Hunter-class frigate communications deal awarded to Rohde & Schwarz
A rendering of the Hunter-class frigate which has been planned to replace Anzac-class ships from 2034. (Image: RAN)
A new contract awarded for Australia’s Hunter-class frigates will see Rohde & Schwarz provide the vessels’ “central nervous system”.
Rohde & Schwarz’ NAVICS communications technology will be fitted on the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) first three Hunter-class frigates under a contract with BAE Systems Maritime Australia (BAESMA).
The company will deliver integrated communication and control systems into the first batch of Hunter-class frigates, the Australian variant of the BAE Systems-designed-and-built Global Combat Ship (GCS).
NAVICS will act as the frigates’ “central nervous system”, the company said, with the communications system offering integrated internal and external communications. The system will process classified information within a multi-level security environment.
Rohde & Schwarz Australia first began working on the integrated communications system (ICS) project more than five years ago when it provided early engineering services for the design and manufacture of the vessels. It will work closely with BAESMA on the manufacture, integration, testing and commissioning of the ICS.
Wolfgang Marchl, vice-president of R&D technology systems for Rohde & Schwarz, commented: “For Hunter we’ve built on the close collaboration between our headquarters and the UK operation we established for development of the Type 26 communications solution.”
In welcoming the contract with Rohde & Schwarz Australia, BAESMA managing director Craig Lockhart added: “In harnessing world-class industry capability, we will ensure that the RAN continues to be equipped with what it needs to fight and win at sea.”
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Sea 5000 Future Frigate (Hunter Class) [Australia]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Singapore declassifies SEAL Carrier swimmer delivery vehicle for special forces use]()
Singapore declassifies SEAL Carrier swimmer delivery vehicle for special forces use
Singapore’s navy has introduced the Combatant Craft Underwater vessel, a multi-mode swimmer delivery vehicle designed to enhance its Naval Diving Unit’s ability to conduct covert maritime special operations.
-
![US Navy foresees additional delays in the Columbia-class programme]()
US Navy foresees additional delays in the Columbia-class programme
After estimating that the first Columbia-class submarine would be delivered 16 months late, the US Navy has recently confirmed that an additional month will be required to complete its construction.
-
![UK demonstration shows how sensors and C2 can protect ports from multi-domain threats]()
UK demonstration shows how sensors and C2 can protect ports from multi-domain threats
Naval vessels are at high risk when in harbour, port or dockside and the threat from asymmetric attacks has been shown in the Ukraine war against Russian ships. A demonstration of combined systems in the UK hoped to show a potential solution to defence, government and commercial delegates.
-
![Final US Navy Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship concludes acceptance testing]()
Final US Navy Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship concludes acceptance testing
After troubled progress with the Littoral Combat Ship programme, the US Navy plans to commission USS Pierre (LCS 38) this autumn.
