HMAS Arunta tests missile system after upgrade

After a 20 month upgrade, the Royal Australian Navy warship HMAS Arunta fired its first Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) off the coast of Western Australia.

After a 20 month upgrade, the Royal Australian Navy warship HMAS Arunta fired its first Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) off the coast of Western Australia.

The Anzac-class frigate is the first in its class to undergo the Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) upgrade in Henderson, Western Australia, as part of the Australian Alliance Warship Asset Management Agreement ( WAMA).

ESSM is a surface-to-air weapon that uses radar guidance to counter fast anti-ship missiles, part of Aruntathe air defense capability of.

Defense Minister Linda Reynolds welcomed this milestone, saying missile fire was an important part of testing the ship’s enhanced capabilities.

“This successful missile launch demonstrates the success of the AMCAP upgrade, which improves the frigate’s self-protection, communications, and command and control capabilities,” said Minister Reynolds.

She added: “This is also a testament to the WAMA Alliance, a partnership between the Australian government, BAE Systems, SAAB Australia and Naval Ship Management Australia. AMCAP is part of this government’s $ 1.2 billion Anzac-class sustainment program with the Australian defense industry, which directly employs over 140 workers while providing ongoing opportunities for small businesses in Henderson . “

The aim of AMCAP is to improve and update the ability of the Anzac-class frigates to maintain their relevance and ensure that the class remains effective until the introduction of the Hunter-class frigates.

Homeported at HMAS Stirling in WA, Arunta is a long-range frigate capable of air defense, surface and submarine warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction.

She is one of seven Anzac-class frigates gradually undergoing AMCAP upgrades, along with HMAS Warramungaupgrade currently in progress.

“These improvements will ensure that the frigates remain one of the most advanced in the world until the Hunter Class frigates enter service,” said Minister Reynolds.

The upgrade includes three main elements, namely a new communications suite, the new air search radar and the platform systems remediation (PSR). PSR will see upgrades to systems such as propulsion control, refrigerators, waste management and water production.

The WAMA partnership was launched in 2016 to support the Anzacs and includes BAE Systems Australia, Saab Australia, Naval Ship Management and the Commonwealth of Australia. It is worth over $ 2 billion over eight years.

The Henderson-based Australian Marine Complex (AMC) is an integral part of Australia’s frontline defense and an important asset in sustaining the RAN fleet. The Common User Facility (CUF) facilitated major works and repair programs for Collins-class submarines, Anzac-class frigates and RAN tankers.

AMC-CUF is home to the world’s most technically advanced floating dock, which can lift vessels up to 12,000 tonnes out of the water for service. Its four docks can accommodate vessels up to 300 meters in length and provide adequate mooring space for major work, including vessel conversions, refits and repairs.

AMC-CUF is also home to ASC West, which provides a specially designed submarine repair facility and WA headquarters for ASC, an Australian prime defense contractor and builder of the Collins-class submarine and destroyer of Hobart class air warfare.

The ASC maintenance contract provides for the maintenance of the Collins-class submarines at CUF for the next 25 years. War systems developer Raytheon Australia and other defense contractors including BAE Systems also reside within AMC’s compound.