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
-
US Coast Guard sets sail in search of robotics and CUAS capabilities
The USCG has been increasing efforts to accelerate the process to develop, procure, deploy and sustain autonomous and counter-uncrewed systems across its fleet.
-
Managing risk in a changing world: how the Royal Navy can win
A fighting force such as the Royal Navy must inevitably focus on its core capabilities, platforms and readiness. But to avoid unexpected outcomes and costly oversights, a complex organisation like this needs to be underpinned by sound enterprise-level risk management principles and systems.
-
Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)
In an era of swarming drones, proliferating missiles and saturation attacks, naval air defence must combine cutting-edge effectiveness with low cost per intercept. Israel’s Rafael is applying its long expertise to help navies adapt to emerging threats, while looking to a future of laser technology – and beyond.
-
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme
The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
-
Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist
Austal signs long-delayed Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, but schedule risks and programme delays still loom over Canberra’s naval plans.