The AWD Alliance has selected ITT-EDO Reconnaissance and Surveillance Systems, Inc as the preferred supplier for the EW system for the AWD.
The contract is valued at $30 million.
"This is a modern EW system that uses proven technology and delivers the right capability and value for money.
"The solution also involves Australian companies and incorporates home-grown technology," Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, said.
"The ITT solution is based upon equipment used by several navies worldwide.
"The equipment includes the ITT ES-3701-02S system for the detection and identification of radars and the Southwest Research Institute MBS-567A system for intercepting communication signals."
ITT is teaming with Jenkins Engineering Defence Systems, Sydney and Ultra Electronics Avalon Systems, Adelaide, to deliver its solution.
"Avalon Systems will be upgrading its multi-purpose digital receiver and integrating it with the ITT system," Combet said.
"Jenkins Engineering will supply its low band receiver, integrate and conduct land-based testing of the complete system in Australia.
Jenkins Engineering will also install and test the equipment in the AWDs.
This work will build upon their experience with the ITT equipment fitted to the Collins class submarines, extending their capability to support latest generation electronic warfare systems."
The announcement came the day after ITT opened their new Australian office in Canberra.
Also in AWD news, Forgacs in Newcastle, BAE Systems at Williamstown and ASC in Adelaide have begun construction of the hull blocks.
"By mid 2011, completed hull blocks will begin to arrive in Adelaide for consolidation into the complete warship at the Government of South Australia's Common User Facility," Combet said.
Babcock has been awarded a $4.9 million contract by ASC on behalf of the AWD Alliance, to supply the fleet's weapon handling equipment.
The weapon handling equipment (WHE) will enable Eurotorp MU90 lightweight torpedoes to be integrated with the Mk32 Mod 9 Torpedo Discharge systems, which Babcock is also providing under a contract signed last year with Raytheon Australia on behalf of the AWD Alliance.
The WHE from Babcock is based on a system designed by the company for the German Type 123 Brandenburg class frigates, and consists of an overhead crane together with stowages for each weapon.
The crane, which features a rotating head, will enable the weapons to be raised from stowage and manoeuvred safely into position behind the Mk32 Mod 9 torpedo tubes ready for loading.
Each of the three Hobart class AWDs will have two systems, located respectively in the port and starboard magazines.
While the majority of the work to deliver the WHE systems will be undertaken by Babcock's engineering team in Adelaide, support will also be provided by Babcock's Integrated Technology team in the UK.