Anzac-class frigate HMAS Parramatta is a step nearer resuming active duties with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) after being undocked at BAE Systems Australia’s shipyard in Henderson.
The 118-metre warship has been returned to the water at the Western Australia yard as the long-running Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Programme (AMCAP) moves into its final stages.
As per a recent Defence Australia press statement, the AMCAP suite of works “ensures Parramatta remains capable of meeting its operational requirements in this evolving strategic environment.”
It includes fitting out the warship with Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile as well as the ESSM Block-2 Surface to Air Missile and communications upgrades. It also takes in installation of the CEAFAR L-band long-range air search radar.
Acting Commanding Officer Parramatta Lieutenant Commander David Ward commented: “Undocking is a complicated process. Moving a vessel that is 118m long, nearly 15m wide and that weighs 3,800 tonnes requires precise planning, flawless communication and a single mental model.”
He added: “After three years in production, the undocking seems like a minor event in the AMCAP project, but it is the visible metaphor of the work that Defence and industry do every day to achieve capability together.”
AMCAP has been running since 2018 and as well as BAE Systems Australia has involved Saab Australia, and Babcock International.
Once the in-water phase of her refit is complete, HMAS Parramatta will undergo sea trials ahead of her return to full operational service. The tests are currently scheduled for early 2026.
- You can read more details on the Defence Australia website