Half of Australia’s first Hunter frigate is now in fabrication
A computer-generated image of the Hunter-class frigate. Note its distinguishing mast-mounted CEAFAR radar. (Image: BAE Systems Australia)
BAE Systems Maritime Australia’s Andy Coxall gave Shephard a progress update on its HMAS Hunter frigate, while addressing concerns over the cost difference between Australia’s programme and Norway’s.
Since first steel was cut on the future HMAS Hunter on 21 June 2024, BAE Systems Australia has been making solid progress on this Royal Australian Navy (RAN) frigate.
Andy Coxall, director of acquisition and build at BAE Systems Maritime Australia, told Shephard: “We’ve actually cut steel on 39 of the 78 units – half of the ship is actually in fabrication now.”
Each frigate comprises 78 units, which together create 22 blocks. Furthermore, Coxall said: “The first consolidated block, block 11, has gone into blast and paint at Osborne Naval Shipyard.”
Block 12 encompasses mostly the frigate’s mast,
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
-
![SAHA 2026: Aselsan seeks to replicate Turkey’s UAV success at sea]()
SAHA 2026: Aselsan seeks to replicate Turkey’s UAV success at sea
Turkey’s defence electronics company has unveiled two new uncrewed naval systems at SAHA 2026 – but the harder test will be converting it into an export success.
-
![HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome]()
HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome
South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries confirmed to Shephard that the company is awaiting the Peruvian government’s decision to allow it to move forward with the production of the HDS-1500 submarine.
-
![How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls]()
How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls
Ageing Baltic vessels and an absence of active minehunting vessel programmes in the region have been put under the spotlight in the recent conflict.
