Raytheon Australia, a unit of Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX), recently commenced work in its new role as the Capability Life Cycle Manager for the Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels, or OPVs. In this role, Raytheon Australia will support the OPVs transition into service. As the OPV Capability Life Cycle Manager, Raytheon Australia will be involved in the implementation of the Royal Australian Navy’s Plan Galileo, a nationally integrated sustainment environment that consistently provides affordable, reliable and fit for purpose systems and ships to the Royal Australian Navy.
“As the OPV Capability Life Cycle Manager, Raytheon Australia will be leveraging our experience in complex program management for Australia’s defence to provide specialist services to support the planning, assurance and optimisation of the through life sustainment of the OPVs,” said Raytheon Australia Managing Director Michael Ward. “We will also support the development of an Australian supply chain for the OPVs, ensuring a sovereign industrial capability is formed as each of the OPVs progress from acquisition to sustainment. This is not a traditional maritime sustainment role, rather it is the first step towards a nationally integrated sustainment environment for Australia and the implementation of the Royal Australian Navy’s Plan Galileo,” Ward said.
The Arafura Class OPV is a multipurpose warship, designed to replace the Armidale Class Patrol Boats. The first of class vessel, HMAS Arafura, is set to enter service in 2022. Raytheon Australia’s in-country team will use its ready-now capability, mobilising a transition team in Adelaide, South Australia, to support the first two OPVs as they transition into service. The core Capability Life Cycle Management team will be based in Henderson, Western Australia, to support the remaining 10 vessels. Raytheon Australia will drive and enhance opportunities for Australian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) when delivering services under the new contract, making domestic sourcing recommendations and promoting local industry development.
Utilising demonstrated success from the Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyer and the Collins Class Submarine programs, Raytheon Australia brings an experienced and skilled team to the OPV program, with a third of the team to be staffed by Australian SMEs.
“We have the experience and know-how to ensure the OPV’s successfully transition from their acquisition to support phase using proven skills and processes to promote an enterprise environment,” Ward said. “We have held a long-standing and successful relationship with the Royal Australian Navy,” Ward said. “We look forward to working with them closely to establish a whole-of-life capability for the Arafura Class OPVs.”
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