| 03 June 2011
Vigilance can confirm that sea acceptance for the Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) capability for HMAS Perth has been completed successfully after the ship engaged a Phoenix unmanned aerial target using an Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile.
Vigilance learnt that Perth is the first of eight Royal Australian Navy ANZAC Class frigates to be upgraded under the Anti-Ship Missile Defence Project.
According to a BAE Systems source the ASMD project is being managed under the ANZAC Alliance by BAE Systems, Saab Systems and the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO).
CEA Technologies it is learnt was the prime contractor alongside the ANZAC Alliance members for Phase 2B of the project to supply the Phased Array Radar (PAR) for integration with the upgraded combat system by the ANZAC Alliance.
The source said the upgrade of the frigates will significantly improve the anti-ship missile self-defence capabilities of the ANZAC Class by integrating:
- The leading edge CEA Phased Array Radar (CEAFAR and CEAMOUNT)
- The Vampir NG Infrared Search & Track system
- The Sharpeye Navigation Radar System
- An upgraded 9LV Combat Management System, including improved operations room layout
It is revealed platform integration required significant structural modifications, undertaken at BAE Systems' shipyard at Henderson, WA between January 2010 and February 2011.
BAE Systems' Maritime Business Unit Director Harry Bradford said: "A key challenge in the project was the parallel development of new sensor systems, such as the PAR, and extensive changes to the ship and its systems, then ensuring that the integrated system worked effectively to meet customer requirements.”
Mr Bradford added: "HMAS Perth now has new forward and aft masts equipped with leading-edge radar and other sensor systems and the RAN's most advanced operations room, housing a state-of-the-art Combat Management System."
According to Bradford BAE Systems looked forward to seeing ASMD rolled out across the other RAN ANZAC ships, stressing the Company would work hard to secure a role in supporting the upgrade of the seven remaining ships so the RAN had a full complement of cutting-edge ANZAC ships that met the RAN's needs for their remaining life.