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
-
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme
The US Navy plans to improve Harpoon’s anti-ship and land attack capabilities by equipping the missiles with sensors and technologies required for succeeding in future battlespace.
-
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions
The new sonar is designed to equip uncrewed underwater vessels, with the potential to be used by the Royal Navy for its Atlantic Bastion and Atlantic Net missions.
-
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.