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NSW to contribute to future frigate sovereign industrial capability

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BAE Type 26 Global Combat Ship to be officially known as the Hunter Class when in service with the RAN (Image courtesy BAE Systems Australia)

The NSW government has supported the Commonwealth government's decision to award the $35-billion Future Frigate program to BAE Systems.

The NSW government has supported the Commonwealth government's decision to award the $35-billion Future Frigate program to BAE Systems.

Minister for Trade and Industry, Niall Blair said "The NSW government welcomes the decision to build the Navy's nine new frigates here in Australia, with support from the nation's defence industry. NSW stands ready and able to deliver world-leading sovereign industrial capabilities to this long-term naval project." 

Under the Commonwealth’s Naval Shipbuilding Plan, the Navy’s future fleet of submarines, frigates, and offshore patrol vessels are being built here in Australia, with support from Australia’s extensive defence industry capabilities.

NSW Defence Advocate John Harvey AM said NSW-based companies with specific expertise in naval acquisition and sustainment include Bluescope and Bisalloy (steel), Thales Australia (sonars and electronics), Raytheon (combat systems), Rolls-Royce Australia (marine propulsion), Rohde & Schwarz (radio communications), Sonartech Atlas (sonar) and BAE Systems (fleet support).

“NSW defence industry is already supporting the Navy’s future fleet, with Bisalloy and Bluescope steel incorporated into the Navy’s new replenishment ships and Thales Australia’s recent selection to supply sonar systems for the upgrade of the Navy’s Collins Class submarines,” Mr Harvey said. 

Minister Blair said “The NSW government is committed to ensuring that a sustainable, technologically advanced and globally competitive defence industry sector stands ready to support the Commonwealth’s continuous shipbuilding program for decades to come." 

Stephen Kuper

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.