UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Hobart sails in the Eastern Australian Exercise Area. (Photo: Australian Department of Defence)
Lockheed Martin Australia is supporting an Aegis combat system upgrade on the three Royal Australian Navy Hobart-class air warfare destroyers, under the SEA 4000 Phase 6 Combat System Design Agent (CSD-A) programme.
A two-year A$33 million ($23.5 million) contract, announced on 16 December, will see Lockheed Martin Australia perform most of the work in Adelaide. Industry partners such as Sydney-based Relegen will support configuration updates associated with CSD-A activities.
Lockheed Martin Australia is delivering advanced naval combat systems engineering services under the CSD-A contract. ‘This will achieve the landmark integration of the Aegis Combat System Baseline 9 software into the Hobart-class destroyers,’ the company noted in a statement.
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
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