The Royal Australian Navy’s third Hobart-class air warfare destroyer (AWD), NUSHIP Sydney, has successfully completed sea trials.
Completion of the trials marks a key milestone ahead of the ship’s planned delivery to the navy in February.
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The Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance-built ship is the third and final of the Hobart-class.
The industry team includes Raytheon Australia, ASC Shipbuilding, and the Australian Department of Defence.
Australia Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said: “Today’s milestone is another example of the Liberal and National Government’s successful initiative to reform the AWD programme, setting the scene for the Naval Shipbuilding Plan.
“Sydney will enter into service early next year, and with her sister-ships HMA Ships Hobart and Brisbane, they will be the most potent warships to date.
“By using a combination of Australian and globally proven technologies, these highly capable warships are truly world-class and will allow us to work even closer with our allies.”
The ship, which is based on the Navantia-designed F100 frigate, will undergo final production work including the integration of the Sikorsky MH60-R Seahawk submarine-hunting helicopter.
NUSHIP Sydney completed Builders Sea Trials in South Australia in September. The trials involved a series of tests to evaluate the platform.
The sea trials tested Sydney’s combat systems and sensor equipment.
The destroyer features the Aegis combat system incorporating AN/SPY 1D(V) phased array radar and the SM-2 missile.
It will provide air defence for accompanying ships and support for surveillance missions.
