The Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Alliance recently signed a further three contracts for elements of the ships’ combat system.

The signed contracts are for the three ships’ Infra Red Search and Track capability, anti-ship missile and torpedo countermeasures, and Navigation Radar.

“The most recent contract signings, worth about $20 million, mean the AWD Alliance now has in place contracts for six major components of the Australian AWD combat system. Further contracts worth a total value of more than $100 million are also likely to be signed by the end of the year,” Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement, the Hon. Greg Combet MP said.

“Awarding these contracts on schedule is important in ensuring the AWD project is on time and on budget.

“While it is early days in what is a complex and demanding $8 billion project, these latest signings provide assurance that the project continues to make good progress.

The capabilities supplied under these contracts are key elements of the AWDs’ combat system, which will make the AWD one of the world’s most capable all purpose warships.

“The combat system will enable the AWDs to provide both air defence for themselves and accompanying ships, and to land forces and infrastructure in nearby coastal areas,” Mr Combet said.

The AWD Alliance is made up of the Defence Materiel Organisation, ASC and Raytheon Australia. The first of the AWDs is scheduled for delivery in late 2014.