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Department Of Defence News

03 Apr 2018

HII, KBR to Manage Aussie's Naval Shipbuilding College

Huntington Ingalls Industries announced that Australia’s Department of Defence has awarded a contract to Naval Shipbuilding Institute (NSI), a joint venture between HII’s Technical Solutions division and Kellogg Brown and Root’s (KBR) Government Services division, to establish and manage Australia’s new Naval Shipbuilding College. This effort is in support of Australia’s mission to recapitalize its shipbuilding and maritime sustainment industry over the next several decades. In announcing the request for proposals in 2017, Minster of Defence Industry Christopher Pyne emphasized that the Naval Shipbuilding College is a unique organization…

31 Jan 2018

India Launches Third Scorpene Submarine 'Karanj'

The Indian Navy’s third state-of-the-art Scorpene class submarine, INS Karanj, was launched by Reena Lanba, wife of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba, , at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) in Mumbai. This historic event reaffirms the giant strides taken by MDL in the ongoing ‘Make In India’ programme, which is being actively implemented by the Department of Defence Production (MoD). The new submarine is named after the earlier Kalvari class INS Karanj, which was decommissioned in 2003. The submarine was then towed to Mumbai Port Trust, for separation from the pontoon. Karanj will now undergo rigorous trials and tests, both in harbour and at sea before it is commissioned into the Navy.

30 Nov 2017

Australian Destroyer Enters Sea Trials

The second Hobart class destroyer, NUSHIP Brisbane, has commenced her first phase of sea trials, which will test the ship’s hull, propulsion and navigation systems. The initial trial phase, which will occur over the coming months, will be followed by a more advanced phase of sea trials next year to test the ship’s combat and communications systems. Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, said the milestone was a further demonstration of industry’s role as a fundamental input into capability for Defence. “Over the past decade, more than 5,000 people from across the Department of Defence, ASC, Raytheon Australia and Navantia have dedicated millions of hours of effort to the Air Warfare Destroyer program,” Minister Pyne said.

11 May 2017

Five Power Defence Drill in International Waters

Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and the United Kingdom have completed Five Power Defence Arrangements exercise in international waters, off the coast of Malaysia as part of the longest standing multilateral arrangement in South East Asia. Acting Chief of Joint Operations, Major General Stuart Smith, said Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD was an important opportunity for the Australian Defence Force to strengthen cooperation with other nations. “Around 300 Australian personnel have taken part, drawn from Navy, Army and Air Force,” Major General Smith said. “All have worked seamlessly with other members of the participating nations through a variety of exercise scenarios.

20 Apr 2017

Australian Navy's Electronic Warfare Training

In a collaborative project with Australian industry, the Royal Australian Navy is extending its use of simulation to electronic warfare training. A common electronic warfare sensor suite is planned across the future fleet and future electronic warfare sailors need to have the advanced skills to meet upcoming demand. Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne said a contract signed with the Australian company Cirrus Real Time Processing Systems would result in advanced new maritime training systems designed and developed in Australia. “The contract valued at around $4.4 million will see the development of a tactical electronic warfare training system to provide tuition…

18 Apr 2017

Ballarat Exercises with PLA-N

HMAS Ballarat has taken part in a range of maritime exercises with People’s Liberation Army – Navy vessel Huangshan following a successful visit to the People’s Republic of China. Conducted after Ballarat departed Zhanjiang port, the activities included surface target firing, a search and rescue exercise, communication exercises and a formation activity with aerial photography. The Chinese and Australian navies conduct regular exercises to enhance mutual understanding, facilitate transparency and build trust. Australia’s Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral David Johnston, said the frigates’ activities show the valued working relationship between the two navies.

30 Jan 2017

Air Warfare Destroyer Hobart Acceptance Sea Trials Begins

Today marks a significant milestone for the first Air Warfare Destroyer, Hobart, as the next phase of sea trials commence in Adelaide. Hobart will sail into waters off the coast of South Australia to undertake testing of combat, communications and additional platform systems. Minister for Defence Industry, The Hon Christopher Pyne said this set of trials, known as sea acceptance trials; represent the beginnings of the formal ship acceptance process in the lead up to delivery later this year. “These trials are conducted to prove that systems can perform the expected functions they were designed for, in the environment in which they’ll be required to function,” Minister Pyne said.

13 Jan 2017

LOBO Platform Helps UK Aircraft Carriers

The two new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth, and HMS Prince of Wales have been supplied with a LOBO System to assist with on ship maintenance program. Thales Group engineers consider the LOBO scaffolding system to be the best solution for awkward access, deep inside the ship. As storage space is at a premium and with LOBO’s suitability for confined space, the flat pack design ensures, it is the best product fit for these applications. Mechanical power transmission for the QEC carriers has been provided by DB Santasolo and LOBO has been chosen as a platform system of choice to assist with the maintenance program.

01 Sep 2016

Fincantieri Signs Future Frigate Participant Service Contract

Fincantieri signed a contract with the Australian Government to participate in the Competitive Evaluation Process, conducted by the Department of Defence, to deliver 9 Future Frigates - to be built in Adelaide, South Australia - for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) under the SEA 5000 programme. Fincantieri is one of three shipbuilders short-listed by the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), part of the Department of Defence, to participate in the evaluation and selection process, which will last about one year. Similar agreements were signed also by Navantia and BAE Systems. Fincantieri is offering its Italian FREMM Frigate (ASW, Anti-submarine warfare version), which is currently in service and being built for the Italian Navy (see below).

09 Mar 2016

Custom Engine Room Simulator for RAN

Photo courtesy of Kongsberg

The Commonwealth of Australia (CoA), Department of Defence has contracted Kongsberg Maritime to develop and deliver a new K-Sim Engine simulator model to the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Cerberus training facility located south of Melbourne, Australia. The new model will run on the existing KONGSBERG K-Sim Engine desktop simulator delivered to HMAS Cerberus in 2013, which is maintained under a Long Term System Support Program (LTSSP) agreement signed in 2015. The customized simulator…

03 Mar 2016

AFP to Investigate Submarine Report Leak

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) will investigate the leak of classified documents about the timeframe for building Australia's new fleet of submarines. The Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull ordered the investigation. A report in The Australian newspaper has referenced "several sections of the draft white paper" that was produced under former prime minister Tony Abbott and former defence minister Kevin Andrews. The papers show that under former Prime Minister Tony Abbott's reign, the plan was to bring new 12 submarines into service by the mid-2020s. The story published information from a classified draft of the defence white paper written while Abbott was PM and while Kevin Andrews was defence minister.

01 Sep 2015

Japanese Sub Pitch puts off Australian Firms

Japan had been seen as frontrunner for Australian submarine deal, but Australian defence firms unhappy after talks with Japan. A Japanese consortium eyeing a A$50 billion ($35.68 billion) contract to build submarines for Australia irked local suppliers by failing to share key information about its proposal or discuss specific collaboration possibilities during a visit last week, executives at Australian firms said. The apparent missteps underscore Japan's inexperience in bidding for global defence deals after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ended a decades-old ban on weapons exports last year as part of his more muscular security agenda. Japanese defence officials and executives from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries visited Adelaide…

05 Aug 2015

Australia's Massive Shipbuilding Plan Announced

The Australian Government has thrown domestic shipbuilders an A$89 billion (US$ 66 billion) lifeline. It plans to deliver a long-term plan for a strong and sustainable naval shipbuilding industry. Over the next 20 years the Government will invest the $89 billion in ships and submarines for the Navy. It's also still unclear whether local yards will benefit from a submarine program that accounts for a hefty chunk of the promised funding. This critical investment will generate significant economic growth and sustain several thousand Australian jobs over decades. It is a key part of our commitment to a safe and secure Australia. The Government will implement a continuous build of surface warships in Australia.

24 May 2015

Launch of First Future Destroyer, Hobart

Thank you for being here on this very important day. Today, is a significant milestone for the Air Warfare Destroyer Project, marking a big step forward towards the delivery of three highly capable warships to the Royal Australian Navy. The launch of Hobart clears the way for progress on all three destroyers. The AWD Alliance can now focus on ship completion and system commissioning for Hobart, which will be followed by sea trials next year. And with Hobart in the water, the second destroyer, Brisbane, can soon take its place on the hardstand to undergo final block consolidation, and the keel for the third destroyer, Sydney, will be laid.

18 Aug 2014

BAE Systems Awarded Two Navy Contract Modifications

U.S. BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair, San Diego, California, is being awarded a $13,684,941 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee/incentive-fee contract (N00024-11-C-4408) for the USS Howard (DDG 83) fiscal 2014 selected restricted availability (SRA). Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by February 2015. Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance (Navy) and working capital fund contract funding in the amount of $13,684,941 will be obligated at the time of award. Contract funds in the amount of $12,793,832 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity.

28 Jul 2014

New Australian Navy Submarines to be Japan Built?

Australia should discuss building its next-generation fleet of submarines overseas, the Department of Defence said on Monday, a shift that could open the door to a partnership deal with Japan that carries political risk at home and abroad. Australia is looking for partners to help it build about a dozen diesel-electric submarines to replace its aging Collins Class fleet and help to extend its maritime surveillance deep into the Indian Ocean. The proposed A$40 billion fleet of submarines is at the core of the nation's maritime defence strategy over the next two decades. Successive governments have pledged to build the vessels in Australia, creating much-needed manufacturing jobs.

07 Jul 2014

Australian Warship Visits Vanuatu

Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Parramatta has departed Port Vila, Vanuatu, after a successful visit to strengthen relationships and security cooperation with the Pacific Island nation, informs Australia's Department of Defence. During her four day stay, Parramatta’s crew of 190 combined training and community engagement before returning to maritime patrol duties in the region. Commanding Officer Commander Simon Cannell said there was great value in investing in the relationship between Australia and Vanuatu. “During our time in Port Vila, we took part in a joint training exercise with the Pacific Patrol Boat RVS Tukoro, operated by the Vanuatu Police Force Maritime Wing.

12 May 2014

USS Stout Maintenance Contract for BAE Systems

US Department of Defence informs it has awarded a Navy SRA contract modification to BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, Norfolk, Virginia, for the planned maintenance of USS Stout (DDG 55). The contract is a US$30,801,080 undefinitized contract modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-10-C-4308). DoD explain that an SRA includes the planning and execution of depot-level maintenance, alterations, and modifications that will update and improve the ship's military and technical capabilities. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by October 2014. Fiscal 2014 operations & maintenance, Navy and fiscal 2014 other procurement, Navy funds in the amount of $22,463,961 are being obligated at time of award.

05 May 2014

BAE Systems Awarded USS Bulkeley Contract Modification

U.S. Department of Defence, Navy informs that contract modification has been awarded to BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, Norfolk, Virginia. The award is a US$11,344,264 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-10-C-4308) for the USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) fiscal 2014 'selected restricted availability'. ('A selected restricted availability' includes the planning and execution of depot-level maintenance, alterations, and modifications that will update and improve the ship's military and technical capabilities. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by September 2014. Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance, Navy contract funds in the amount of $11,344,264 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

18 Dec 2013

KH Radar Keeps an Eye on Christmas Island Approaches

Christmas Island: Photo credit K.Singer, Australian Govt.

Kelvin Hughes announces the permanent installation of an S-Band SharpEye™ radar and antenna on Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean for maritime surveillance of the coastal region. An Australian territory, located 2,600 kilometres northwest of Perth, Christmas Island has been regularly used by immigrants and asylum seekers as a pathway to obtaining refugee status. This has placed significant pressure on the Australian government with its duty of care requirements, creating a need for a permanent radar installation on the island.

04 Nov 2011

IMarEST Appoints ANZSPAC Executive Director

Liz Hay, Executive Director of ANZSPAC (Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific) Division

The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) has appointed Liz Hay as Executive Director of its ANZSPAC (Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific) Division. She will combine the position with her dual role as Chief Executive Officer of both the Australian Shipbuilders Association and Australian Ship Repairers Group, which are currently in the process of merging. Based on Australia’s Gold Coast, Liz has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the Australian maritime sector.

25 Sep 2013

ABS Awarded Military Sea Lift Command Contract

Classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is being awarded a contract with a cumulative value of US$ 25,000,000 by the Department of Defence's Military Sealift Command for vessel classification services. The Department of Defense, Navy, contract states that American Bureau of Shipping, Houston, Texas, is being awarded an $8,500,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with firm-fixed-price task orders to provide vessel classification services in accordance with statute 46 U.S.C. 3316. This contract includes two 12-month options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $25,000,000. Work will be performed worldwide, and is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2014.

13 Sep 2012

FRC Test Coxswain Course For RIBs & High Speed Craft

FRC International has developed a unique training course and qualification for the professional maritime sector. The Test Coxswain course is designed for both experienced crew members and technical staff who support both the specification and Test & Evaluation (T&E) of high performance craft. As the complexity and cost of high speed craft increases it has become more important that these craft are fit-for-purpose. Assessment needs to be objective, valid and reliable. Gone are the days of an individual coxswain saying ‘that's OK’ to approve an acquisition worth millions of Dollars.