Plasan to Armor Australian Navy’s Hunter-Class Frigates

BAE Systems Australia has asked Israel’s Plasan to armor the first three Hunter class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

Plasan will deliver the armor in partnership with Australian steel manufacturer Bisalloy Steel Australia who will be responsible for the production of the ballistic steel under the contract.

BAE Systems will deliver nine Hunter class anti-submarine warfare frigates to the RAN, replacing the currently in-service Anzac class frigates.

The first of the Hunter class is expected to be commissioned in 2027, with the last of the nine planned ships expected to be commissioned in 2035.

The frigate will have a 8,800-tonne full load displacement and will be approximately 150m in length. The vessel will be capable of sailing in excess of 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph) and will have a full complement of 180 crew.

A Saab tactical interface with the Aegis combat interface will be used. The vessel will be able to carry one MH-60R ASW helicopter, and has the ability to host other Australian aircraft such as the MRH90 helicopter.

The Hunter class frigates will be powered with Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine, four MTU Type 20V 4000 M53B high-speed diesel generators and two electric motors.