Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne announced on March 2; the Defence Department has signed a $1.2 billion deal with a consortium of local companies to maintain and upgrade Australia’s eight frigates.
The new contract narrows a $2 billion, eight-year agreement with BAE Systems, Saab Australia and Naval Ship Management (NSM). Naval Ship Management (Australia) Pty. Ltd. is a Joint Venture between UGL and Babcock, established to execute the ANZAC Class Maintenance Contracts.
Mr Pyne said the follow-on contract would ensure the jobs of almost 1700 workers across the country, with facilities in Sydney, Adelaide and Williamstown also receiving work.
“This strategic partnership will see highly skilled jobs secured around the country, including in small and medium-sized businesses,” Mr Pyne said.
The Anzac class is based on the German Meko 200 frigate design with eight ships constructed in Australia for the Royal Australian Navy.
Anzac class is a long-range frigate capable of air defence, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction. The ships are fitted with an advanced package of air and surface surveillance radars; omni-directional hull mounted sonar and electronic support systems that interface with the state-of-the-art 9LV453 Mk3E combat data system. They can counter simultaneous threats from aircraft, surface vessels and submarines.
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