Hunter Class Frigate

On 14 December 2018, Defence signed the Head Contract with ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd (now known as BAE Systems Maritime Australia, a subsidiary of BAE Systems Australia Ltd) to build the Hunter Class frigates (HCF) under Project SEA 5000 Phase 1.

On 20 June 2024, Defence amended and signed the Head Contract with BAE Systems Maritime Australia to include construction of the first 3 Hunter Class frigates.

Following the signing of the Head Contract on 21 June 2024, the project cut steel on a section that will act as the aft under structure support for the port side propeller shaft brake system. This piece will be used in the first Hunter Class frigate. 

The Hunter Class Frigate Project will deliver 6 frigates optimised for anti-submarine warfare to maintain the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Tier 1 Surface Combatant capability.

 The Hunter Class is based on the UK’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship, modified to meet Australian requirements. The design changes include:

  • The Aegis combat management system with the Saab Australia developed Australian Interface
  • The Australian designed and built CEAFAR2 phased array radar
  • Integration of systems to support Australian weapons
  • Integration of the Seahawk Romeo Maritime Combat Helicopter
  • Australian communications systems
  • Modifications to meet Australian legislative requirements. 

The Hunter Class Frigate Program is a multi-billion dollar program that includes numerous Australian suppliers including BAE Systems Maritime Australia, SAAB Australia, Lockheed Martin Australia, CEA Australia, and Thales Australia. 

The Hunter Class Frigate Program will provide the Australian Defence Force with the highest levels of anti-submarine capability, and will set in place continuous naval shipbuilding as outlined in the 2017 Naval Shipbuilding Plan, 2023 Defence Strategic Review, 2024 Integrated Investment Program, and the 2024 National Defence Strategy. It will secure Australian jobs and further invest in Australian Defence industry to build and sustain the industry capability needed to design and construct our major warships over the decades to come.

Deliverable Achieved / Forecast Notes
Project Year of Commencement 2015 Brought forward – see Government announcements below
Government First Pass Approval April 2016 Three designers—BAE Systems, Fincantieri and Navantia—were shortlisted to refine their designs
Request For Tender (RFT) released  March 2017 RFT released to the three shortlisted designers: BAE Systems, Fincantieri and Navantia
Combat Management System selected October 2017 The combat management system will be provided by the Aegis Combat Management System, together with an Australian tactical interface developed by SAAB Australia.
Government Second Pass Approval June 2018 Completion of Competitive Evaluation Process (CEP) of the three designs and advice to Government. Government to announce Prime Contractor.
Advanced Work Agreement (AWA) signed September 2018 The AWA allowed BAE Systems to continue to mobilise the program while the Head Contract was being negotiated
Head Contract signed December 2018 The Commonwealth signed the Head Contract with ASC Shipbuilding, now known as BAE Systems Maritime Australia, to build the Hunter Class frigates at Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, with an effective date of 4 February 2019. The Head Contract contained an Australian Industrial Capability Strategy
Commenced Prototyping December 2020 Prototyping on the HCF Project commenced at Osborne Naval Shipyard – South, in Adelaide
Government Approval for Production of four Schedule Protection Blocks February 2022 Project approved to produce four Schedule Protection Blocks
Government Approval for Production of additional two Schedule Protection Blocks November 2023 Project approved to produce two additional Schedule Protection Blocks
Approval for the Head contract to include the construction of the first 3 ships June 2024 Project approved by Government to amend the Head Contract to include construction of the first three Hunter Class frigates
First Hunter Class frigate Cut Steel     June 2024 Steel cut on the First of Class at Osborne Naval Shipyard – South, in Adelaide
Second Hunter Class frigate Cut Steel 2026     Steel cut on the Second of Class at Osborne Naval Shipyard – South, in Adelaide
Third Hunter Class frigate Cut Steel  2028     Steel cut on the Third of Class at Osborne Naval Shipyard – South, in Adelaide 
First Hunter Class frigate sea trails 2031     Commence sea trails to test the frigates speed, manoeuvrability, equipment and safety features
First Hunter Class frigate delivered  2032     First Hunter Class frigate delivered and accepted by the Royal Australian Navy
Second Hunter Class frigate sea trails 2033     Commence sea trails to test the frigates speed, manoeuvrability, equipment and safety features
Second Hunter Class frigate delivered 2034     Second Hunter Class frigate delivered and accepted by the Royal Australian Navy
Third Hunter Class frigate sea trails     2035     Commence sea trails to test the frigates speed, manoeuvrability, equipment and safety features
Third Hunter Class frigate delivered  2036     Third Hunter Class frigate delivered and accepted by the Royal Australian Navy
 

Australian businesses can participate in the Hunter Class Frigate Program by expressing their interest in the active work packages at the following BAE Systems Hunter Class Frigate Program page.

Government announcements

2024

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

Defence News articles

Content is current as at 31 October 2024.