The $35 billion Future Frigate project (Sea 5000) reached a milestone today with the release of the Request for Tender (RFT) to the three shortlisted designers; BAE Systems, Fincantieri and Navantia.
“Today’s announcement shows the Government is on track to begin construction of the Future Frigates in 2020 in Adelaide,” Defence Industry Minister Pyne said.
“The release of the RFT is an important part of the Competitive Evaluation Process which will lead to the Government announcing the successful designer for the Future Frigates in 2018.”
Minister Pyne said evaluation of the responses to the Future Frigate RFT would commence later this year.
“Three designers – BAE Systems with the Global Combat Ship based on the Type 26 Frigate, Fincantieri with the FREMM Frigate, and Navantia with a redesigned F-100, have been working with Defence since August 2015 to refine their designs.
“The three shortlisted designers must demonstrate and develop an Australian supply chain to support Australia's future shipbuilding industry, and also how they will leverage their local suppliers into global supply chains.”