BlueScope Distribution and BAE Systems Australia Strengthen Sovereign Naval Capability with Australian-Made Steel for Hunter Class Frigates

BlueScope Distribution and BAE Systems Australia Strengthen Sovereign Naval Capability with Australian-Made Steel for Hunter Class Frigates

(IN BRIEF) BlueScope Distribution has signed a Framework Agreement with BAE Systems Maritime Australia to supply approximately 5,000 tonnes of Australian-made steel per vessel for the construction of the first three Hunter class frigates at Osborne Naval Shipyard. Produced at BlueScope’s Port Kembla Steelworks, the steel has been customized for high strength and performance in anti-submarine warfare frigates. The agreement ensures 77% of each ship’s steel will come from Australian sources, reinforcing a sovereign, resilient supply chain. Beyond material supply, BlueScope will provide logistics, certification, and project management support to streamline production. Both companies emphasize the partnership’s role in supporting national defence capability and industrial self-reliance. 

(PRESS RELEASE) AUSTRALIA, 4-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — BlueScope Distribution and BAE Systems Maritime Australia have taken a significant step toward strengthening Australia’s sovereign naval capability through a new Framework Agreement that ensures a stable, long-term supply of Australian-made steel for the Hunter Class Frigate Program. Produced at BlueScope Group’s Port Kembla Steelworks in New South Wales, this specialized steel forms a critical component of the construction of the first of three Hunter class frigates at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia.

With more than 41 of the 78 units for Ship 01 already in production, the agreement guarantees that 77% of the total steel required for each vessel—approximately 5,000 tonnes per ship—will be sourced from BlueScope Distribution. The specialized steel has been engineered to deliver exceptional strength and durability, meeting the demanding requirements of anti-submarine warfare frigates and ensuring reliability under extreme marine conditions.

The partnership between BlueScope Distribution and BAE Systems Australia represents a shared vision for a resilient, domestically integrated supply chain—one capable of withstanding external pressures and maintaining Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding capacity. Beyond the supply of high-quality steel, BlueScope Distribution will provide logistics, warehousing, certification, and project management services, ensuring an efficient “steel in, ships out” delivery process that supports the optimal build sequencing of the Hunter class frigates.

“This agreement secures the future for Australian-made steel plate for the Hunter Class Frigate Program, providing the safety and sovereignty needed to ensure the most advanced anti-submarine warfare frigates are constructed to the highest quality standard,” said Andy Coxall, Delivery Director – Acquisition, BAE Systems Maritime Australia. “The Hunter Class Frigate Program is a national endeavour, and Australian companies like BlueScope play a vital role in providing a resilient sovereign supply chain that underpins the defence of our maritime trade routes.”

Mark Smith, General Manager of BlueScope Distribution, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’re proud to formalize this Framework Agreement with BAE Systems Australia, which reinforces our long-standing partnership and commitment to supporting Australia’s defence industry through a fully integrated, domestic steel supply chain. Our capability extends beyond manufacturing into steel processing, certification, and project management—helping partners like BAE Systems deliver complex defence projects to specification and on schedule.”

The collaboration not only ensures supply chain continuity but also reinforces the national significance of Australian steel in defence manufacturing. As the Hunter class frigates progress toward completion, this partnership stands as a testament to Australian engineering excellence, industrial collaboration, and sovereign capability building.

Media contact:

Richard Sproull
Senior Communications Manager, Media and Reputation
BAE Systems Australia
Mobile +61 460 434 397

SOURCE: BAE Systems