Hunter class Frigate. Photo courtesy of BAE Australasia.

Babcock Australasia (Babcock) has successfully completed the Critical Design Review for the Hunter class frigate Air Weapons Handling System – a key function on the Royal Australian Navy ship.

The Air Weapons Handling System (AWHS) provides the ability to stow and handle all air weapons. It is designed to safely store and retrieve munitions within space-constrained magazine environments on ships.

Under the contract with BAE Systems Maritime Australia, Babcock is tasked with designing, assembling, testing and overseeing the installation of the AWHS on the frigates, based on Babcock’s modified design for the UK’s Type 26 frigates. The completion of the Detailed Design activity also marks the transition of Design Authority for the Hunter system to Babcock Australasia to ensure a sovereign capability to support the system through life.

Babcock’s work is the culmination of more than two years of engineering design by an international team of more than 15 engineers and project managers, most of whom are based at the company’s new cutting-edge Woodville North facility in Adelaide, and Bristol and Leicester in the UK.

The AWHS can now proceed into the Production Readiness phase followed by manufacturing using predominantly Australian industry.

Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland said:

“In partnership with BAE Systems Maritime Australia, Babcock is proud to support the delivery of the Hunter class frigates – a critical addition to Royal Australian Navy’s future fleet.

“Babcock’s successful completion of the detailed design of Hunter class frigate Air Weapons Handling System is the culmination of significant efforts by our hardworking team who are experts in the delivery of key marine Defence components for our customers.

“As a leader in maritime engineering and maintenance solutions, we look forward to continuing to work and collaborate with BAE Systems Maritime Australia to deliver this critical system for the Hunter class frigates.”

BAE Systems Maritime Australia Hunter Class Frigate Program Director Jason Loveday said:

“Babcock’s completion of the Critical Design Review is a significant step forward in the Hunter Class Frigate Program, ensuring we are on track to deliver advanced capability to the Royal Australian Navy.”

“We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Babcock, working together to foster sovereign capability within Australia’s maritime defence industry.”

“The Hunter program is about more than just building ships—it’s about creating Australian jobs, investing in local industry, and growing our nation’s naval shipbuilding capability for generations to come.”

The AWHS contract, awarded in 2023, is one of two key projects to be delivered by Babcock on this program. In October 2024, Babcock was awarded a $30 million contract to supply stores lifts and food hoists to enhance operational capabilities on the Royal Australian Navy’s first three Hunter class frigates.