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Queensland-based Craig International Ballistics has secured a multimillion-dollar contract to provide ballistic protection for the first three of Australia’s future fleet of Hunter Class frigates.
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Craig International Ballistics will manufacture dozens of windows for each vessel, as well as the frames for the windows and the wiper systems. Each of the six window types will have unique protective qualities, including ballistic protection, fire retardant properties, and noise reduction.
Craig International Ballistics is the latest Australian company to be awarded a contract to supply products and services for the Hunter Class Frigate Program.
Craig Lockhart, managing director, BAE Systems Australia - Maritime, said, “The Hunter Class frigates will be among the most advanced and capable warships in the world and companies such as Craig International Ballistics will deliver cutting-edge equipment to these warships which maintains its stealth capabilities and well as significantly improving its survivability.”
James Craig, chief executive officer, Craig International Ballistics, expanded on the comments from Lockhart, saying, “As an Australian manufacturer of ballistic protection solutions, we take great pride in providing BAE Systems Maritime Australia and Navy with high-quality products that are specifically designed to safeguard our Navy personnel.
“Craig International Ballistics continues to make a significant investment in research and development and processing plant and equipment to remain a market leader, and to continue to provide our warfighters with the best possible ballistic protection,” Craig said.
This is another example of BAE Systems working with Australian suppliers, which now totals to over 60 per cent Australian Contract Expenditure (ACE) contribution in only the early design and prototyping phase of the contract.
“We’re committed to maximising Australian industry participation in this truly national shipbuilding endeavour. The Hunter program has embedded a truly sovereign continuous naval shipbuilding capability across Australia, ensuring we have the know-how to design, build, and sustain our own warships,” Lockhart said.
BAE Systems Maritime Australia is working to increase the resilience, capability, and capacity of the nation’s defence industry by partnering with small and medium enterprises, in line with the Commonwealth’s recently released Defence Industry Development Strategy.
Craig International Ballistics has been providing ballistic protection to the Australian Defence Force since 2001, including producing Australian-made armour for troops.
