RAN frigate Perth back in water after partially completing AMCAP upgrades

Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac-class frigate HMAS Perth returned to the water on 1 July after being lowered out of the dry dock at the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson, Western Australia.

The move followed the completion of upgrades to the frigate's radar capabilities, communications systems, and crew-habitable areas, which are a major part of the Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Programme (AMCAP), according to a 2 July statement by the Department of Defence (DoD) in Canberra.

HMAS Perth being lowered out of the dry dock at the Australian Marine Complex at Henderson in Western Australia following completion of a major part of the AMCAP upgrades. (Royal Australian Navy/Commonwealth of Australia)

“This is a significant step towards the completion of Perth's upgrade, which will now move on to the final stages, enabling the ship to return to the fleet and undertake deployments and exercises with our regional partners in 2022,” Anthony Nagle, the ship's commanding officer, was quoted as saying.

The 3,600-tonne frigate (with pennant number 157) is set to undergo sea trials and certification early next year following the final steps in its upgrade process.

Perth is capable of air defence, surface, and undersea warfare and can carry out surveillance, reconnaissance, and interdiction operations. It is home-ported at Garden Island in Rockingham, Western Australia.