BAE Systems Applauds Commonwealth’s Surface Combatant Review for Australian Naval Fleet

(IN BRIEF) The Commonwealth of Australia’s Surface Combatant Review (SCR) announcement marks a significant milestone in the establishment of a next-generation naval surface fleet, with particular implications for BAE Systems Australia’s operations. The confirmation of the Hunter Class Frigate Program’s continuation, along with plans for subsequent builds of Air Warfare Destroyers, promises extended work until the mid-2040s at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. Additionally, the plan for continuous shipbuilding in Western Australia underscores the growth potential for the Henderson precinct. BAE Systems Australia emphasizes its commitment to delivering critical naval capabilities for the Royal Australian Navy while supporting job creation and fostering resilience in the nation’s advanced manufacturing sector.

(PRESS RELEASE) FARNBOROUGH, 21-Feb-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — We welcome the release of the Commonwealth of Australia’s Surface Combatant Review (SCR) as the Government moves to establish a next generation naval surface fleet.

The SCR has significant implications for BAE Systems Australia’s local operations including the Hunter Class Frigate Program at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia and our maritime sustainment facilities at Henderson in Western Australia.

The Commonwealth’s confirmation that the Hunter program will continue and deliver six Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates underlines the Government’s confidence in the Hunter class as one of the most capable ASW warships in the world and the ability of BAE Systems and our partners to deliver this critical capability for the Royal Australian Navy.

With the announcement that the build of these six Hunter ASW frigates in Osborne will be followed by the build of three Air Warfare Destroyers to replace the Hobart class, the workforce in Osborne and our partners will have work until the mid-2040s. This is a great outcome for our nation.

This plan of continuous naval shipbuilding will underpin the continued creation of a world class shipbuilding enterprise in South Australia that will be able to support Navy in times of peace or future uncertainty, all while creating and sustaining jobs for many Australians in the advanced manufacturing sector.

The parallel announcement of a plan for continuous shipbuilding work in Western Australia through the build of General-Purpose Frigates will see workforce growth across the Henderson precinct, a location where BAE Systems Australia has a large presence supporting the ANZAC class frigates with our partners.

Ben Hudson, Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems Australia, said:

“Today’s announcement provides decades worth of work at Osborne in South Australia and will see a growth in the work forecast in the West at the Henderson precinct. This will underpin Australia’s ship building enterprise into the future and sustain vital Australian jobs in high end manufacturing, while providing resilience for our nation in uncertain times.”

Craig Lockhart, Managing Director of BAE Systems Australia – Maritime, said:

“Thanks to the dedication and commitment of our workforce at the Osborne Naval Shipyard, we’ve already made significant progress in delivering the Hunter program and we are committed to working with the Government to deliver the program and ensure the Royal Australian Navy has the capability it needs to meet the challenges of the future.”

Media Contacts:

Richard Sproull
Senior Communications Manager
Tel:+61460434397

Simon Watson
External Affairs Lead – Media & Reputation
Tel:+61484000051

SOURCE: BAE Systems