Media Release

DEFENCE TO UPGRADE THE ANZAC FLEET'S ANTI-SHIP MISSILE DEFENCE CAPABILITIES

The Department of Defence has recommended to proceed at this stage with a modified upgrade to the ANZAC Frigates' anti-ship missile defence, and to investigate alternative options for providing a long-range air warfare capability.

Defence has been investigating an upgrade to the ANZAC Frigates with industry since 1996. The original concept for this upgrade included improvements to their anti-ship missile defensive capabilities and the addition of a long-range air warfare capability.

As the Department and industry continued to study the proposed upgrade, it became clear that the proposed upgrade was not achievable within acceptable costs and risks for the capability improvements sought.

The ANZAC anti-ship-missile defensive upgrade will be designed to provide a practical level of self-protection against anti-ship missiles, allowing them to operate in medium threat environments and employ their surface warfare capabilities.

The pending retirement of the 'PERTH' Class Guided Missile Destroyers (DDGs) will reduce the Navy's air warfare capability. The Department of Defence, with assistance from industry, will examine options for providing an appropriate level of this capability in the surface fleet.

The Government is committed to maintaining a highly effective surface fleet and recognises that close collaboration with industry is vital to achieving this aim.

For further information contact:
CMDR Rod Dudfield (Mobile) 0412 628274

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

back