• The Type 26 has been chosen as Canada's future frigate. BAE Systems
    The Type 26 has been chosen as Canada's future frigate. BAE Systems
  • Sir Michael Fallon, UK Defence Secretary, cutting the first steel for the Royal Navy's first Type 26 frigate, the future HMS Glasgow, at BAE Systems ship facility at Govan on the Clyde. Credit: ADM Nigel Pittaway
    Sir Michael Fallon, UK Defence Secretary, cutting the first steel for the Royal Navy's first Type 26 frigate, the future HMS Glasgow, at BAE Systems ship facility at Govan on the Clyde. Credit: ADM Nigel Pittaway
  • The T26 GCS is expected to feature vertical missile silos capable of housing a range of different weapons, a medium-caliber gun, a hanger to accommodate a Merlin or Wildcat helicopter, a flexible mission space for unmanned air, surface and underwater vehicles or additional boats, and the most advanced sensors in the fleet.
    The T26 GCS is expected to feature vertical missile silos capable of housing a range of different weapons, a medium-caliber gun, a hanger to accommodate a Merlin or Wildcat helicopter, a flexible mission space for unmanned air, surface and underwater vehicles or additional boats, and the most advanced sensors in the fleet.
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Flinders Uni gains another partner on Future Frigates

31 May 2018
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A new agreement between BAE Systems Australia and Flinders University will see students and industry working together to develop new ways to provide the ADF with the evolving capability needed to train the future shipbuilding workforce.

BAE Systems is one of three companies bidding to build nine anti-submarine warships for the RAN. The company is proposing an Australian variant of the Type 26 Global Combat Ship currently being manufactured in the UK for the Royal Navy.

Flinders University will receive access to BAE Systems’ digital shipbuilding tools, processes and methodologies and turn these into development programs to train the people who will build the Future Frigates and integrate the ships’ complex operating systems, if the company is successful in its SEA 5000 bid.

The collaboration will emphasise unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), a future technology that could enhance RAN’s capability to detect and deter submarines.

“Flinders University welcomes this important connection with BAE Systems,” Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said. “The opportunity to work with leading international partners is aligned with Flinders’ strategic priorities and we look forward to working collaboratively on research and training initiatives that are supporting Australia’s advanced manufacturing industry, furthering research and contributing to employment and economic growth.”

In the UK, BAE Systems collaborates with Sheffield University’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, directly supporting automation and the exchange of advanced manufacturing technologies. Through this relationship, Flinders University and Sheffield University will be able to identify areas of mutual interest and share information on successful training applications, research and development.

The first project under this agreement will be focused on advanced manufacturing components for the Joint Strike Fighter, which will help to inform future applications on other defence programs.

 “Complex defence projects rely on highly skilled people and world class innovation,” BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Gabby Costigan said.

“I am delighted that we can bring our capabilities and global expertise to the table so that we can work more closely with one of Australia’s leading academic institutions to nurture a highly skilled workforce that is ready to deliver the high-tech, complex programs our Defence Forces require,”

The collaboration between BAE Systems and Flinders University will contribute to the aims of the Naval Shipbuilding College, which is charged with working with industry and academic institutions to up-skill a local workforce.

The university has also partnered with Navantia ahead of the Sea 5000 decision.

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