The Australian government has announced the commissioning of the first Australian-built Air Warfare Destroyer, HMAS Hobart.
According to the Department of Defence, the warship brings together the best of Australian and global technology to be one of the world’s most potent and lethal warships. She will provide air defence for accompanying ships, in addition to land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas, and for self-protection against missiles and aircraft.
The commissioning of the warship is milestone in the nation’s sovereign naval shipbuilding program that has latest technology and the Hobart demonstrates commitment and ability to meet that promise, the Department of Defence stated. It is also understood that the program will create thousands of jobs across the country.
HMAS Hobart is the first of three Hobart class guided missile destroyers that will enter service in coming years and the third ship to carry the name, Hobart. As detailed in the government’s 2016 defence white paper, the navy is undergoing its largest regeneration since the Second World War and our future fleet will be more flexible, more versatile, and more lethal than ever.
Hobart will now undergo her test and evaluation period where she will integrate into the fleet and vavy personnel will train to operate the warship.