The future Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Hobart this morning departed the wharf at Techport Australia to commence a second round of more advanced Sea Trials off the coast of South Australia.

The Hobart Class air warfare destroyers (AWDs) are designed to be capable across the full spectrum of joint maritime operations, from area air defence and escort duties, right through to peacetime national tasking and diplomatic missions.  The AWD project aims to provide the Royal Australian Navy with one of the world's most capable multi-mission warships.

In an important milestone for the Australian Defence Force and the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) program, the first of three destroyers, Hobart, was launched alongside the Port River wharf in Adelaide today.

This is a key achievement for the program and a big step towards the delivery of three highly capable warships to the Royal Australian Navy. Despite well publicised delays and cost blowouts Defence Minister Kevin Andrews was upbeat at the launch.