HMAS

Anzac

(III)

HMAS Anzac (III) is the lead ship of eight Anzac Class frigates built by Tenix Defence Systems at Williamstown, Victoria for the Royal Australian Navy. The design is based on the German Meko 200 frigate.

Anzac is a long-range frigate capable of air defence, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction. Anzac's combat capabilities have been significantly improved under the Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade program, a world class program that provides an enhanced sensor and weapons systems capability. The upgrade showcases Australian design and integration capability, with new Phased Array Radar technology designed by CEA Technologies in Canberra, upgrades to combat systems performed by Saab Systems in South Australia, and platform integration design by BAE Systems in Victoria.

HMAS Anzac during exercises in the Western Australian Exercise Area in February 2016.

Anzac is fitted with an advanced package of air and surface surveillance radars; omni-directional hull mounted sonar and electronic support systems that interface with the state-of-the-art 9LV453 Mk3E combat data system. The ship can counter simultaneous threats from aircraft, surface vessels and submarines.

The ship's main armament comprises one Mark 45 capable of firing 20 rounds per minute, ship launched Mark 46 torpedoes and a Mark 41 vertical launch system for the Evolved Sea Sparrow missile. Anzac also has eight anti-ship/land attack canister launched harpoon missiles. The ship's other defence systems include the Nulka active missile decoy system, offboard chaff and a torpedo countermeasures system.

HMAS Anzac, like her sister frigates HMA Ships Arunta, Ballarat, Parramatta, Perth, Stuart, Toowoomba and Warramunga features a 'combined diesel or gas' (CODOG) propulsion plant which enables the ship to sustain sprint speeds of greater than 27 knots and allows an operational range in excess of 6000 nautical miles at 18 knots.

The ship can embark Navy's latest multi-role Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk helicopter which has enhanced anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare and Search and Rescue capabilities. Embarkation of a helicopter also provides the ship with the capability to deliver air-launched missiles and torpedoes.

Anzac is the third Royal Australian Navy ship to carry the name of an Australian legend. Named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during the First World War, the ANZACs landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula as part of a larger Allied Force on 25 April 1915, meeting fierce resistance from the Turkish defenders. The campaign dragged on for a further eight months of hellish trench warfare, giving berth to a legend of endurance, selflessness, dedication to duty and mateship in the most demanding of environments. It is a shared memory of common sacrifice for the nations involved, regardless of nationality or religion, providing an enduring example for the men and women of the Australian Defence Force and Australian's as a whole. Anzac Day is annually commemorated in Australia on 25 April. As such, Anzac (III) proudly bears her name underpinned by the motto, United We Stand.

Aerial photograph of HMAS Anzac sailing near La Reunion during the NORTHERN TRIDENT 2005 deployment.

In maintaining a close link with the rich traditions of the Anzac spirit, during the NORTHERN TRIDENT 2005 deployment, Anzac visited Anzac Cove, Gallipoli for the 90th Anniversary of the landings. In company with warships of Britain, France and Turkey, Anzac provided a stunning backdrop to the official dawn service ceremony while some members of her crew participated in the services ashore. During NORTHERN TRIDENT 2005, Anzac celebrated the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar in the UK as part of the International Fleet Review.

Anzac has been granted freedom of entry to the City of Albany, Western Australia, the departure port for the ANZACs of old and also has a close association with the City of Rockingham. The Warnbro High School, near her home port, has established the 'HMAS Anzac Learning Centre' that promotes the education of our Navy and the history of Australia's most costly war.

Other notable events Anzac participated in have included deployments to the Arabian Gulf, culminating in Naval Gunfire Support of British Royal Marines landings on Al Faw Peninsula, Iraq in 2003. Anzac has also successfully contributed to Fisheries Protection, Border Protection and Maritime Rescue Operations through her years of service.

In 2015 Anzac participated in NORTHERN TRIDENT 2015, where she took part in the commemorative events for the 100th Anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli.

An aerial photograph of HMAS Anzac (left) berthed alongside HMAS Arunta at Fleet Base West in Western Australia.

HMAS Anzac is the second Anzac class frigate to complete the Anzac Mid-Life Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) upgrade at the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson, Western Australia.

The upgrade was performed by the Warship Asset Management Agreement (WAMA) Alliance and included the replacement of the Long Range Air search radar, IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe) and secondary surveillance radar capabilities. Anzac also underwent a platform systems obsolescence program to improve platform reliability and maintainability. Work was also performed to improve the ship’s habitability for the crew as well as an upgrade to the ship’s communications systems to resolve a number of obsolescence issues.

In May 2020, HMAS Anzac returned to her home port of Fleet Base West where she will begin conducting post-AMCAP sea trails, work-ups and testing the new equipment on-board.

In early March 2021, HMAS Anzac departed Australia with auxiliary oiler replenisher HMAS Sirius for a deployment throughout Southeast Asia and the Northern Indian Ocean. During the deployment the frigate undertook exercises and international engagement with Navies including France, Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, the United States and Canada. Nearing the end of the deployment, Anzac was re-tasked to support a critical search and rescue effort. Anzac travelled 670 nautical miles west of Perth to assist an Indonesian fishing boat in distress, the ship rescued 20 fishermen who were provided with medical assistance and accommodation before being returned to Bali on 21 May 2021.

Indonesian fishermen rescued in the Indian Ocean are accommodated on HMAS Anzac's quarterdeck.