The Global Combat Ship – Australia 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 British Navy.

The BAE Systems design was selected over Italian company Fincantieri and Spanish ship builder Navantia for the SEA 5000 project. The ships, named the Hunter class, will be built at ASC’s headquarters, the Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide, South Australia.

ASC Shipbuilding, currently wholly owned by the Australian Government, will become a subsidiary of BAE Systems during the build. At the end of the program the Commonwealth will resume complete ownership of ASC Shipbuilding.

The Hunter class will have the capability to conduct a variety of missions independently, or as part of a task group, with sufficient range and endurance to operate effectively throughout the region. The frigates will also have the flexibility to support non-warfare roles such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Incorporating the leading edge Australian-developed CEA Phased-Array Radar and the US Navy’s Aegis combat management system, with an Australian interface developed by Saab Australia, the Hunter class will be one of the most capable warships in the world.

The project is expected to create and sustain 4000 highly skilled jobs, providing a significant contribution to the development of Australia’s continuous naval shipbuilding capability and a boost to the nation’s manufacturing industry.