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A Sydney-based manufacturer has been awarded a new contract to support construction of Australia’s next generation of naval warships, marking another step forward for the nation’s sovereign shipbuilding industry.
Defence Seals & Spares will supply critical components for the first of the Royal Australian Navy’s Hunter Class frigates, including manhole and access panel gaskets, step covers and low-pressure air cylinder caps.
The contract builds on the company’s earlier involvement in the prototyping phase of the Hunter Class program, where it delivered the same equipment and contributed to refining manufacturing processes ahead of full-scale production of the anti-submarine warfare frigates.
The latest deal underscores the growing role of Australian small and medium enterprises in delivering complex defence capabilities while reinforcing efforts to establish a resilient, sovereign supply chain.
Defence Seals & Spares has a long history supporting local naval shipbuilding, having supplied components for the Anzac Class frigates, Collins Class submarines and Canberra Class landing helicopter docks, in addition to other Defence platforms.
Managing Director of BAE Systems Maritime Australia, David Shepherd, said the ongoing partnership reflected the strength of collaboration between prime contractors and Australian industry.
He said the prototyping phase had been critical in preparing both the workforce and supply chain for the demands of building a fleet of Tier 1 warships.
“Companies like Defence Seals & Spares bring proven experience and a deep understanding of the Hunter program, which is essential as we move into full production,” he said.
Shepherd added that suppliers involved from the early stages of the program were now playing a vital role in delivering a robust, sovereign industrial base to support Australia’s naval capability.
Director of Defence Seals & Spares, Tracey Lovelace, said the contracts had strengthened the company’s position within the Defence maritime sector.
She said the work had enabled the business to showcase its technical expertise while cementing its reputation as a dependable contributor to Australia’s naval supply chain.
The Hunter Class frigate program is a central pillar of Australia’s future surface fleet, designed to deliver advanced anti-submarine warfare capability and support long-term naval shipbuilding jobs across the country.
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.
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