• Two Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) are fired from HMAS Hobart during test firings off the US West coast. Defence
    Two Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) are fired from HMAS Hobart during test firings off the US West coast. Defence
Close×

Defence has selected Raytheon Australia to support the integration of Australian Aegis combat systems.

Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne said that the US Navy’s proven Aegis combat management system, which is already fitted to the Hobart Class Destroyers, will be fitted to the Hunter Class Frigates as well.

Defence has issued a Limited Request for Tender to Raytheon to establish a Deed of Standing Offer, under which Raytheon Australia will provide Aegis combat system integration support for up to six years.

“Raytheon Australia will provide Defence with their demonstrated expertise for the successful implementation, evolution and continuous development of Aegis combat systems in our current and future surface combatants,” Minister Pyne said.

“Selecting Raytheon Australia for this limited tender will provide workforce continuity and allow Defence to leverage from their recent Aegis experience gained as the Combat System Integrator role for the Hobart Class Destroyers.”

“This is an important step forward in realising the Government’s new approach to Naval Combat Systems management.”

Seperately, the government has also announced that it is seeking submissions on the Naval Shipbuilding Strategic Workforce discussion paper to help guide further actions and initiatives (available here).

“The Government’s investment in establishing the National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs across Australia,” Minister Pyne said.

“In order to meet the future demands of the Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise, we must ensure we have the right people, at the right time, with the right skills.

“By providing a submission on the Naval Shipbuilding Strategic Workforce Discussion Paper, businesses and other interested parties will help inform the continuous workforce planning being undertaken in support of the National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise.”

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article stated that Raytheon has been chosen 'to integrate' Aegis - it has been amended to 'support the integration' of Aegis.

comments powered by Disqus