Royal Australian Navy Hobart-class air warfare destroyer (AWD), Nuship Sydney, is set to receive a technical capability upgrade earlier than planned at the Osborne Naval Shipyard, the Australian Department of Defence announced on 26 March.
The capability upgrade has been brought forward and streamlined into the ship's build. It will include structural modifications to accommodate the MH-60R Romeo helicopter, and will allow vessel to enter into operation one year ahead of schedule.
When it enters service Sydney will primarily provide air defence for accompanying ships, in addition to land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas, and self-protection against missiles and aircraft.
The Hobart-class AWDs are being built and integrated by the AWD Alliance.