Hunter Class frigate

The Hunter Class frigate, which is a modified version of BAE System’s Type 26 frigate, will be one of the most advanced anti-submarine warships in the world. The 6 Hunter Class frigates will be built in Australia by ASC Shipbuilding (now known as BAE Systems Maritime Australia, a subsidiary of BAE Systems Australia Ltd) at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia.

The Hunter Class frigates will provide the Australian Defence Force with high levels of lethality and deterrence that major surface combatants need in periods of global uncertainty. They will have the capability to conduct a variety of missions with sufficient range and endurance to operate effectively throughout the region. The frigates will also have the flexibility to support non-warfare roles such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Incorporating the leading edge Australian-developed CEA Phased-Array Radar and the US Navy’s Aegis combat management system, with an Australian interface developed by Saab Australia, and modified to operate the MH-60R Seahawk Romeo helicopter, the Hunter Class will be one of the most capable warships in the world.

The first 3 ships of the Hunter Class will proudly carry the names of 3 major Australian regions, HMAS Hunter, HMAS Flinders (II) and HMAS Tasman. The class name was specifically chosen for the alternate interpretation of a ‘hunter’ personifying the role of the frigates as a submarine hunter, with the term embodying the pursuit of prey.

The Hunter Class will begin entering service in the early 2030s.

Specifications

• Type: frigate, guided missile (FFG)
• Roles:
  • anti-submarine warfare
  • air defence
  • surface warfare
  • surveillance and intelligence
  • interdiction
  • humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
• Builder: BAE Systems Maritime Australia (formerly ASC Shipbuilding)
• Displacement: lightship weight approximately 8,200 tonnes (Sep 2024)
• Length: 151.4 metres
• Beam: 20.8 metres
• Propulsion: Combined Diesel Electric or Gas (CODLOG)
• Speed: 27+ knots (top speed)
• Range: 7,000 nautical miles (electric motor drive)
• Combat system: Aegis with Saab Australia Interface
• Weapons:
  • MU90 torpedoes and Mark 54 air-launched torpedoes
  • Mark 45 Mod 4 5-inch gun
  • SM-2 and Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles
  • advanced anti-ship missiles
  • Mk 41 vertical launch system
  • Nulka decoy system
  • Surface Ship Torpedo Defence system
  • AGM-114N Hellfire air-launched missile
  • air-launched Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS)
• Sensors:
  • CEAFAR2 radar
  • S2150 hull mounted sonar
  • S2087 towed array and variable depth sonar
  • electro-optical sensors
  • electronic warfare systems
• Aircraft: one MH-60R Seahawk helicopter with mission bay for uncrewed system or additional helicopter
• Company: 183 crew including embarked helicopter crew with accommodation and services for up to 208