14:14 GMT, September 23, 2009 The Australian FFG Upgrade project is a step closer to its conclusion, with the Defence Materiel Organisation on Monday accepting HMAS NEWCASTLE three months ahead of schedule.

The Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, the Hon Greg Combet AM MP, officiated at a Contractual Acceptance ceremony at Garden Island, Sydney, of HMAS NEWCASTLE – the fourth and final FFG to undergo the upgrade program.

Chris Lloyd, Thales Australia's Naval Division Vice President, said it was a significant day for the Royal Australian Navy, the DMO, and everyone involved in the program.

"The FFG Upgrade has been an enormous and complex undertaking, so we are pleased to see the final ship accepted ahead of schedule.

"HMAS NEWCASTLE is now a highly capable warship because of these enhancements, which have involved extensive cooperation between the Navy, the DMO, Thales, and many highly skilled subcontractors.

"The Navy fleet now has added flexibility, and we wish HMAS NEWCASTLE's Commanding Officer and crew all the best as they embark on a new chapter in the life of the ship."

The FFGs have been upgraded with improved anti-ship missile defence (the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile), on-board electronic support systems, tactical data link capability, underwater warfare systems, training systems, ship service diesel generators and other systems.

One of HMAS NEWCASTLE's sister ships, HMAS SYDNEY, recently returned from a sixmonth round the world trip, including a stopover in the US where it attracted significant attention as a result of its upgraded capabilities.


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