Date posted: 10/04/2007*

On Oct. 4, 2007, representatives from the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Alliance signed the AWD Phase III contract signalling the start of building. The AWD Alliance, which comprises the Commonwealth of Australia, Raytheon Australia and ASC Shipbuilding, is committed to working as an integrated team to deliver the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) next-generation Hobart Class AWDs. The AWDs will provide air defense for accompanying ships, land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas and for self-protection against attacking missiles and aircraft.

”Today’s milestone is about our commitment to deliver NoDoubt™ Mission Assurance to the RAN through Raytheon’s expertise as a Mission Systems Integrator,” said Ron Fisher, managing director of Raytheon Australia. “We’ve prepared well in the earlier phases and today marks the moment when the Alliance begins building Australia’s most advanced ships.”

As the AWD Mission Systems Integrator, Raytheon Australia will “Australianise” the combat system around the Aegis core. The contract, worth $1.2 billion to Raytheon, covers the design, development and procurement of the Australianised Combat System.

"Our strong pedigree as a Mission Systems Integrator provides our Australian team with Reachback™ — the ability to draw on the company's collective wealth of experience and expertise for the program's success,” said Dan Smith, president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. “Raytheon is proud to be a partner with this team in what will be the most advanced shipbuilding project in Australia's history.” Smith is also a member of the AWD Principals Council.

Raytheon Australia was selected for the AWD Alliance in April 2005 and will continue to partner with Australian industry over the life of the project. Learn more about the Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance.

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