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Rohde & Schwarz Australia has awarded a contract for the supply of twin integrated configurable communications masts for the Royal Australian Navy’s first three Hunter Class frigates, under construction at Osborne Naval Shipyard.
The masts, when integrated with the NAVICS Multi-Level Security system, will allow the Hunter Class fleet to operate seamlessly across multiple frequency bands, enhancing secure communications in both domestic and operational theatres.
Rohde & Schwarz Australia managing director Gareth Evans welcomed this contract announcement, saying, “We’re delighted to welcome STS Defence as a key supplier for the Hunter Class Frigate Program. Their proven expertise in designing and manufacturing high-quality communications masts will be critical to delivering the capability the Royal Australian Navy requires.”
Evans said Rohde & Schwarz Australia had “every confidence” in STS Defence’s ability to deliver the high-quality systems needed to support the Navy’s future frigates.
The systems will host a range of antennas enabling line-of-sight communications across various frequency bands, along with masthead steaming navigation lights. Composite isolation screens will separate different frequency bands, reducing interference and optimising performance.
STS Defence managing director Ben Stancliffe described the contract as a flagship program for the company, building on its pedigree supplying similar systems for the UK Royal Navy’s Type 26 frigates.
“This is a proud moment for STS Defence. Our technology, design and integration expertise will be on full display, providing a mission-critical system for one of the most advanced warships in the world. Working closely with Rohde & Schwarz Australia, we’ve ensured the masts meet the Navy’s demanding specifications and we look forward to delivering products that will help guarantee the program’s success,” Stancliffe said.
The Hunter Class frigate program, formally known as Project SEA 5000, is delivering a fleet of six (initially nine) state-of-the-art anti-submarine warfare frigates based on BAE Systems’ Type 26 Global Combat Ship but extensively modified for Australian requirements.
Construction kicked off with steel cutting in June 2024, officially marking the build phase and the first vessel (to be named HMAS Hunter) is slated to enter service around 2032 with preliminary operational readiness by 2034.
The Royal Australian Navy has identified the Hunter Class frigates as among the world’s most capable anti-submarine vessels, performing multi-domain roles including air defence, surface warfare, surveillance, interdiction and humanitarian operations.
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.
