The UK and Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build and deliver next-generation frigates.

This is expected to boost the defence relationship between the two countries.

An important part of the MoU is the exchange of information to ensure the best practices of shipbuilding.

Both frigate programmes will deliver the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy with improved maritime capabilities.

The two countries will also use the Type 26 and Hunter programmes to generate jobs and boost the economies of the countries to aid small and medium-sized enterprises.

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “The UK and Australia have always been natural allies and this agreement demonstrates this government’s ongoing commitment to the Type 26 shipbuilding programme whilst supporting our Australian allies to design and build the Hunter-class frigate.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“As we look to the future of our respective navies, our shared continued cooperation will benefit not only our close alliance but will also support the industrial supply chain to grow each nation’s shipbuilding sectors.”

The two countries will work along with each other in Afghanistan and Iraq to safeguard the global order.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said: “We are already seeing the benefits of cooperation on the two programmes, with Australian workers involved in the Type 26 build ready to come home and help build the Hunter-class frigates in South Australia.

“This government is committed to delivering a continuous naval shipbuilding programme and the Hunter and Type 26 programmes provide significant opportunities to capitalise on our shared industrial capability with the UK.

The prototypes of the Hunter-class Frigate Programme are expected to commence by the end of this year.

Earlier this week, the US and UK navies were set to operate more closely as they aim for ‘interchangeability’ between the two forces, the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Gilday on Tuesday announced while addressing the 2020 Atlantic Future Forum.

Last month, ASC Shipbuilding signed a contract with professional services company GHD Group to aid the prototyping of the Hunter-class Frigate at the Osborne South Shipyard.