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BAE Systems has laid the keel of the first Hunter class frigate at South Australia’s Osborne Naval Shipyard.
Honouring a centuries-old naval tradition, the keel laying sees a coin placed beneath the keel of the ship to bestow good fortune on the vessel during its construction and throughout its life at sea.
The Hunter class will provide Navy with an advanced anti-submarine warfare capability, one of the most important capabilities for Australia’s maritime security, and strengthen our ability to operate alongside allies and partners.
This program, being delivered by BAE Systems Maritime Australia, is directly supporting more than 2,500 jobs, with the majority of the workforce based in South Australia. An additional 5,000 Australian industry jobs are being supported through the supply chain for the build.
The Hunter class fleet will also integrate Australian‑made radar technology and advanced combat system elements from the United States.
Construction of 20 of the first ship’s 22 blocks is already underway, which will see the Royal Australian Navy receive the first Hunter class frigate in the early 2030s.
“This Hunter class frigate program is already supporting thousands of high-skilled and well-paid jobs,” said Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy.
“So, this is a landmark moment that demonstrates Australia already has the skilled workforce needed to undertake complex projects like this.
“Through the construction of the Hunter frigates, we are strengthening South Australia’s role as a national centre for complex naval shipbuilding and supporting skilled Australian jobs across the broader national supply chain.”
