Saab Systems and CEA to boost missile defence capability on Anzac ships

Saab Systems will work with CEA Technologies to integrate new active phased array radar technology on ANZAC ships to provide greater protection against attack by modern missiles.

The Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill, recently announced the plans to provide the ANZAC frigates with additional capability to protect them against attacks by modern enemy missiles.

Merv Davis, Managing Director of Saab Systems, said this is the second of a two-part upgrade of the ANZAC ships to provide improved defence against anti-ship missiles through the provision of multiple fire control channels.

“In the first phase Saab, as the major contractor and combat systems integrator, is upgrading the ship’s combat management system.  This includes enhanced processing capability, a modern operator console, and integration of an infrared search and track sensor to detect very fast supersonic missiles.

“The second part of the upgrade will see the addition of a phased array radar—new technology developed by CEA Technologies of Canberra,” said Mr Davis.

According to Mr Davis, the CEA-FAR and CEA-MOUNT active-phased array radar systems enable highly efficient detection, tracking and interception of very fast missile threats. The system is optimised for maritime environments and can track targets and fire at several directions simultaneously.

“The ship will have both radar and infrared sensors for missile detection.  However, only the radar system can direct the ship’s Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles used to shoot down the attacking missiles.

“The phased array radar is linked to the Saab combat management system which provides all surveillance, tactical decision-making and engagement control for the ship.   The track-while-scan capabilities of the active phased array will significantly enhance threat evaluation and weapon assignment.

“It also supports vital communications with allied ships and aircraft via data links,” Mr Davis said.

Saab Systems and CEA Technologies have been long-term partners in development of naval combat systems. These combined Saab and CEA systems have strong potential for export to countries upgrading to Evolved Sea-Sparrow Missile, or to navies wishing to add a CEA-Saab air-warfare sub-system to an existing command and control system.

Saab has been working with the ANZAC Frigate program since 1990, including providing the original combat system. Since then, Saab has integrated the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, Advanced Harpoon Weapons Control System, Mine and Obstacle Avoidance Sonar, and the Nulka missile decoy to the ANZAC’s combat management system.

"This has seen the ANZAC Class evolve into one of the world’s most capable frigates and it has proven Saab’s ability to form effective partnerships to deliver the best possible outcomes for the Australian Defence Force,” said Mr Davis.

The project will be managed through the ANZAC Ship Alliance, which also includes the Australian Defence Materiel Organisation and Tenix Defence. This has been a highly effective mechanism for managing complex naval projects and delivering systems according to plan.

13 September 2005