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Navantia cut steel for second AOR of Royal Australian Navy

Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has started the construction of the second auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR) vessel for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

First steel cut ceremony was held at the company’s Fene facility in northwestern Spain on 4 April.

The AOR ships are built under a contract signed with the Australian government in May 2016. The ships are based on the Spanish Navy’s auxiliary-oiler replenishment ship ESPS Cantabria and will be delivered at a cost of $640 million.

The Minister for Defence, Senator Hon Marise Payne, announced on 17 November 2017 the names of the Royal Australian Navy’s future support ships – Supply and Stalwart.

The contract to build these vessels was awarded in 2016 with the first ship to be delivered in 2019 and the second in 2020.

Navantia Australia will be responsible for the sustainment of both ships for their first five years of operation.

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Sources:

http://www.janes.com
https://navaltoday.com
https://defpost.com
https://navantia.com.au

Australia awards BAE, Saab and NSM for Anzac Class Frigates maintenance and upgrade contract

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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SAAB to deliver updated ship control system for RAN Collins Class submarines

Saab has signed a contract with ASC for supply of an updated Integrated Ship Control Management and Monitoring System (ISCMMS) for four Royal Australian Navy Collins class submarines. The contract value is AUD 24.2 million (150 MSEK).

“Saab Australia carried out design, software and hardware development work for the updated ISCMMS during the first stage of the project. Saab’s design and production work has been carried out in Australia involving over 50 Saab and local subcontractor staff.” says Andy Keough, Managing Director of Saab Australia.

ASC will integrate the new system into the remaining submarines commencing in 2019, as they complete their maintenance cycles.

ISCMMS allows the submarine crew to centrally control many submarine systems, fully integrating the management of propulsion, trim, power generation and ship services on board the submarine.

ASC Official Press Release here

SAAB Official Press Release here

Australia’s DST to collaborate with CEA Technologies to develop advanced electronic warfare

On March 1, the Australian Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, announced a five-year research and development agreement between the Defence Science and Technology Group (DST) and CEA Technologies to develop new solutions for Defence’s future requirements in radar, communications, and electronic warfare.

“This collaboration has relevance to programs such as the Future Frigates and will also help inform future programs in the aerospace, maritime and land domains” said Minister Pyne.

CEA Technologies has delivered the world’s first fourth generation Active Phased Array Radar technology for Australia’s ANZAC Class frigates.

The research agreement was signed in Canberra by the Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Alex Zelinsky, and Mr Merv Davis, CEO of CEA Technologies.

You can read official press release here.

First Aegis Destroyer (HMAS Hobart) has been delivered to Australian Navy

HMAS Hobart (DDG-39) was commissioned in a ceremony at Fleet Base East on 23 September 2017.

The Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Turnbull joined with ship’s company and family and friends to welcome the newest ship to the Australian Fleet.

Prime Minister said Australia plays a leading role in ensuring the world remains at peace. “In these uncertain times, a strong, well equipped Australian Defence Force is absolutely critical,” he said.

“The commissioning of HMAS Hobart provides clear evidence of our determination to keep Australians safe and ensure we are ready and able to meet the challenges that come our way in the years ahead.Wherever she may travel around the world, Hobart will serve our nation and take action in Australia’s name.”

Ship has Aegis combat system, including the phased array radar and missile systems, will provide an advanced air defence system capable of engaging enemy aircraft and missiles at ranges in excess of 150 kilometres.

Hobart, the first-of-class of three new guided missile destroyers, will provide air defence for accompanying ships, in addition to land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas, and for self-protection against missiles and aircraft.

Ship data sheet download…

Ship’s Wikipedia page here…

Australia receives first air warfare destroyer

HMAS Hobart (DDG-39) has been delivered to Australian Navy.

HMAS Hobart is the first Aegis-equipped ship to be delivered to Australia.

Hobart is 146.7 metres long, has a top speed of 28 knots (52km/h), a range of about 5000 nautical miles and room for more than 200 crew.

Australia Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne said: “The acceptance of this first-of-class ship is a further demonstration of the success of the Government-led reform initiative, with the program meeting all budget and schedule targets, Hobart will enter into service later this year.

“Hobart will play a critical role for Defence by providing new interoperable capabilities for the Royal Australian Navy.”

The Aegis weapon system has been designed as a total combat management system from detection to engagement.

Lockheed noted that the centralised, automated, command-and-control weapons control enables multi-mission capability, network centric warfare, cooperative engagement capability and growth to SM-6 and future capabilities.

She carries a range of weapons, detection and electronic warfare systems onboard, which include an Aegis threat tracking system, SPQ Horizon Search Radar, 48 vertical launch missile cells, a 5″ gun for coastal operations and two quad launchers of anti-ship HARPOON weapon systems.

The AWDs have also been equipped with anti-surface, anti-submarine and naval gunfire capabilities.

Australian Navy denies reports of improper maintenance for HMAS Canberra ve HMAS Adelaide break-downs…

Australian Navy denies reports of improper LHD maintenance. The Navy said HMA Ships Canberra and Adelaide were maintained and operated in accordance with the builders specifications, including the oils and lubricants used in their operation. Australia’s minister for defense industry Christopher Pyne said the repairs could take up to six month to complete.

You can read original news here