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Defence has invested in a fresh seven-year contract with BAE Systems, set to support Royal Australian Navy (RAN) capabilities.
The contract, worth $163 million, is a part of the federal government’s wider billion-dollar investment into delivering sovereign and secure naval shipbuilding and sustainment services for the RAN.
“This agreement with BAE Systems Australia is a key building block in Defence’s new maritime sustainment approach that ensures the Anzac Class remains safe, capable and available,” said David Hanley, Deputy Secretary of National Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group.
“By locking in robust design support with BAE, we are underpinning fleet readiness while setting conditions for a seamless transition to our regional maintenance arrangements.”
The contract seeks to provide and support over 80 roles within the defence industry, working with BAE Systems to provide engineering and design support for Anzac Class vessels.
Small to medium enterprises will also be involved in the contract, with BAE Systems acting as a point of contact for the wider sovereign industrial base.
“The Anzac Class are the longest-serving surface combatants in the current Australian fleet. For the last 30 years, they have deployed around the world and are the backbone of Navy’s fleet,” said Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond.
“Assured availability and performance of the Anzac Class fleet is essential while the Navy transitions to a larger, more lethal fleet of surface combatants.”
