Australia’s ANZAC Frigates Enter Upgrade Works

BAE Systems has started upgrade works on the first of the Royal Australian Navy’s ANZAC Class frigates participating in the anti-ship missile defence (ASMD) Upgrade Project at Henderson dockyard in Western Australia.

Work on the ship, HMAS Perth, will integrate the leading CEA phased array radar, Vampir NG infrared search and track system, Sharpeye navigation radar systems and an upgraded combat management system including an improved operations room layout.

BAE Systems maritime through life support general manager Jason Beer said the platform integration of these systems required significant structural modifications.

“This includes replacement of both the frigate’s forward and aft masts, which has required us to develop innovative design solutions to minimise the impact on the ship’s weight and stability,” Beer said.

The Defence Materiel Organisation is managing the ASMD upgrade project in cooperation with BAE Systems and Saab Systems.