DEFENCE CONNECT: 07th September 2026

Hobart Class destroyer HMAS Hobart has returned to the water ready for the next major phase of work under the Destroyer Capability Enhancement (DCE) program.

Known as “Float Off”, this key milestone signals the transition from large-scale modification works to the next stage of integration and capability development.

Over the past year, since arriving at South Australia’s Osborne Naval Shipyard and entering the land-based dock, HMAS Hobart has undergone extensive upgrades, including removal and disposal of all onboard out-of-date equipment, as well as fit out of new combat systems hardware. Together, these production activities represent one of the most significant phases of the DCE program.

The availability period also enabled a range of maintenance works. This included refurbishment of the Mk 45 naval gun system; an overhaul of the bow thrusters; repainting of the hull and exterior areas; resurfacing of radar array faces for the first time in Australia; revamp of anchor, chains and windlasses; and removal and replacement of diesel generator, fin stabilisers, shaft bearings and propellor blades.

The work was led by BAE Systems Australia, Naval Construction Branch, Commonwealth Concurrent Work and the Combat System Integration – Integrated Project Team, the collaboration between the Commonwealth of Australia, Lockheed Martin Australia, Saab Australia and BAE Systems Australia, delivering the Hobart Class destroyers’ upgraded Aegis combat system.

With HMAS Hobart back in the water, the program will now focus on systems integration, assurance activities and preparation for Combat Systems Light Off (CSLO). As the DCE’s next major milestone, CSLO will see the ship’s upgraded combat system powered up for the first time, further enhancing capability for the Royal Australian Navy. The DCE Program will upgrade HMAS Hobart’s Aegis combat system from Baseline 8 to 9 and integrate Tomahawk cruise missile and Naval Strike Missile systems.

The Royal Australian Navy’s other Hobart Class destroyers, HMA ships Brisbane and Sydney, will undergo similar upgrades in the coming years under the DCE, the Navy’s largest upgrade program.