Saab, BAE, Lockheed partner for Australia's Hunter-class frigates

Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Saab Australia has been selected by BAE Systems to be part of a joint project including Lockheed Martin Australia for the Hunter-class frigate combat system integration.

No contract has yet been been signed, but the three companies have collaborated in the past, with Saab's PLV combat management system already in use by the Australian fleet. The new system would be designed specifically for Australian ships including the Hunter-class.

"The fact that BAE Systems Australia has selected Saab as partner is further proof of our world-class combat system integration capabilities," Anders Carp, head of Saab's business area surveillance, said in a company announcement on Friday. "The extensive skills and experience that we bring to this project will complement those of BAE Systems."

The Hunter-class frigate is scheduled to begin entering service in the late 2020's and gradually replace the eight Anzac-class frigates that have been in service since 1998. It will form the backbone of Australia's surface combatant fleet.

The vessels will serve as an anti-submarine, air defense and surface warfare platform, among other missions, in a capacity similar to the U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers.

Hunter-class ships will mount an indigenous CEA Phased-Array Radar, integrated with the Aegis combat management system used by the U.S. Navy. The vessels will also have Mk 41 vertical launch system for SM-2 and Evolved Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles, as well as anti-ship missiles.

The Hunters will also have advanced sonar, torpedoes, a MH-60R Seahawk helicopter for anti-submarine operations, a Mk45 Mod 4 5-inch gun, and 20mm and 30mm cannons for point-defense.