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
-
![France’s naval modernisation drives opportunities for European defence industry]()
France’s naval modernisation drives opportunities for European defence industry
Ahead of Euronaval 2026, major submarine, frigate and aircraft carrier programmes are driving investment, while future corvette replacements and growing interest in uncrewed vessels offer further opportunities for industry into the 2030s and beyond.
-
![Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq]()
Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq
The Canadian Department of National Defence is evaluating communications and reconnaissance changes for CCGS Imnaryuaq’s expanded maritime security role, while retaining its 2032 acceptance target.
-
![All eyes on Royal Navy’s Type 93 market engagement as industry prepares bids]()
All eyes on Royal Navy’s Type 93 market engagement as industry prepares bids
Responses are due by 29 October as the Royal Navy tests the market, with BAE Systems’ Herne and MSubs’ Excalibur setting up a contest where payloads may decide the winner.
