SECOND AIR WARFARE DESTROYER ENTERS SEA TRIALS

The Australian Defence Force’s second Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD), NUSHIP Brisbane, has commenced its 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 this achievement is a further demonstration of industry’s role as a fundamental input into capability for Defence.

“Over the past decade, more than 5000 people from across the Department of Defence, ASC, Raytheon Australia and Navantia have dedicated millions of hours of effort to the AWD program,” Minister Pyne said.

“With more than 60 per cent Australian industry capability, the AWD program is a true example of a home-grown capability.

“Through the AWD program, we have created a local workforce with specialist shipbuilding and complex systems integration skills that will form the foundation for future shipbuilding projects in Australia.”.

The start of Brisbane’s sea trials phase follows the commissioning of HMAS Hobart earlier this year, with both events reinforcing the success of the Government-led reform, an initiative that set the AWD program on track to meet cost and schedule targets.

“As part of the AWD reform initiative, the Commonwealth worked directly alongside industry to remediate the program,” Minister Pyne said.

“This resulted in an injection of Commonwealth expertise and shipbuilding management from Navantia, as well as project management oversight and de-risking activities from Raytheon Australia.

“Working together with ASC’s quality shipbuilding workforce, this new structure has put the AWD program on a path to long-term success.”