Lockheed Martin Wins Aegis Sustainment Extension for Hobart Class Destroyers
Lockheed Martin has won a nine-month extension to its Aegis Sustainment Program supporting the Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart class guided missile destroyers, keeping critical combat system support in place into 2026.
Sustainment Contract Details and Scope
Lockheed Martin Australia’s Sydney-based Aegis team will continue providing a broad set of engineering and technical services to maintain the destroyers’ Aegis combat systems. The work includes system upgrades, configuration alignment, detailed design coordination, material condition assessments, and baseline management to support ongoing operational capability.
This award marks the fourth extension of the sustainment contract, underscoring the long-term cooperation between Lockheed Martin and the Royal Australian Navy.
Under the new deal, the sustainment effort will expand its footprint in Adelaide with additional technical services and logistics roles. Some deactivated equipment will be returned to inventory, supporting the broader destroyer modernization program and workforce continuity at Osborne Naval Shipyard.
Strategic Context for Hobart Class Combat System Support
The Hobart class destroyers serve as Australia’s principal air warfare destroyers. Each ship integrates the Aegis combat system paired with AN/SPY-1D(V) phased-array radar and the MK 41 Vertical Launch System, forming the backbone of the Royal Australian Navy’s surface combat air defense capability.
Sustainment of the Aegis system is crucial as the fleet transitions through broader capability upgrades under Australia’s SEA 4000 Phase 6 and Destroyer Capability Enhancement programs. These upgrades aim to enhance combat management, radar tracking, and interoperability with allied navies.
Workforce and Industrial Impact
Lockheed Martin’s sustainment activities support a local skilled workforce across Australia. Expanding the sustainment footprint in South Australia and creating new supply-support roles contribute to industrial continuity and capability development within the domestic defense sector.
Lockheed Martin Australia’s leadership said maintaining close collaboration with the Royal Australian Navy and delivering high-level engineering support are key goals of the extended contract.
Broader Program and Recent Operations
The extension follows recent work overseas, including Lockheed Martin teams supporting maintenance activities on HMAS Brisbane during its deployment in Yokosuka, Japan. These efforts help keep the destroyer at peak readiness.
The Hobart class modernization program runs in parallel with sustainment work, aligning with Australia’s long-term plan to maintain a capable and modern surface combatant fleet in the Indo-Pacific.
What Comes Next
With this extension, Lockheed Martin will continue its role supporting the Hobart class combat systems into 2026, ensuring the destroyers remain ready to meet evolving operational demands and maintain interoperability with allied maritime forces.
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