BAE Systems submits Australian frigate bid

BAE Systems has submitted its bid to the Australian government to meet the Royal Australian Navy’s Future Frigate requirement, the company announced on 10 August.

The company's bid for the SEA 5000 Future Frigate programme is based on a variant of its Type 26 Global Combat Ship design, which it is building for the UK Royal Navy.

Under the programme, Australia is seeking new vessels to replace the navy's eight Anzac class frigates. They will be capable of conducting multiple missions from low-level constabulary operations all the way through to high-end war-fighting, including an emphasis on anti-submarine warfare. They will carry two MH-60R helicopters and have a UAV capability.

The Type 26 benefits from a modern digital design approach that uses the advanced engineering and design technologies.

Nigel Stewart, global maritime business development director, BAE Systems, said: ‘By combining the formidable capability of our Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigate with the heritage and skills we have in Australia, we are sure we can offer a proposition to the government that is both transformational and compelling.’

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