Procurement Programs: The 'Hobart' Class Air Warfare Destroy...

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Hobart class Air Warfare Destroyers (AWD), based on Navantia's design for the F100 class destroyer fitted with a local variant of the Aegis Weapon System, will commence builder's sea trials in 7/2014, with initial materiel release and commissioning slated for 12/2014. The A$8 bil ($7.2 bil) program has already met several key milestones, including completion of the preliminary design review in late 2008. The AWD Alliance anticipates selection of contractors for the EW and communications systems soon. BAE Systems Australia and Forgacs have been awarded subcontractors for fabrication of the ships' hull blocks, which will begin in 2010.