Second AWD launched in Adelaide
Australia's Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) programme has reached a new milestone, with the second destroyer named and launched in Adelaide.
The vessel has been named Brisbane. Over the coming months, outfitting of Brisbane and the installation of the combat system will continue.
Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne, said that Brisbane’s launch is a significant step towards the delivery of three warships to the Royal Australian Navy.
He said: ‘The [destroyers] will be one of the world’s most capable multi-purpose warships that will provide the Royal Australian Navy with air defence for accompanying ships, land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas.
‘The Brisbane will have cutting edge layered defensive and offensive resources capable of operating across of maritime operations, from providing entire task groups with air defence and escort duties, right through to law enforcement and rescue operations.’
The first AWD, Hobart, completed its builder sea trials in October and is set to undertake sea trials in 2017 to put onboard combat and communications systems through their paces. The third destroyer will now commence consolidation work.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?]()
Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?
The effort to provide the US Navy with Trump-class battleships might face financial, production and doctrinal obstacles.
-
![How will SAFE shape naval procurement for Canada and its highest-receiving members?]()
How will SAFE shape naval procurement for Canada and its highest-receiving members?
Canada’s inclusion on the EU’s Security Action for Europe initiative is set to enhance the country’s defence procurement strategy with important implications for some of its naval programmes, while Poland and Romania have also secured significant SAFE funding.
-
![Thales wins DE&S contract for portable autonomous command centres]()
Thales wins DE&S contract for portable autonomous command centres
The agreement to provide portable autonomous command centres to the UK Royal Navy will enhance the service’s Mine Counter Measure operations and further integrate autonomous and uncrewed systems into its fleet.
-
![Maritime defence in the Mediterranean faces challenges from vulnerable land power]()
Maritime defence in the Mediterranean faces challenges from vulnerable land power
As an indispensable energy crossroads, the Mediterranean is at serious risk from grey zone disruption. As navies increasingly employ AI data centres, what happens when cutting-edge defence technologies rely on the very infrastructure most susceptible to hybrid tactics?
