Australian DoD press release
Conducted alongside ships from Canada and the United States, Commanding Officer Arunta Commander Troy Duggan said the firing demonstrated the lethality of the upgraded Anzac-class frigate and its world-class Australian systems.
“This is the first time an AMCAP frigate has participated in Rimpac, and demonstrates the capability of the new phased array radar suite as an integrated sensor for the combat system,” Cmdr Duggan said.
Completed in 2019, the upgrade provides the Anzac-class frigates the first CEAFAR2-L long-range phased-array air search radar. This world-leading radar technology has been designed in Australia to provide long-range situational awareness to the ship and allied units.
Missile firings are conducted on the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii.
The range used remote-controlled drones to simulate missile attack profiles against Arunta, and the ship engaged them with surface-to-air missiles.
Cmdr Duggan said the ship’s company had trained extensively for the event.
“These sorts of complex warfighting exercises with multinational partners demonstrate that the Royal Australian Navy is able to operate seamlessly with other highly advanced navies in our region,” he said.
HMA Ships Hobart, Stuart, Arunta and Sirius, are taking part in exercise Rimpac in Hawaii.
Ten nations, 22 surface ships, one submarine, multiple aircraft, and about 5300 personnel are participating in this iteration of the biggest international naval exercise.
It includes forces from Australia, Brunei, Canada, France, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and the United States.
Participating forces are exercising a wide range of capabilities, including multinational anti-submarine warfare, maritime intercept operations, and live-fire training events.
About AMCAP
Included in the AMCAP upgrade is the replacement of the ageing Air Search Radar capability with the new CEAFAR L-band long-range air search radar. Designed and produced by CEA Technologies, this new radar technology will also be part of the combat system on board the Hunter-class Frigates which will replace the Anzac class frigates.
Other major work as part of AMCAP upgrade:
- Upgraded ventilation systems;
- New sewage systems;
- Improvements to the Control and Monitoring System;
- Engine modifications to improve power and efficiency;
- New communications suite (SEA1442)
- Upgraded LESCUT
- Upgraded AN/SLQ-25C torpedo self-defence systems
- Technical insert for the Saab 9LV 453 combat management system moves its operating system from Windows to Linux.