: Australia is studying how to integrate the American SM-2 anti-aircraft missile into their FFG-7 frigates. The original plan was to upgrade the FFG-7s and to buy the four Kidd-class destroyers, but both plans were cancelled for financial reasons. Studies to integrate the SM-2 onto the FFG-7s have focused on three elements:

1. The Mk-13 single-arm launcher will be replaced by a Mark-26 two-rail launcher.

2. The SM-2 (Block IIIA) missiles will have to be modified as they are designed for vertical, not rail, launch.

3. The fire control system must be upgraded to include the Mk-14 weapon direction system.--Stephen V Cole