HMAS Hunter

HMAS Hunter (FFG) is the lead ship of the Hunter-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy.

Development and design
The Hunter-class frigate is a future class of frigates for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to replace the Anzac-class. Construction is expected to begin in 2020, with the first of nine vessels to enter service in the late 2020s. The Program is expected to cost AU$35 billion and a request for tender was released in March 2017 to three contenders: Navantia, Fincantieri, and BAE Systems as part of a competitive evaluation process.

The Hunter-class frigate will be an Australian variation of the Type 26 class frigate that is to be operated by the Royal Navy from the mid-2020s. The class will have a 8,800 t full load displacement and will be approximately 150 m in length. The vessel will be capable of sailing in excess of 27 knots and will have a full complement of 180 crew.

Construction and career
Hunter was ordered on 30 June 2018 and named after Vice Admiral John Hunter. She will be built by BAE Systems Australia in Osborne. First steel was cut on prototype blocks in December 2021. The first steel that will actually be used in Hunter was cut in June 2024. The ship had been expected to be commissioned in 2031 but is only projected to be operational in 2034.