Australia marks first operational deployment of upgraded ANZAC-class frigate

[Zarvan]

A file image of HMAS Perth, which was the first ship to receive the ASMD upgrade under Project SEA 1448 Phase 2. The ship departed for its first operational deployment after the upgrade on 7 June. Source: Australian Department of Defence
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) marked the first operational deployment of an upgraded ANZAC (MEKO 200)-class frigate when HMAS Perth (157) departed the naval base at Rockigham, Western Australia, on 7 June for the Middle East.

The vessel will support multinational counter-piracy and -smuggling efforts in the Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean Region on a mission that the Australian government refers to as Operation 'Manitou'.

"HMAS Perth was the first anti-ship missile defence [ASMD] upgraded ANZAC frigate and so we are extremely proud and excited to be the first upgraded ship to deploy operationally," said Captain Ivan Ingham, Perth 's commanding officer, in a statement released by the Australian Department of Defence on 7 June.

Perth in 2010 received a package of combat system upgrades that have been designed to enhance the platform's defence capabilities against modern anti-ship missiles. It was the first ANZAC-class ship to receive the package under Australia's Project SEA 1448 Phase 2.

"While we take great satisfaction in knowing we will deploy with the world's leading missile defence capability, we also realise that our highly capable surveillance sensors and new mission combat helicopter will also make a significant additional contribution to our mission," Capt Ingham said in reference to the MH-60R helicopter that will be embarked on Perth for the mission.

Perth is scheduled to be deployed for about six months until late December.

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