In stating this opinion, I acknowledge the following material events have occurred Post 30 June 2011:
SEA 4000 Phase 3 Air Warfare Destroyer
• The first three keel blocks have been delivered to Adelaide to start construction on HMAS Hobart. The project has also taken delivery of the three main gun mounts.
AIR 5349 Phase 1 and 2 Bridging Air Combat Capability
• The final delivery of four Super Hornets occurred 21 October 2011, bringing the total accepted aircraft to 24. All 24 aircraft were delivered on budget and ahead of schedule.
AIR 5402 Air to Air Refuelling Capability
• The Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft has completed its first flight in RAAF service.
LAND 116 Phase 3 Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle
• All Bushmaster vehicles in service in Afghanistan have been upgraded with new seating and flooring to provide better protection against Improvised Explosive Device attacks. Four Bushmaster ambulances have also been delivered to Air Force Health Services Wing at RAAF Base Amberley.
AIR 9000 Phases 2, 4 and 6 Multi Role Helicopter
• The Initial Operational Capability forecast has slipped to December 2011 for Navy and October 2012 for Army.
• On 28 November 2011 Mr Stephen Smith MP, Minister for Defence, announced that AIR 9000 Ph2, 4 and 6 Multi Role Helicopter project has been added to the Project of Concern list.
AIR 87 Phases 2 Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter
• The Capability Manager (Army) has revised Final Operational Capability from December 2012 to January 2016. The main reason for the delay is maritime operations cannot be validated until after delivery of the Landing Helicopter Dock platform being acquired under JP 2048 Phase 4A/4B.
SEA 1448 Phase 2A and 2B ANZAC Anti-Ship Missile Defence .
• The Capability Manager (Navy) has changed the Initial Operational Capability date from July 2011 to the final Quarter of 2013 when the full (Stage 2) Anti-Ship Missile Defence capability has been delivered.
• On 28 November 2011 Mr Stephen Smith MP, Minister for Defence, announced that SEA 1448 Phase 2B ANZAC Anti-Ship Missile Defence project has been removed from the Project of Concern list.
LAND 75 Phase 3.4 Battle Command System
• Initial Operational Capability was not declared on the expected schedule date of August 2011 and is now expected to be achieved early 2012.
Mr Warren King
Acting Chief Executive Officer
14 December 2011