Third AWD embarks on sea trials
The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) third Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD), Sydney, has begun its first phase of sea trials, the Australian Department of Defence announced on 16 September.
The trials will test the ship’s hull, propulsion and navigation systems. A more advanced phase of trials will then begin in October to test the ship’s combat and communications systems in preparation for delivery in 2020.
Sydney is the RAN’s third and final Hobart class AWD being built under the SEA 4000 procurement programme
Minister for Defence, Linda Reynolds, said: ‘Over the past decade, more than 5,000 people from across the Department of Defence, ASC, Raytheon Australia and Navantia have dedicated millions of hours of work towards delivering the most capable warships ever to be operated by the RAN.
‘This is underpinned by over 2,700 suppliers who have supported the AWD Alliance in its efforts to expand Australian industry capability for the overall programme.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Euroatlas brings Greyshark AUV to Asia for its maiden visit]()
Euroatlas brings Greyshark AUV to Asia for its maiden visit
Euroatlas displayed its Greyshark autonomous underwater vehicle outside Europe for the first time, highlighting variant specifications and development progress at IMDEX 2025.
-
![Metal Shark starts production on HSMUSVs as US shipyard targets further Caribbean orders]()
Metal Shark starts production on HSMUSVs as US shipyard targets further Caribbean orders
The US shipyard’s new High Speed Maneuverable Unmanned Surface Vessel (HSMUSV) will have a range of more than 500 nautical miles.
-
![ST Engineering to supply the Republic of Singapore Navy with counter-mine systems]()
ST Engineering to supply the Republic of Singapore Navy with counter-mine systems
Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering) will supply uncrewed naval systems and supporting command and control equipment to support counter-mine operations with deliveries expected to begin in 2027.
-
![SOF Week 2025: SubSea Craft introduces MARS USV]()
SOF Week 2025: SubSea Craft introduces MARS USV
The MARS platform was built be a low-signature, multi-role, mission-configurable capability.
-
![US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms]()
US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
