RAN installs new mast on HMAS Warramunga frigate

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has installed a new mast aboard the HMAS Warramunga frigate at Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia.

This milestone has been achieved as part of the Anzac Class Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) being implemented by the Warship Asset Management Agreement (WAMA) Alliance.

The upgrade onto the third Anzac Class Frigate comes after HMA Ships Arunta and Anzac completed the upgrade in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

The WAMA Alliance is a partnership between the Commonwealth of Australia, BAE Systems, SAAB Australia, and Naval Ship Management Australia.

Accommodating the SEA 1448 Phase 4B – Long Range Air Search Radar, the new 1448 mast provides an improved Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) capability.

CEA Technologies designed the radar systems.

Designed and built by BAE Systems, the new mast will support the CEAFAR2-L Phased Array Radar capability, CEAFAR1-S and 1-X PAR capabilities.

AMCAP ensures the effective use of Anzac Class Frigates for the remaining service life. The frigates will be replaced by the Hunter Class Frigate fleet.

RAN Major Projects implementation manager Commander Mark Williams said: “Effective search radars form an integral part of a ship’s capability and, as such, it is imperative the technology used in that system is the latest that’s available.

“The SPS-49, which is being replaced as part of AMCAP, has served the frigates well, but it is important to keep pace with modern technology to maintain the robust frontline capability provided by these ships.”

CEA Technologies worked with the navy in the design and support of systems for the Anzac Class Frigates and also developed the anti-ship missile defence radar known as CEAFAR which is currently installed on the frigates.