BAE to bid for Australian patrol boat programme
BAE Systems Australia has announced that it will bid for Australia's patrol boat replacement programme. The Request for Tender for the project was released by the Australian government on 5 March.
Australia is seeking 21 patrol vessels to replace its current Pacific class vessels which are reaching the end of their service life. It is a central requirement of the programme that the vessels are sourced from an Australian supplier.
David Allott, CEO, BAE Systems Australia, said that the company would draw on its experience in the Australian ship-building industry to put forward a 'very competitive bid'.
Allott said: 'We have a supply chain that includes around 800 small and medium Australian businesses that will be very keen to contribute to this programme and to retain some of their capabilities as well.
'This capability will be critical should the government decide to maintain a sovereign shipbuilding capability in Australia.'
BAE Systems has most recently delivered the largest ever warship of the Royal Australian Navy fleet, HMAS Canberra. It is currently constructing the second of class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), NUSHIP Adelaide, which will be completed later in 2015.
BAE System is also the prime contractor for the Anti-Ship Missile Defence Upgrade programme on the ANZAC Frigates and is also working on the air warfare destroyer programme as sub-contractor to ASC.
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.