Royal Australian Navy begins mid-life upgrade on frigate HMAS Anzac

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has commenced a mid-life upgrade programme on the frigate HMAS Anzac at its homeport in Garden Island, Western Australia.

Anzac is the second vessel in its class that will undergo the Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) after sister vessel HMAS Arunta, which completed its own upgrade under the same program in 2019.

Frigate Group Capability Manager’s Representative Captain Dugald Clelland said that AMCAP will ensure the Anzac-class ships are able to help maintain the RAN’s regional surface combatant capability until the new Hunter-class frigates are introduced into service later this decade.

Under AMCAP, Anzac will be fitted with a new air search radar, improved communications facilities, and upgraded systems such as those for propulsion control, fridges, waste management, and water production.

The upgrade program is being undertaken by the RAN and the Warship Asset Management Agreement which is a four-way alliance between the Commonwealth’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Saab Australia, BAE Systems, and Naval Ship Management Australia.