Overview
- The ceremonial keel‑laying for NUSHIP Hunter took place at Osborne Naval Shipyard on Monday, 24 August 2026, and included the traditional placement of a coin beneath two joined hull blocks.
- BAE Systems says construction is advanced with major block fabrication underway and roughly 20 of the planned 22 hull blocks in progress as the build moves from parts to full assembly.
- The Hunter design is a heavily modified Type 26 that will integrate the U.S. Aegis combat system, Australia’s CEAFAR radar and a Thales CAPTAS‑4 sonar to prioritise anti‑submarine warfare while retaining air‑defence and escort weapons.
- Independent reporting and defence analysts cite sustained weight growth—BAE lists about 8,200 tonnes light ship while other reports suggest full‑load figures near 10,500 tonnes—which raises concerns that the Type 26 CODLOG propulsion could see reduced speed, range and lifetime margins.
- The programme was cut from nine ships to six, has faced years of delay and about A$15 billion in cost growth, and the lead ship is projected for delivery in the early 2030s with the build supporting roughly 2,500 direct jobs and 5,000 supply‑chain roles.