British-designed anti-submarine frigate being built in Australia as Royal Australian Navy future major surface combatant. Programme procuring 9 Hunter-class frigates based on BAE Type 26 Global Combat Ship with Australian modifications. Features advanced sonar suite, 32 vertical launch cells, 5-inch gun, torpedo tubes, helicopter facilities, Aegis combat system. Optimized for anti-submarine warfare but capable across full spectrum. First ship laid down 2022 with deliveries extending through 2040s. Domestic construction at Osborne Naval Shipyard provides jobs but increases costs and extends timeline. Replaces ANZAC-class frigates providing step-change in capability. Critical for Australian maritime security, anti-submarine warfare against increasingly capable Chinese submarine fleet, operating alongside US Navy. Significant programme challenges including costs exceeding 40 billion AUD and schedule delays.
- Based on proven Type 26 design (UK, Canada also building variants)
- Australian-developed CEAFAR2 AESA radar is world-class
- Excellent ASW capability with towed sonar array and bow sonar
- 32 VLS cells for meaningful air defense and strike capacity
- Built in Australia — sustains domestic shipbuilding industry
- Program has experienced significant cost growth and schedule delays
- 10,000 tonnes is large for a frigate — increases per-unit cost
- First ship delivery delayed multiple times
- Only 9 planned; some analysts argue Australia needs more surface combatants
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