The SEA 4000 Air Warfare Destroyer Program will upgrade Australia's maritime defence capability with three state-of-the-art ships. The HOBART Class AWDs will be the most advanced and complex warships ever built in Australia and will introduce the Aegis combat system to the Royal Australian Navy. The first of these Air Warfare Destroyers is due for delivery on May 23, 2015. In June 2007 Prime the Commonwealth of Australia announced the selection of the Navantia designed F-100 as the next generation Air Warfare Destroyer for the Royal Australian Navy.
These large ships will be capable of detecting and engaging aircraft at extended ranges and protecting deployed forces from air and missile attack. This will ensure Australia's amphibious and support ships can operate with 24-hour air defence, as well as supporting land forces in coastal areas and aircraft operations. The air warfare destroyers will also have anti-submarine and anti-shipping capabilities.