BAE Systems has achieved a two million hours milestone in the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Anzac anti-ship missile defence (ASMD) programme.
The company is currently performing ASMD upgrade works on HMAS Parramatta and HMAS Toowoomba ships at its Henderson facility. A total of eight Anzac ships are set to undergo the programme.
BAE Systems Australia chief executive Glynn Phillips said: "The team involved is averaging 33,000 hours per month, or around 400,000 hours per ship and is successfully meeting project milestones.
"The scope of work is incredibly diverse as these ships are essentially being ‘gutted’ and rebuilt from the inside out. It’s especially challenging as the upgrade and the engineering changes and maintenance work is being undertaken simultaneously and the engineering changes vary depending on the configuration of each ship."
Under the ASMD programme, each ship will receive upgrades to the combat management system, introduction of an infrared search and track system, as well as a phased array radar and a dual navigation radar system.
Additionally, BAE will perform a number of complex engineering and structural changes to the frigates, which include enclosing the quarterdeck and modifications to accommodate naval helicopters.
HMAS Parramatta and HMAS Toowoomba will be undocked in the second and third quarters of this year respectively.
HMAS Stuart will be docked this year and is due for completion in 2017, while HMAS Ballarat, which is undergoing sea trials will be accepted into active service.
In addition to BAE, the Anzac Ship Integrated Material Support Programme Alliance includes Saab Systems and the Department of Defence Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group.
Image: HMAS Warramunga. Photo: courtesy of BAE Systems.
