Destroyer gives navy new capability

Australia's newest warship will provide the nation's defence forces with new capabilities, the head of the navy says.

Vice Admiral Tim Barrett says HMAS Hobart, and the next two air warfare destroyers to be built, will bring about a big change in the way the navy does its business.

He highlighted the destroyer's ability to launch helicopters, its Aegis combat systems and anti-aircraft armaments.

"This ship offers a capability that the navy has not had for quite some time, indeed in some areas that we have never had," he said at the launch ceremony in Adelaide on Saturday.

"I am very pleased with the results that we see as she enters the water."

Vice Admiral Barrett dismissed suggestions the cost blowout in the air warfare program could be a source of tension between the navy and the government.

He said the issue for him was providing the warships that could do what they promised.