Australia requests Aegis combat system equipment
The US State Department has made a determination approving a potential foreign military sale of equipment for the integration of the CEAFar 2 phased array radar system with the Aegis combat system to Australia, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 26 June.
Under a package worth $185 million, Australia has requested long lead items, engineering and development activities, establishment of engineering development sites and commencement of development activities associated with the integration of the CEAFar 2 phased array radar system with the Aegis combat system.
The request includes Aegis weapon system technical equivalent components including command display system consoles (including two consoles in gun weapon system configuration); multi-mission display systems and cabinets; and global C2 system - maritime.
The package also includes cooperative engagement capability sites systems, to include processing rack, simulation equipment and workstation; AN/SPQ-15 converter/receiver and signal data converter equipment; defence visual information distribution service cabinet; AN/SQQ-89 sonobouy processing core computing system racks, with console and laptop; Aegis simulator racks and workstations; Aegis training system; and various ancillary equipment and support products.
Australia has plans to add nine Aegis capable Future Frigates over the next 20 years and upgrade their existing three Aegis capable Hobart class destroyers with the latest technology and capability. This equipment will significantly improve capability and interoperability with US Navy Aegis combatants in the region.
If the sale goes ahead, Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems will be the prime contractor.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts
In July 2023, Damen and Thales signed contracts to design, build and deliver four new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates for Belgium and the Netherlands.
-
SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy
The UK Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare Spearhead programme, run by the service’s Develop Directorate, has been investigating future and existing technologies with a particular focus on the USV arena.
-
Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD
A new class of General Purpose ‘Tier 2’ frigate will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates, but the selected design options appear to have major issues in terms of compatibility and availability for the future fleet.
-
Royal Navy welcomes mine-hunting mothership
RFA Stirling Castle, a 6,000-tonne vessel, will start operations later this year.