Media Release

The Department of Defence has exercised an option worth $76 million to buy additional Penguin air-to-surface missiles and related equipment for the Navy's ANZAC Ship helicopters, the Kaman SH-2G (A) Super Seasprites.

A contract for additional missiles was signed by the Vice President of Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS of Norway, Mr Vidar Sandengen, and the Director General Helicopter and Guided Weapons, Mr Gunnar Tuisk, in Canberra today.

The contract for Phase 2 of the project follows the initial contract for $79 million signed with Kongsberg in February last year which provides for transfer of technology to Australian Defence Industries to allow manufacture of Penguin warheads in Australia.

With the availability of funds, the Phase 2 contract was brought forward to take advantage of prices which will ultimately result in savings on unit costs of Penguins.

The missiles, with a range of better than 30 km, will provide extra 'teeth' to the ANZAC Ships in addition to the warfighting improvement program (WIP) designed to upgrade their combatant ability.

"Penguins are currently in service in the United States and Hellenic Navies as well as the Norwegian, Swedish and Turkish Defence Forces, Mr Tuisk said after the signing, "but the missiles we are buying are optimised for countering surface threats that the ANZAC Ships could face in Australia's maritime approaches."

Mr Tuisk said the first of the Penguin missiles should be available when the Super Seasprites enter service with the RAN early in the next century.

"The action to secure phase 2 of the Penguin acquisition quickly will mean a considerable savings to the Commonwealth at the same time contributing to our national security," he said. "Australian industry has had successful involvement in the program through development of an Australian insensitive munitions production capability which will provide the missile warhead."

Delivery of the missiles will follow on from the phase 1 acquisition and are expected to be completed by January 2003.

Further information:

Captain Brian Rowe

(02) 6265 7422 (w) (0419) 213 885 (m) (02) 6292 6322 (h)

A selection of photos may be downloaded from:

[ Images no longer available ]

Issued by the Defence Public Affairs Organisation, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT, 2600

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