An artist’s impression of the Hunter-class frigate, modelled on BAE Systems’ Type 26 Global Combat Ship. Credit: Royal Australian Navy via Naval Technology.

Steel was cut at Osbourne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide marking the start of the construction phase for the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) future Hunter-class multi-mission frigates.

The piece of steel cut forms part of the under structure support for the port side propeller shaft brake system.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Based on the Type 26 ‘Global Combat Ship’, the new fleet of six warships will replace RAN’s existing Anzac-class frigates that entered service in 1996.

The service will primarily use them for anti-submarine warfare, along with air defence, anti-surface warfare, surveillance and intelligence, interdiction, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

They will integrate an open systems architecture to offer through-life support and provision for future upgrades. More than 900 indigenous suppliers have registered to supply into the Hunter programme.

See Also:

When it comes to firepower RAN will enhance the fleet with the next-generation Aegis combat system – it is similarly integrated on the destroyers that Japan are pursuing.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

It enables the guided-missile frigates to track and detect aircraft, submarines, and ships within its vicinity. Aegis will enhance the situational awareness of the onboard command team and enable them to take quick decisions to destroy the enemy targets.

The commonwealth government originally contracted BAE Systems Maritime Australia to build the ships in December 2018, whereupon the fleet was reduced from nine to six vessels under the Navy’s $7.5bn restructure in February 2024.

Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas (left) and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles (right) cut steel on the first ship at a ceremony in Adelaide. Credit: BAE Systems.

“Hunter will be one of the most technologically advanced, stealth-capable anti-submarine warfare vessels in the world,” asserted Ben Hudson, CEO of BAE Systems Australia, “and its modular mission bay allows it to undertake a wide-range of missions.”