THE HON. GREG COMBET AM MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
014/2010
FIRST STEEL CUT FOR LHD 02 AMPHIBIOUS SHIP
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science today
announced that Navantia of Spain has commenced construction of Australia’s
second Landing Helicopter Dock hull (LHD 02) at Navantia’s shipbuilding yard
in Ferrol, Spain.
“This is a great achievement with the steel being cut by Navantia 7 weeks
ahead of schedule,” said Mr Combet.
“The Commonwealth has contracted BAE Systems Australia to provide two
large Amphibious Ships (LHDs) that will form part of the ADF’s broader
amphibious deployment and sustainment system.
“Under the project the Spanish shipbuilder Navantia is the design authority
and is subcontracted to BAE Systems Australia to construct and fit out the
hulls of two large Amphibious Ships for the ADF.
“I am pleased to report that the LHD project is on schedule, with whole of ship
design reviews completed and the keel laying of LHD 01 taking place exactly
one year to the day from first steel being cut.
“After completion of LHD 01 and 02, both hulls will be transported to
Australia.”
The superstructures will then be constructed, fitted out and integrated with the
hulls at BAE Systems Australia’s Williamstown dockyard.
“Once the hull arrives at Williamstown dockyard, the combat system will be
installed by SAAB Systems Australia, which will also integrate the combat
management system. The communications system will be supplied by L-3
Communications,” said Mr Combet.
The next milestone will be the launch of LHD 01 in Spain in March 2011. LHD
01 will arrive at Williamstown dockyard in 2012, with LHD 02 arriving in 2014.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet)
02 6277 4771 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
