Australia issues RFT for Future Frigate project

BAE proposal is based on its Type 26 Global Combat Ship

APRIL 1, 2017 — Australia’s AUD 35 billion   has reached a significant milestone with the release of the Request for Tender (RFT) to the three shortlisted designers; BAE Systems, Fincantieri and Navantia.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, said the announcement showed that the Government is “on track to begin construction of the Future Frigates in 2020 in Adelaide,””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.”

Evaluation of the responses to the RFT will commence later this year.

“Three designers—BAE Systems with the Type 26 Frigate, Fincantieri with the FREMM Frigate, and Navantia with a redesigned F100, have been working with Defence since August 2015 to refine their designs,” said Minister Pyne.

“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,” he said. “The Government is committed to maximizing Australian industry opportunities and participation and this project will contribute to building a sustainable Australian shipbuilding workforce.”