A Lockheed Martin integrated test team has started installing an Aegis combat system aboard Australia's first Hobart-class air warfare destroyer.

The team includes specialist technicians from the United States as well as technicians trained in Australia for the air warfare destroyer program.

"This milestone is a significant step towards an increase in the Royal Australian Navy's maritime security capabilities through the seamless integration of the Aegis combat system to defend against advanced air, surface and subsurface threats," said Commodore Craig Bourke, CSC, RAN Program manager, Air Warfare Destroyer. "With more than 100 Aegis-equipped ships deployed worldwide, Australia is joining a family of allied nations that continues to push the boundaries of innovation with adaptable and affordable capabilities that meet the warfighter's multi-mission needs."

Aegis is an integrated weapon that combines advanced computer and radar technology to track and guide missiles to a target.

The Aegis combat system for Australia is in the Baseline 8 configuration, which integrates commercial-off-the-shelf technology and open architecture into the combat system. It is equipped with SPY-1D(V) radar and is paired with the MK 41 Vertical Launching System.