Next Generation Frigates
Contract Awarded to ASC Shipbuilding & BAE Systems Australia
December 14, 2018 – BAE
Systems Australia’s new subsidiary ASC Shipbuilding has been awarded a contract
by the Australian Government that provides the framework for the design and
build of nine Hunter Class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy.
The Australian
Government and ASC Shipbuilding signed the contract after ASC Shipbuilding
structurally separated from ASC Pty Ltd and was acquired today by BAE Systems.
Work has
already begun to mobilize the Hunter Class Frigate Program, and the Head
Contract signed today incorporates detailed scope for the design and
engineering work necessary to allow prototyping to commence in 2020, and to
ensure steel is cut on the first ship in Adelaide in 2022. The scopes for the
build of the ships are to be agreed and added to the Head Contract in due
course.
The Hunter
program provides a strong foundation for a continuous naval shipbuilding
endeavor in Australia, creating and sustaining more than 5,000 jobs across BAE
Systems and the wider Australian defense supply chain over the life of the
program.
In addition to
1,000 apprentices and graduate roles that will be created throughout the
program’s life, job opportunities will include engineers and project managers,
specialists in steel work, mechanical, electrical and technical trades and many
other professions.
BAE Systems
Australia Chief Executive Gabby Costigan said: “I am delighted that we are
embarking on the biggest surface ship project in the nation’s defense history.
“Being awarded
this contract demonstrates the confidence the Australian Government has in the
combined capability of our employees across BAE Systems Australia and our new
team at ASC Shipbuilding.
“The Hunter
Class frigates will be built in South Australia by an Australian workforce,
using suppliers from across the country, which will see Australian defense
industry develop and sustain a world-class, sovereign naval shipbuilding
capability.
“We are
extremely proud to have been chosen to design and manufacture a formidable
fleet of frigates that will give the Royal Australian Navy an essential next
generation capability that will be critical in helping protect the nation for
decades to come.”
The Hunter
Class frigate is based on BAE Systems’ Type 26 frigate, one of the world’s most
advanced anti-submarine warships, which the company is currently constructing
in Glasgow for the Royal Navy.
BAE Systems
through ASC Shipbuilding will deliver a highly capable and versatile
multi-mission frigate designed to support anti-submarine warfare, air defense
and general-purpose operations anywhere on the world’s oceans.
Source: seawaves.com
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