Jay Clemens
The Australian defense ministry eyes either BAE Systems, Fincantieri or Navantia as the potential manufacturer of new frigates for the Australian navy under a $27 billion program, Defense News reported Monday.
Nigel Pittaway writes that Australia shortlisted BAE Systems’ Global Combat Ship, Fincantieri’s multi-mission anti-submarine warfare ship and a modified Navantia Alvaro de Bazan-class vessel for the program.
The selected contractor will build the ships in Adelaide, South Australia, and cut the first steel in 2020, according to the report.
Australia’s CEA Technologies will develop the phased array radar systems for the frigates, Defense News reports.
The Australian MoD selected the three firms under the first-pass approval process, while the second-pass approval for the ultimate bidder is set for announcement in 2018, Pittaway reports.
