Navantia, BAE Systems ink Australian AWD destroyer maintenance deal

Navantia Australia and BAE Systems have signed a contract for the maintenance of Royal Australian Navy Hobart-class air warfare destroyers.

(L-R) Donato Martinez, Navantia Australia Managing Director; Russel Parke, DDG Enterprise Program Manager, BAE Systems; Captain Melinda Barnes RAN, DDG SPO Director; and Katherine Stevens, Head of Commercial and Procurement – Maritime and Integrated System, BAE Systems sign DDG Enterprise contract. Photo: Navantia

According to Navantia, the agreement for “platform system design and engineering assurance services” was signed at the Garden Island Naval Base on Tuesday, 15 May 2018.

Under the contract, Navantia Australia will provide ship, product and supply chain knowledge and will add an additional 14 design and engineering experts into the Guided Missile Destroyer (DDG) enterprise.

The signing of this contract completes the membership of the DDG Enterprise. The DDG Enterprise has been formed to provide a capability enhancing, value for money proposition for the Commonwealth of Australia. As a member of the Enterprise, Navantia Australia will work together with BAE Systems, the prime DDG Sustainment Contractor, combat system integrator, Raytheon Australia, and ship repairer, Thales Australia.

“Navantia Australia is proud to be part of the DDG Enterprise and looks forward to continuing to support the Royal Australia Navy both now and long into the future.” said Navantia Australia managing director, Donato Martinez.

“As the designer, and shipbuilding services manager of the Hobart Class under the AWD reform program, it was important for Navantia to be part of the DDG enterprise, tasked with sustaining this magnificent capability through its life”, said Navantia Australia chairman, Warren King.