Hunter class frigates

Business BAE Systems Australia

Location Australia

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

Overview

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.

In 2018, the Australian Government selected our business to deliver these anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates for the Royal Australian Navy.

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

Unmatched capability

The Hunter class frigates are based on BAE Systems’ Type 26 Global Combat Ship design, modified to meet the Royal Australian Navy’s operational requirements.

These modifications to the Type 26 design incorporate the Australian Baseline 9 Combat System with an Australian interface, along with additional combat capabilities including:

Sensors: CEAFAR2 radar, S2150 Hull Mounted Sonar, S2087 towed array and variable depth sonar, electro-optical sensors, electronic warfare systems.
Aircraft: One MH-60R helicopter, mission bay for uncrewed system or additional helicopter.
Weapons: MU90 torpedoes, Mk45 Mod 4A 5” gun, Mk41 Vertical Launch System, SM2 & ESSM missiles, Nulka decoy system, Surface Ships Torpedo Defence system.

Each warship will feature an acoustically-quiet hull and 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 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.

Length

151.4m

Displacement

8,200t

approximate light ship weight.

Top speed

27 knots

Range

>7,000

nautical miles in electric-motor drive.

Hunter class frigate visualisation – Explore the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warship

From detection to defence, the Hunter class frigate is engineered for decisive action. Equipped with advanced sensors, world-leading sonar and integrated weapons systems, it can detect, track and counter threats across air and sea.

Visit the Osborne Naval Shipyard

Join us on a tour of one of the world’s most advanced naval shipyards in Adelaide, Australia.

Osborne video tour

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.

A 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.

Opportunities for Australian companies

Video

Hunter Class Frigate Program highlights

Steel In, Ships Out [2024]

Leading the shipbuilding revolution

At BAE Systems Australia, we're changing the way ships are built.

Building ships piece by piece - Hunter Class Frigate Program

Over half of the first Hunter class frigate is now in production in Australia.

The Hunter class frigate is redefining our naval capability

Tonnes of cutting-edge technology, built right here in Australia. Agile, stealthy, and mission-ready, it's a symbol of sovereign strength and a catalyst for thousands of highly skilled jobs.

BAE Systems Australia x BlueScope Distribution - Forging the future of Australia's naval defence

Australian made steel. Australian built ships.

Block 10 & 16 - Hunter Class Frigate Program

Building ships is a bit like building Lego – just on a much bigger scale! You’re looking at two of the Hunter Class Frigate Program’s prototype blocks, which make up less than a tenth of the total 22 blocks required for each Hunter class frigate.

Block 03, our first prototype keel block - Hunter Class Frigate Program

The first block to require blast and paint activity in confined spaces, a 13 week process. Weighing 151 tonnes and travelling at 1km/hour, the block then made its way to the Block Outfitting and Erection Hall.

Block 11 lift - Hunter Class Frigate Program

Weighing in at ~25 tonnes, this is one of four deck assemblies across two levels that will make up Block 11 – one of our Schedule Protection Blocks. Four Schedule Protection Blocks are in production and will be used in the first Hunter class frigate.

Batch 1 Steel Cut - Hunter Class Frigate Program

Continuous Naval Shipbuilding in Australia has taken another step forwards with steel being cut on the first Hunter class frigate. The piece of steel cut today will make up part of the first vessel in production at the Osborne Naval Shipyard.