BAE Systems Hunter Class Frigate Program
Project at a glance
ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA Australia, NI, SI New Zealand
Preferred Tenderer
BAE SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA LIMITED
Contact Details
Hunter program July 2023 update
The Hunter Class Frigate Program continues to make strong progress towards the delivery of a superior anti-submarine warfare capability for the Royal Australian Navy.
- On 1 May this year our workforce at the Osborne Naval Shipyard commenced construction on the first schedule protection block. This block and three others are intended to be used in the first Hunter class frigate.
- That we are able to incorporate these blocks in the first frigate is testament to the exceptional precision and quality of work achieved during the Hunter program's prototyping phase.
- Throughout prototyping, which commenced in December 2020, our Osborne workforce has progressively tested and refined shipyard advanced manufacturing processes, systems, tools and capabilities. Two prototype blocks are fully constructed: Block 16 has successfully undergone blast and paint and has subsequently been moved into the Block Outfitting and Erection Hall for cold outfitting; Block 10 is currently undergoing blast and paint. Construction continues on the three subsequent prototype blocks.
- In July, we are scheduled to commence Preliminary Design Review, which is a technical assessment to determine that the design is operationally effective, and detailed design can commence. PDR is scheduled for completion later this year.
- We are committed to growing Australian industry capability and contributing to the development of continuous naval shipbuilding, and we have worked closely with our Customer, the Department of Defence, to jointly educate and support original equipment manufacturers to develop plans to maximise the use of Australian industry in the design, manufacture, test and installation of their equipment and systems in the first batch of three Hunter class frigates. To date we have awarded more than $120m in contracts to 45 local suppliers, delivering over and above our contracted commitments.
- We are continuing to grow our workforce, and latest figures show the Hunter program employs nearly 1,500 people. That includes people employed as part of our Early Careers program - 27 apprentices, 35 graduates and 10 interns.
- The program continues to invest in research and technology, collaborate with academics, researchers and local businesses to develop, test and trial advanced manufacturing processes and techniques that are already leading to productivity, quality and safety improvements at Osborne.
Watch the block build process - here
Steel in, Ship out video - here
Hunter Update
Click here to request access to the monthly newsletter detailing news on the Hunter Program.
More information - Hunter Class Update July 2023
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 Cyber Security document section at the bottom of the project page or click here.
You do not need to submit a completed tool to BAE Systems Australia unless invited to.
Upcoming engagement events
We will continue to advise of HCFP engagement events through ICN email notifications. To ensure you are kept up to date, please make sure you have a registered account with the ICN against the Hunter Class Frigate Program.
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.
Industry Security Notice (ISN) 2018/06
Click here for information on handling and transmission of defence classified information.
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
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Support and assistance is available through the web link below
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