Introduction

The Royal Australian Navy has successfully completed operations to recover critical military equipment from the frigate ex-HMAS Anzac, decommissioned on May 18, 2024, directing the gathered systems to support the remaining fleet of the Anzac class.

Among the most valuable materials are the Vertical Launch System (VLS), the diesel propulsion engines, the propellers, the transmission components, and various platform and combat subsystems. As reported by Babcock Australasia, responsible for the project, part of the assets has already been transferred to other units in service, speeding up their return to sea after maintenance.

The program, developed under the Warship Asset Management Agreement (WAMA) alliance, strategic partnership between Babcock, BAE Systems, SAAB, and the Australian Commonwealth, required about 30,000 hours of work, with careful engineering planning to allow the safe extraction of components through various ship decks.

Babcock’s Strategy

To make the project more efficient, Babcock introduced new logistical procedures, removing internal obstacles to allow the transport of systems by trolleys instead of using lifting devices, thus simplifying operations.

Success was also possible thanks to the contribution of Commonwealth experts, WAMA partners, and manufacturers like Penske, IKAD, Allship Engineering, and Kongsberg.

Conclusion

With the completion of the project, the ex-HMAS Anzac was finally handed over to the disposal team. The recovered components will ensure that the remaining seven frigates of the class can continue to operate until the end of their life cycle, with a significant advantage in terms of fleet sustainability and operational readiness.