BAE Systems’ Hunter Class frigate program passes preliminary design review

BAE Systems Australia’s Hunter Class Frigate Program has successfully completed its Preliminary Design Review, which looked into the operational effectiveness of the program’s design. 

The company held a celebratory event at its Osborne shipyard to mark the completion of the review, which began in July this year. 

More than 1,800 people are now working on the Hunter Class Frigate Program, which is transforming Australia’s shipbuilding industry by helping build a world-class, continuous naval shipbuilding capability.

Craig Lockhart, BAE Systems Australia’s managing director maritime, said the completion of the preliminary design review marks a significant milestone for the program that seeks to develop Australia’s sovereign industrial capability and foster the country’s engineering workforce. 

“The Hunter Class Frigate Program has come a long way from initial head contract signing, to the acceptance of the shipyard, start of prototyping work, and commencement of the first Schedule Protection Block,” Lockhart said. 

BAE Systems has collaborated with companies from all over the country to support the manufacture of the first batch of three Hunter class frigates. 

The program is expected to create and sustain more than 5,000 jobs at BAE Systems and the wider Australian defence supply chain, including up to 1,000 apprentice and graduate roles. 

“Through this national endeavour, we are committed to maximising opportunities for Australian industry. More than 80 contracts have been placed with Australian businesses to support the program,” Lockhart said. 

Source: AUManufacturing