Royal Australian Naval Force Enhancements

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

Maybe not Tatra, but that was the only pic I could find of the ships, I'm not all that patient either and thought that ship would do.. :

 

[tatra]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

From elsewhere in the forum.

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

RISK REDUCTION AND DESIGN STUDY CALLED FOR AMPHIBIOUS SHIP OPTIONS


French shipbuilding group Armaris and Spanish shipbuilding group IZAR will be asked to participate in a funded risk reduction and design study for the Navy’s two new amphibious vessels, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.

Senator Hill said the study was a further step towards the selection of a new amphibious ship design to replace HMAS Tobruk and one of the Landing Platform Amphibious Ships.

The $2 billion project will equip the Australian Defence Force with two new amphibious ships capable of performing a range of tasks, including regional disaster relief, delivering humanitarian aid, support for peace operations, and assistance to policing or military operations.

"Defence has conducted a preliminary design assessment in consultation with the Australian shipbuilding industry which confirmed the basic designs of Armaris and IZAR broadly meet the ADF’s capability requirements for the new amphibious ships," Senator Hill said.

"The study will assist Defence to further assess the suitability of the companies’ amphibious ship designs for the ADF’s capability requirements, including the capability, cost, schedule, technical risk and industry issues relating to the construction of amphibious ships in Australia."

As part of the study, Armaris will be asked to provide detailed information relating to three variants of its Mistral design: the military off-the-shelf design which is currently in production; a modified design providing for increased troop capacity; and an option based on the original extended Mistral design.

IZAR will be asked to provide detailed information relating to its Strategic Projection Ship design.

The decision to conduct the risk reduction and design study is consistent with the Government’s implementation of the Kinnaird Review’s recommendation that increased planning and analysis be undertaken during the early stages of Defence projects.

Senator Hill said Defence was expected to issue invitations to contract to Armaris and IZAR for the conduct of the study by the end of the month, with the companies to respond to Defence’s request for information in December.

It is anticipated that the outcomes of the study will inform the selection of a preferred designer for the amphibious ships in the first half of next year.

It sounds to me that the French Mistral design is very much favoured by the RAN and the Government, with the Spanish design included to provide the appearance of a "competition". You never know though...

Admin: Links!

Sorry webs, anyone can find this story at: www.defence.gov.au

Cheers.

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

AEGIS COMBAT SYSTEM FOR AIR WARFARE DESTROYERS



The Howard Government has selected the Aegis air warfare system as the core of the combat system for Australia’s new air warfare destroyers, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.

"The Aegis system is the world’s pre-eminent maritime air warfare system and forms the backbone of the United States Navy fleet," Senator Hill said.

"Also currently in-service with the Japanese and Spanish navies and soon to be introduced into the South Korean and Norwegian fleets, the Aegis is capable of detecting and defeating multiple hostile aircraft and missiles at ranges in excess of 150 kilometres.

"This combat system will be a quantum leap in the air warfare capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy. It will provide significantly increased protection from air attack for troops being transported and deployed, long-range area air warfare defence for a Navy task group and a coordinated air picture for the more effective deployment of fighter and surveillance aircraft."

The first of Australia’s three new air warfare destroyers will be delivered in 2013. The new ships, including the Aegis combat system, will be constructed at a cost of $4.5 billion – $6 billion.

Defence recommended the Aegis as the best system for its air warfare combat needs based on cost, capability, risk and schedule following analysis by the Defence Science Technology Organisation and support from the US Navy.

Defence will now undertake a combat system integration and risk reduction study to:


Refine detailed aspects of the version of the Aegis system to be acquired;


Explore the use of Australian designed phased array fire control technology that has significant potential to enhance the air warfare destroyers’ capabilities; and


Examine options for integrating Australian components and sub-systems into the Aegis combat system.

The decision to conduct the study is consistent with the Government’s implementation of the Kinnaird Review’s recommendation that increased planning and analysis be undertaken during the early stages of defence projects. Defence will recommend the detail of the total combined combat system and the preferred design for the air warfare destroyers in mid-2005.

"This decision is a good example of the benefits Australia has derived from our close working relationship with the US," Senator Hill said.

"The RAN and US Navy have been working closely on the air warfare destroyer project since signing a Statement of Principles on Surface Warfare earlier this year. This cooperation means the RAN will continue to benefit from the US Navy’s wealth of technical and operational experience and knowledge of the Aegis system."

The air warfare destroyers project will provide significant opportunities for Australian industry, including the construction of these ships in Australia and opportunities in sub-systems.

This can also be obtained at www.defence.gov.au

Cheers.

 

[gf0012-aust]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

Explore the use of Australian designed phased array fire control technology that has significant potential to enhance the air warfare destroyers’ capabilities; and


Examine options for integrating Australian components and sub-systems into the Aegis combat system.

I guess that means that Australias CEA Technologies FCS is in the running. The US has been running a mule in a sensitive site - and it apparently has been performing beyond expectations. Now if we can sell that to the USN as well... we might actually start making more money rather than spending it.

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

It will be interesting to see the RAN's interest in the CEA-FCS as it progresses. One of these radars is due to be installed on an ANZAC Frigate and if it progresses as well as expected will probably be installed on the whole class.

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

Vote of Confidence For Australian Expertise in Electronic Warfare


(Source: BAE Systems; issued Aug. 18, web-posted Aug. 19, 2004)


ADELAIDE, South Australia --- BAE Systems Australia has been selected as sole source provider to deliver a cutting edge Australian designed and developed radar identification system to the Royal Australian Navy, under a contract worth over A$12 million.

David Gordon Electronic Warfare Systems Manager of BAE Systems Australia said, “This is great news. BAE Systems was up against some very stiff competition from overseas companies and the fact that we have been appointed by the Navy demonstrates that it is cost-effective to design and develop Electronic Warfare systems here in Australia. The contract win further demonstrates our company’s ability to support military self-reliance in Electronic Warfare systems in Australia.â€

PRISM, a Passive Radar Identification SysteM, is an electronic sensor that passively uses the electromagnetic spectrum to gain information about other parties on the battlefield, or in this case, the maritime operating environment. “The Royal Australian Navy’s acquisition of PRISM proves once again Australia’s excellence in electronic warfare design and support,†said David.

PRISM will be installed on the Navy’s new Armidale Class Patrol Boat and used to detect microwave radar frequencies such as those used by marine radars. The systems will help the Navy to know exactly who is in Australian waters. It will also help in tracking down illegal vessels such as fishing boats.

“Importantly for the local economy, the sale of PRISM to the Navy will mean additional manufacturing, maintenance and ongoing support jobs in South Australia,†explains David.

BAE Systems Australia has developed a family of PRISM systems operating on a variety of ship borne and land-based EW applications; a PRISM Air Defence (PRISM-AD) variant is in service with the Royal Australian Air Force, a PRISM 133 variant is installed on the Navy’s Fremantle Class Patrol Boat and the PRISM III variant is on Navy’s the Huon Class Minehunter Coastal vessels. Mr. Gordon said, “The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is able to significantly lower through-life support costs by having the PRISM product line deployed to multiple users across the Services by using common training, maintenance, test equipment and ongoing support systems.â€

The PRISM system will greatly enhance the navy’s ability to provide situational awareness and immediate warning of potential threats.

The PRISM III System is the latest generation of the BAE Systems Australia Limited PRISM product line. PRISM III provides the ability to automatically detect, direction find and classify emitters operating in the microwave frequency band and provides area surveillance and warning of potential threat emitters.

The system comprises two main assemblies; the Antenna Unit and Signal Processing Unit, with an optional Operator console Unit for specialist EW operator positions where required. The system also features a radar threat emitter library that can be easily programmed with specific and general radar types and provides the threat data necessary to engage Electronic Countermeasures such as chaff or active decoys.

-ends-

Obtained from: http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cg....1092028767.QRcJX8Oa9dUAABm2XOM&modele=jdc_34

 

[tatra]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

For interested Aussies: Mistral taking shape.

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

TENDERS CALLED TO BUILD AIR WARFARE DESTROYERS



The Federal Government has today advertised for Australian shipbuilders to bid for one of Australia’s largest and most complex Defence projects, the Navy’s Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs).

Defence Minister Robert Hill said a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be released and the terms of the proposal will be available from Monday, 18 October 2004.

"The proposal will be for the construction of three AWDs in Australia," Senator Hill said.

"The RFP will be available to qualified shipbuilding organisations that have entered into agreements with the Commonwealth in relation to confidentiality and related matters."

Senator Hill said tender documents for the $4.5-$6 billion project have been developed by Defence in consultation with independent commercial adviser Carnegie Wylie & Company.

The tender for the construction of the AWDs will remain open for approximately nine weeks. Defence will then evaluate tender responses, with Government to receive a recommendation on the preferred shipbuilder in March 2005.

Once appointed, the preferred shipbuilder will be in a position to assist the Commonwealth select the preferred design for the AWD in mid 2005.

Senator Hill said tenders will be sought on an alliance-style contract basis, with the vessels to be built in Australia. The successful shipbuilder will be majority Australian-owned and be required to satisfy a range of price and non-price criteria, including:

Commitment to the principles of a long-term risk sharing arrangement with the Commonwealth and other industry partners for the construction of the AWDs;
A cost, overhead and pricing structure that will enable the cost effective delivery of the AWDs, including the ability to build designs considering ‘whole of life’ costs;
A sound record of past performance in building naval vessels;
Commercial viability and financial backing;
Access to the skilled workforce required to produce ships to the Commonwealth’s requirements;
Willingness to provide open financial accounting data – including visibility through to the sub-contractor level – to the Commonwealth;
Capacity to provide the Commonwealth with transparency and contractual influence over major sub-contractors; and
Capacity to access sensitive technology required for the AWD project.
Companies bidding for the AWDs will be required to include Australian skills and training programs in their tenders, with Defence to fund companies for extra skills generation and training benefits in the programs.

The AWDs represent a quantum leap in the air warfare capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy. The vessels, which are to be introduced into service from 2013, will be equipped with the world-class AEGIS radar that is capable of detecting and defeating multiple hostile aircraft and missiles at ranges in excess of 150 kilometres.

The AWDs will also have an anti-submarine and anti-shipping capability, together with the potential for the ships’ sensors to be used to detect ballistic missiles in flight. They will provide significantly increased protection from air attack for troops being transported and deployed and long-range air warfare defence for a Navy task group.

As outlined earlier this year, the Government has asked the international design houses Blohm & Voss of Germany; Gibbs & Cox of the Unites States and Izar of Spain to produce evolved concept designs based on their existing ship classes the Saschen Class F124 Frigate; the Arleigh Burke Class Guided Missile Destroyer; and the Alvaro De Bazan Class F100 Frigate respectively.

The AWD project provides a massive opportunity for Australian industry to participate at both the prime and sub-contractor level. The project will also create new Australian jobs and skills and strengthen Australia’s strategic industrial base.

Good to see the recently re-elected Australian Government getting on with their Defence Plan. Now if only they'd actually fund our Defence Forces properly everything would be all good...

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

A proposal has been made to the RAN by Raytheon for a long range land attack missile system to be fitted to Australia's new Air warfare Destroyers. This will not be the Tomahawk Block IV system, as many hoped, but instead is based around a low cost option of retro-fitting obsolete Standard SAM's with a blast/fragmentation warhead and the GPS based guidance system from the SLAM-ER missile system.

This configuration would provide a tactical land attack missile system with a range of 280 - 300ks, and would cost considerably less that a Tomahawk Missile purchase. The weapon is fully compatible with the Mk 41 VLS system that will be installed on the AWD's and has already undergone operational testing with the US Navy.

Such a system is seen as a definite possibility due to it's low cost and good level of capability, but not quite Tomahawk like capability, so our regional neighbours can't get too upset... In addition with several thousand SM-1 and early model SM-2 weapons in existence, a large ready base of weapons exists and the capability could be introduced at relatively short notice.

(Source: BAsed on a Defence today Magazine article in Australia. No online link). Here's the rundown on such a weapon system.

SM-4 RGM-165 Land Attack Standard Missile [LASM]



STANDARD Missile is taking on a new role in Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS). Land Attack STANDARD Missile will provide fast response, precision naval fires in support of Army and Marine Corps forces ashore. The Navy is planning on converting older SM-2 Block II/IIIs to a LASM configuration, providing a significant cost savings. LASM utilizes an advanced Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance section to provide precision guidance. A modified MK125 warhead will provide significant lethality across the spectrum of fire support targets. LASM’s supersonic speed and range fill a key role along with existing and planned gun systems and cruise missiles. Raytheon recently completed the LASM Demonstration Program, including several ground and flight test which validated its role as a land attack missile.

The CNO decided in late 1998 to modify the Standard missile for a surface-to-ground strike role. Studies determined LASM as the most cost-effective way to provide a rapid response, and all weather strike capability in support of military power projection ashore. The LASM mission will provide the required range, lethality, responsiveness and accuracy needed to support Marine Corps Fire Support requirements for Operational Maneuver from the Sea. This version of the Standard Surface-to-air missile is be reconfirmed for use against targets ashore at ranges up to 200 miles. The land-attack Standard missile (LASM), fitted with an advanced warhead and guided by GPS and its own inertial navigation system, will put at risk targets up over 150 nm inland.

The LASM builds on the successful thirty-year evolution of the STANDARD Missile, the US Navy's premier AAW weapon currently deployed on 50 destroyers and cruiser as well as with 13 Navies around the world. The LASM design maximizes use of common components, software and Non-developmental Items (NDI) between STANDARD Missile 2 (SM-2) Blk II/III and SM-3 LEAP (Lightweight Ex-Atmospheric Projectiles) minimizing development and production costs.

On 03 September 1998 the US Navy successfully conducted the third in the series of Land Attack Standard Missile (LASM) Concept Demonstration flights at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The objective of this particular test was to build upon a 24 July 1998 static firing of the Mk125 Warhead conducted at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Virginia in order to validate the warhead fragment pattern under actual missile flight conditions. The Mk125 warhead is currently deployed in STANDARD Missile-2 Block IIIA, IIIB, IV and the future IVA missiles possessing a proven reputation for devastating lethality and rugged reliability. The test used a modified STANDARD Missile-2 Block IIIA, carrying a modified Mk125 warhead which was optimized to the LASM’s terminal trajectory made to enhance effectiveness in the land attack role. The Mk125 modifications primarily involve alterations to the warhead’s explosive initiation system. The STANDARD Missile was launched from the Mk41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) and flew over 50 nautical miles on a pre-programmed flight path to a specific warhead burst point in an arena equipped with witness plates and optical equipment to verify warhead performance under dynamic conditions. This test combined with prior tests in the fall of 1997 and the spring of 1998 met all planned Concept Demonstration program objectives. There are approximately 1200 rounds in the U.S. Navy's inventory available for LASM retrofit. Flight demonstrations are planned for FY1998 and FY1999 with an Initial Operating Capability (IOC) about 2003.

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

Australia – AEGIS Weapons Systems

(Source: US Defense Security Cooperation Agency; issued May 23, 2005)

On 23 May 2005, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of three MK 7 AEGIS Weapons Systems as well as associated equipment and services.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $350 million.

The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of three MK 7 AEGIS Weapons Systems, support equipment, testing, computer programs and maintenance support, ship integration, spare and repair parts, supply support, publications and technical data, training, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $350 million.

Australia is an important ally in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power significantly contributes to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in modernizing its surface combatant fleet so as to maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability and contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area. This procurement also aids in maintaining the U.S. Navy (USN) production base and will improve interoperability between RAN and USN forces. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives, and facilitates burden sharing with our allies.

The proposed sale of AEGIS Weapons Systems to Australia will contribute to U.S. security objectives by providing a coalition partner with significantly improved Air Warfare capability. This will improve the RAN’s ability to participate in coalition operations, provides common logistical support with the USN, and enhances the lethality of its Air Warfare Destroyer platform. The RAN can easily integrate the capabilities of the AEGIS Weapons Systems into their concept of operations. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be:

--Lockheed-Martin Maritime System and Sensors Moorestown, New Jersey
--Raytheon Company, Equipment Division Andover, Massachusetts
--General Dynamics, Armament Systems Burlington, Vermont
--Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors Eagan, Minnesota

There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of up to three U.S. Government and contractor representatives to Australia.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

-ends-

Senator Robert Hill mentioned during an interview just the other day, that the Navy has put it's preferred options to Government for the selection of the Air Warfare Destroyer and it's inherent systems, weapons etc. The matter is now being considered by Cabinet and a decision is expected "soon"...

 

[Awang se]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

so, where they going to put it? not on ANZAC, isn't? or maybe Australia will build an all new type of ship, a destroyer or a frigate, like Alvaro De Bazan. those phase array system sure took lot of space.

 

[gf0012-aust]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

so, where they going to put it? not on ANZAC, isn't? or maybe Australia will build an all new type of ship, a destroyer or a frigate, like Alvaro De Bazan. those phase array system sure took lot of space.

It will go on the new vessel selected as the winner for the Air Warfare vessel contract.

The US did offer us Tico's last year, and have apparently offered Block 2 Arleigh Burkes as "second hand" options. But we will in all likelihood go for new builds out of the 3 contenders.

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

To give some idea of the capability the RAN will be getting with it's Mk 7 AEGIS systems here's an article from Janes about it.

http://www.janes.com/defence/naval_forces/news/misc/aegis010425.shtml

The relevant passage is: "Baseline 7 will be developed in two phases. Baseline 7 Phase I was planned for the last ship in FY 1998 and Phase II is planned for the last ship in FY 2002. Major Baseline 7 upgrades include, but are not limited to: AN/SPY-1D(V) radar upgrade, integration of Co-operative Engagement Capability (CEC) and TBMD capability (first forward fit implementation), advanced computer architecture, ID upgrades Phase II, Cueing Sensor, STANDARD Missile-2 Block IIIB full integration, Advanced Integrated Electronic Warfare System (AIEWS) Phase I and II, Light Airborne Multipurpose System (LAMPS) helicopter Mark III Block II, Advanced Tactical Support, integrated Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) and Mark 50 torpedo with Periscope Depth Attack."

This system for those interested is to be mounted on a new Destroyer based platform in the 6000+ tonne class known as an Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD). It will be equipped with advanced systems including Mk 45 Block 4 and ERGM, the latest variants of SM-2 (and even possibly SM-6), SM-3 (ABM), Harpoon Block II, ESSM, several close in weapon systems, MU-90 Torpedo and possibly even a stand-off land attack missile system, though probably not Tomahawk.

Ship launched SLAM-ER or Standard Land Attack missile are a definite possibility for the AWD's. The ships will also probably carry 2 helo's equipped with ASW torpedo's and ASuW missiles and possibly unmanned aerial vehicles. As you can see, they will be VERY capable ships when completed...

 

[Awang se]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

To give some idea of the capability the RAN will be getting with it's Mk 7 AEGIS systems here's an article from Janes about it.

http://www.janes.com/defence/naval_forces/news/misc/aegis010425.shtml

The relevant passage is: "Baseline 7 will be developed in two phases. Baseline 7 Phase I was planned for the last ship in FY 1998 and Phase II is planned for the last ship in FY 2002. Major Baseline 7 upgrades include, but are not limited to: AN/SPY-1D(V) radar upgrade, integration of Co-operative Engagement Capability (CEC) and TBMD capability (first forward fit implementation), advanced computer architecture, ID upgrades Phase II, Cueing Sensor, STANDARD Missile-2 Block IIIB full integration, Advanced Integrated Electronic Warfare System (AIEWS) Phase I and II, Light Airborne Multipurpose System (LAMPS) helicopter Mark III Block II, Advanced Tactical Support, integrated Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) and Mark 50 torpedo with Periscope Depth Attack."

This system for those interested is to be mounted on a new Destroyer based platform in the 6000+ tonne class known as an Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD). It will be equipped with advanced systems including Mk 45 Block 4 and ERGM, the latest variants of SM-2 (and even possibly SM-6), SM-3 (ABM), Harpoon Block II, ESSM, several close in weapon systems, MU-90 Torpedo and possibly even a stand-off land attack missile system, though probably not Tomahawk.

Ship launched SLAM-ER or Standard Land Attack missile are a definite possibility for the AWD's. The ships will also probably carry 2 helo's equipped with ASW torpedo's and ASuW missiles and possibly unmanned aerial vehicles. As you can see, they will be VERY capable ships when completed...

It'll be disturbing indeed if US give Aussie a Tomahawk. isn't against MTCR?

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

There are exemptions in MTCR for "space developments" and "assured" conventionally armed weapons. Australia has no intention of developing WMD's, despite possessing a capability to do so since the early 60's. In addition the MTCR is not legally binding and Australia being a close and "favoured" allied of the USA would surely be allowed to acquire the Tomahawk should we choose to do so.

Australia has looked into acquiring Tomahawks on a number of occasions (when the Collins Class subs were being designed is one such occasion, the AWD's is another) and there has been no indication from the US that the Tomahawk would not be sold to Australia.

In addition the JASSM air launched cruise missile has a range in excess of 300k's and a payload greater than 500kg's and Congress has already approved the supply of this weapon to Australia should we decide to acquire it...

If you are worried about Australia possessing such a weapon, you can at least console yourself that we are a "responsible nation" and would not lightly use this type of weapon system against anyone...

 

[Awang se]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

I'm not worried about Australia using the weapons, i'm worried that if US supply the missiles to Australia, Russia or China might looking forward to supply their customers in this regions with the same capability.

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

ASC CHOSEN TO BUILD AIR WARFARE DESTROYERS
​

The Federal Government has chosen ASC Shipbuilder Pty Ltd as the preferred shipbuilder for Navy’s Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) - one of Australia’s largest and most complex Defence projects worth up to $6 billion.

Senator Hill said the Government made the decision after accepting the unanimous recommendation of the Source Selection Board on the basis that ASC Shipbuilders offered a superior bid in terms of value for money.

In addition, the Government has granted first pass approval and provided $455 million towards the next phase of activities including further design work, workforce skilling, initial infrastructure investment and facilities construction.

Senator Hill said the construction of the Air Warfare Destroyers will be one of the most significant shipbuilding projects undertaken in Australia to date, and will provide enormous opportunities for Australian industry.

"More than 1000 direct jobs will be created in South Australia as part of the build contract," Senator Hill said.

"However, up to 70% of the module construction will be sub-contracted to other shipyards around Australia creating around 1000 additional jobs throughout the country.

"This presents an excellent opportunity for the whole of the Australian shipbuilding industry to become involved in the project and also opens up important flow on benefits for key sub-contractors throughout Australia."

ASC Shipbuilder was chosen through a competitive tender evaluation process that also included Northrop Grumman Ship Systems and Tenix Defence.

The conduct of the evaluation and selection of ASC Shipbuilder was reviewed by the Air Warfare Destroyers Program Probity Advisers KPMG and also independently by Sir Laurence Street, both of whom have confirmed that the process was fair and equitable.

"I would like to thank the State Governments of both South Australia and Victoria for providing offers of support to the bidding companies. Both offers were highly competitive and produced excellent infrastructure investment packages," Senator Hill said.

"I also commend Navy, the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and the highly capable project team which included the independent financial adviser Carnegie Wylie and Company and Mr David Mortimer who acted as an Independent Chairman to the Selection Board."

- 2 -
​

The commitment of $455 million towards the second phase of the project will fund the project until mid 2007 and will further reduce risks to the project in accordance with the recommendations of the Defence Procurement (Kinnaird) Review. In 2007, the Government will consider second pass approval for the project.

Defence is currently evaluating three ship designer proposals from Blohm +Voss, Gibbs &Cox and Navantia (formerly Izar). ASC Shipbuilder is now in a position to assist the Commonwealth to select one of those designers in mid 2005, whose evolved design will be further considered in conjunction with an Australianised version of Spain’s existing F100 ship design.

Raytheon Australia has previously been selected as the preferred bidder for Combat System-System Engineer contract in support of the combat system design and maintenance for the Air Warfare Destroyer.

"The AWDs represent a quantum leap in the air warfare capabilities of the Navy," Senator Hill said.

"The vessels, which are to be introduced into service from 2013, will be equipped with the world-class AEGIS Combat System that is capable of detecting and defeating multiple hostile aircraft and missiles at ranges in excess of 150 kilometres.

"The AWDs will also have an anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capability, as well as the ability to embark a helicopter at sea.

"They will provide significantly increased protection from air attack for troops being transported and deployed on ADF Operations overseas and can provide long-range air warfare defence for a Naval task group. The ship will also be interoperable with the United States and other Coalition partners."

Senator Hill said the construction of the vessels will be a major project for Defence Industry. Accordingly, companies bidding for the AWDs were required to include Australian skills and training programs in their tenders, in line with the Government’s Skilling Australia’s Defence Industry program.

Obtained from www.defence.gov.au

With the AEGIS system and now the builder decided on for the AWD's, the only real decision left is which design of ship is to be chosen. I'm betting either a modified Arleigh Burke or F-100, but probably the Arleigh Burke...

 

[Aussie Digger]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

Australia - SM-2 Block IIIA Standard Missiles


On 31 May 2005, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of up to 175 SM-2 Block IIIA Standard missiles as well as associated equipment and services.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $315 million.

The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of up to 175 SM-2 Block IIIA Standard missiles, up to 30 Telemetry missiles, up to 2 SM-2 Block IIIA Inert Operational missiles, canisters, containers, spare and repair parts, supply support, personnel training and training equipment; publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $315 million.

Australia is an important ally in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power significantly contributes to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in modernizing its surface combatant fleet so as to maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability and contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area.

This procurement also aids in maintaining the U.S. Navy (USN) production base and will improve interoperability between RAN and USN forces. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives, and facilitates burden sharing with our allies.

The proposed sale will provide Australia continued anti-aircraft defense capabilities for its Navy. The RAN intends to use the SM-2 missiles on its destroyer class surface ships for self-defense against air and cruise missile threats. Australia, which already has SM-1 Standard missiles in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing these SM-2 Standard missiles.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be: Raytheon Systems Company of Tucson, Arizona and General Dynamics, Scottsdale, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Australia.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

-ends-

Obtained from www.defence-aerospace.com

These missiles are to be employed aboard the RAN's FFG's which are currently undergoing a significant upgrade program. This includes the fitting and upgrading of SM-2, ESSM, Harpoon Block II and extensive radar, comms, EW and "environmental" systems. These enhancements will greatly improve the combat capability of the FFG's and fill the gap nicely until the AWD's arrive...

 

[ajay_ijn]

Re: Royal Australian Navy force enhancements

Is australia having any enemies i don't think.Does RAN Surface ships Participate in wars with USN.

RAN could get a better Missile for their future destroyers like Aster 30/15.
Isn't SM-2 getting older?