Babcock recovers military equipment from retired frigate HMAS Anzac

August 25, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Babcock Australasia (Babcock) has recovered hundreds of pieces of critical military equipment from the decommissioned frigate ex-HMAS Anzac, the lead ship of the Anzac-class frigates.

Babcock acted as the principal contractor on the six-month project on behalf of the Warship Asset Management Agreement (WAMA) alliance – a strategic partnership between Babcock, BAE Systems, SAAB, and the Commonwealth of Australia. The partners are committed to delivering materially seaworthy warships and driving long-term efficiencies for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

The vessel’s vertical launch missile system, propulsion diesel engines, propellers, drive train components and other platform and combat systems were amongst the essential equipment harvested.

According to Babcock, the reclaimed assets will be drawn upon as required to see the remaining seven Anzac-class frigates through to their end-of-life.

Some equipment has already been transferred to other ships of the class, supporting operations and helping to expedite the ships’ return to service post maintenance.

Babcock introduced efficiencies in this process by removing obstructions throughout the ship to enable equipment removal via trolley instead of lifting gear, streamlining the recovery effort.

With recycling efforts now complete, the former warship has been handed over to a disposal team.

“The WAMA alliance worked closely with the customer to develop a list of key equipment for removal, and I’m pleased to say we have exceeded those expectations, recovering additional assets beyond those initially requested,” Babcock Australasia Marine Program Delivery Director Carl Blacow said.

“This delivers long-term operational advantages to Defence because some of these valuable items have long lead times to repair or procure. Having these components readily available as spares will significantly reduce delivery times and enhance fleet readiness.”

Babcock receives maintenance contracts for RNZN’s frigate under GSC Program

Vessels

HMAS Anzac, the first of ten Anzac-class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy, was built by Tenix Defence Systems at Williamstown in Victoria. The ship was commissioned into service in May 1996, while the decommissioning ceremony took place last year.