Australia’s long-delayed Hunter-class frigate program is finally underway, with the keel-laying ceremony marking the official start of construction for the first ship. Originally planned for nine vessels at a budgeted cost, the project now includes just six ships — with the first expected by 2032 — after ballooning to $15 billion due to design upgrades and technical challenges. Built on a British frigate hull but heavily modified to integrate U.S. Aegis combat systems and Australian-made radar, the new ships weigh in at 10,500 tonnes — heavier than originally intended — raising concerns about speed and range. Yet officials insist the added tech delivers unmatched capability, especially highlighting the homegrown radar as a game-changer. Beyond defense, the program is a major economic engine, creating over 2,500 direct jobs and supporting 5,000 more across the supply chain — with South Australia’s premier touting it as the launchpad for future naval ambitions, including nuclear submarines. This milestone signals a critical turning point after years of turbulence, blending military necessity with national industrial strategy.
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