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Australian destroyers and submarines announce new maintenance contracts


DDG HMAS Hobart, led by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), late 2018. Earlier this year, the vessel tested its CIWS system for the first time in trials near Australia.

The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has awarded two separate contracts with BAE Systems and Raytheon Australia to support the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Hobart-class guided-missile destroyer and Collins-class diesel-electric submarine (SSK) fleets respectively.

The Australian Department of Defense (DoD) announced in mid-October that BAE Systems has been awarded a six-year contract to manage the maintenance of the Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart-class air combat destroyers.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the A$155 million contract will require the installation of Capability Lifecycle Managers for destroyers as part of the future sea sustainment model under the Galileo programme, which aims to introduce a fleet-wide lifecycle concept to naval support from ship design to disposal.

Under the new program, BAE Systems will support the destroyer as it ages, including a major upgrade to its battle management system in 2025. The Capability Lifecycle Manager will work with the Eastern Regional Maintenance Center, which is also being established to maintain multiple asset classes as part of the new approach.

“We operate in an increasingly uncertain strategic environment; we must ensure we have the necessary skills and capabilities, coupled with a robust supply chain, to equip and enable our Defence Force here in Australia,” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Pat Conroy said.

“We know how important the local defense industry is to this work and building our sovereign naval capabilities,” Conroy added. “Expanding our partnership with BAE Systems on the Hobart-class destroyers will ensure these vessels are fit for purpose, reliable and available when and where they are needed.”

Meanwhile, Raytheon Australia’s five-year, A$322 million deal will provide in-service support for the Collins-class SSK’s combat systems as the Royal Australian Navy transitions to operating nuclear-powered submarines. Collins-class ships will also benefit from life extension work and selected upgrades in 2026.

“Continued maintenance and upgrades of these vessels will help maintain capability advantages and ensure our fleet is ready to meet the challenges in our strategic environment,” said Tony Dalton, Deputy Secretary of State for Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment.

The latest development comes after Raytheon was named Capability Lifecycle Manager for the new Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel in December 2020.

by Jr Ng





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