Australian Military News, Reports, Data, etc.

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Jeff Head

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HMAS-Warramunga-Completes-Missile-Upgrade.jpg

Naval Today said:
Australian Navy’s HMAS Warramunga returned to the water on 8 April after over a year out of the water in upgrade.

Warramunga is the fourth Anzac class frigate to undergo the Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade program, a world class program that provides an enhanced sensor and weapons systems capability.

The upgrade showcases Australian design and integration capability, with new Phased Array Radar technology designed by CEA Technologies in Canberra, upgrades to combat systems performed by Saab Systems in South Australia, and platform integration design by BAE Systems in Victoria. In addition to this a substantial maintenance package is also completed to ensure compliance with the tenets of seaworthiness.

HMAS Warramunga will remain at Fleet Base West to complete the maintenance package and the long process of Harbour Acceptance Trials and seaworthiness boards. Concurrent with this effort, the ship’s company is also preparing HMAS Parramatta to enter the upgrade in the coming weeks.

On completion of trials, Warramunga will return to her new home port – Sydney, in September 2015.

The new upgrade incorporates a CEAFAR/CEAMOUNT phased array radar, a Vampir NG
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system, and a Sharpeye Navigational Radar System. Here's a pic of that new main mast:


HMAS_Perth_(FFH_157)_CEAFAR_phased_array_radars.jpg

These eight froigates have been regularly upgradedto keep them capable and effective.

For example:

From 2003 on trhey began receiving and using the ESSM in the eight cell VLS instead of the earlier Sea-Sparrw. These are better missiles, and allow them to be quad-packed, increasing their armament to 32 missiles instead of eight. The Warramunga was actually the 1st ship in the world to be fitted with the ESSM back then.

From 2005 on the ships began receiving the HArpoon BLock II missiles. Eight of them which they had been fitted for...but never installed until that time.

From 2010 on they began the current Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) upgrade and now Warramunga is the 4th ship to complete it, and the 5th, Parramatta, is under going the upgrade now. All vessels will be upgraded by 2017.

Beginning in 2016, a further upgrade is planned which will further upgrade their missile defense with the independently-guided Sea Ceptor missiles. That upgrade will also modernize the core combat system to the Saab/Lockheed CanACCS 9LV standard, and integrate it with other radar improvements.

So, these eight have the following specs to date:

4,000 ton displacement
1 x 127mm DP main gun
8 x Harpoon Block II missiles
1 x 8 cell VLS with 32 ESSM missiles
2 x Mark 32 Triple torpedo launchers for MU90 torpedoes
2 x 12.7mm Mini Typhoon munts
1 x 20mm Phalanx CIWS (fitted for, but not with)
1 x Medium ASW helo, hanger, and pad

Note: Thanks to Skywatcher for the info on the Phalanx being fitted for but not with on the RAN Anzacs.
 
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Pusser01

Banned Idiot
Beginning in 2016, a further upgrade is planned which will further upgrade their missile defense with the independently-guided Sea Ceptor missiles. That upgrade will also modernize the core combat system to the Saab/Lockheed CanACCS 9LV standard, and integrate it with other radar improvements.

So, these eight have the following specs to date:

4,000 ton displacement
1 x 127mm DP main gun
8 x Harpoon Block II missiles
1 x 8 cell VLS with 32 ESSM missiles
2 x Mark 32 Triple torpedo launchers for MU90 torpedoes
2 x 12.7mm Mini Typhoon munts
1 x 20mm Phalanx CIWS
1 x Medium ASW helo, hanger, and pad

Hi Jeff, the RAN Anzac's are sticking with ESSM, it is the Kiwi Anzac's that are going down the Sea Ceptor path. Part of the MLU for the Aus Anzac's will include replacing the SPS49 radar with a 3D system.
Cheers
 

Jeff Head

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Hi Jeff, the RAN Anzac's are sticking with ESSM, it is the Kiwi Anzac's that are going down the Sea Ceptor path. Part of the MLU for the Aus Anzac's will include replacing the SPS49 radar with a 3D system.
Cheers
Thanks for that mate...I thought the RAN had adopted a 2016 Upgrade that would start be bringing in the Sea Ceptors.

Obviously, I was wrong on that count and I thank you for correcting me.

Even without that, having the new ASMD and the ESSMs, along with the Harpoons, makes these vessels very potent and lengthens their viability.

Between them, the modernized Adelaide class and the new Hobarts, the RAN is going to be pretty well positioned.
 

Jeff Head

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skynews_img_1200_745.jpg

Pacific Sentinel said:
Around 300 ADF members from Task Group Taji (TG Taji) were officially farewelled today by Prime Minister the Hon Tony Abbott, the leader of the opposition, The Hon Bill Shorten, the Minister for Defence, The Hon Kevin Andrews and the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, AC.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin reminded the departing troops that the Iraqi Army had suffered tremendous loss over the past year.

“You will need to respect these facts and work to build rapport, be empathetic, patient and professional––traits we have traditionally shown with each force we have trained in the past.
“This is what you have trained for and I am confident in your ability to do the job we have asked of you.”

The farewell event, at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane, was well supported by family and friends of the deploying members.

Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, said the troops have worked hard in the lead up to their deployment and are well prepared for challenges that may arise.

“Although Australian personnel will deploy to the Building Partner Capacity mission in a non-combat role, they are fully aware that Iraq is a complex and dangerous environment in which to operate,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.

“Australian soldiers are among the finest in the world. The men and women of Task Group Taji are well-skilled, well-prepared and well-equipped. We wish them all the best as they begin their mission, and importantly, we wish them a safe return to their families and friends.”
Commander 7th Brigade, Brigadier Adam Findlay, AM, whose troops make up the majority of the departing force, thanked the families and friends of the deploying personnel for their support.

“Today presented us with an opportunity to not only thank the soldiers for their dedication and commitment to the mission, but to recognise their families and the broader Brisbane community for their ongoing support,” he said.

Commander Task Group Taji, Colonel Matthew Galton, said that the aim of the mission is to enable regular Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) to take the fight to Daesh, to re-take and effectively hold that territory as well as to re-establish order in their own country.

“The Building Partner Capacity mission is all about training the regular Iraqi Security Forces and building their capacity to be able to defend their borders and restore their country’s sovereignty,” he said.

Task Group Taji will consist of a training team with command, force protection and support elements.

Training will focus on core operational skills including planning and conducting operations, basic manoeuvre and integration of intelligence into operations.

The Building Partner Capacity mission contributes to a broader international effort and Australia and New Zealand will join other nations who have already made commitments to train Iraqi forces, including the United States, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain.
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HMAS-Canberra-in-Hobart-for-Anzac-Day.jpg

Naval Today said:
The Australian Navy’s newest ship, HMAS Canberra was the hottest ticket in town when she opened her gangway to the public in Hobart on the Anzac Day weekend.

During the open day, 6,120 people worked their way around the 27,500 tonne, 230 metre long warship, viewing aircraft on the flight deck, the medical facilities and well dock.

In addition to two operating theatres, Canberra as an eight bed Critical Care Unit, a variety of wards, pathology, radiology, x-ray, pharmacy and dental facilities.

Canberra is one of the most capable and sophisticated air-land-sea amphibious deployment systems in the world. She is also designed to be able to conduct large-scale humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

Prior to the Hobart port visit, the ship conducted cold weather aspects of First of Class Flight Trials around Storm Bay, Tasmania.

I'd love to be able to tour one of the Canberra's.
 

Jeff Head

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RAAF_Super_Hornet.jpg

Pacific Sentinel said:
WASHINGTON, Apr 28, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler Aircraft Sustainment and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of follow-on sustainment support and services for twenty four (24) AF/A-18Fs Super Hornet and twelve (12) AEA-18G Growler aircraft. The sustainment efforts will include software and hardware updates, Engineering Change Proposals, System Configuration upgrades, system integration and testing, engine component improvement, tools and test equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, aircrew trainer devices upgrades, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $1.5 billion.

This sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major contributor to political stability, security, and economic development in Southeast Asia and around the world. Australia is an important ally and partner that contributes significantly to coalition, peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations around the world. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives and facilitates burden sharing with a key ally.

The proposed sale of follow-on sustainment support and services will enable the Royal Australian Air Force to ensure the reliability and performance of its F/A-18 fleet. The follow-on support will allow Australia to maintain aircraft availability/operational rates, and enhance interoperability with the U.S. and other nations.

The proposed sale of this additional support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be The Boeing Company in St. Louis, Missouri. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale may require continued assignment of U.S. Government and contractor representatives to Australia.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

Australia is all in for the Super Hornets and the Growlers.

24 Super Hornets and 12 Growlers...36 very capable aircraft.

Way to go Down Under!
 
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...
I'd love to be able to tour one of the Canberra's.

Apr 30, 2015 Departure to Hobart
3:45pm
PRG
to
9:00am
HBA
33h 15m, 2 stops
DXB, MEL
Arrives Sat, May 2

May 2, 2015 Return to Prague
5:45pm
HBA
to
1:25pm
PRG
27h 40m, 2 stops
MEL, DXB
Arrives Sun, May 3

PRG = Prague; DBX = Dubai; MEL = Melbourne; HBA = Hobart

From Melbourne (MEL) to Hobart (HBA)
Boeing 717 | Breakfast

so if I left after lunch today (Thursday), I'd be offered a breakfast on Saturday
LOL!
 

Jeff Head

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Apr 30, 2015 Departure to Hobart
Arrives Sat, May 2

May 2, 2015 Return to Prague
Arrives Sun, May 3

PRG = Prague; DBX = Dubai; MEL = Melbourne; HBA = Hobart

so if I left after lunch today (Thursday), I'd be offered a breakfast on Saturday
LOL!
Well, I cannot be the one to say whether ou can afford it or not...but if you can afford it, DO IT!

And take LOTS of pictures!
 
Well, I cannot be the one to say whether ou can afford it or not...but if you can afford it, DO IT!

And take LOTS of pictures!

thanks for your encouragement, Jeff :) if I had insisted, I could've gone (the price I found was about two grand), but I wouldn't even if you sent me the ticket -- I suffer during long flights (at some point I start to nosebleed :-(
I prefer to look at the pictures on the SDF LOL!
 

Jeff Head

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hobart-05.jpg

Naval Today said:
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for Hobart Class Destroyer Sustainment and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $275 million.

The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of follow-on sustainment support and services in support of three Hobart Class Destroyers. The sustainment efforts will include AEGIS computer software and hardware updates, system integration and testing, tools and test equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, aircrew trainer devices upgrades, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics and program support.

The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability in current and future coalition efforts. Australia will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training in Washington, District of Columbia. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

The Hobart class is a ship class of three air warfare destroyers (AWDs) being built for the Australian Navy. Besides being dedicated to the defence of a naval force, the planned Australian destroyers would also be able to operate in anti-surface, anti-submarine, and naval gunfire support roles.

The Australians are ramping up in terms of their spending for strong sustainment of their major weapons systems.

This sustainment will mean that the Hobarts have all of the additional assitnace, AEGIS software, AEGIS documentation, air operations training, etc. that they need to develop those three DDGs into a powerful, sustainable fighting force.

Good on the Aussies!
 
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