Introduction of Australian frigates could be substantially delayed
The Hunter class will be an extremely capable warship, but few major Australian procurement projects start smoothly. (Photo: RAN)
While Australian defence officials have not made any official announcement, it seems the Hunter class is facing sizeable delays.
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is facing a significant delay before getting its hands on nine Hunter-class frigates being built by BAE Systems in Australia.
The Australian Financial Review reported on 6 July that the project is ‘poised to be pushed back for up to 18 months after the Morrison government agreed to delay the project because of issues with the design’.
The decision had apparently been made the previous week. Furthermore, the auditor-general appears set to launch an audit of the programme this year. In July 2020 the frigate project was added to the Projects of Interest list,
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
-
![Industry agreements point to growing interest in Danish hybrid fleet concept]()
Industry agreements point to growing interest in Danish hybrid fleet concept
Babcock’s new Danish industry agreements have reignited debate over whether Copenhagen is edging towards a hybrid fleet blending crewed frigates with autonomous systems.
-
![Armada 2050: can Spain deliver its naval transformation?]()
Armada 2050: can Spain deliver its naval transformation?
Spain’s naval modernisation drive is moving from concept to contracts, with RfIs and RfPs expected before the end of the decade, despite second-batch frigate and submarine numbers remaining undecided.
-
![US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog]()
US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog
A White House memorandum acknowledges US Navy shipbuilding backlogs and a weakened industrial base, opening a formal path for South Korean and Japanese yards to help rebuild capacity.
