Hunter-class frigate

The Hunter-class is a class of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates being built for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) under the SEA 5000 (Future Frigate) program. The Hunter-class is based on the UK's Type 26 Global Combat Ship design, adapted for Australian requirements. Nine vessels are planned, making it one of the largest naval construction programs in Australian history.

Key aspects of the Hunter-class:

1. Design basis:

• Based on the UK Type 26 Global Combat Ship design by BAE Systems
• The Type 26 was selected over competing designs (including the Spanish F100 and Italian FREMM) in 2018
• The Type 26 design was chosen for its ASW focus, growth margin, and commonality with the UK Royal Navy's Type 26 frigates
• The design is being adapted for Australian requirements including specific weapons, sensors, and systems

2. Construction:

• Being built by BAE Systems Australia at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia
• The construction program represents a major investment in Australian naval shipbuilding capability
• The first steel was cut in 2020, with the first ship expected to enter service in the late 2030s
• The program will sustain thousands of jobs at Osborne and in the broader Australian defense industrial base

3. Weapons systems:

• Aegis Combat System: Like the Hobart-class, the Hunter-class will be equipped with Aegis for air defense
• CEAFAR radar: Upgraded version of the CEA Technologies AESA radar
• Tomahawk missiles: The Hunter-class will be Tomahawk-capable, providing long-range land strike capability
• Mk 41 VLS: Vertical launch system for SM-2, ESSM, and Tomahawk missiles
• ASW weapons: Torpedoes and anti-submarine weapons for the primary ASW mission
• Naval gun: 5-inch (127mm) gun for naval gunfire support
• Embarked helicopter: MH-60R Seahawk or similar for ASW and surveillance

4. Primary mission — Anti-submarine warfare:

• The Hunter-class is optimized for anti-submarine warfare, reflecting the growing undersea threat in the Indo-Pacific
• Advanced sonar systems including hull-mounted and towed array sonars
• Quiet propulsion system designed to minimize acoustic signature
• Embarked helicopter for extended ASW operations
• The ASW focus complements the air defense focus of the Hobart-class

5. Connection to AUKUS:

• The Type 26 design commonality with the UK Royal Navy creates industrial and operational linkages
• The Hunter-class and UK Type 26 share design elements, components, and potentially maintenance infrastructure
• This commonality is a tangible benefit of the AUKUS defense technology partnership
• The ships will be able to operate alongside UK Type 26 frigates with high interoperability

6. Timeline:

• 2018: Type 26 design selected
• 2020: First steel cut
• Late 2030s: First ship enters service
• 2040s-2050s: Fleet builds up to 9 vessels
• The Hunter-class will replace the aging Anzac-class frigates

7. Strategic significance:

• The Hunter-class will provide Australia with advanced ASW capability for the Indo-Pacific
• The growing submarine threat (Chinese, Russian, and other submarines) makes ASW a critical capability
• The Tomahawk capability provides long-range strike from a second class of RAN ships (in addition to Hobart-class)
• The Aegis-CEAFAR combination provides air defense capability across the RAN surface fleet
• The program sustains Australian naval shipbuilding capability at Osborne between the Hobart-class and SSN-AUKUS programs

The Hunter-class represents a generational investment in Australian naval capability. The Type 26-based design, combined with Aegis, CEAFAR, Tomahawk, and advanced ASW systems, will make the Hunter-class among the most capable frigates in the world. The program's connection to the UK Type 26 through common design demonstrates the practical benefits of AUKUS defense technology cooperation.