RAN’s latest Hobart-class warships ready for operations

The Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart-class air warfare destroyers (AWD) have reached final operational capability (FOC) after the third ship completed the test and evaluation period.

The warship HMAS Sydney returned to Australia in July after a successful test period, which included missile firings against low-altitude and supersonic targets. The tests were performed off the costs of the United States and Canada.

Approximately 5,000 Australians are estimated to have worked on the air warfare destroyer program over the past decade, with over 2,700 suppliers supporting the development of HMAS Sydney.

The milestone marks the achievement of final operating capability (FOC) for the entire Hobart-class fleet, developed as part of the government’s $8.5 billion SEA 4000 program. 

“Navy’s three Hobart-class destroyers use a number of systems in common with the US Navy, which allows our ships to be fully interchangeable with the most advanced allied naval force in the Indo-Pacific region,” Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Michael Noonan AO RAN, said.

“They are equipped with a layered defensive and offensive capabilities for above water, surface and undersea warfare.”