Hunter-class programme begins prototyping phase

Prototyping work has begun on the Hunter-class frigate programme for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), shipbuilder BAE Systems Australia announced on 18 December.

During this phase, five representative ship blocks will be manufactured and assembled. Systems, processes, facilities and workforce competencies will be established and tested, providing a solid operational foundation before construction starts on the first frigate in 2022. BAE Systems Australia CEO Gabby Costigan said: ‘The pace of the programme has been swift. We have moved into a modern, digitally advanced shipyard, progressed the design of the ship and significantly expanded our workforce.’

The Hunter-class ASW frigate is based on the Type 26 Global Combat Ship design adopted by the UK Royal Navy and Royal Canadian Navy.

In all, under the Sea 5000 programme the RAN is acquiring nine frigates to replace its fleet of eight Anzac­-class ships.

Shephard Defence Insight estimates the unit cost of each frigate at A$2.9 billion ($2.17 billion).

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