RAN opens new training centre
The AWD Alliance’s Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) project has achieved a new milestone, with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) opening its Navy Training Systems Centre at Randwick Barracks, it was announced on 7 April.
Training for the RAN’s Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) and AWD capabilities will be carried out at the purpose-built facility.
The first AWD, HMAS Hobart, is now being prepared for sea trials. A number of key combat systems on the vessel have now been activated including the Vertical Launch System, the Australian Tactical Interface, the Aegis Software Operating Environment and the SPY1D-V phased array radar, along with various navigation and platform systems. In the coming weeks, Hobart will complete the activation of its main engines, in preparation for sea trials later this year.
The Hobart-class multi-purpose warships will provide cross-spectrum capability to the navy, including diplomatic missions, escort duties, area air defence and joint maritime operations.
The AWD Alliance team consists of ASC, Raytheon Australia and the Department of Defence. Raytheon Australia is responsible for designing, integrating, testing and activating the Hobart class combat system for all the three destroyers, and delivering land-based associated support facilities.
Lloyd Beckett, general manager, AWD Alliance, said: ‘The activation of the combat system is an exciting time for a first-of-class ship such as Hobart. It is a further demonstration of the demanding work that we are executing on this project, and proof of our ability to manage the risks associated with highly complex integration activities. I am immensely proud of what the AWD Alliance is achieving together as one team.’
According to the alliance, Brisbane is 75% complete as it prepares for launch in the coming year; while Sydney is 49% complete, with the final block delivery to occur in May 2016.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Euronaval 2026: Red Cat’s Blue Ops follows USV demand from Asia to the Andes]()
Euronaval 2026: Red Cat’s Blue Ops follows USV demand from Asia to the Andes
With its B-26 USV in full-rate production, Blue Ops is seeking to turn overseas interest into orders through a combination of lower operating costs, UAV integration and local manufacturing.
-
![Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push]()
Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push
Chief growth officer Sir Nick Hine tells Shephard how Babcock is lining up New Zealand, Chile, Denmark and the US for its Arrowhead 140 frigate, speaks on the hybrid navy offer and talks AUKUS.
-
![From Chokepoints to the Deep: ASELSAN’s Naval Vision at EURONAVAL]()
From Chokepoints to the Deep: ASELSAN’s Naval Vision at EURONAVAL
From deployable ship defence to autonomous sea and underwater vehicles, ASELSAN is preparing for a new era of naval security.
-
![Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift]()
Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift
The 50m, six-person ship from the Italian shipbuilder carries swappable, containerised payloads instead of a fixed mission, reflecting a shift that is becoming increasingly evident.
-
![Canada’s submarine availability under pressure as Chicoutimi is unlikely to return to front-line duties]()
Canada’s submarine availability under pressure as Chicoutimi is unlikely to return to front-line duties
HMCS Victoria and HMCS Windsor could return from their current deep maintenance, but unconfirmed operational timelines leave questions over patrol capacity before the first CPSP arrives.
