Projects

SEA 1397- Project NULKA
Phases 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

Schedule Industry Objectives Industry Involvement Contractor Details Financial Dimensions Status Contact

Project Description

SEA 1397 Nulka Phase 1 was a Full Scale Engineering Development (FSED) project to produce a hovering rocket launcher and decoy to protect ships from Anti-Ship Missiles. SEA1229, the Active Missile Decoy (AMD) Project, has procured Nulka rounds and AMD launch systems and installed them on 6 RAN FFGs and 8 ANZAC Frigates.

Nulka Phase 2 was a study contract and was completed in 1997.

Nulka Phase 3 is continuing with evaluation and product improvement/development.

Nulka Phase 4 is providing through life Design and Manufacturing Support for the Nulka system.

Nulka Phase 5 is a proposed inventory replenishment of Nulka decoys and upgrade of the launcher sub system. A combined first and second pass is scheduled in 2009 for the inventory replenishment and second pass for the upgrade of the launcher sub system is scheduled for 2011.

Project Background

Nulka Phase 1 was a joint Australian - US project conducted under a Memorandum of Arrangements signed in 1986. Development work was carried out in both countries. Since then the Nulka System has established itself as a proven qualified system.

Project Schedule

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Phase 1 of the project, including operational evaluation of the Nulka round, was completed on 16 Jan 1998. A contract for Phase 2 was let in March 1996 and completed in 1997. Phases 3 & 4 were approved by Government in the FY 2001/02 Budget, and are ongoing.

Industry Objectives

It is intended that there will be continuing development through the life of Project Nulka, and that Nulka systems will be procured from and be supported through life by Australian industry, for both the RAN and overseas customers.

Opportunities for Australian Industry in Logistics Support Arrangements

The prime contractor in Australia will support RAN Nulka systems, as well as providing specialist support to overseas customers.

Contractor Details

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BAE Systems Australia is the Nulka prime contractor. Lockheed Martin Sippican (USA) is the sub-contractor for the payload. AEROJET (USA) is the qualified manufacturer of Nulka rocket motors.

Financial Dimensions

Not to be released.

Project Status

Successful operational testing of the Nulka decoy is complete. Nulka active missile decoys and Australian designed and developed launched systems have been procured for 14 RAN ships. Canada is using the same launch system as the RAN and has installed Nulka in 3 ships. The USN has developed a different launch system and is installing the system in more than 130+ ships. In July 2007 a particular milestone was reached when Nulka was installed in the 83rd USN ship resulting in a total of 100 ships protected by Nulka. Pre-planned product improvement activities are ongoing to enhance the performance and manufacturability of the Nulka System.

The Nulka System has been operationally deployed by the RAN since 2001. Nulka is scheduled to be installed in the three Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers. In February 2008 Project SEA 1397 - Nulka and Prime Contractor BAE Systems were awarded the prestigious Australian Defence Magazine Essington Lewis Trophy for the Defence Project Team of the Year 2007. The perpetual trophy is awarded annually to acknowledge excellence in defence procurement and project management.

Contact

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Project Manager
Mr Keith Gilby
Department of Defence
Russell Offices (R2-6-A037)
CANBERRA ACT 2600

Tel (02) 6265 6497
Fax (02) 6265 2579
E-mail: keith.gilby@defence.gov.au

Last reviewed: August 2009.