Publication: ASD Network Issued: Date: 2005-09-09 Reporter: Reporter:

Anti-Ship Missile Capability for ANZAC Ships

 

Publication 

ASD Network

Issued

MoD Australia
Date

2005-09-09

Web Link

www.asd-network.com

 

Canberra-based CEA Technologies has been selected to deliver a cutting edge high technology solution to protect the Navy's ANZAC Class frigates from the increasing threat of anti-ship cruise missiles.

Defence Minister Robert Hill said the Federal Government has approved the second phase of a project to provide the world class anti-ship missiles capability.

CEA Technologies has been chosen to provide a lightweight Active Phased Array Radar system designed and developed at its Fyshwick facility in Canberra.

"The CEA phased array radar system offers the Navy a significant capability boost," Senator Hill said.

"CEA has developed a product that has a genuine competitive advantage in the important criteria of weight, cost, capability and overall value for money.

"These radars have a clear export potential *1 and the market for this technology is estimated in the billions of dollars."

"This new phase of the project is estimated to create up to 130 jobs during acquisition and installation, and 25 jobs to support the capability through the life of the ANZAC Class frigates with around $260 million to be spent in Australia."

The major components of the CEA system are a search and track radar (CEA-FAR) and a phased array missile illuminator (CEA-MOUNT).

In addition to providing self protection, the ANZAC's Anti-Ship Missile Defence system will also be able to protect closely escorted assets such as Amphibious ships, Auxiliary support vessels and merchant vessels.

The Anti-Ship Missile Defence system integrates the radars into the eight ANZAC Class frigates through ANZAC Alliance Team members Tenix Defence Pty Ltd and SAAB Systems Pty Ltd.

Both CEA and the Howard Government have committed significant resources towards reducing the risks inherit in such a high end technology project including conducting sea trials last year.

The selection of CEA further supports the objectives of the Defence Electronic Systems Sector Strategic Plan which includes the development of niche capabilities in RADAR as being of strategic importance to Australia.

The second phase of the project brings the total investment in the ANZACs Anti Ship Missile Defence system to over $700 million. The ANZAC Alliance Team has already commenced work to upgrade the ships' command and control system and install an infra-red search and track system which will provide improved detection of low level aircraft and anti-ship missiles when close to land.

Contact:
Sascha Meldrum
(Senator Hill)
08 8237 7920
0409 034 241

Defence Media Liaison
02 6265 3343
0408 498 664

source: MOD Australia

With acknowledgement to ASD Network


*1  Competition for RRS's (and others') mechanical rotating tracking radars.