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South Australian power management provider REDARC Defence & Space has partnered with English LED electronics manufacturer MARL International to manufacture and deliver lighting for BAE Systems Australia’s Hunter Class Frigate Program.
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As part of this partnership, both companies will conduct factory acceptance testing of 13 lighting assemblies built for Ship One of the program.
Under the overall Hunter Class Frigate Program, nine frigates optimised for anti-submarine warfare will be manufactured to replace the current Anzac Class frigates based on the UK’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship, modified to meet Australian requirements.
The Australian government previously signed the head contract with ASC Shipbuilding (now BAE Systems Maritime Australia) in late 2018 to build the Hunter Class frigates under Project SEA 5000 Phase 1.
Factory acceptance testing of the lighting assemblies ensures that the equipment meets the requirements of the Hunter Class Frigate Program.
“REDARC Defence & Space’s involvement in this program demonstrates our commitment to delivering Australian industry capability and support to the Royal Australian Navy,” according to a public statement from REDARC.
“We are confident that this partnership will be a success and that we will make a significant contribution to the Hunter Class Frigate Program.”
Late last month, BAE confirmed that the Hunter Class frigates had successfully completed a preliminary design review.
The review, which started in July, is a technical assessment that ensures the design is operationally effective and underpins the more detailed work that will now be undertaken.
Since the announcement of the Hunter Class program in June 2018, the workforce has grown with more than 1,800 people now working on the Hunter program, which is transforming Australia’s shipbuilding industry by helping build a world-class, continuous naval shipbuilding capability.
Craig Lockhart, BAE Systems Australia’s managing director - maritime, welcomed the announcement and the milestone, saying, “The Hunter Class Frigate Program has come a long way from initial head contract signing to the acceptance of the shipyard, start of prototyping work, and commencement of the first schedule protection block.”
The program is described as a truly national endeavour, with companies from across Australia working with BAE Systems to support the manufacture of the first batch of three Hunter Class frigates.
Lockhart added, “The completion of the preliminary design review is another significant step forward for the program, which is developing Australia’s sovereign industrial capability and is growing the nation’s engineering workforce.
BAE Systems anticipates that the multi-billion-dollar program will create and sustain more than 5,000 jobs at BAE Systems and the wider Australian defence supply chain, including up to 1,000 apprentice and graduate roles.
“Through this national endeavour, we are committed to maximising opportunities for Australian industry. More than 80 contracts have been placed with Australian businesses to support the program,” Lockhart said.
