HMAS Ballarat completes upgrade
HMAS Ballarat, an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), has successfully completed its anti-ship missile defence upgrade, the navy announced in 24 February.
The upgrade includes the addition of a CEA phased array radar suite and an aft radar mast ‘cupola’ to house the phased array radar; an upgraded combat system; and engineering changes and maintenance tasks including the ability to embark the MRH-90 helicopter.
The ship's propulsion plant safety and operability has been verified, and it has now set sail for sea trials to test and validate the upgrade package.
As part of the ongoing Anzac class upgrade, HMAS Ballarat is the fifth vessel to proceed to Mariner Skills Evaluation and Sea Trials post upgrade, following HMAS Perth, Arunta, Anzac and Warramunga.
HMAS Parramatta and Toowoomba are half-way through the process on the dry dock in the BAE Systems shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia. HMAS Stuart, the last ship to be upgraded, will enter the programme in May.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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.
