RAN’s third AWD build underway
Construction on the third Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has begun, with the keel for the vessel laid by the AWD Alliance, it was announced on 20 November.
The vessel, Sydney, is the third and final Hobart Class DDG destroyer to be constructed for the programme to deliver the RAN its most capable warships to date.
In another milestone for the programme, initial combat systems activation has commenced on the first destroyer, Hobart. This vessel is set to commence sea trials in 2016.
The second destroyer, Brisbane, is on track to complete hull consolidation activities in December.
Peter Croser, AWD program manager, said: ‘We have achieved a number of critical milestones this year, from launching our first ship Hobart in May, to achieving 70 per cent completion on our second ship, Brisbane, and now commencing the hull consolidation phase for our third ship, Sydney.’
The AWD Alliance is responsible for delivering the three Hobart Class DDG destroyers and their support systems to the RAN. The alliance is made up of shipbuilder ASC, mission systems integrator Raytheon Australia and the Australian Department of Defence.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![ST Engineering to supply the Republic of Singapore Navy with counter-mine systems]()
ST Engineering to supply the Republic of Singapore Navy with counter-mine systems
Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering) will supply uncrewed naval systems and supporting command and control equipment to support counter-mine operations with deliveries expected to begin in 2027.
-
![SOF Week 2025: SubSea Craft introduces MARS USV]()
SOF Week 2025: SubSea Craft introduces MARS USV
The MARS platform was built be a low-signature, multi-role, mission-configurable capability.
-
![US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms]()
US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
-
![US Navy expands GARC sUSV deployment]()
US Navy expands GARC sUSV deployment
The small, unmanned surface vehicle will operate this year in multiple operations and military exercises worldwide.
-
![Another $18.4 billion committed to USN Virginia-class submarines]()
Another $18.4 billion committed to USN Virginia-class submarines
The contract was awarded to HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). As well as for the building of the boats, contract money will also go towards improving productivity at the shipyards, workforce support and other investment.
