[JLRC]

Gibbs & Cox, Inc. Completes Air Warfare Destroyer Design Studies
 
 
(Source: Gibbs & Cox; issued Nov. 22, 2004)
 
 
 WASHINGTON --- Gibbs & Cox, Inc. today announced they have completed their Phase 1C design studies for the Commonwealth of Australia's SEA 4000 Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Project, and have submitted their proposal for the role of Preferred Ship Designer for Phase 2 of the Project. Gibbs & Cox, Inc. is the only U.S. firm being considered for this role.  
 
The Gibbs & Cox, Inc. AWD design developed in Phase 1C meets the Commonwealth's requirements for a multi-mission surface combatant providing affordable maritime air warfare capability. Since the design is part of a competitive selection, Gibbs & Cox, Inc. is not releasing any details of their offer.  
 
Gibbs & Cox, Inc. assembled a team of leading experts to perform the Phase 1C studies. The team includes Anteon Corporation; Angle, Inc.; Basic Commerce & Industries; ICI, LLC; Lockheed Martin Corporation Tactical Systems; Romulus, LLC and Technomics, Inc.  
 
The Commonwealth selected Gibbs & Cox, Inc. to participate in the Phase 1C studies based on its experience as the lead ship design agent for the U.S. Navy's DDG 51 Class ships, its vast experience with integration of the AEGIS air warfare systems onto surface combatant platforms, and its demonstrated ability to work with Australian industry.  
 
Gibbs & Cox, Inc. has supported the Commonwealth for over 30 years on most of its major surface combatant programs. For Phase 2 of the AWD Project, Gibbs & Cox, Inc. is committed to establishing and maintaining an in-country design capability that includes significant Australian defence industry participation.  
 
Gibbs & Cox, Inc. is an independent engineering and design firm specializing in naval architecture, marine engineering, design, management support, and consulting engineering services. The  
 
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[JLRC]

Australia to Upgrade Adelaide-Class Ships, Eyes UAV Fleet

BY AMI INTERNATIONAL INC.

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) will upgrade four of its Adelaide-class frigates under a $402.5 million program, Australian Defense Minister Robert Hill announced July 15. The units to be upgraded are the HMAS Darwin, Melbourne, New Castle and Sydney, with completion scheduled for early 2009. Funding for the program will mainly derive from the savings associated with the decommissioning of two units from the class in 2006.

The improvements are expected to take place in Australia at the Garden Reach facility with the ships’ Mk 13 launchers being modified for the Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) as well as modifications to the Mk 92 fire-control systems.

The introduction of the SM-2 into the RAN will significantly improve the range of the sea service’s area air defenses and can be considered the prelude to the Air Warfare Destroyer Program, for which the SM-2 will form the basis of the area air defense network. The Air Warfare Destroyer program is expected to begin by 2007.

In another move, Hill announced that a request for proposal (RfP) for a fleet of tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) worth $73 million to $110 million would be issued by the end of July. The responses are due in November with an award currently scheduled for May 2005.

Preliminary information calls for a fleet of UAVs capable of launching in a variety of ways, including conventional wheeled takeoff and landing, catapult launch and parachute landing, and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), as well as rotary wing configurations.

Although the Australian Army would operate the systems, the capability would include unmanned maritime patrol and surveillance from shore facilities as well as leaving open the possibility for the RAN’s surface combatants to be equipped with the VTOL or rotary wing UAVs.

[JLRC]

Australian Navy Selects Replacement Tanker

Australian Defense Minister Robert Hill announced June 3 that the Royal Australian Navy had purchased a commercial tanker from South Korea for $34.1 million. The tanker will replace the aging HMAS Westralia under the Navy’s project SEA 1654 phase 2 to upgrade replenishment-at-sea capabilities.

The commercial vessel is a new double-hulled tanker built by Hyundai Heavy Industries. It is 577.4 feet in length, displaces 37,000 tons and meets international pollution regulations that are to take effect in 2009. The vessel was expected to arrive in Australia by July and begin modifications immediately.

The modifications include underway replenishment equipment; naval command, control, computers and intelligence facilities; and a helicopter flight deck. The tanker will enter service with the Navy by 2006.

SEA 1654 was originally expected to replace the HMAS Westralia by 2009 and HMAS Success by 2015 with new vessels being constructed in Australia. However, the defense ministry opted for a new approach with the release of the Defense Capability Plan 2004-14, choosing to procure a commercial, secondhand oiler with modifications being made in Australia and replacement of Westralia coming between 2005 and 2007.

The second half of project SEA 1654 appears to remain intact, with an expected purchase of a purpose-built oiler between 2018 and 2020 in order to replace the HMAS Success.

[JLRC]

Australia Requests Information In Amphibious Transport Program

The Australian Ministry of Defense in mid-February released a request for information for a future amphibious transport program to Spain’s IZAR Construcciones Navales and France’s Armaris. The Australian government may release a formal request for proposals by the end of June.

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is interested in a data package on the design of the French Mistral-class amphibious assault ship, as well as IZAR’s strategic projection ship design, as an aid in preparing a request for proposals. Both designs meet the RAN’s requirements for a vessel over 20,000 tons that can embark, sustain and transport a combined-arms battle group with their equipment and supplies. Specific requirements include the ability to operate up to six helicopters, store an additional 12 helicopters and be able to conduct well-deck operations.

However, while the RAN is reviewing both designs during the information phase of the program, proposals may be issued for additional designs. Other possible recipients include Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, with its San Antonio-class LPD design, and Netherlands shipbuilder Schelde, with the Enforcer series. Four Australian companies — Australia Defense Industries, Tenix Defense Systems, Australia Submarine Corp. and Forgacs — will assist the RAN with the design evaluation and may team with a foreign shipyard in the bidding process.

The scheduling of the information and proposal phases of the program coincides with the newly released Australian Defense Capability Plan 2004-14, in which the RAN plans to procure two new large amphibious vessels. The RAN estimates costs for construction of both vessels to be $1.2 billion to $1.6 billion.

[JLRC]

Upgrade for HMAS Cairns


(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued Sept. 3, 2004)


Defence will upgrade HMAS Cairns in northern Queensland to accommodate the new Armidale Class Patrol Boats, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.

Senator Hill said Defence is developing a strategic business case for a major upgrade to the naval wharf area as well as other base infrastructure.

“The first of the new patrol boats to operate from Cairns is expected in late 2006. The Armidale Class Patrol Boats are bigger than the current patrol boats which means that more wharf space is required,” Senator Hill said.

“Following preliminary discussions between Navy, the Cairns Port Authority and the Cairns City Council, Defence is now looking at options to expand the capacity of the base.”

“Throughout the planning and development phase there will be close liaison with interested groups including the relevant local and State planning authorities.”

A memorandum of understanding between HMAS Cairns and Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) is currently in place, which enables Navy vessels to occasionally berth at the adjacent wharf if the wharf is not being used by bulk sugar carriers. However the STL wharf does not provide access to shore services like shore power supply or refueling facilities.

The current HMAS Cairns site was commissioned in 1982 as the homeport for five ships – four Fremantle Class Patrol Boats and one Hydrographic Survey vessel. There are now 15 vessels operating out of HMAS Cairns.

Senator Hill said the visit to the base has given him an opportunity to have a first hand look at the various development options that need to be examined.

“HMAS Cairns is a very important Defence base. It is not only an operational base for the patrol boats but is also home for the hydrographic Survey vessels, Landing Craft Heavy and survey motor launches,” Senator Hill said.

“HMAS Cairns is a vital part of the national Navy infrastructure as the Patrol Boats play a vital role in Australia’s border security.”

The new bigger, faster and more capable fleet of patrol boats is currently being built by Austal at its Henderson yard near Fremantle, Western Australia. They will be equipped with two large sea boats for patrol, surveillance and boarding operations, more than doubling the current capacity. They will also be able to operate in a greater range of sea conditions and be deployed for up to 42 days

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[JLRC]

New Radar For Armidale Class Patrol Boats


(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued Aug. 18, 2004)


A $25 million Australian-designed radar identification system will be installed in Australia’s new Armidale class patrol boats – dramatically boosting the Navy’s capability to track down illegal vessels, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.

Senator Hill said Adelaide-based BAE Systems would be contracted to provide PRISM III radar identification systems for the 12 new patrol boats. It is expected that BAE will also be subcontracted to provide through-life support for 15 years by the patrol boat prime contractor, Defence Maritime Systems.

He made the announcement while visiting West Australian shipbuilder Austal, which is currently constructing the patrol boats at their Henderson shipyard for Defence Maritime Systems.

“This Australian designed and developed radar identification system will provide an increased surveillance capability and better protection for Australia’s coastline,” Senator Hill said.

“PRISM III is a passive electronic system that can detect microwave frequencies, such as those used by marine radars, and identify the type of radar being used. In combination with other sensors, this system will help the Navy to identify who is in Australian waters and increase the ability to track down illegal vessels.”

Defence selected the PRISM III after evaluating available systems worldwide. The PRISM III system is already fitted to the Navy’s Mine Hunters and has proved both effective and reliable.

“It is a credit to Australian defence industry that our new ships will be equipped with state-of-the-art capabilities that are locally designed and developed,” Senator Hill said.

“The selection of the PRISM III system for the new patrol boats will benefit the Adelaide economy, providing additional manufacturing, maintenance and ongoing support jobs in South Australia.

“At the same time it will provide savings in Defence support costs as different ships share the same types of equipment.”

Construction of the first Armidale class patrol boat, the Armidale, is progressing on time and on budget. The hull structure is currently 75 per cent complete, with the ship 23 per cent complete overall. The Armidale is due to be delivered in May 2005.

“This project is demonstrating the ability of Australian industry to design, construct and deliver an important class of ships for the Royal Australian Navy on time, on budget and at a high quality,” Senator Hill said.

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[JLRC]

Government Supports Responsible Use of Active Sonar in Australian Waters
 
 
(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued Dec. 1, 2004)
 
 
 The Federal Government does not support a proposed ban on the use of active sonar in Australia, however Defence will continue to take all necessary precautions in the use of military sonars in Australian waters, Defence Minister Robert Hill said today.  
 
"Australia’s procedures for the use of active sonar are among the most precautionary in the world, but Defence needs to retain the ability to use active sonar as a strategic option," Senator Hill said.  
 
"The use of active sonar by the Navy remains an important operational requirement that provides warships with the ability to detect potentially hostile submarines.  
 
"A combination of active and passive sonar systems is needed to detect submarines in likely operational areas for the Royal Australian Navy.  
 
"Australia operates only a very few Navy ships equipped with active sonar used in anti-submarine warfare, and does not use low frequency active sonar such as the SURTASS system that has been the target of court action in the United States.  
 
"During any Defence exercises with Australia, the US complies with Australia’s strict environmental legislation and observes the Australian protocols standards in terms of measures used to protect marine life and the environment.  
 
"Over the past two years Defence has put in place an Environmental Management plan for maritime exercises to avoid areas and times when marine mammals are known to be present."  
 
Senator Hill said large exercises, especially those involving foreign countries, are subject to rigorous internal and external Defence environmental impact assessment.  
 
If marine mammals are detected in close proximity to a Navy ship during an activity that might involve emission of high levels of underwater sound, the ship will relocate or stop the activity.  
 
"I am concerned, like so many people in the community, about the welfare of our marine animals and I do agree that more needs to be understood about the impact of anthropogenic sound on marine mammals," Senator Hill said.  
 
"I am pleased that Defence has funded more than $1 million over three years to the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) for research into whale distribution and the effects of man-made noise on marine mammals."  
 
Senator Hill was responding to a motion moved in the Senate by Senator Lyn Allison of the Australian Democrats.  
 
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[JLRC]

Preferred Tender Announced For Upgrade to Navy's Survey System
 
 
(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued Dec. 10, 2004)
 
 
 Brisbane-based Seismic Asia Pacific Pty Ltd has been chosen by Defence as the preferred tenderer to upgrade the Royal Australian Navy's hydrographic survey system.  
 
The upgrade will be carried out on the Navy's four PALUMA Class Survey Motor Launches as part of a program called Project SEA 1401 Phase 3.  
 
The upgrade will increase the Navy's survey capability and reduce the time to complete surveys of Australia's coastal waters. The upgrade will improve the shallow water surveying capability of the Navy and is included in the Defence Capability Plan.  
 
The project will also provide nine portable hydrographic survey systems to be used on small craft, which will be particularly useful in reef-strewn areas. The portable systems will also provide an easily transportable system for emergencies.  
 
Three of the portable systems will be the more advanced tactical survey systems that will be deployed to the Australian Hydrographic Office Detached Survey Unit in Wollongong, to the HMAS Cairns base in north Queensland and to the Hydrographic School at HMAS Penguin in Sydney.  
 
The first system is planned to be installed by the end of 2005 with the remaining systems to be installed and tested during 2006.  
 
Seismic Asia Pacific provides equipment, consumables, systems integration, engineering hardware and software maintenance support services to defence industries throughout the Australasian region as well as geophysical, hydrographic and oceanographic environment industries.  
 
Seismic Asia Pacific also maintains a pool of rental equipment and has skilled technicians available for technical support.  
 
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[JLRC]

Bids to Build Air Warfare Destroyers Announced
 
 
(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued Dec. 23, 2004)
 
 
 Defence Minister Robert Hill today announced that Defence had received three proposals from Australian industry for the role of shipbuilder in the $4.5 to $6 billion Air Warfare Destroyer project.  
 
Proposals were received from ASC Shipbuilding, Northrop Grumman Ship Systems and Tenix Defence.  
 
Defence is currently evaluating the three ship designer proposals from Blohm +Voss, Gibbs &Cox and Izar, which closed on 24 November 2004. The Department is also evaluating responses from BAE Systems, Raytheon Australia and Saab Systems for the Combat System-System Engineer, which closed on 10 December 2004.  
 
"The construction of the Air Warfare Destroyers will be one of the most significant shipbuilding projects undertaken in Australia to date, and will provide an enormous challenge for Australian industry," Senator Hill said.  
 
"The AWDs will have the US sourced Aegis air warfare system as the core of their combat system, and will provide sustained maritime area air defence for deployed forces. The ship is expected to be highly interoperable with the US and other coalition partners."  
 
The proposals will now be the subject of rigorous and detailed analysis. Selection of the shipbuilder will be based on a number of key criteria including:  
 
-- Commitment to the principles of a long-term risk sharing arrangement with the Commonwealth and other industry partners for the construction of the AWDs;  
 
--- A cost, overhead and pricing structure that will enable the cost effective delivery of the AWDs, including the ability to build designs considering 'whole of life' costs;  
 
-- A sound record of past performance in building naval vessels;  
 
-- Commercial viability and financial backing;  
 
-- Access to the skilled workforce required to produce ships to the Commonwealth's requirements;  
 
-- Willingness to provide open financial accounting data - including visibility through to the sub-contractor level - to the Commonwealth;  
 
-- Capacity to provide the Commonwealth with transparency and contractual influence over major sub-contractors; and  
 
-- Capacity to access sensitive technology required for the AWD project.  
 
"Companies bidding for the AWDs were required to include Australian skills and training programs in their tenders, with Defence to fund companies for extra skills generation and training benefits in the programs," Senator Hill said.  
 
"The AWD project provides a massive opportunity for Australian industry to participate at both the prime and sub-contractor level. The project will also create new Australian jobs and skills and strengthen Australia's strategic industrial base."  
 
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[JLRC]

First of the Armidale Class Patrol Boats Launched and Named
 
 
(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued Jan. 22, 2005)
 
 
 Defence Minister Robert Hill welcomed the official naming of NUSHIP Armidale, the first of the Armidale Class Patrol Boats today.  
 
Minister for Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell attended the naming ceremony, held at the Austal Ships construction facility, Western Australia on behalf of Senator Hill.  
 
"This ceremony commemorates the successful launch of the vessel on 5 January 2005, following the design and construction over the past year," Senator Hill said.  
 
"This achievement is testament to Austal’s and Defence Materiel Organisation’s ability to deliver on time and on budget.  
 
"I am sure that the ship trials over the next two months will also see the vessel’s ability to meet the required performance.  
 
The vessel was named by Ms Jana Stone, the eldest daughter of Ordinary Seaman Donald Raymond LAWSON who served on the original HMAS "Armidale", a Bathurst class corvette, during World War II.  
 
This launch of the first vessel is a key milestone under Project Sea 1444 following the signing of a $553 million contract on 17 December 2003 with Defence Maritime Services (DMS) for the supply and long term support of a new Patrol Boat fleet of 12 Armidale class boats.  
 
"I congratulate DMS, the principal contractor, and Austal Ships, responsible for the design and construction of the vessels for their work on this project," Senator Hill said.  
 
"The delivery of the first of this patrol boat class on schedule has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment that the contracted delivery schedule for the remainder of Armidale Patrol Boats will be met.  
 
"The Armidale class vessels will substantially improve the Royal Australian Navy’s capability to intercept and apprehend vessels suspected of illegal fishing and quarantine, customs or immigration offences. The patrol boats in this regard play a major role in patrolling and protecting Australia’s coastline."  
 
Following the sea trials, NUSHIP ARMIDALE is scheduled for acceptance in May 2005. (ends)  
 
 
 
 First New Royal Australian Navy Patrol Boat Named
 
 
(Source: Austal; issued Jan. 22, 2005)
 
 
 The first of the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet of new high performance patrol boats was officially named at a ceremony held at the Austal shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia today.  
 
The 56 metre all-aluminium monohull was named “Armidale” by Ms Jana Stone, the eldest daughter of Ordinary Seaman Donald Lawson who served on the original HMAS “Armidale”, a Bathurst class corvette, during World War II.  
 
The ceremony was attended by approximately 200 senior figures from the Royal Australian Navy, Defence, government and industry including the Minister for the Environment and Heritage Senator Ian Campbell as representative of the Minister for Defence; the Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie and the Premier of Western Australia, the Hon Geoff Gallop.  
 
The Prime Contractor, Defence Maritime Services, teamed with Austal to win the A$553 million “output specified” contract to provide and support through their service lives a fleet of patrol boats to replace the ageing Fremantle Class, which have patrolled Australia’s maritime zones for nearly the past quarter century. The contract was signed in December 2003. Austal is responsible for the design and construction of the 12 Armidale Class vessels. DMS is managing the overall project requirements, including establishment of a fleet management organisation that will provide integrated maintenance, logistic and crew-training support to the vessels throughout their operational lives.  
 
Austal’s Executive Chairman, John Rothwell, expressed his great satisfaction with progress on the prestigious RAN project.  
 
“The project’s targets have consistently been met or exceeded and the feedback from Defence has been overwhelmingly positive. Our ability to meet what is regarded as an aggressive construction schedule demonstrates that the approaches that make Austal successful in building commercial vessels can also be applied to naval shipbuilding,” Mr Rothwell said.  
 
“Combining endurance, improved seakeeping, advanced onboard systems and long term economy of operation, these vessels are at the leading edge of international patrol boat design and construction.”  
 
Adrian Kloeden, the Chairman of Defence Maritime Services, paid tribute to all involved in the project.  
 
“Credit must go to all the DMS and Austal staff involved, and to the Defence and Navy project personnel. DMS has developed a broad and strong relationship with the RAN over the past several years, and I’m delighted to see the same cooperative spirit is evident here. An excellent working relationship has been established and there is no doubt that this is a major contributor to the outstanding progress our team has made,” he said.  
 
Construction of “Armidale” commenced in May last year and it was launched on January 5. It is on schedule for delivery to the Royal Australian Navy in May at its home port of Darwin where it will be commissioned into service. Construction of the second and third boats in the class has already commenced.  
 
The 12 patrol boats will be delivered at regular intervals over the next two-and-a-half years and the Australian Government has indicated its intention to order a further two vessels. These would operate out of either Dampier or Port Hedland and be specifically tasked with patrolling the waters around offshore oil and gas facilities in the north-west of Western Australia.  
 
Based in the ports of Darwin and Cairns, the Armidale Class fleet will operate within Australia’s Marine Jurisdictional Zones and on the high seas in latitudes not exceeding 50 degrees, primarily carrying out surveillance, interception, investigation, apprehension and the escort to port of vessels suspected of illegal fisheries, quarantine, customs or immigration offences.  
 
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[JLRC]

Tender Awarded For Conversion of Westralia Replacement  
 
 
(Source: Tenix Defence Systems; issued Feb. 11, 2005)
 
 
 Tenix Defence Pty Ltd has been selected as the preferred tender to upgrade and refit the recently acquired commercial tanker which will replace the Royal Australian Navy's ageing auxiliary oiler, HMAS Westralia, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.  
 
The purpose of the conversion will be to modify the vessel so that it has the latest technology and equipment capable of refuelling Navy vessels, including the ANZAC and Guided Missile frigates and the new Air Warfare Destroyers that will enter into service from 2013.  
 
The contract, valued at around $60 million, is for the design, initial logistic support and modification of the merchant tanker Delos, with the modified ship to enter service in June 2006.  
 
Senator Hill said the modifications to the ship will be carried out at the Common User Facility at Henderson, south of Fremantle, in Western Australia. The project will create new jobs and further consolidate the specialised skills needed in Australia's naval shipbuilding and repair sector. It will have an Australian Industry Involvement component of 95 percent.  
 
"The modification of the Delos will provide the Navy with a significantly improved capacity for the at-sea replenishment of fuel," Senator Hill said. "At 176 metres long and weighing 37,000 tonnes, the Delos is an impressive vessel by any standard."  
 
Some of the specific modifications will include:  
 
--The installation of a replenishment at sea rig;  
 
--Various accommodation modifications for Navy personnel including heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, freshwater and sewerage.  
 
-- A number of other additions include a helicopter landing pad, Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats and a related crane, and Navy life saving and damage control works.  
 
The Delos is currently chartered to Teekay Shipping Singapore under a commercial arrangement. Following contract negotiations it will be delivered to Western Australia.  
 
Once complete, the crew of the ship will be transferred from HMAS Westralia, ensuring a seamless transfer of operational capability to the Navy. The Delos will be commissioned as HMAS Sirius on completion of the project.  
 
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[JLRC]

Nias Sea King Accident Investigation Progress Report
 
 
(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued May 4, 2005)
 
 
 Navy has received the first progress report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Team (AAIT) following the Sea King crash on 02 April 2005 at Nias, in Indonesia.  
 
There are a number of lines of inquiry being followed, all of which must be completed before there can be certainty over the cause of the crash.  
 
Two components of the flight control system, which are normally connected together, were found to be detached from one another. Several parts of the hardware that normally connects them have not been located, however investigation of the wreckage is still going on and the flight controls will be subject to further analysis.  
 
"I need to stress that the team’s work is not yet finished so we must avoid jumping to conclusions about the cause of the crash," said Navy’s Maritime Commander, Rear Admiral Rowan Moffitt today.  
 
The progress report allows Navy to start a series of detailed inspections of the remaining Sea King helicopters.  
 
This process needs to be followed to allow the helicopters to fly again. The inspections will begin immediately and will take about a week or so to complete.  
 
The Maritime Commander will also be convening a Board of Inquiry to look into wider issues relating to the crash.  
 
The Board of five will be made up of four senior military specialists taken from each of the three Services and a civilian with a long distinguished career in civil aviation.  
 
The Board hearings will be open to the public.  
 
Further details will be advised in due course.  
 
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[JLRC]

Step Forward In Upgrade of Anti-Ship Missile Defence Capability
 
 
(Source: Australian Ministry of Defence; issued May 10, 2005)
 
 
 A $260 million contract has been signed with the ANZAC Ship Alliance for the first phase of a major upgrade to the anti-ship missile defences in Navy’s ANZAC class frigates.  
 
Defence Minister Robert Hill said the ability to provide warships with protection against anti-ship missile attack was an essential element of Australia’s maritime capability.  
 
"The anti-ship missile defence upgrades will ensure the ANZAC frigates have improved defences against modern anti-ship missiles," Senator Hill said.  
 
"The contract is the first phase of the $500 million ANZAC Frigates Anti-Ship Missile Defence project announced in December 2003."  
 
The first phase will implement the high priority aspects of the upgrade and will be undertaken in parallel with consideration of the second phase options.  
 
The anti-ship missile defence upgrade for the ANZAC Ships is being contracted through Defence’s ANZAC Ship Alliance with Tenix and Saab Systems. Tenix and Saab will lead and carry out most of the design and systems integration work in their Melbourne and Adelaide facilities.  
 
Under the contract, The ANZAC Ship Alliance will upgrade the ships’ command and control system and install an infra-red search and track system which will provide improved detection and indication of low level aircraft and anti-ship missiles when close to land. The work will also complete the core platform design changes and studies.  
 
The first of the upgraded ANZAC frigates will be delivered to Navy in 2008. The remaining ships will then be upgraded over the period 2009 to 2012. All installation work will be carried out by Australian industry in the Navy’s East and West coast fleet support facilities during periods of scheduled maintenance.  
 
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[JLRC]

First Armidale Class Patrol Boat Arrives
 
 
(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued May 10, 2005)
 
 
 The first of the Armidale Class Patrol Boats being used to protect Australia’s northern coastline will arrive in Darwin today after completing most of its mission trial, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.  
 
NUSHIP ARMIDALE, which was designed and built in Australia, is the first of 12 Armidale Class Patrol Bboats to have advanced systems and excellent sea-keeping capability for coastal surveillance and protecting Australia’s coastline.  
 
Senator Hill said these vessels will replace the Navy’s Fremantle Class Patrol Boats.  
 
"This project is demonstrating the ability of Australian industry to design, construct and deliver an important class of ships for the Navy on time, on budget and with excellent capability," Senator Hill said.  
 
"The Armidale Class Patrol Boats are at the leading edge of international patrol boat design and construction, combining endurance, improved sea-keeping and advanced onboard systems," Senator Hill said.  
 
Defence Maritime Services (DMS) subcontracted Austal Ships to build the vessels at its Henderson shipyard in Western Australia. As well as the supply of 12 ships, the contract with DMS also provides for integrated maintenance, logistic and crew-training support to the vessels throughout their operational lives.  
 
This first boat was launched on 5 January 2005 and formally named NUSHIP ARMIDALE on 22 January. Since that time NUSHIP ARMIDALE has been undergoing extensive harbour and sea trials.  
 
The mission trial is the final activity under this trial program, which saw the vessel sailing from Henderson, Western Australia on 22 April 2005, initially undertaking a passage to 40 degrees south to test the ship and procedures in cold and potentially rough environments before sailing north with port calls in Dampier and Broome.  
 
"In effect the vessel has been tested for its ability to conduct surveillance, patrol and response operations in Australia’s Maritime Jurisdictional Zones," Senator Hill said.  
 
"The prime contractor, project officers and military personnel have all been involved in the mission trial, which demonstrates the boat’s suitability for operational use against the requirements in the ship build and support contract.  
 
"Over the coming week DMS will fine tune equipment and systems following the trial, prior to presentation to the Commonwealth for formal acceptance on 17 May 2005."  
 
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[JLRC]

Australia – AEGIS Weapons Systems  
 
 
(Source: US Defense Security Cooperation Agency; issued May 23, 2005)
 
 
 On 23 May 2005, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of three MK 7 AEGIS Weapons Systems as well as associated equipment and services.  
 
The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $350 million.  
 
The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of three MK 7 AEGIS Weapons Systems, support equipment, testing, computer programs and maintenance support, ship integration, spare and repair parts, supply support, publications and technical data, training, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $350 million.  
 
Australia is an important ally in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power significantly contributes to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in modernizing its surface combatant fleet so as to maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability and contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area. This procurement also aids in maintaining the U.S. Navy (USN) production base and will improve interoperability between RAN and USN forces. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives, and facilitates burden sharing with our allies.  
 
The proposed sale of AEGIS Weapons Systems to Australia will contribute to U.S. security objectives by providing a coalition partner with significantly improved Air Warfare capability. This will improve the RAN’s ability to participate in coalition operations, provides common logistical support with the USN, and enhances the lethality of its Air Warfare Destroyer platform. The RAN can easily integrate the capabilities of the AEGIS Weapons Systems into their concept of operations. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces.  
 
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.  
 
The principal contractors will be:  
 
--Lockheed-Martin Maritime System and Sensors Moorestown, New Jersey  
--Raytheon Company, Equipment Division Andover, Massachusetts  
--General Dynamics, Armament Systems Burlington, Vermont  
--Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors Eagan, Minnesota  
 
There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.  
 
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of up to three U.S. Government and contractor representatives to Australia.  
 
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.  
 
This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.  
 
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