An RAN sailor, able seaman electronics technician Luke Pozzi, with HMAS Warramunga’s 3D printer. Credit: Royal Australian Navy.

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has announced it is adopting new technologies and implementing latest solutions on-board its Anzac-class frigate HMAS Warramunga with the establishment of the vessel’s own Deployed Innovation Workshop.

The workshop was established during preparation for the ship’s deployment on Operation Manitou in the Middle East region.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

It is primarily based around a three-dimensional (3D) printer, new electronic kits and multiple civilian software tools.

"We looked out our options and thought ‘why not just print a fix’, and within 24 hours we were able to print and fit the part."

HMAS Warramunga able seaman electronics technician Luke Pozzi has already used the new 3D printing equipment to design, print and fit a temporary replacement part at sea when faced with an issue relating to a pressure sensor, which restored the system to its full functionality.

Pozzi said: “We looked out our options and thought ‘why not just print a fix’, and within 24 hours we were able to print and fit the part.

“Initially we weren’t sure if it would work, so it was quite a buzz when the system came up to the correct pressure.”

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Personnel from the RAN vessel have developed and conducted on-board tutorials for the new printing equipment.

The engineers currently conduct weekly workshops relating to Computer Aid Design, 3D printing and software development.

These skills are expected to be applied beyond the technical departments to design, develop and enact solutions across the frigate in future.

The new equipment and the related tutorials are expected to allow crew members of the HMAS Warramunga to meet the Chief of Navy’s Innovation Statement by improving their technical resilience in the deployed environment.

RAN’s Deployed Innovation Workshop project is being co-ordinated by FFG Enterprise, Fleet Base East Centre for Innovation and HMAS Warramunga.

Naval Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Naval Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Virtualitics has secured the Innovation and Business Expansion awards for its Integrated Readiness Optimization (IRO) suite. Discover how its explainable AI is transforming maintenance, sustainment and mission readiness, giving defence leaders faster, clearer, and more confident operational decisions.

Discover the Impact