ANZAC ASMD MILESTONE
APDR understands that Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs has approved Initial Operational Release (IOR) for HMAS PERTH Stage 1 ANZAC Class ASMD Upgrade Capability. This has been done on the advice of the Surface Force Commander and the Fleet Commander.
This follows sea trials in WA, an ESSM firing in East Australian Exercise Areas (near Jervis Bay) and Early Operational Assessment at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii in June. CN said that the Saab Mk 3E combat management system and the CEA Technologies phased array radar (CEAPAR) system provide a significantly improved capability for ANZAC class ASMD protection.
CN congratulated all involved in reaching this important milestone and (he) looks forward to the successful operation of HMAS PERTH with its new capability within the Fleet.
Under SEA 1442 Phase 2B, the upgrade dramatically boosts the ability of small ships to be equipped with an effective anti-missile defence system, due to the scalable nature of the CEA active phased array technology. For the moment ANZAC ASMD remains on the Government’s list of ‘Projects of Concern’ but this may be reviewed in light of recent successes.
