Australian Department of Defence, Key components of the Aegis Combat System for Australia's Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) are about to be purchased at a cost of A$1 billion to reduced project risks and capital costs, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.
Senator Hill said the Government has approved the purchase of three Aegis Weapon Systems from the United States Navy that will form part of the Aegis Combat System – the core capability of the AWDs. The procurement of the three systems is included as part of the $6 Billion shipbuilding project.
“The Aegis Weapon System comprises the core command and control system, phased array radar and missile launch system capability,” Senator Hill said.
“Placing the order for the systems now allows the United States to continue manufacturing the systems for Australia without halting its production line bringing about greater efficiency and achieving considerable savings.
“The purchase will also maximise opportunity for Australian industry to provide sub-systems such as communications, electronic warfare, sonar, electro-optical sensors and other equipment.
“Working closely with the US Navy on combat system integration and risk reduction studies will minimise the risk of any delay in the 2013 delivery date for the first Air Warfare Destroyer.
“This decision maintains the Government's option in mid-2007 at Second Pass to choose either the Evolved Design being developed by Gibbs & Cox or the F-100 frigate military off the shelf design provided by Navantia of Spain.”
The Aegis system is the world's pre-eminent maritime air warfare system capable of detecting and defeating multiple hostile aircraft and missiles at ranges in excess of 150 kilometres. The AWDs will also have an anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capability, as well as the ability to embark a helicopter at sea.
In May, the Government chose ASC Shipbuilder Pty Ltd as the preferred AWD shipbuilder. The Government has provided $455 million towards the current phase of the project which includes further design work, workforce skilling, initial infrastructure investment and facilities construction.
Raytheon Australia has been selected as the preferred bidder for the Combat System-System Engineer contract in support of the combat system design and maintenance.
South Australia will be home to the new AWD Systems Centre – the Headquarters of the project that will draw together Defence and industry partners to ensure effective decision making and provide a focus for design related activity.
Senator Hill said the construction of the Air Warfare Destroyers will be one of the most significant shipbuilding projects undertaken in Australia to date, and will provide enormous opportunities for Australian industry and create over 2000 jobs.
“Further work on AWD design options will continue in the new AWD Systems Centre. Good progress is being made by the DMO Program Office and alliance industry participants to commence work in the new centre in Adelaide early next year,” Senator Hill said.
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