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ASC has secured its second major warship construction project, which ASC chairman Bruce Carter said is recognition for a strong turnaround on the Air Warfare Destroyer program.
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Following the official announcement Friday that ASC would build two of the 12 Lürssen designed OPVs under project SEA 1180, Carter said the decision is a historic win for the organisation.
"[The] decision is recognition of the high performance of ASC Shipbuilding and the strong turnaround in its performance on the Air Warfare Destroyer program since 2014," Carter said.
"[The] announcement marks a new era for the company as it moves forward to its second major warship construction project and a sustainable future."
The AWD project has come a long way over the last few years.
In 2010, the central keel block for AWD Hobart was found to be incompatible with other hull sections.
In 2014, a report by the Australian National Audit Office criticised the project for underestimating the risks of the design aspects of the ships, and building them in shipyards with no warship construction experience.
The report also found there was a 'sub-standard' technology transfer procedure by Navantia.
Since a ‘reform strategy’ was announced in 2014, the project has gone from strength to strength.
ASC-built Air Warfare Destroyer, NUSHIP Brisbane, recently began its first phase of sea trials, which will test the ship’s hull, propulsion and navigation systems.
ASC Shipbuilding paid tribute to its workforce for the program reaching its targets on cost and on time.
"This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the continued dedication and performance of our highly capable shipbuilding workforce of more than 1,100 personnel," ASC said.
"This first phase of sea trials will test the ship’s platform systems, including propulsion, manoeuvring, control and navigation systems, and will be followed by more advanced sea trials next year."
The AWD's will provide air warfare and undersea warfare defence for accompanying ships, land forces and coastal infrastructure, in addition to self-protection against missiles and aircraft.
The destroyers will be Australia’s first ships to be equipped with Lockheed Martin’s Aegis Weapon System, which integrates commercial-off-the-shelf technology and open architecture into the combat system.
Mid-next year, Brisbane will be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy to join her sister ship, HMAS Hobart, and will be followed in quick succession by the delivery of the third and final AWD, Sydney, in 2019.
