The Australian Federal Government has given First Pass Approval to modernise the communications capability of the Royal Australian Navy’s eight Anzac-class frigates.

The communications equipment will be acquired under Project SEA 1442 Phase 4, which is part of a comprehensive communications modernisation project for Royal Australian Navy ships.

The 118m-long Anzac class frigates, the major surface units of the navy, have a displacement capacity of 3,600t and can cruise at speeds of 27kt.

The acquisition will cost $300-500m, with a final decision on the project will to be made between 2012 and 2015.