BAE Systems Maritime Australia has awarded L3Harris Technologies a contract to supply the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) for the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Hunter-class frigates.
The system will oversee the management of the ships’ propulsion, power generation, and auxiliary systems, aiming to boost their performance, reliability, and safety.
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The IPMS solution was previously developed for the UK Royal Navy’s Type 26 frigates.
The Hunter-class frigate project, under Project SEA 5000 Phase 1, began with the signing of the head contract on 14 December 2018 with ASC Shipbuilding.
This contract was later amended on 20 June 2024 to include the construction of the first three frigates by BAE Systems Maritime Australia.
The project aims to deliver six frigates optimised for anti-submarine warfare to maintain the RAN’s Tier 1 Surface Combatant capability.
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By GlobalDataThe Hunter-class frigates are being constructed at Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, to support the Continuous Naval Shipbuilding programme, which is focused on fostering sovereign shipbuilding capabilities.
Following the contract amendment, steel was cut for a section that will support the port side propeller shaft brake system.
Designed to perform a range of missions with the necessary range and endurance for regional operations, the Hunter-class frigates will also be capable of humanitarian and disaster relief efforts.
Measuring 151.4 metres (m) in length, the frigates have Australian-developed CEA Phased-Array Radar, the US Navy’s Aegis combat management system with an Australian interface by Saab Australia, and are modified to operate the MH-60R Seahawk Romeo helicopter.
L3Harris Australia vice-president Alan Clements said: “This award exemplifies our commitment to deliver advanced technology that will significantly improve the RAN’s capabilities.
“The Hunter is one of the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warfare frigates and key to ensuring Australia has a fleet with the highest level of performance, lethality and deterrence. As an Australian sovereign partner, L3Harris is proud to be part of this significant programme.”
L3Harris has continuously improved the IPMS technology and has supplied it to more than 300 vessels across 27 navies globally.
