HMAS Warramunga (II)

HMAS Warramunga (II) is the third of eight Anzac class frigates built by Tenix Defence Systems at Williamstown, Victoria for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The design is based on the German Meko 200 frigate.

HMAS Warramunga arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for RIMPAC 2016

Warramunga is a long-range frigate capable of air defence, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction. 

Warramunga’s combat capabilities have been significantly improved under the Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade program, a program that provides an enhanced sensor and weapons systems capability. The upgrade showcases Australian design and integration capability. The new Phased Array Radar technology was designed by CEA Technologies in Canberra, upgrades to combat systems were performed by Saab Systems in South Australia and platform integration design was by BAE Systems in Victoria.

Warramunga is fitted with an advanced package of air and surface surveillance radars. These are omni-directional hull mounted sonar and electronic support systems that interface with the state-of-the-art 9LV453 Mk3E combat data system. Warramunga can counter simultaneous threats from aircraft, surface vessels and submarines.

The ship’s main armament includes one Mark 45 capable of firing 20 rounds per minute, ship launched Mark 46 torpedoes and a Mark 41 vertical launch system for the evolved Sea Sparrow missile. Warramunga also has eight anti-ship/land attack canister launched harpoon missiles. The ship’s other defence systems include the Nulka active missile decoy system, offboard chaff and a torpedo countermeasures system.

Warramunga, like ships of the same class HMA Ships Anzac, Arunta, Ballarat, Parramatta, Stuart and Toowoomba features a ‘combined diesel or gas’ (CODOG) propulsion plant which enables the ship to sustain sprint speeds of greater than 27 knots and allows an operational range in excess of 6,000 nautical miles at 18 knots.

The ship can embark the RAN’s latest multi-role Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk helicopter which has enhanced anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare and search and rescue capabilities. Embarkation of a helicopter also provides the ship with the capability to deliver air-launched missiles and torpedoes.

The Warramunga name is derived from the Warramunga (also spelt Warumungu) Indigenous people from the Tennant Creek area. 

The motto ‘Courage in Difficulties’ honours the Warumungu tribe’s life of courage in their harsh environment, as well as the Second World War Tribal class destroyer, HMAS Warramunga (I).

Warramunga is the third Anzac class frigate to complete the Anzac Mid-Life Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) upgrade at the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson, Western Australia.

The upgrade was performed by the Warship Asset Management Agreement (WAMA) Alliance and included the replacement of the long-range air search radar, IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe) and secondary surveillance radar capabilities.