Australia preparing possible transfer of 2 Adelaide-class frigates to Chile

The Adelaide-class frigate HMAS Newcastle (FFG-06) of the RAN. Photo c/o Wikipedia.

Australia is said to be preparing for negotiations with the Chilean government on the possible transfer of the two remaining Adelaide-class frigates of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

The two ships, the HMAS Melbourne (FFG-05) and HMAS Newcastle (FFG-06) are retiring from RAN service soon. The Australian government is said to be interested in offers to transfer the ships to another navy.

The Chilean Navy (CN) plans to acquire the two RAN frigates to replace two of their Dutch-made frigates.

The two Adelaide-class frigates underwent extensive upgrades a decade ago, including the installation of a new combat management system.

The frigates are equipped with a Mk. 13 missile launcher and Mk.41 VLS launchers for SM-2MR Standard missiles and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM), as well as Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

Poland was said to have been interested in the ships but no actual formal request was made.



[1] Jane's Defence Weekly
[2] Poder Naval