Sydney-based manufacturer Defence Seals & Spares will supply manhole and access panel gaskets; step covers and low-pressure air cylinder caps for the first Hunter class frigate.
“We welcome our continued partnership with Defence Seals & Spares, a partnership built on trusted and proven experience, and collaboration during the prototyping program of the Hunter Class Frigate Program," Managing Director of BAE Systems Maritime Australia, David Shepherd, said.
“Throughout the prototyping phase, we worked with companies like Defence Seals & Spares to test our processes and prepare industry and our workforce for the build of these Tier 1 warships."
This new contract builds on the SME’s earlier success delivering into the prototyping phase of the Hunter Class Frigate Program, where they supplied the same equipment and helped establish a strong foundation for the build of the advanced anti-submarine warfare frigate.
“These contracts have allowed us to demonstrate our technical expertise, strengthen our reputation in the Defence maritime sector, and secure our position as a reliable contributor to Australia’s sovereign naval supply chain," Director of Defence Seals & Spares, Tracey Lovelace, stated.
Defence Seals & Spares has supported naval shipbuilding in Australia previously, having supplied parts for the Anzac class frigates, Collins class submarines, and Canberra class landing helicopter docks — along with supporting other Defence platforms and capabilities.
“Defence Seals & Spares is one of many suppliers now bringing an intimate knowledge of the Hunter program into the build for the first Hunter class frigate, helping to form the robust sovereign supply chain which is a cornerstone of naval shipbuilding in Australia," Shepherd explained.