Hobart-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇪🇸 Spain |
| Category | Destroyer |
| Subtype | Air Warfare Destroyer |
| Manufacturer | Navantia (designer), AWD Alliance (project coordinator), ASC (primary shipbuilder), Forgacs Group and BAE Systems Australia (module builders) |
| Year commissioned | 2017 |
| Approx. unit cost | $3.03 billion |
| Units | Royal Australian Navy |
| Current operators | 🇦🇺 Australia |
Description
The Hobart-class destroyers are a trio of air warfare destroyers (AWDs) that serve as the core of the Royal Australian Navy's fleet. Developed under the AWD Project, they are primarily tasked with air defence for accompanying ships, land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas, and for self-protection against missiles and aircraft. Their missions also extend to surface and undersea warfare as well as naval gunfire support. They are also equipped to carry out surveillance, reconnaissance, and interdiction, along with joint task force support and security.
Originating from the AWD Project, which aimed to replace the aging Adelaide-class frigates, the Hobart-class is based on the Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate design by Navantia. The project represents Australia's shift towards more versatile and modern naval capabilities, with an emphasis on interoperability with allies and the ability to combat diverse threats in the maritime domain. The Hobart-class was developed as part of Australia's SEA 4000 defense acquisition program, reflecting the country's strategic requirement for an advanced naval fleet to safeguard its vast coastline and maritime interests.
The design of these ships incorporates the Aegis Combat System, which is complemented by an array of sensors and weapons systems. This includes the SPY-1D(V) phased array radar, which provides comprehensive surveillance around the ship. Their design is also optimized for reduced radar cross-section and acoustic signatures, which, combined with their advanced Aegis system, enables them to track and engage multiple targets simultaneously and to defend against sophisticated missile threats.
Armament is a significant aspect of the Hobart-class, featuring a 48-cell Mk41 Vertical Launching System that can fire a variety of missiles including SM-2 and SM-6 for air defense and Tomahawk cruise missiles for land strike capabilities. Additionally, they are equipped with Harpoon anti-ship missiles, a 5-inch gun for coastal bombardment, torpedo tubes, and a Phalanx close-in weapons system for missile defense. They also have provisions to carry MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, enhancing their surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Their operational history, though relatively short since the first ship, HMAS Hobart, was commissioned in September 2017, has been marked by a focus on integration into the Australian Defence Force's joint operations and exercises.
Technical specifications
| Hobart | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 7000 tons |
| Range | 9000 km at 18 knots |
| Crew | 234 members |
| Width | 18.6 m (61.0 ft) |
| Length | 147.2 m (482.9 ft) |
| Air Park | MH-60 Seahawk |
| Propulsion | Combined diesel or gas arrangement |
| Armament | 48-cell Mark 41 Vertical Launch System, RIM-66 Standard 2 missile, RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow missile, 2 4-canister Harpoon missile launchers, 1 Mark 45 (Mod 4) 5-inch gun, 2 Mark 32 Mod 9 two-tube torpedo launchers, Eurotorp MU90 torpedoes, 1 Phalanx CIWS, 2 25mm M242 Bushmaster autocannons in Typhoon mounts |
| Maximum speed | 28 knots |