Anzac ASMD upgrade nears end

The Royal Australian Navy's Anzac-class frigate Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) upgrade programme is nearing its end at the BAE Systems Shipyard in Western Australia, the navy announced on 7 September.

HMAS Toowoomba is due to undock on 13 September 2016, while HMAS Stuart's upgrade is well underway, with the vessel scheduled to be delivered in late 2017.

Work on the first upgrade began with HMAS Perth in 2010, followed by the entire Anzac-class fleet at the Henderson shipyard.

During the programme, each frigate is docked for around 12 months for the significant structural work required to install a new mast that supports the Phased Array Radar system, coating with a new haze grey livery and other docking-dependent tasks.

This is followed by several months of harbour acceptance trials and system work, culminating in a one-month sea trial period. Following successful trials, the frigates are being formally returned to full service with the navy.

It is estimated that more than half a million hours of work are expended on each ship as it progresses through the upgrade.

Stuart’s delivery back into navy service will conclude one of the most significant upgrade programmes ever undertaken by the Royal Australian Navy.