HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) is an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy, commissioned in June 2004. She measures 118 meters in overall length and has a beam of 14.8 meters, with a full load displacement of approximately 3,600 tonnes. Powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, she features a single General Electric LM2500-30 gas turbine rated at 30,172 horsepower and two MTU 12V1163 TB83 diesel engines producing 8,840 horsepower each. This configuration enables a maximum speed of 27 knots and a range exceeding 6,000 nautical miles at 18 knots. The ship's standard crew consists of 22 officers and 141 sailors. Her armament includes a 5-inch 54-caliber Mark 45 gun, an eight-cell Mark 41 vertical launch system (initially for Sea Sparrow missiles, now for Naval Strike Missiles), two 12.7mm machine guns, and two Mark 32 triple torpedo tubes, initially firing Mark 46 torpedoes and later upgraded to MU90 Impact torpedoes. The frigate was also fitted with a Phalanx close-in weapon system (not initially onboard), and her anti-ship armament included quad-canister Harpoon missiles, later replaced by Naval Strike Missiles in 2025. She was initially equipped with a Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopter, which was replaced by a Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk by late 2017. Constructed at Williamstown, Victoria, she was laid down in August 2000, assembled from modules built in Williamstown, Newcastle, and Whangarei, New Zealand, and launched in May 2002. Her construction involved modular assembly, and she was commissioned into the RAN in mid-2004. The vessel's badge and motto reference the Eureka Stockade of 1854, symbolizing her connection to Australian history. Throughout her service, HMAS Ballarat has participated in various operations, including border protection (Operation Relex II), Gulf deployment during Operation Catalyst, and a notable round-the-world voyage in 2009. She has also been active in anti-piracy efforts off Somalia, participated in international exercises like Malabar 2025, and underwent a significant Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade in 2015, enhancing her radar and weapons systems. Her operational history reflects her role as a versatile and capable warship within the RAN, contributing to maritime security, international diplomacy, and regional stability.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.