Rohde & Schwarz Australia has brought STS Defence onboard as a key supplier of communications (comms) masts for the Royal Australian Navy’s first three Hunter-class frigates.
The frigates, named Flinders (II), Hunter, and Tasman, will be built by ASC Shipbuilding (now known as BAE Systems Maritime Australia) at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia.
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The Hunter-class will enter service in the early 2030s.
The multi-mission frigates under the Hunter-class frigate programme (HCFP) will replace the Anzac-class frigates that have been in service since 1996.
The STS Defence’s communications masts will be integrated with NAVICS Multi-Level Security systems to enable effective communication across various frequency bands.
STS Defence, who is appointed as the design authority for the masts, has completed preliminary studies, risk reduction efforts, and detailed design processes, leading to Lloyd’s Certification.
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By GlobalDataRohde & Schwarz Australia managing director Gareth Evans said: “We are delighted to have STS Defence on board as a key supplier for the HCFP. STS Defence’s expertise in the design and manufacture of high-quality communications masts will be essential in ensuring the success of the Hunter programme.”
Mainstay Marine Solutions in Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire, will design and manufacture the comms masts based on the model supplied by STS Defence for the UK Royal Navy’s Type 26 frigates.
They will be equipped with various antennas for line-of-sight communications across multiple frequency bands. It will include Mast Head Steaming Navigation Lights and special isolation screens made from composite materials.
STS Defence managing director Ben Stancliffe said: “Our team has worked closely with Rohde & Schwarz Australia to ensure that the communications masts meet the Royal Australian Navy’s requirements, and we look forward to delivering high-quality products that will support the success of the Hunter Class Frigate Program.”
