Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition
Australia’s mine countermeasure capability remains in flux as the Huon-class nears retirement, but accelerated investment in autonomous systems is opening a path for industry.
The German Navy F123 frigate Brandenburg. (Photo: US DoD)
Through a contract signed by ARCHE and German defence procurement agency BAAINBw, OSI Maritime Systems will supply navigation solutions to upgrade legacy ships and shore establishments.
The RadEA 2 programme covers over 40 platforms, including tankers, Brandenburg-class F123 frigates, and other vessels. Upgrades will begin in Q1 2023 and are due for completion in 2028.
The RadEA award follows recent contracts for integrating OSI’s Integrated Navigation & Tactical System (INTS) into F126 frigates and K130 corvettes.
ARCHE will use OSI’s Electronic Chart Precise Integrated Navigation System (ECPINS) 7 to power the navigation system and, as prime contractor, the company will be responsible for integration, testing and delivery.
The German Navy began modernising navigation systems under RadEA in 2006.
On 2 December, Poland’s PGZ Stocznia Wojenna (PGZ SW) shipyard awarded OSI a contract to provide its INTS for vessels four to six of the Polish Navy Kormoran programme.
Australia’s mine countermeasure capability remains in flux as the Huon-class nears retirement, but accelerated investment in autonomous systems is opening a path for industry.
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