Australia has purchased a 13-year-old Norwegian commercial vessel for 110 million Australian dollars ($73.4 million), which it will convert into a military vessel for undersea military operations, according to an ABC News Australia report.
Inspections and certifications are currently being conducted on the 107-meter (350 feet) ship in Singapore before it sails to Australia and is renamed the Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Guidance.
The ADV Guidance will aid undersea surveillance system trials, including the launch of undersea crewed and uncrewed vehicles and robotic and autonomous systems.
The acquisition will advance trials and other activities utilizing cutting-edge undersea technologies, according to Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Tony Dalton.
“Defense is committed to providing a state-of-the-art capability that will enhance the [Australian Defence Forces’] ability to deliver various undersea project outcomes,” he said.
Furthermore, the vessel will be able to support various defense activities with its modular mission systems, enabling specialized teams and loads to fulfill diverse system trial requirements.
Along with its 107-meter length, the ADV Guidance is 22 meters wide and displaces 7,400 tons.
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