Defence

BAE Systems locks local Australian companies into Hunter Frigate project

Posted 2 November 2021

BAE Systems Maritime Australia announced that businesses in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia will deliver products into the prototyping phase of the Hunter Class Frigate Programme, the nation's largest surface shipbuilding project.

Above: Piper and Tracey at Defence Seals & Spares, New South Wales.
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The three companies selected will supply a range of manufactured parts for prototyping blocks now under construction at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide. The Hunter frigate program will deliver nine warships to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

Work underway on prototyping blocks is enabling systems, tools, plant, workforce and supplier products to be tested, evaluated and refined, providing a solid operational foundation prior to the commencement of production on the first Hunter class frigate.

The companies awarded contracts are:
Defence Seals & Spares (NSW): supply manhole and access panel gaskets from its Warriewood operations, north of Sydney
ABECK Group (Vic): manufacture/supply flowforge gratings from its Dandenong facility
PRP Manufacturing (SA): to supply/cut gaskets at its Dudley Park plant in Adelaide.

Craig Lockhart, Managing Director, BAE Systems Maritime Australia, said: “Establishing a competitive, sustainable and resillient supply chain in Australia is critical to the overall success of the Hunter Class Frigate Program.

“Each of these three companies bring a unique and important skillset to the construction of frigates in Australia, helping to deliver the best capability to the Navy.

“We look forward to placing more contracts with suppliers across Australia as the program progresses.”