BAE Systems selects Ultra Maritime for Hunter’s torpedo defence system

Above: (left to right) Brett Fenton, Chief of Staff, Hunter Class Frigate Branch, Peter Keaney, Vice President, Engineering, Ultra Maritime Australia, Jonathan Sadleir, Vice President and General Manager, Ultra Maritime Australia, CDRE Scott Lockey, Director General Hunter Class Frigate, Andy Coxall, Delivery Director – Acquisition, BAE Systems Maritime Australia, Nic Coleman, Director of Sonar Programs, Ultra Maritime Australia and Tracey Clavell, Head of Supply Chain – Acquisition, BAE Systems Maritime Australia, at the Indo Pacific 2025 International Maritime Exposition.
Courtesy BAE Systems  /  © Salty Dingo 2025 

Each Hunter class frigate will be equipped with Ultra Maritime’s technology, providing critical defence against torpedo threats using advanced acoustic detection and integrated countermeasures – enhancing the fleet’s anti-submarine warfare capability and safeguarding Australia’s maritime interests.

Incorporating a sonar and two methods of decoy, the SSTD system uses acoustic signatures to provide advice on the most effective tactics – such as zig-zags or hard turns – to defeat a detected torpedo.

Based in Mawson Lakes, South Australia, Ultra Maritime is already contracted to deliver the Bow Sonar into the Hunter Class Frigate Programme, which has medium range active and passive sonar for detection of submarines.

Andy Coxall, Delivery Director – Acquisition, BAE Systems Maritime Australia, said: “The Hunter class frigates are a critical capability for protecting Australian shores and safeguarding the accessibility of ship lanes and undersea cables that our nation depends on.

“Ultra Maritime is a world-leader in anti-submarine warfare and its expertise and proven solutions will deliver next-generation naval capabilities to these Tier 1 warships, ensuring they are equipped to meet evolving security challenges."

“Through partnerships with Australian suppliers such as Ultra Maritime, the Hunter Class Frigate Programme is advancing our nation’s sovereign defence capability and supporting local industry to strengthen the national defence supply chain.”

Jonathan Sadleir, Vice President and General Manager of Ultra Maritime’s Australia business, said: “Ultra Maritime is proud to provide the Royal Australian Navy with a full sense to effect capability that keeps ships and crews safe from the torpedo threats. This award adds to an expanding set of manned and unmanned vessels benefiting from Ultra Maritime’s pioneering anti-submarine warfare technologies.

“Leveraging global expertise, Ultra Maritime is positioned to support future maritime programmes for AUKUS while continuing to grow and develop Australia’s sovereign undersea warfare capabilities.”