Australia’s new Hunter-class frigates expected to be larger than planned

The Hunter-class frigate. Photo c/o BAE Systems

Reports have surfaced that the new Hunter-class frigates being built by BAE Systems for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is expected to be larger and heavier than initially planned.

Australian Financial Review posted a new report suggesting that the displacement of the ship has gone up from 8,800 tons full load to more than 10,000 tons. The report also said that the ship has grown longer than the 149.9 meters as proposed.

This could create cost overruns due to the higher construction cost of the ship, while also increasing the operating cost, while requiring additional funding for modification of basing facilities.

Australian shipbuilder ASC Shipbuilding, which is partnered with BAE Systems, dismissed the reports and said that it is normal for the ship design to undergo normal naval design processes, and they remain confident in the ability to meet Australia’s requirements and specifications. 

The Hunter-class frigate is based on BAE Systems’ Type 26 Global Combat Ship frigate design for the British Royal Navy (RN), and has also been adapted by the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) for their own frigate requirement. 

Modifications from the original Type 26 design includes the use of locally-developed AESA radar from CEA Technologies, the AEGIS combat system from Lockheed Martin, and an Australian-developed combat system interface from Saab Australia. The large AESA radar including the requirement for a higher power generation requirement may have increased the weight of the ship.

The RAN is acquiring 9 new Hunter-class frigates under a A$35 billion program called Project SEA 5000, with the first ship of the class expected to be in service with the RAN by the end of the decade.


[1] Australian Financial Review
[2] Defence Conenct
[3] Defense News