System upgrades provided by Northrop Grumman into the ANZAC Class frigate HMAS Perth helped optimize the performance of the ship's Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) system during recent sea trials conducted by the Royal Australian Navy.

Northrop Grumman supplied equipment containing a military-grade Global Positioning System (GPS) that was integrated into the Navigation Data Distribution Systems (NAVDDS). The company supplies and maintains NAVDDS for the Royal Australian Navy.

Northrop Grumman's partner, CEA Technologies, developed and supplied the Phased Array Radar (PAR), a key component of the ASMD system. CEA Technologies is an Australian company that specializes in the design, development and manufacture of advanced radar and communications solutions for civil and military applications.

The integration was carried out by BAE Systems Australia Defence Pty Ltd., which built the ships, and Saab Systems Pty Ltd, who supplied the combat management system.

The ASMD system includes an integrated CEAFAR, which is a digital S-band AESA radar, and CEAMOUNT, an X-band illuminator. The NAVDDS GPS upgrade optimized the full capabilities of the CEAFAR, primarily by delivering timely, high-accuracy navigational data to the ASMD system.

"This combination of improved data and the advanced radar technology of the CEAFAR provides an advanced capability to the frigate," said Bill Hannon, vice president of Northrop Grumman's Maritime Systems business unit. "This will enable the Australian ANZAC fleet to operate its weapon system with very high quality, accurate navigational data."

Northrop Grumman has contributed to the ANZAC-class frigates since they were first commissioned. The company installed the MK 49 Ship Inertial Navigator Systems (SINS), beginning during the mid-1990s.

The MK 49 SINS remains the ships' core position sensor and is a critical element of the ASMD. The company first introduced the NAVDDS in late 2000.

"These sea trials demonstrate the importance and usefulness of delivering accurate navigation data to optimize anti-ship missile defence," said Andrew Fraser, director of navigation for Northrop Grumman's Maritime Systems business unit.

"The MK 49 ring laser inertial navigators, combined with the latest upgrades to the NAVDDS product line, supply this data to multiple users quickly, accurately and efficiently."

The Australian and New Zealand ANZAC Class Frigate program started in the 1990s and has played a pivotal role in military actions around the world including the Gulf War and war against terror.

The ANZAC Class has a formidable weapons array installed, and the new ASMD upgrade will be a vital protector for the new LHD class ships now being built.