Shipbuilders shortlisted for Australian programmes
The Australian Government has decided on the shortlist of companies to compete for the SEA 5000 and SEA 1180 shipbuilding programmes that will arm the Royal Australian Navy with new patrol vessels and frigates.
In a release issued by the Department of Defence on 18 April the shipbuilding programme will ‘ensure Australia retains a sovereign capability to build and sustain its naval vessels.’
First pass approval for 12 new OPVs was issued, with construction to begin in Adelaide from 2018 following the completion of the air warfare destroyers and transfer to Western Australia when the Future Frigate construction begins at
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies]()
US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies
The programme’s structure as a marketplace will allow multiple companies to compete for ongoing procurements; an approach which could be replicated across the Atlantic.
-
![Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200]()
Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200
On 24 June 2026, the German Ministry of Defence announced it was cancelling the F126 frigate programme in favour of procuring eight MEKO A-200 DEU frigates.
-
![UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition]()
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.
