Defence Connect:
In its latest report on the government’s $89 billion Naval Shipbuilding Plan, the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) has cautioned against the government’s announcement last year to fit Australia’s Future Frigates with the Lockheed Martin Aegis CMS with and Australian tactical interface to be developed by SAAB Australia.
The system is designed to simultaneously attack land targets, submarines and surface ships while automatically protecting the fleet against aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.
At the time of the announcement, Minister for Defence Marise Payne said as rogue states continue to develop missiles with advanced range speed, this decision will maximise the Future Frigate’s air warfare capabilities and enable these ships to engage missiles at long range.
