Sea Trials of Australia’s First Air Warfare Destroyer From Next Year

The Australian Navy will commence sea trials of its Air Warfare Destroyer 'Hobart' by early next year.

The trials of the first Hobart-class ship will undertake testing of combat and communications systems and further platform system testing.

The Hobart is the first AWD built by the AWD Alliance, which is comprised of the Australian government, shipbuilder ASC and Raytheon Australia. A total of three vessels are being built.

The AWDs will be equipped to provide air defence for accompanying ships, land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas, and self-protection against missiles and aircraft.

The Hobart-class ships are 483 feet long, 61 feet in the beam and have a speed of more than 28 knots. They are to feature the Aegis combat system. Armaments include air defense missiles, guns and torpedoes.