According to information published by ABC News on July 13, 2022, the Royal Australian Navy's Anzac class frigate HMAS Parramatta was reportedly tracked by a Chinese PLA Navy's nuclear-powered submarine, a vessel, and aircraft.
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Australian frigate HMAS Parramatta during a scheduled port visit in Japan (Picture source: Australian DoD)
HMAS Parramatta (IV) is the fifth of eight Anzac Class Frigates built for the Royal Australian Navy by Tenix Marine Systems, Williamstown, Victoria. The design is based on the German Meko 200 frigate.
Parramatta is a long-range frigate capable of air defense, surface, and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance, and interdiction. Anzac's combat capabilities have been significantly improved under the Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade program, a world-class program that provides an enhanced sensor and weapons systems capability.
The upgrade showcases Australian design and integration capability, with new Phased Array Radar technology designed by CEA Technologies in Canberra, upgrades to combat systems performed by Saab Systems in South Australia, and platform integration design by BAE Systems in Victoria.
Parramatta is fitted with an advanced package of air and surface surveillance radars; Omnidirectional hull-mounted sonar and electronic support systems that interface with the state-of-the-art 9LV453 Mk3E combat data system. The ship can counter simultaneous threats from aircraft, surface vessels, and submarines.
The ship's main armament comprises 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. Parramatta also has eight anti-ship/land-attack canister launched harpoon missiles. The ship's other defense systems include the Nulka active missile decoy system, offboard chaff, and a torpedo countermeasures system.
HMAS Parramatta, like her sister frigates HMA Ships Anzac, Arunta, Ballarat, Perth, Stuart, Toowoomba and Warramunga 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 6000 nautical miles at 18 knots.
The ship can embark Navy’s latest multi-role Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk helicopter which has enhanced anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare, and Search and Rescue capabilities. The embarkation of a helicopter also provides the ship with the capability to deliver air-launched missiles and torpedoes.
