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Prime
contractor announced early new year
The
name of the successful prime contractor to build the RAN’s
new fleet of patrol boats will be announced in the first half of
next year, the Defence Minister Senator Robert Hill said a few days
ago.
Senator Hill told of the 2003 timetable when announcing that a 25mm
stabilised weapon system known as Typhoon Mk 25 had been selected
as the preferred primary weapon system for the boats.
The Typhoon proposed by Rafael was chosen by Defence as offering
the best value with additional operational features at a significantly
reduced overall cost when compared to its competitor, Senator Hill
said.
“Two of the three weapons systems offered in response to the
patrol boat replacement request for tender late last year were evaluated
in a detailed, merit-bases selection process.”
Senator Hill said that under a partnering arrangement, General Motors
Defence Australia (GMDA) will build all the weapon mounts under
licence in Adelaide (with the exception of the lead unit).
GMDA also proposes to support the system through-life at its repair
and maintenance facility in Palmerston, NT.
These arrangements will result in significant benefits for Adelaide
and the Darwin region.
Senator Hill said the expected value of the acquisition and support
of the gun systems over the first 15 years of their operational
life is about $50 million.
This contract will be placed through the successful prime contractor
for the replacement patrol boats to be announced in the first half
of 2003.
At least 60 to 70 per cent of the value of this contract will be
spent in Australia, he said.
The Typhoon will be fitted with a 25mm marinised Bushmaster cannon
by Alliant Tech Systems (formerly produced by Boeing.)
Senator Hill said the Typhoon system would greatly enhance the operational
capability of the replacement patrol boats.
“Its range and accuracy which is vastly superior to that of
the Bofors 40mm, non-stabilised gun on the current Fremantle class
boats, will add to Navy’s ability to protect Australia’s
coastline,” the Minister said.
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