HMAS Anzac (III)

As the lead ship of the class (FFH 150), HMAS Anzac holds the unique distinction of performing the first Naval Gunfire Support mission for the RAN since the Vietnam War during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Historically, her launch was significant as she was christened by Vivian Bullwinkel, the legendary sole survivor of the Bangka Island massacre. After 28 years of service, she became the first of the class to be decommissioned in May 2024.

The Anzac-class multi-role frigates were born from a collaborative project between Australia and New Zealand to replace the aging River and Leander classes. Based on the German MEKO 200 modular design, these vessels were constructed in Williamstown, Victoria, and serve as the long-standing "workhorse" of the Royal Australian Navy. While initially criticized for being "under-armed," the class has undergone extensive mid-life upgrades, most notably the Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) program. This overhaul integrated the Australian-designed CEAFAR phased-array radar, transforming the ships into some of the most capable air-defense frigates of their size. Their versatile design allows them to conduct a range of operations, from border protection and humanitarian aid to high-intensity maritime combat and naval gunfire support.

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