Contract awarded for destroyer lifecycle management

BAE Systems will be charged with evolving and optimising sustainment of the Hobart-class destroyers as the new capability lifecycle manager (CLCM) for the asset class.

CAPTION: Hobart-class guided missile destroyer HMAS Sydney strikes a land target with a Harpoon surface-to-surface missile during Exercise Pacific Vanguard 2022. Story by Lieutenant Carolyn Martin.

Following a competitive tender process, the six-year contract was officially signed by the Commonwealth and BAE Systems in early October.

Under the contract, BAE Systems will work closely with the guided missile destroyer Systems Program Office to steward the destroyers through life under Defence’s innovative new sustainment model.

A key part of this will be coordinating the delivery of the Destroyer Capability Enhancement (DCE) Program in 2025 when the destroyers will undergo significant upgrades to their combat management system.

Head Maritime Sustainment Rear Admiral Wendy Malcolm said it was a critical time for the destroyers with the DCE Program and the complex strategic environment.

“Our priority is ensuring the availability of this key asset class, and optimising them so they are reliable and fit-for-purpose,” Rear Admiral Malcolm said.

“BAE Systems understands the asset class and its sustainment requirements; as the new CLCM, they will ensure we have a skilled and prepared industry partner who can effectively steward the destroyers throughout the DCE Program and beyond under the new arrangements.”

Destroyers are the first major in-service asset to have a CLCM appointed as part of the realisation of the Future Maritime Sustainment Model under Plan Galileo.

The plan is Defence’s new national, innovative approach to sustainment in support of continuous naval shipbuilding and will provide continuous sustainment.

Long-term, the CLCM will be part of an Asset Class Enterprise – led by the Systems Program Office – for the destroyers that will work with Regional Maintenance Centre East, which is also part of the new approach and is being established to maintain multiple asset classes.

“Realising Plan Galileo means we will have a continuous sustainment environment that acknowledges sustainment as a capability in its own right so we can deliver the fleet where and when it is needed,” Rear Admiral Malcolm said.

The contract will support around 100 local Defence industry jobs in the Sydney region.

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