Australia and UK sign MoU to cooperate on building and delivering the next generation of cutting-edge frigates.

According to a press release published on October 20, 2020, Australia and the United Kingdom (UK) have further strengthened their enduring defense relationship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on building and delivering the next generation of cutting-edge frigates.
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Technical review about the Hunter-class frigate for the Australian navy. (Picture source Australian Navy)

The MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) re-enforces both countries’ commitment to working together on delivering these important high-profile national programs and maximizing mutual opportunities.

A key aspect of the MOU is a pledge for information exchange to ensure shipbuilding best practice is shared and both frigate programs deliver world-beating maritime capabilities to the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy.

The agreement also sets out a framework to enable both nations to utilize the Type 26 and Hunter programs to create jobs and contribute to the growth of the UK and Australian economies, seeking to support small and medium-sized enterprises.

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the UK’s defense relationship with Australia was based on deep historical and cultural ties, reinforced by strong operational cooperation. Australian Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said there are currently seven Australian companies contracted for work on the UK’s Type 26 programs.

The Hunter class frigate is a future class of frigates for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to replace the Anzac-class.In June 2018, the BAE Systems Type 26 was selected as the winner to build the new frigates for the Australian Navy. 

The Hunter-class frigate will be an Australian variation of the Type 26 class frigate that is to be operated by the Royal Navy from the mid-2020s. The class will have an 8,800-tonne (8,700-long-ton; 9,700-short-ton) full load displacement and will be approximately 150 meters (490 ft) 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. The ship will be armed with Mk45 Mod 4 5″ naval gun, two 30mm short-range gun, two 20mm Close in Weapons, SM2 & ESSM missiles Advanced anti-ship missiles Mk41 Vertical Launch System, and MU90 torpedos.

Modified to meet Australian requirements, the Hunter class frigate will be constructed on an acoustically quiet hull and feature unique sonar capabilities, modular digital design and open systems architecture to facilitate through-life support and upgrades as new technology develops.