BAE Systems Australia is collaborating with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their capabilities to work on the Hunter Class Frigate Program as part of its “Targeted Tasks” initiative.
The program, which aims to maximise Australian Industry Capability, will provide selected Australian SMEs with a specific scope of work to undertake, coming in the form of either feasibility studies, the demonstration of capability, or uplifting their capability to meet the requirements of the Hunter program.
The tasks’s goals include knowledge transfer to Australian industry, the creation of intellectual property, design, manufacture, and assembly within Australia.
SMEs included in “Targeted Tasks” are located in the metro and regional areas, such as VEEM, in collaboration with Kongsberg UK; Taylor Brothers; CR Mining; Thornton Tomasetti working with Vipac and Austest; MyModular; and Indigenous-owned and operated company Allweld Manufacturing.
The tasks cover scope from large-scale metal casting and machining, validating in-country shock testing, inclusive manufacturing for non-typical persons, design and manufacture of stowage and outfit items, manufacture and testing of insulated panels, and supporting membership in the Defence Industry Security Program and compliance with Lloyd’s Register.
“We are reducing the entry barrier for Australian companies to supply into the Hunter Class Frigate Program – this is a truly national endeavour, and the benefits will flow through to companies of all sizes,” said Scott Robertson, head of supply chain for BAE Systems Australia – Maritime, Acquisition.
“The Hunter class frigates – being built here in Australia, by Australians – are providing jobs both directly and indirectly; from the heart of the build at Osborne Naval Shipyard to our extensive supply chain we are always looking to maximise and grow.”
To date, BAE Systems has engaged with 14 companies on Targeted Tasks and has injected more than $4 million into the Australian industry.
A further $1.5 million is planned for Australian Industry Capability development before the end of 2023.
