Article Posted on : - Feb 16, 2011

Anzac class frigates will be upgraded with new electronic support systems.

SYDNEY (BNS): The Australian Ministry of defence has announced the first Pass Approval for three major Defence capability projects for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The three major Defence capability projects include, upgrades to the Anzac class frigates’ electronic support systems; enhancements to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) telecommunications networks and enhancements to the ADF’s Special Operations vehicles and communications.

The overall budget of the three projects is estimated to be in between $500 million and around $1 billion by the time they are complete.

Under Project Sea 1448 Phase 4A, DoD will upgrade the Anzac class frigates’ electronic support systems as a complementary capability within the ongoing Anzac anti-ship missile defence programme. The final decision on the approval of the project is scheduled to taken in between 2012 to 2013.

The project will upgrade the electronic support system of the frigate, which will allow it to detect, classify and locate the latest generation of maritime and aircraft radars, as well as the latest anti-ship missiles.

Under the Joint Project 2047 Phase 3, the DoD has approved the Enhancement of the ADF’s fixed telecommunications networks. It will enhance Defence information and communications technology (ICT) services. The project expected to get the final approval in 2011-2012.

The project will significantly improve network performance and meet capability requirements into the 2020’s.

Australian Government has also given first pass approval for Joint Project 2097 Phase 1B to enhance the Australian Defence Force’s Special Operations vehicle capability.

The individual cost of the Project 2097 Phase 1B is capped between $100 million and $300 million and the final approval on the project is scheduled for 2013-14.

The enhancements to be delivered under JP 2097 Phase 1B will support the tactical manoeuvre of Special Forces and improve the efficiency of tactical network communications across the full spectrum of Special Operations.