L3Harris Technologies has secured a contract from BAE Systems Maritime Australia to provide the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) for the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) Hunter class frigates.
This IPMS, crucial for managing the ship's propulsion, power generation, and auxiliary systems, is expected to enhance the performance, reliability, and safety of the frigates.
The Hunter class frigates are designed to perform anti-submarine warfare and are based on the U.K. Royal Navy’s Type 26 frigates, for which L3Harris developed the IPMS solution.
Construction of the Hunter class frigates is taking place at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. The project is part of the nation’s Continuous Naval Shipbuilding program, designed to enhance local shipbuilding and sustainment industries.
The Hunter class frigates will feature systems such as the Australian-developed CEA Phased-Array Radar, the U.S. Navy’s Aegis combat management system, and a Saab Australia interface. These ships are designed for multiple roles, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and will be equipped with weapons including the MU90 torpedo, Mk45 Mod 4 gun, SM2 and ESSM missiles, and the Mk41 vertical launch system.
Scheduled to enter service by the early 2030s, the frigates will have a displacement of approximately 8,200 tonnes, a speed of over 27 knots, and a range of 7,000 nautical miles. They will support both military and non-warfare missions.