Military threats force through Australian frigate procurement
First steel for the frigate HMAS Hunter was cut at Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide on 21 June. (Photo: BAE Systems)
Construction may have been started by BAE Systems on the first Hunter-class frigate but scepticism surrounds the general-purpose frigate programme due to delays and planning issues.
Australia has been forced into a kneejerk procurement of up to 11 general-purpose frigates to more rapidly counter intensifying military threats, primarily from China.
Last month, construction of the country’s new Hunter-class frigate started, with first steel cut in a ceremony taking place on 21 June at Osborne Naval Shipyard, Adelaide. The previous day, a production contract for the initial trio of frigates was signed.
Coming six years after BAE Systems Australia was selected for the Sea 5000 Future Frigate project, the shipbuilder noted that the steel cut on the new Hunter-class frigate formed part of the 8,200t frigate’s under-structure
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
-
![“We must end the mentality of ever larger platforms”: Why USVs are scaling]()
“We must end the mentality of ever larger platforms”: Why USVs are scaling
Multiple USV programme milestones announced last week, aligned with a reinforcement of the Royal Navy’s vision for a hybrid fleet, point to innovation-led ambition but also to a structural calculation with resource ceilings that neither London nor Washington can ignore.
-
![As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging]()
As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging
Research programmes and system procurement efforts to counter uncrewed surface and underwater vehicle threats are accelerating as naval drone uptake spreads.
-
![Japan’s first warship sale opens door to future exports but comes with strings attached]()
Japan’s first warship sale opens door to future exports but comes with strings attached
Australia’s selection of an upgraded Mogami-class frigate marks Japan’s first-ever export of a major surface combatant. With an ambitious 2029 delivery target, the deal could open the door to further naval exports – but inexperience and geopolitical friction with China loom large.
