Navantia has signed an agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia for the risk reduction and design study (RRDS) phase of the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) SEA 5000 Future Frigate programme.

The agreement is for a period of approximately one year, and is part of a competitive evaluation process (CEP) undertaken by the Australian Department of Defence for the frigate programme.

It will enable the Australian Department of Defence to assess the capability, risk and factors related to Navantia’s proposed design for the frigates.

"The new frigates will be larger than the Anzac Class vessels and will be equipped with capabilities to engage in ASW."

Fincantieri and BAE Systems, who were shortlisted for the SEA 5000 Future Frigate Programme, have also entered into similar agreements with Australia.

The programme is expected to allow Navantia Australia’s local capabilities and its Operations and Design Centre to actively participate in the design phase.

Under the SEA 5000 Future Frigate Programme, the Australian Government has selected companies to build nine new frigates for the RAN.

The new frigates will be larger than the Anzac Class vessels and will be equipped with capabilities to engage in anti-submarine warfare (ASW).

The first frigate built under this programme is expected to reach its operational capability within 2027 to 2030.

Additionally, the Australian government is planning to build 12 offshore patrol vessels under the $2.31bn SEA 1180 programme.

Image: Navantia signs agreement with Australia for RRDS phase. Photo: courtesy of Navantia.