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Babcock has successfully finalised the critical design review for the Hunter Class frigate Air Weapons Handling System.
Working with BAE Systems Maritime Australia, who are leading the production of the Hunter Class frigate at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, the Air Weapons Handling System (AWHS) contract was awarded to Babcock in 2023 to design, manufacture and test the system for the Royal Australian Navy’s Hunter Class frigates, which will begin service in the early 2030s.
“In partnership with BAE Systems Maritime Australia, Babcock is proud to support the delivery of the Hunter Class frigates – a critical addition to the Royal Australian Navy’s future fleet,” Babcock CEO Andrew Cridland said.
“Babcock’s completion of the critical design review is a significant step forward in the Hunter Class Frigate Program, ensuring we are on track to deliver advanced capability to the Royal Australian Navy,” said BAE Systems’ Hunter Class Frigate program director, Jason Loveday.
“We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Babcock, working together to foster sovereign capability within Australia’s maritime defence industry.”
The AWHS is a critical piece of infrastructure on the vessels, with the primary purpose of stowing and handling air weapons as well as retrieving munitions in space-constrained magazine environments. The system is an altered design based on Babcock’s existing Type 26 frigate AWHS in the UK.
The completion of the review marks the transition of design authority of the AWHS to Babcock to ensure it can be supported throughout its service life.
“Babcock’s successful completion of the detailed design of Hunter Class frigate Air Weapons Handling System is the culmination of significant efforts by our hardworking team who are experts in the delivery of key marine defence components for our customers,” Cridland said.
“As a leader in maritime engineering and maintenance solutions, we look forward to continuing to work and collaborate with BAE Systems Maritime Australia to deliver this critical system for the Hunter Class frigates.”
This most recent achievement of the Hunter Class frigates signifies a two-year dedication of engineering design by a team of over 15 engineers and managers based in Adelaide, as well as Bristol and Leicester in the UK.
