BAE Systems Maritime Australia has contracted Ultra Maritime to supply torpedo defence systems for the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Hunter-class frigates.
This agreement will see each vessel receive Ultra Maritime’s Surface Ship Torpedo Defence (SSTD) system, which integrates a single in-line towed array and automated threat alert features designed to enhance detection while reducing operator workload.
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The SSTD system uses acoustic signatures and combines sonar technology with two decoy methods to offer tactical recommendations, including evasive manoeuvres such as zig-zags or sharp turns, in response to detected torpedoes.
BAE Systems Maritime Australia acquisition delivery director Andy Coxall said: “The Hunter-class frigates are a critical capability for protecting Australian shores and safeguarding the accessibility of ship lanes and undersea cables that our nation depends on.
“Ultra Maritime is a world-leader in anti-submarine warfare and its expertise and proven solutions will deliver next-generation naval capabilities to these Tier 1 warships, ensuring they are equipped to meet evolving security challenges.”
Ultra Maritime, based in Mawson Lakes, South Australia, already holds a contract to provide the Bow Sonar for the Hunter-class frigate programme.
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By GlobalDataThe Bow Sonar offers medium-range active and passive sonar functions for detecting submarines.
Ultra Maritime vice president and Australia business general manager Jonathan Sadleir said: “Ultra Maritime is proud to provide the Royal Australian Navy with a full sense to effect capability that keeps ships and crews safe from the torpedo threats. This award adds to an expanding set of manned and unmanned vessels benefiting from Ultra Maritime’s pioneering anti-submarine warfare technologies.”
In a previous announcement, Ultra Maritime confirmed its Hull Mounted Sonar (HMS) will also be installed on the Hunter-class ships.
Both the Bow Sonar and HMS form part of the baseline design for anti-submarine warfare in the Global Combat Ship programme, creating technical commonality between vessels operated by Australia, the UK, Canada, Norway, and other users of the same hull design.
This alignment is expected to simplify future upgrades, support, and development across these fleets.
In a separate development, BAE Systems Australia has signed a framework agreement with BlueScope Distribution, under which, steel produced at BlueScope Group’s Port Kembla Steelworks in New South Wales will play a central role in the construction of the first Hunter-class frigate at Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia.
Under the agreement, BlueScope Distribution will supply 77% of the steel required for the first of three planned frigates, with more than 5,000t of Australian-made steel to be delivered for each vessel.
The agreement provides long-term stability and continuity for the supply of steel plate throughout the shipbuilding process.
The Hunter-class frigate programme involves BAE Systems Australia delivering nine multi-mission ships for the RAN.
These vessels are intended primarily for anti-submarine warfare but are also capable of air defence, surface warfare, surveillance, intelligence gathering, interdiction operations, and participation in humanitarian or disaster relief missions.
In August, Rohde & Schwarz Australia selected STS Defence as a key supplier of communications masts for the first three Hunter-class frigates, adding further local industry involvement in the programme.
Rohde & Schwarz was contracted by BAE Systems Maritime Australia in 2024 to provide the NAVICS system for these frigates.
