Final Anzac Ship Launched

Final Anzac Ship Launched

Australia's $7 billion (current prices) investment in the 17-year ANZAC class frigate project will reach a significant milestone tomorrow with the launch of the 10th and final ship, Defence Minister Robert Hill said today.

NUSHIP PERTH will be launched at Tenix's Williamstown shipyard in Victoria by Margaret Gee, daughter of the late Able Seaman First Class Allan Gee who survived the sinking of HMAS PERTH I.

Senator Hill said the Royal Australian Navy's eight ANZAC frigates would provide a range of capabilities from defending Australian waters from attack by any potential aggressor to participation in joint operations.

"The five ANZAC frigates already in service have proven their worth in operations in the Persian Gulf, off the north coast of Australia and in Antarctic waters. They have been of outstanding quality and have been delivered on schedule and on cost," Senator Hill said.

Senator Hill said the PERTH would be equipped with the latest communication, navigation and fire control systems when it is delivered in June 2006.

It will be capable of firing the Evolved SeaSparrow missile from its Vertical Launching System and will be armed with a five-inch gun. PERTH will have an upgraded Combat Management System - the first ship of its class to have this system fitted.

Senator Hill congratulated Tenix, its suppliers and the Defence Materiel Organisation on reaching this important milestone in Australia's biggest ever Defence project.

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