OREANDA-NEWS. BAE Systems Australia has undocked the sixth ANZAC Class frigate of the eight vessel Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) program demonstrating an important maritime industry capability that has been developed at the facility.

After successfully program managing 600,000 hours of complex systems integration and engineering work on the hard stand at the Henderson facility, HMAS Parramatta will now begin the Test and Trials phase of the project.

Ship seven, HMAS Toowoomba is mid-way through her upgrade and HMAS Stuart will be docked next month so that work can begin on the final ship.

Under the ASMD program, each ship’s combat management system is being upgraded and a new infrared search and track system is being introduced, together with a new dual navigation radar. At the same time as each ship is receiving its ASMD upgrade, a number of other significant engineering and structural changes that are unique to each vessel are also being made. These include enclosing the quarter deck, galley refurbishment and modifications to accommodate combat helicopters.

Across the ASMD program around 30 local and national subcontractors and more than 100 Australian suppliers are involved in the ASMD program, demonstrating BAE Systems’ commitment to enhancing the Small to Medium Enterprises within Australia that further strengthen Australian Defence Capability.

BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive, Glynn Phillips said: “The work we’re doing at Henderson demonstrates the quality of our engineering, program management and builds on the flexibility of Australian industry capability that is only possible with an experienced Australian maritime defence provider. Our highly skilled workforce is at the core of our capability, ensuring that the project achieves the quality, cost and schedule milestones despite the enormous complexity of such work. Our team, together with our ANZAC Alliance partners, is very proud to support the Royal Australian Navy and its efforts by successfully implementing a world leading defence capability.”

The project is being undertaken through the Anzac Ship Integrated Material Support Program Alliance comprising BAE Systems, Saab Systems and the Defence Department’s Capability and Sustainment Acquisition Group. The size and scale of the project is considerable. Much of the equipment and operating systems are removed from each ship which is then rebuilt in a program that has taken several years and which is on schedule and on budget.