Four of Australia’s seven Anzac-class frigates sailed in formation off the Western Australian coast for ASWEX 25 this month. Their mission: to hunt Australian submarine assets to ensure Navy is fully capable of protecting Australia and its interests.
While capable of operating independently for long periods, for ASWEX, this lethal grey wolf, the backbone of the fleet, operated in packs. HMA Ships Warramunga, Toowoomba, Stuart and Arunta worked as one united frigate force under the direction of the Australian Maritime Task Group. Joined by HMA Ships Choules and Hobart, the task group fleet put proof to the concept of an agile fleet that is focused, lethal and ready.
In the skies, the fleet was supported by Navy MH-60R helicopters, and RAAF and Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon sub hunters, generating significant force tailored for sea control and deterrence missions.
The Commanding Officer of Warramunga, Commander Dylan Phillips said ASWEX was a significant opportunity to uplift mariner and warfare skills by undertaking complex activities as part of a task group. The required coordination added a level of complexity impossible to replicate when operating independently. “It was also a great opportunity to train our next generation of Navy personnel, ahead of the introduction of exciting new capabilities including the Hunter-class anti-submarine frigates and general purpose frigates.”
The Anzac-class frigate is a highly capable ship, fitted with air and surface surveillance radars, omni-directional hull-mounted sonar and electronic support systems that all interface simultaneously with the 9LV453 Mk3E combat data system to present a coherent tactical picture to the warfare team. They’re also armed with the Mk.45 5-inch gun capable of firing 20 rounds per minute, ship-launched MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes and the Mk.41 vertical launch system for the Evolved Sea Sparrow missile.
They also have eight anti-ship/land attack-canister-launched Harpoon missiles, and defensive countermeasures such as the Nulka active missile decoy system, off-board chaff and the Nixie torpedo decoy.
In its media release the RAN said, “Undersea warfare readiness exercises such as ASWEX are critical for protecting Australia’s harbours, ports and shipping lanes to maintain vital supply lines all Australians rely on for their daily lives.”
Source RAN
