Selex wins ANZAC-Class frigate communications work
Selex ES will provide and support modernised communications systems for the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) eight ANZAC-Class frigates as part of a $188 million contract awarded by the Australian Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO).
The upgrade work is being conducted under the SEA1442 Phase 4 programme.
Selex ES will provide an integrated suite of communications capabilities for the ANZAC-class frigates. The solution involves enhanced external RF communications and internal tactical communications equipment, the provision of a high-data-rate-line-of-sight bearer capacity and the introduction of a modern communications management system.
The systems will be supported by the newly established Selex ES Australia under a separate five-year contract valued at nearly $18 million. The company has been established to play a leading role in the delivery and support of the programme and will be the focal point for the transfer of skills and experience to Australian industry.
Fabrizio Giulianini, CEO, Selex ES, said: ‘Key to the Selex ES team’s solution is investment in Australia. We're transferring knowledge and skills to local industry and developing a regional engineering and support facility through Selex ES Australia, building an Australian sovereign capability in naval communications systems integration.
‘In the future, we're also looking to increasingly sub-contract high value-added work to Australian industry as our technology transfer programmes progress. The ANZAC fleet will benefit from a quantum leap forwards in communications capability from a system based on the one we've successfully proven with allied navies.’
The capability upgrade will lay the foundation of a maritime architecture critical to future RAN tactical communications. It will also contribute towards the Australian Defence Force’s network-centric warfare concept in the maritime environment, helping reach the goal of a networked RAN.
The first upgraded ship is planned to enter service in 2018.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs]()
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
-
![US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026]()
US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026
The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer
The sixth Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is currently at the final stages of construction within Irving Shipbuilding.
