ANZAC Frigate HMAS Ballarat Completes Anti-Ship Missile Defence Upgrades

02 September 2015

HMAS Ballarat during operations in the Middle East. The frigate has now completed dock work related to ASMD upgrades. (photo : Commonwealth of Australia)

The Royal Australian Navy ANZAC-class frigate HMAS Ballarat has completed dock work related to the Project SEA 1448 Phase 2 Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) upgrade and will be commencing sea trials with its newly installed equipments, BAE Systems Australia announced on 2 September.

The upgrades include the installation of the CEAFAR S-band active phased-array radar and CEAMOUNT X-band multichannel active phased-array missile fire-control illuminator developed by Australian company CEA Technologies, introduction of the Saab Systems 9LV 453 combat management system Mk 3E system, and installation of the Sagem Vampir NG infrared search-and-track system.

The upgrades will enable each frigate to identify, track, and guide its RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSMs) to multiple targets simultaneously. Besides the ASMD-related components, the vessels are also being modified to accommodate the MH-60R naval helicopter.

HMAS Ballarat is the fifth vessel to receive the upgrade under an AUD650 million (USD456 million) programme to bolster the ANZAC class' anti-ship missile defence capabilities. Work on the frigates is being carried out by the ANZAC Ship Integrated Material Support Programme Alliance grouping of BAE Systems, Saab Systems, and the Australian Department of Defence Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group.

"The programme is on track to be completed in 2017 and will include upgrades to a further three vessels, including HMAS Parramatta , HMAS Toowoomba , and HMAS Stuart ," said BAE Systems Australia in its statement.

(Jane's)