RAN’s third AWD build underway
Construction on the third Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has begun, with the keel for the vessel laid by the AWD Alliance, it was announced on 20 November.
The vessel, Sydney, is the third and final Hobart Class DDG destroyer to be constructed for the programme to deliver the RAN its most capable warships to date.
In another milestone for the programme, initial combat systems activation has commenced on the first destroyer, Hobart. This vessel is set to commence sea trials in 2016.
The second destroyer, Brisbane, is on track to complete hull consolidation activities in December.
Peter Croser, AWD program manager, said: ‘We have achieved a number of critical milestones this year, from launching our first ship Hobart in May, to achieving 70 per cent completion on our second ship, Brisbane, and now commencing the hull consolidation phase for our third ship, Sydney.’
The AWD Alliance is responsible for delivering the three Hobart Class DDG destroyers and their support systems to the RAN. The alliance is made up of shipbuilder ASC, mission systems integrator Raytheon Australia and the Australian Department of Defence.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy to develop an undersea networking capability to support UUV operations]()
US Navy to develop an undersea networking capability to support UUV operations
The NEREUS project aims to enhance and expand the US Navy’s existing communications systems, enabling crewed/uncrewed seabed and subsurface missions.
-
![How the Hedge Strategy will impact the US Navy’s future capabilities]()
How the Hedge Strategy will impact the US Navy’s future capabilities
The US Navy Hedge Strategy is intended to provide a lethal, modular and cost-effective fleet while accepting Washington’s fiscal and industrial constraints.
-
![US Navy and Raytheon explore additional applications for Mk 58 CRAW torpedo]()
US Navy and Raytheon explore additional applications for Mk 58 CRAW torpedo
Designed as an anti-torpedo and anti-submarine capability, the USN and RTX foresee the Compact Rapid Attack Weapon’s potential for deployment from surface ships and aerial and uncrewed platforms.
-
![European navies line up $105.8 billion in unawarded contracts for 2026]()
European navies line up $105.8 billion in unawarded contracts for 2026
France, Germany and Italy lead the way on unawarded naval defence opportunities that could be awarded this year, but across Europe countries are ramping up their spending efforts to face geopolitical challenges.
