans are creating major maritime procurement opportunities, with future programmes also promising long-term work for domestic and international shipbuilders.
-
![The unanswered design question at the heart of India’s P75I submarine programme]()
The unanswered design question at the heart of India’s P75I submarine programme
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is edging toward an India submarine deal, but an unverified claim of a radically new hull design – at odds with the proven lineage it has marketed to Canada – has yet to be resolved.
