Australian frigate receives missile defense upgrade

CANBERRA, Australia, June 27 (UPI) -- The second of eight ANZAC-class frigates of the Royal Australian Navy has completed an anti-missile defense upgrade program and is undergoing sea trials.

The 18-month upgrade to HMAS Arunta involved integration of new radar, installation of a new combat management system from Saab of Sweden, the laying of more than 98,000 feet of new fiber-optic cable and routine maintenance and repair.

The work improves the ship's capability to defend itself against modern anti-ship missiles, according to the Australian Department of Defense.

"This has been achieved by successfully integrating the Australian designed CEA Phased Array Radar with an upgraded SAAB combat management system," said Warren King, chief executive officer, Defense Materiel Organization.

The five remaining ANZAC-class frigates are to receive the air defense upgrade by 2017. Involved in the work are BAE Systems, SAAB, and CEA Technologies.

In other Australian naval news, Minister for Defense David Johnston has announced that the Australian subsidiary of Kellogg, Brown & Root has been contracted to provide support services for the Navy's Landing Helicopter Dock ships.

The contract is for five years but details on its monetary value were not disclosed.

"KBR will bring their world-class asset management expertise to the sustainment of Australia's new LHDs," said Minister for Defense David Johnston. "This will ensure the vessels are always ready to meet their operational commitments, and maximize the availability of the ships throughout their 40-year lives."