The Commonwealth has awarded a contract extension to the Warship Asset Management Agreement (WAMA) partners.
The WAMA is an alliance of BAE Systems Australia, Saab Australia, Naval Ship Management and the Commonwealth Government for the total asset management of the Anzac Class Frigates through to the end of their life. The WAMA sustains hundreds of skilled shipbuilding jobs at the Henderson shipyard in Western Australia.
The contract extension will cover the final 12 months of the current Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) which is due to finish in 2024 following upgrades on HMAS Ballarat and HMAS Parramatta.
It will also cover the start of the Transition Capability Assurance Program (TransCAP) which will see work start on HMAS Anzac, Warramunga and Arunta.
BAE Systems says the timing of the TransCAP will align with the company's plans to modernise its Henderson site so that complex capability upgrades can be delivered more efficiently.
“We’re excited to continue our work with the WAMA delivering through life support and asset management of the Anzac Class and progressing to deliver the TransCAP which will include providing greater missile capability for the ships," BAE Systems Australia Maritime Delivery Director, Greg Laxton said.
“We have developed a critical ship management capability at Henderson which has delivered significant ship-to-ship efficiencies. We’re investing in the local facilities, bringing innovation from the Hunter Class Frigate Program and the digital shipyard at Osborne to Henderson.”
“As the nation’s sovereign combat management system provider for the Royal Australian Navy’s surface fleet, Saab Australia is delighted to continue its long-term role as the combat systems integrator for Australia’s Anzac Class frigates, delivering cutting edge capability and in-service support under the WAMA contract,” Saab Australia Managing Director Andy Keough added.
“Babcock, through its Australian warship division Naval Ship Management, welcomes the extension of the WAMA. We look forward to building on the 10+ years of experience already provided in safely delivering the sustainment needs of the Royal Australian Navy for the Anzac Class platform," Babcock Australasia’s General Manager, Warships Australia, Gavin Stewart said.