Anzac-class frigate
Template:Infobox Ship Class The ten ANZAC class frigates are the major surface units of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN).[1] They were based on a modified German MEKO 200 design.
Built by Tenix Defence Systems using modular construction techniques, hull and superstructure modules were built in both New Zealand and Australia. Final fit out was in Williamstown, Australia. Eight ships serve in the RAN and are numbered FFH 150 - FFH 157. The two RNZN ships are F77 and F111.
Australian improvements
- CEA SSCWI fitted for control of the ESSM missile in upgraded RAN units.
- Upward creep in ship manning led the RAN to undertake a habitability upgrade study. Additionally, restructuring the Marine Engineering Department has resulted in a change in the rank / billet structure, creating a need to re-work some habitation areas. Habitability upgrades are intended to provide added flexibility for additional training bunks, force protection personnel, special operations personnel and mixed genders onboard the ships, by increasing the ships berthing by +11 from 174 to 185 berths. The additional +11 berths have a ranking mix of +2 Officers, +2 CPO's, +2 PO's & +5 JR's. Arunta has completed her upgrade and remaining units will follow.
- The Harpoon anti-ship missile is being fitted to Australian units. Work was complete on the first upgraded ship, HMAS Warramunga, in 2004. For a number of reasons related to operational considerations and the electronic environment, the Harpoon installation was relocated from its reserved space and weight position on 02 Deck to a position on 01 Deck forward of the bridge. Remaining units will be upgraded in due course.
The Australian Defence Department decided to upgrade their Anzacs even before all ships were completed, the upgraded configuration includes, RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles fitted in two Quad Launchers, Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles Quad Packed in VLS enabling 32 missiles to be carried, 4 Nulka active missile decoys and the Petrel Mine and Obstacle Avoidance Sonar system. All upgrades and new builds are scheduled for completion by 2006.
Subsequent upgrades will focus on anti-ship missile defence, and are slated to include, an additional fire control channel, IRST (Infra-red search and track) system and two RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile close in weapons systems. In September 2005, the RAN selected the CEA Technologies CEA-FAR 3D E/F band, fixed active phased array radar for improved fire control against anti-ship missiles. The radar will enter service from 2009.
New Zealand improvements
- Phalanx CIWS fitted to RNZN units.
- ESSM to be fitted from 2008.
New Zealand controversy
The purchase of the RNZN ships proved especially controversial. Initially, two ships were to be constructed (Te Kaha and Te Mana), with an option for a further two to eventually replace the remaining Leander class units. This was part of a major defence review under the National Party government of Jenny Shipley. However, there had been significant public opinion to the purchase of the initial two ANZAC units[2], while it was determined in several quarters that the ANZAC design was unsuited to New Zealand's defence needs, which were moving towards more of a peacekeeping role.
Units
References
- ^ Peace Making or Frigate Building? accessed 03/08/07