Hunter Class Frigate Program

BAE Systems Australia is leading the largest ever surface ship project in Australia’s defence history – the design and build of Hunter class frigates.

The Hunter Class Frigate Program is transforming Australia’s shipbuilding industry by supporting the building of a world-class, continuous naval shipbuilding capability for our nation.

It will create and sustain more than 5,000 jobs at BAE Systems and the wider Australian defence supply chain over the life of the program, including up to 1,000 apprentice and graduate roles.

In 2018, the Australian Government selected BAE Systems to deliver the Hunter program for the Royal Australian Navy. Prototyping is currently underway and making strong progress at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia.

Steel in, ship out

Leading the shipbuilding revolution

Type 26 Global Combat Ship HMS Glasgow under construction

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.

Specifications

Length
151.4 metres

Displacement
Light ship weight approx
8,200 tonnes

Propulsion
2 electric motors
1 gas turbine

Top speed
~27 knots

Range
> 7,000 nautical miles
in electric-motor drive

Combat systems

Aegis with Saab Australia interface

Aircraft

1 MH-60R helicopter
Mission bay for uncrewed system or additional helicopter

Accommodation
Approx 180 crew including embarked helicopter crew
with accommodation and services for up to 208

Weapons

MU90 torpedoes
Mk45 Mod 4A 5” gun
Mk41 Vertical Launch System
SM2 & ESSM missiles
Nulka decoy system
Surface Ships Torpedo Defence system

Sensors
CEAFAR2 radar
S2150 Hull Mounted Sonar
S2087 towed array and variable depth sonar
Electro-optical sensors
Electronic warfare systems

Growing Australian industry

Through the Hunter program, BAE Systems is committed to maximising opportunities for Australian industry.

Dozens of contracts have already been placed with Australian businesses to support the prototyping phase. Local companies are progressively being engaged to support the manufacture of the first batch of three Hunter class frigates.

But developing Australian Industry Capability is more than just spending money in Australia; it’s also about employing Australians, doing work in Australia, utilising and developing innovative technologies, building capability, and growing that capability further over time.

Commitment to support and develop Indigenous-owned businesses

Hunter is committed to supporting and developing 15 Indigenous-owned businesses over the life of the program.

Already the program has worked with a number of Indigenous-owned businesses, including Supply Nation, the Indigenous Defence and Infrastructure Consortium, TQCSI-Yaran, Murra Services (through their work with MG Engineering) and Career Centre Alliance.

Meet the people securing Australia

Careers

Interested in working on Australia's Hunter Class Frigate Program? Search for opportunities.

Careers

Suppliers

Are you an Australian business interested in working on the Hunter Class Frigate Program? Find out more via the ICN Gateway.

Suppliers portal

News

Read the latest updates from the Hunter Class Frigate Program including project milestones and contract announcements.

News and updates

Prototype unit construction

The first two fabricated prototype units undergo vertical construction.

Osborne Naval Shipyard

An aerial photograph of South Australia's Osborne Naval Shipyard. Credit: ANI

Hunter class frigate

BAE Systems Australia is leading the largest ever surface ship project in Australia’s defence history – the design and build of nine anti-submarine warfare frigates, known as the Hunter class.

Hunter prototyping

Prototyping Delivery Manager Molly, standing in front of the first prototype unit at the Osborne Naval Shipyard. To move the unit, the team required the help of a 96-wheeled Self-Propelled Modular Transporter, which travels at a steady 1km per hour.

Digital shipbuilding and the vis suite

The visualisation suite at the Osborne Naval Shipyard provides our employees with the ability to digitally review interior and exterior specifications before frigate construction begins.

Manufacturing methods of the future, right now

Developing and testing innovative solutions in a controlled environment at Tonsley removes risk during the warship construction phase, and has already led to improved outcomes for our employees at Osborne.