BAE Systems wins RAN ANZAC ASMD contract
The Australian Department of Defence has selected BAE Systems to carry out an upgrade of the seven remaining Royal Australian Navy ANZAC class frigates, with the Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) capability already implemented on the first of class, HMAS Perth.
The contract, worth AUD $270 million, will be completed through the ANZAC Ship Integrated Material Support Program Alliance comprising BAE Systems, Saab Systems and the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO).
The contract follows the end of a comprehensive testing programme carried out on HMAS Perth for the ASMD programme. According to the Australian government, the weapon will bring a new level of capabilities to the fleet. Rather than be able to track and destroy one target at a time, the new system is able to identify, track and guide missiles to multiple targets at the same time.
The upgrade will include ship integration of the leading edge CEA Phased Array Radar (PAR), the Vampir NG Infrared Search & Track (IRST) system, the Sharpeye Navigation Radar System (NRS), and an upgraded Saab Combat Management System (CMS) including an improved operations room layout.
According to BAE Systems, project management and planning for ship two will begin immediately with fabrication set to begin early June next year and installation to commence in the fourth quarter of 2012.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Canada’s selection of TKMS for its new patrol submarines reflects rising Arctic competition]()
Canada’s selection of TKMS for its new patrol submarines reflects rising Arctic competition
The decision points to deepening NATO cooperation and mounting competition in the Arctic and North Atlantic, as Canada opts for a European-designed solution despite interest from South Korea.
-
![UK DIP: Royal Navy bets on defence technology over bigger fleets]()
UK DIP: Royal Navy bets on defence technology over bigger fleets
The Royal Navy’s transition towards a hybrid fleet could prove to be less about building more hulls and more about delivering the autonomous technologies, AI and digital integration that will support future maritime operations.
-
![US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies]()
US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies
The programme’s structure as a marketplace will allow multiple companies to compete for ongoing procurements; an approach which could be replicated across the Atlantic.
-
![UK Defence Investment Plan: What does it mean for the country’s naval forces?]()
UK Defence Investment Plan: What does it mean for the country’s naval forces?
Investment in nuclear submarines, autonomous systems and stronger defensive capabilities for existing vessels show a clear strategic shift in Royal Navy priorities.
-
![UK Royal Navy shifts focus from warships to system-led warfare]()
UK Royal Navy shifts focus from warships to system-led warfare
With a revised Defence Investment Plan on the way ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit on 7-8 July, the UK government has begun to reveal more details of how its future naval fleet could look.
