A team comprising BAE Systems Australia, Atlantic & Peninsula Australia, Saab Australia and Navantia Australia announced on October 11 that they have submitted their bid for the RAN’s Canberra class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) Asset Class Prime Contractor (ACPC) program to provide sustainment and support to the two vessels and associated systems.

With two of the original manufacturers of the vessels – Navantia designed the class and built the hulls in Spain, and BAE Systems as prime contractor fitted the vessels out in Williamstown, Victoria – the teaming would appear to be well positioned to sustain the vessels in the future.

Navantia is also the designer and OEM for the RAN’s 12 LLC landing craft embarked upon the LHDs, the sustainment for which is included in the bid.

Atlantic & Peninsula Australia has delivered support to the Bay class Landing Ship Dock (LSD) HMAS Choules and as such has gained amphibious ship support experience, while Saab has OEM knowledge of the LHD’s 9LV combat system and proven collaboration within the ANZAC Enterprise.

“BAE Systems is proud to have submitted its response to the Australian Government for the LHD ACPC program,” BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Gabby Costigan said in a statement. “We have a long history of supporting the LHD and maritime sustainment for the RAN that not only includes the LHD but also four other classes of ships.

“Through our role in the LHDs acquisition and transition to service, we have developed a deep understanding of them and we have a strong Australian supply chain in place to support their sustainment

“We have partnered with the right companies to ensure that we provide the best customer offering. Our commitment to maritime sustainment as well as our role in shipbuilding supports the Government’s plans for a future naval shipbuilding industry that delivers comprehensive Australian Industrial Capability and supports local jobs and the wider economy.”