HMAS Stuart enters ASMD upgrade
The Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Stuart Anzac-class frigate has entered the Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) upgrade, with the vessel now docked at the BAE Systems Australia Henderson shipyard in Western Australia.
As part of the upgrade, the ship's two mast modules will be removed, modified and replaced, the ship will be blasted back and repainted, and an upgraded Saab Systems Mk3E system will be installed. Fibre optic cables will be installed extensively across the vessel for the CEA phased array radar and other sensors to communicate with the new combat system.
The frigate will return to sea after the upgrade in early March 2017. It is expected to undergo sea and harbour trials in October 2017, after which it will return to service.
HMAS Stuart is the final ship of class to enter the upgrade programme.
Lt Cdr Felicity Petrie, upgrade program delivery manager, Royal Australian Navy, said: ‘This represents the completion of a significant body of work by a number of navy personnel and civilian contractors across the Anzac fleet. Stuart’s upgrade will signal the end of the ‘classic’ configuration and herald a new era in navy capability.
‘The operations room will be completely overhauled, bringing the entire Anzac fleet up to current standards for ergonomics and information display.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs]()
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
-
![South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays]()
South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays
Hyundai and Hanwha recently unveiled advanced frigate and submarine designs while South Korea eyes new export markets and resolves internal rivalries
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
