Since being selected as the preferred tenderer and signing the Head Contract in December 2018, we have taken great strides in achieving milestones on the program. We have accepted the brand-new Osborne Naval Shipyard, refined our processes and systems through prototyping work, and have commenced construction of the first schedule protection block, which will be used – along with three other blocks – in the first Hunter class frigate.
Hunter is building our Australian workforce and industry capability
One of the most important facets of building a continuous naval shipbuilding capability, the Australian workforce, is growing month-on-month on the Hunter program. We now have more than 1,800 people working on the program, with more than 1,500 of those here in Australia.
This also includes employees in our early careers program, which currently employs 25 apprentices, with an additional 24 apprentice placements planned for 2023 and early 2024. 29 graduates are currently rotating through the program, and a further 14 interns are working within the business.
Hunter is anticipated to create and sustain more than 5,000 jobs with us and the wider Australian defence supply chain over the life of the program, including up to 1,000 apprentice and graduate roles.
Through the Hunter program, we are committed to maximising opportunities for Australian industry. Local companies are progressively being engaged to support the manufacture of the first batch of three Hunter class frigates.
We have placed more than 80 contracts with Australian suppliers, with more than 30 placed for Batch 1. More than 1,800 Australian businesses, representing every Australian state and territory, have registered their interest in working on the Hunter program through the Industry Capability Network.
Hunter Class Frigate Program progress update
- During the prototyping phase, we have demonstrated new, more efficient ship-build methods and innovations and incorporated them into our shipbuilding process.
- The high-level quality and productivity being achieved at the Osborne Naval Shipyard has resulted in the start of construction of the first Hunter-designed ship block, effectively recovering 13 months of schedule.
- Each Hunter class frigate comprises 22 blocks, including the mast – each block is made up of between one to seven steel units.
- All five of our prototype blocks are in various stages of completion, with our first two – Block 16 and Block 10 – having completed their blast and paint process.
- The process of building a warship like Hunter begins with the design, which we have completely digitised.
- This digitisation extends to the shipyard itself, and our supply chain.
- A connected shipyard, connected worker, connected ship, and connected fleet all serve to support an enduring sovereign industrial capability that will embed a Continuous Naval Shipbuilding capability within Australia.
About the Hunter class frigate
The Hunter class frigates are based on BAE Systems’ Type 26 Global Combat Ship design, currently being constructed in Glasgow, Scotland, for the United Kingdom's Royal Navy.
The frigates are being modified to meet the Royal Australian Navy’s operational requirements. These modifications include incorporating the leading-edge Australian CEA phased-array radar, the Aegis combat management system and the integration of the Seahawk Romeo Maritime Combat Helicopter.
Each warship will be constructed on an acoustically-quiet hull and feature unique sonar capabilities, modular digital design and open systems architecture to facilitate through-life support and upgrades as new technology develops.
The formidable fleet is being designed for maximum versatility and flexibility in operational roles, from humanitarian and disaster relief operations to high-intensity warfare.
The integrated mission bay and hangar is capable of supporting multiple helicopters, unmanned vehicles, boats, mission loads and disaster relief stores.
A launcher can be provided for fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle operation, and the flight deck is capable of landing a Chinook helicopter to transport land forces.