Australia lays keel for first Hunter-class frigate

Australia has officially laid the keel for its first Hunter-class anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigate at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Defence Minister Richard Marles, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, and Navy Chief Vice Admiral Matthew Buckley.

The Hunter-class program, part of the SEA 5000 Phase 1 program, is based on BAE Systems’ Global Combat Ship design, which also serves as the foundation for the UK’s Type 26 City-class frigates. While based on the British design, the Australian vessels feature significant modifications, including a displacement of at least 8,200 tonnes and the integration of domestic technologies such as the CEAFAR2 radar, the US Navy’s Aegis combat system with a Saab interface, and the Thales CAPTAS-4 towed sonar.

Originally intended to include nine vessels, the Australian government has reduced the procurement to six frigates. The construction process is expected to support a continuous shipbuilding program for the next two decades, providing thousands of jobs in South Australia and the national supply chain. The first Hunter-class ships are scheduled to enter service in the early 2030s.