Australia lays keel for first Hunter-class frigate

BAE Systems Australia has officially laid the keel for the first Hunter-class frigate at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. This milestone marks a significant step in the modernization of the Royal Australian Navy’s surface fleet and its anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Derived from the British Type 26 Global Combat Ship design, the lead vessel is expected to enter service in the early 2030s. The frigate will integrate advanced Australian-made CEAFAR radar technology and combat system elements from the United States. Construction is already progressing, with 20 of the first ship’s 22 structural blocks currently under development.

The Hunter-class program is a central component of Australia’s continuous naval shipbuilding strategy. While the project has faced challenges, including cost increases from an initial estimate of 35 billion AUD to approximately 45 billion AUD for nine vessels, the lead ship remains on schedule for delivery in the early 2030s.