SYDNEY – Rohde & Schwarz Australia and BAE Systems Maritime Australia (BAESMA) have successfully completed the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the NAVICS Integrated Communications System (ICS) being developed for the Royal Australian Navy’s Hunter Class Frigate Program, marking an important milestone in the project's progress.
The Preliminary Design Review confirms that the communications system design has reached a level of maturity where program requirements have been allocated to individual sub-systems and the overall system architecture has been established. The review also verified the design of internal and external interfaces that will enable the communications system to operate across the frigates.
Rohde & Schwarz Australia and BAE Systems Maritime Australia are jointly delivering a multi-domain suite of internal and external communications for the first three Hunter class frigates. At the center of this capability is the NAVICS Integrated Communications System, which will act as the primary communications management system for the ships.
NAVICS is designed to provide integrated and reliable communications while securely processing classified information within a multi-level security environment. The system supports coordination between onboard communications equipment and external communication networks, helping ensure secure information exchange during naval operations.
Paul Chisholm, Head of Programs (Navy) at Rohde & Schwarz Australia, said the design package received positive feedback during the review process.
"I’m proud to say the design deliverables were very well received, and good discussions were held with BAESMA and the Commonwealth on design direction for the next phase," Chisholm said.
He added that completing the Preliminary Design Review reflects the company's commitment to meeting program requirements through close cooperation with BAE Systems Maritime Australia and successful integration planning.
The next major milestone for the communications system will be the Critical Design Review (CDR), which is scheduled to take place during the second and fourth quarters of 2026.
To support engineering, design and manufacturing activities for the Integrated Communications System, Rohde & Schwarz Australia has already doubled its workforce. The company expects additional recruitment as work on the Hunter Class Frigate Program continues.
The program's industrial base has also expanded through additional supply contracts. Australian companies including STS Defence will supply configurable communication masts, while Sitep Australia will provide advanced UHF military satellite communications (UHF-MILSATCOM) antenna technology for the fleet.
Gareth Evans, Managing Director of Rohde & Schwarz Australia, said the successful review reflected the long-standing partnership between Rohde & Schwarz Australia, BAE Systems Maritime Australia and the Australian Commonwealth.
"This is an important step in the delivery of our Integrated Communications System for the Hunter Class Frigate Program," Evans said. "The working relationship between Rohde & Schwarz, BAESMA, and the Commonwealth has been extremely positive as we work together to achieve our common objectives for the Royal Australian Navy."
The Hunter Class Frigate Program is one of Australia's largest naval modernization projects. It will deliver six advanced anti-submarine warfare frigates for the Royal Australian Navy based on the Type 26 Global Combat Ship design, adapted to meet Australian operational requirements. The vessels are being constructed by BAE Systems Maritime Australia at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia.
David Shepherd, Managing Director of BAE Systems Maritime Australia, said the program extends beyond delivering new warships by supporting Australia's long-term naval shipbuilding capability.
"Hunter is not only about delivering a Tier 1 warship optimised for Anti-Submarine Warfare to the Royal Australian Navy – it is also about regenerating Australia's sovereign shipbuilding capability," Shepherd said.
He added that collaboration with suppliers, including Rohde & Schwarz Australia, plays an important role in supporting Australia's continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment program.
The Hunter class frigates are expected to begin entering service from 2032, providing the Royal Australian Navy with enhanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities while strengthening Australia's domestic defence industry and industrial workforce.
Source: rohde-schwarz
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