Projects

SEA 1348 Ph3 - ANZAC Ship Project Underwater & Surface War Fighting Upgrade Program

Project Overview

This phase of the ANZAC Ship Project covers improvements to the Anti Surface Warfare and Anti Submarine Warfare capabilities of the eight ANZAC Class ships operated by the RAN. The enhancements include the fitting of Harpoon Missile Launch Capability, and introduction of a Mine and Obstacle Avoidance Sonar (MOAS).

Phase 3A - Harpoon

Under Phase 3A each ANZAC frigate is to be fitted with Harpoon missile launchers, and the system integrated into the ship's combat system. Canisters were procured from the USA, and the launchers and associated ship system and platform upgrade packages were integrated into the ships by a commercial arrangement under the ANZAC Ship Integrated Maintenance Support Program Alliance (ASIPA).

The initial ship installation into HMAS WARRAMUNGA was completed in December 2004. To date seven of the eight ANZAC Class ships have either been fitted, or are in the process of being fitted, with this capability. The final ship will be HMAS PERTH due for completion in September 2008.

Phase 3A did not include missile procurement.

Phase 3B - Torpedo Self Defence

Phase 3B was withdrawn from the DCP in Nov 03.

Phase 3C - Mine and Obstacle Avoidance Sonar

The ANZAC frigates had limited mechanisms to warn of mines or other obstacles in the ship's path other than the standard sonar system. SEA 1348 Phase 3C installs the Thales "Petrel" Mine and Obstacle Avoidance Sonar (MOAS). This involves the installation of a retractable sonar array and associated monitoring, control and support equipment.

Installation and integration of MOAS into the ANZAC Ship is being managed under the ANZAC Ship Integrated Maintenance Support Program Alliance (ASIPA)..
Installation was completed into HMAS ARUNTA in September 2005. To date seven of the eight ANZAC Class ships have either been fitted, or are in the process of being fitted, with this capability. The final ship will be HMAS PERTH due for completion in September 2008.

Contacts

All PR/public questions relating to this project should be directed to the Defence Media Liaison organisation.

General enquiries (02) 6265 3343

Project Related Links

Last Updated: 13 March 2008