Gresham Power Wins Major Defence Contract in Australia

The scope of supply from Gresham Power follows in part systems previously supplied to Navantia in Spain in support of their F-100 programme. There are a number of additional requirements and up-rating to cope with some differences in the application. The contract, negotiated on behalf of the AWD Alliance by ASC Shipbuilding, is worth over £1m and supply will take place over the next three years.



The scope of supply follows in part systems previously supplied to Navantia in Spain in support of their F-100 programme. There are a number of additional requirements and up-rating to cope with the different application



Jake Moir, Managing Director of Gresham Power Electronics, comments; “This is one of the most significant shipbuilding projects to be undertaken in Australia and in these challenging times we are delighted to have been awarded this major contract. It is continuing evidence of the quality and reliability of our world class power conversion and distribution systems as well as our ongoing commitment to produce innovative and cost effective solutions for these challenging defence applications



The primary role of an air warfare destroyer (AWD) is to control air, surface and sub-surface environments. To do this, their missions will involve providing air defence for accompanying ships, land forces and nearby coastal infrastructure. Other missions will include collection and evaluation of intelligence, constabulary (law enforcement) operations, assisting in evacuations and diplomatic roles. Once deployed, an AWD is capable of operating in all weather conditions and can provide a capability to all Australian Defence Force assets. The ships will have a range of approximately 4,000 nautical miles, allowing them to stay out at sea for prolonged periods of time - a crucial element given Australia's geographical location. The ships also have the capability to launch helicopters from their decks.