AWD Sydney launched in South Australia

The air warfare destroyer (AWD) Sydney was launched at Osborne Naval Shipyard near Port Adelaide, South Australia, in a May 19 ceremony.

The warship is about 75 per cent complete and will likely undergo sea trials towards the end of the year before being commissioned in 2019.

Like its two sister ships, Sydney is 146.7 metres long and will have a top speed of more than 28 knots, a range of about 5,000 nautical miles and accommodation for more than 200 personnel.

It will also carry a range of weapons, detection and electronic warfare systems on board, which include an Aegis Weapon System Baseline 7.1, SPQ Horizon Search Radar, 48 vertical launch missile cells, an Mk 45 5" 62-calibre gun for coastal operations and two quad launchers of anti-ship Harpoon weapon systems.

The three ships in the A$8 billion project were ordered in 2007 and the first ship, HMAS Hobart, was delivered in June 2017. The second air warfare destroyer, Brisbane,successfully completed the first phase of builder's sea trials in November, which included testing the ship's propulsion, manoeuvring, control and navigation systems. It is expected to be delivered to mid-year while Sydney is due for delivery in 2019.