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.
More from Naval Warfare
-
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
-
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.