*Sources: DTN News / BAE Systems Australia
(NSI News Source Info) WILLIAMSTOWN, Victoria - June 30, 2009: The selection of BAE Systems Australia as the supplier to build hull blocks for the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) program reflected the company’s shipbuilding experience and capability, Jim McDowell, Managing Director, said today. .jpg)
Australia's naval forces include surface combatants (destroyers, frigates and patrol boats), submarines, amphibious forces, minewarfare and clearance diving forces, afloat support vessels and hydrographic ships. The most capable of our surface combatants will be the three air warfare destroyers (AWD), which will be able to operate for extended periods against high-level air, surface and sub-surface threats. They will be supported by the less capable frigates and in some cases patrol boats. The destroyers' combination of great endurance, offensive and defensive weapons, flexibility and versatility will see them become the warships of first resort in the full spectrum of conflict and in support of the ADF's diplomatic and constabulary roles.
For example, the destroyers will be able to operate for long periods at considerable distances from home. In the absence of the necessary land bases to support fighter aircraft, the destroyers will be able to provide autonomous air defence for protracted periods against high-level threats, through their own long-range air surveillance radars, multi-channel fire control radars, surface-to-air missiles and closer range self-defence weapons and countermeasures systems. Even where bases are available, land-based air defence aircraft will rarely be able to respond quickly enough to threats developing at sea. In these cases, the ever-present destroyers will be the main providers of air defence.
Mr McDowell said ASC Pty Ltd had reconsidered BAE Systems Australia's offer in recent weeks and the two companies had negotiated to achieve a positive outcome.
“We always felt that we had submitted a very competitive bid, one that was backed up by our proud naval shipbuilding record, our strong balance sheet, and our highly skilled workforce,” Mr McDowell said.
“Now, we are ready to get on with the job. BAE Systems is pleased to be involved in the AWD construction program; on top of contracts we have already secured to supply the maritime satellite communications terminals and Mark 45 deck guns for these warships.”
Mr McDowell said that the latest contract would secure work for up to 400 highly skilled BAE Systems employees at its Williamstown shipyard for the next five years.
“This contract creates the critical mass needed to sustain the shipyard for the medium term,” he said.
Over the period of the contract, BAE Systems will build a total of 36 blocks for all three destroyers. These blocks comprise the hull machinery compartments, and bow and stern sections of the ships which represent the most complex parts of the hull.
To deliver the program, BAE Systems will upgrade the infrastructure at its Williamstown shipyard. Major elements include the construction of Australia’s largest wholly enclosed blast and paint facility, new construction halls and automated fabrication systems. This will create a flow on effect for employment in the Victorian construction industry.
“I am also very grateful to the Victorian Government which is contributing towards the infrastructure upgrade cost for Williamstown,” Mr McDowell said.
Work is scheduled to begin on the first of the blocks towards the end of this year.
About BAE Systems:
BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
Australia's naval forces include surface combatants (destroyers, frigates and patrol boats), submarines, amphibious forces, minewarfare and clearance diving forces, afloat support vessels and hydrographic ships. The most capable of our surface combatants will be the three air warfare destroyers (AWD), which will be able to operate for extended periods against high-level air, surface and sub-surface threats. They will be supported by the less capable frigates and in some cases patrol boats. The destroyers' combination of great endurance, offensive and defensive weapons, flexibility and versatility will see them become the warships of first resort in the full spectrum of conflict and in support of the ADF's diplomatic and constabulary roles.
For example, the destroyers will be able to operate for long periods at considerable distances from home. In the absence of the necessary land bases to support fighter aircraft, the destroyers will be able to provide autonomous air defence for protracted periods against high-level threats, through their own long-range air surveillance radars, multi-channel fire control radars, surface-to-air missiles and closer range self-defence weapons and countermeasures systems. Even where bases are available, land-based air defence aircraft will rarely be able to respond quickly enough to threats developing at sea. In these cases, the ever-present destroyers will be the main providers of air defence.
Mr McDowell said ASC Pty Ltd had reconsidered BAE Systems Australia's offer in recent weeks and the two companies had negotiated to achieve a positive outcome.
“We always felt that we had submitted a very competitive bid, one that was backed up by our proud naval shipbuilding record, our strong balance sheet, and our highly skilled workforce,” Mr McDowell said.
“Now, we are ready to get on with the job. BAE Systems is pleased to be involved in the AWD construction program; on top of contracts we have already secured to supply the maritime satellite communications terminals and Mark 45 deck guns for these warships.”
Mr McDowell said that the latest contract would secure work for up to 400 highly skilled BAE Systems employees at its Williamstown shipyard for the next five years.
“This contract creates the critical mass needed to sustain the shipyard for the medium term,” he said.
Over the period of the contract, BAE Systems will build a total of 36 blocks for all three destroyers. These blocks comprise the hull machinery compartments, and bow and stern sections of the ships which represent the most complex parts of the hull.
To deliver the program, BAE Systems will upgrade the infrastructure at its Williamstown shipyard. Major elements include the construction of Australia’s largest wholly enclosed blast and paint facility, new construction halls and automated fabrication systems. This will create a flow on effect for employment in the Victorian construction industry.
“I am also very grateful to the Victorian Government which is contributing towards the infrastructure upgrade cost for Williamstown,” Mr McDowell said.
Work is scheduled to begin on the first of the blocks towards the end of this year.
About BAE Systems:
BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
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