Australia Upgrades Anzac Frigates with Locally-Made Sonar Processing System

The Australian Navy has upgraded its Anzac Class Frigates with sovereign designed Broadband Sonar Advanced Processing System (BSAPS) while still utilizing the existing Spherion B Hull Mounted Sonar.

“Upgrades to the Spherion B sonar processing systems in the Navy’s Anzac Class Frigates under SEA 1408 Phase 2 is almost complete. The SEA 1408 Phase 2 replaced the existing sonar processing system with the BSAPS while still utilising the existing Spherion B Hull Mounted Sonar Wet End,” the Navy said.

The BSAPS was jointly developed in collaboration between Defence Science and Technology (DST), Saab Australia, BAE Systems and Thales Australia. The BSAPS replaces the ‘ship build’ fitted sonar processing system which was supplied to these warships as part of the original build program in the 1990s.

Six of the eight Anzac frigates have received BSAPS upgrade, that allows the warships to detect modern submarine and torpedo threats.

The SEA 1408 Phase 2 also offers sonar passive capability, a greater level of sonar and Combat Management System integration and improved levels of sonar functionality.

The new sonar system has been integrated with the 9LV Combat Management System and had been successfully demonstrated at sea over a number of years.

This technology has delivered advanced anti-submarine warfare and torpedo self defence capability to Navy’s Anzac Class Frigates and provides Navy with one of the most advanced, sovereign Hull Mount Sonar capabilities in the world, providing exceptional underwater awareness for our frigates.

The upgrade project management occurred through the Warship Asset Management Agreement Alliance with the Anzac Ships Program Office and SEA 1408 Project Office.