News Review: CEAFAR, CEAMOUNT gain operational release | ADM October 2011

Navy’s new CEAAR / CEAMOUNT anti-ship missile defence radar system has been released for initial operational use after achieving outstanding results during trials of the system off the coasts of Australia and Hawaii.

The new multi-phased array radar system has been installed on the Anzac-class frigate HMAS Perth. The CEAFAR and CEAMOUNT radars identify and track and guide missiles to multiple targets at the same time. The two radars work with the Anzac frigates’ upgraded Saab Systems 9LVMk3E combat system and are mounted on a new lightweight mast designed and built by BAE Systems.

Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare inspected the radar at work aboard HMAS Perth while it was conducting training exercises off the coast of Western Australia.

“This is the latest weapon in Navy’s arsenal. It means our Anzac frigates will be a lot more capable,” Mr Clare said. “At the moment our Anzac frigates can track and destroy one target at a time. This new radar means they will now be able to track and destroy multiple targets at the same time.

“This is also a great Australian success story. It’s cutting-edge technology developed right here in Australia by CEA Technologies.”

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs said HMAS Perth had just returned from testing the system on the US Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii with tremendous results.

“The tests proved that the new system can defend the ship from modern cruise missile attack. This is a significant enhancement for the Anzac-class frigates,” he said

HMAS Perth is the lead ship in this project. Following the successful testing of the system on this ship, the Government will soon make a decision about upgrading the other seven Anzac-class frigates.

Subject: Sea