Troubled frigate build under way after landmark service

The federal government's $45 billion frigate program has reached a significant milestone with the keel-laying ceremony for the first Hunter-class warship. This event, held in Adelaide on Monday, marks the official start of the ship's construction, which is expected to be delivered by 2032. The project, which has fallen behind schedule and overspent by $15 billion, will see six frigates built instead of the originally planned nine.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized the progress made, stating that the Hunter design, based on the British Type 26, has been modified to integrate the US Aegis combat system and Australian-made CEA radar, resulting in a heavier ship weighing 10,500 tonnes compared to the Type 26's 8,000 tonnes. Despite criticism over the frigates' increased weight and potential impact on performance, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy defended the design, highlighting the advanced sensors and systems that make the Hunter more capable.

The program has directly supported over 2,500 highly skilled jobs and will drive a major uplift in economic complexity, supporting more than 5,000 jobs through Australia's national supply chain.