3.3  Progress toward Initial Operational Capability

Item

Original Planned

Achieved/Forecast

Variance (Months)

Variance Explanations/ Implications

HMAS
Sydney

May 03

Jan 10

79

A three phased 'incremental' approach IOR and OR has been agreed by the DMO and Navy as the most pragmatic means by which to bring the FFG class to full operational employment. The first three FFGs were at IOR Phase 1 in April 2009 and have been endorsed to IOR Phase 3, along with HMAS Newcastle in January 2010.

IOR for the complete upgrade capability was approved by Chief of Navy in January 2010 with the exception of the Torpedo Defence System and, by association, the Le Scut torpedo decoy, as the effectiveness of the decoy is dependent upon information provided by the torpedo detection and classification system. The acquisition and installation requirement for an underwater active decoy system was initiated to satisfy operational preparedness requirements but with due regard to the remaining service life of the ships of the class.

HMAS
Melbourne

Jan 04

Jan 10

71

HMAS
Darwin

Jul 04

Jan 10

65

HMAS
Newcastle

Jan 05

Jan 10

60