The Aegis combat system fitted on NUSHiP Hobart was successfully tested by a team from Lockheed Martin during the ship's recent sea acceptance trials.
The primary focus of the trials was to test and verify the ship platform and its ability to support the combat system, including demonstration and test of the Aegis combat system operations across multiple warfare areas in an at-sea environment. NUSHIP Hobart is expected to be handed over to the RAN in June, following an introduction-into-service period to be conducted between March and June in company with the Spanish Armada's Cristóbal Colón (F-105).
The Hobart Integrated Test Team (ITT) included Lockheed Martin engineers and technicians from Australia and the US supporting the Commonwealth and the AWD Alliance team.
The Aegis Weapon System is a centralised, automated, command-and-control weapons control system that was designed as a total combat management system from detection to engagement. It enables multi-mission capability, network-centric warfare, cooperative engagement capability and growth to SM-6 and future capabilities.
“Australia is receiving a significant new capability which, as an Australian, I am very proud of contributing towards,” Lockheed Martin Australia Aegis engineer Paul Waterworth said. “The team is dedicated to ensuring the successful delivery of Hobart’s Aegis capability to the Royal Australian Navy.”
NUSHIP Hobart will be the 107th ship and the sixth Allied nation to benefit from Aegis capabilities – joining Japan, Spain, Norway, the Republic of Korea and the US.