Overview
Since being selected as the preferred tenderer and signing the Head Contract in December 2018, BAE Systems Maritime Australia has made good progress in achieving milestones on the program.
BAE Systems Maritime Australia has accepted the brand-new Osborne Naval Shipyard, refined its processes and systems through prototyping work, and has commenced construction of the first schedule protection block, which will be used - along with three other blocks - in the first Hunter class frigate.
Growing Australian industry
Through the Hunter program, BAE Systems Maritime Australia is committed to maximising opportunities for Australian industry. Local companies are progressively being engaged to support the manufacture of the first batch of three Hunter class frigates.
BAE Systems Maritime Australia has placed more than 80 contracts with Australian suppliers, with more than 30 placed for Batch 1.
More than 1,800 Australian businesses, representing every Australian state and territory, have registered their interest in working on the Hunter program through the Industry Capability Network.
Watch the block build process - here
First vertical construction - here
Project Background
Click here to read more about the Hunter program.
Cyber Security Support
A cyber security tool has been developed to help small businesses access work in Australia's defence industry.
BAE Systems Australia, Saab Australia, industry partners and Federal Government have developed the Cyber Framework for the Defence Industry (CFDI) to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) address the growing cyber risk.
The CFDI provides a standardised approach to cyber maturity assessment and can also guide users to next steps to increase their levels of cyber protection. It aims to support companies so they can self-manage their cyber security requirements and risks.
BAE Systems encourages businesses to utilise this tool to help understand cyber security maturity, and be proactive about increasing protections.
SMEs can download a sample of the cyber assessment tool in the attachment section of this project page.
You do not need to submit a completed tool to BAE Systems Australia unless invited to.
Upcoming engagement events
Land Forces
International Land Defence Exposition
9 - 11 September 2026
Join us at Land Forces
DISP information
Click here for information regarding DISP Membership and how to apply.
Working securely with Defence, DISP guide is also available in the attachment section of this portal. You can also click here to access it.
How to register an Expression of Interest
Work Packages currently available can be viewed by clicking the Work Packages tab above.
Shortlisted companies will be invited to tender Work Packages as needed.
To submit an initial EOI for the Work Scopes, companies must have an ICN Gateway company profile. Information on how to register your company on ICN Gateway is detailed below.
ICN Gateway Company Registration
Click here to create your company profile on ICN Gateway.
Support and assistance is available through the web link below
Your company summary and description are used to assess your ability to complete projects when you lodge an EOI - please ensure that your company invests the time and energy required to represent your company in the most effective manner possible.
BAE SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA LIMITED
ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA Australia ● NI, SI New Zealand
Project Primary Contact
Project Secondary Contacts
