Australia to spend $27 billion on three Hunter-class warships by 2032
Budget documents reveal close to $27 billion for three Hunter-class frigates. They will be built by 2032.
Australia committed close to $27 billion in its federal budget to build three Hunter-class frigates at Adelaide's Osborne shipyards. The lead ship is due in 2032.
The figure covers both construction and shipyard development. The project has struggled from the start.
It was originally planned as a ready-made design. But it became heavily modified based on BAE Systems' Type 26 Global Combat Ship.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy acknowledged the problems. He said: "a project with the right intent but let down by a system that prioritised gold-plated requirements."
He said the result will justify the cost: "the most advanced submarine-hunting warship in the world." Six Hunter-class ships are planned overall.
Billions more will be required for the final three. The vessel's anti-submarine abilities are important for protecting Australia's trade routes.
- Close to 27 billion dollars
- Total allocation
- 2032
- First ship delivery
- Adelaide's Osborne
- Shipyard location
- Six Hunter-class frigates
- Total class planned
Why it mattersThis much defense spending affects military capability and budget choices for years. Voters want to know whether the money delivers real military benefit or shows poor management.
AustraliaA $27 billion defence commitment affects federal spending available for other priorities and represents a major bet on Adelaide shipbuilding jobs and Australian naval capability in the Indo-Pacific.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 11 d ago
