The Hunter Class frigate project in Australia is facing severe criticism for being chronically over budget and significantly delayed, with experts suggesting it should be scrapped. Originally set to include nine frigates at a cost of $35 billion, the project has spiralled to an estimated $45 billion as of 2020 and is now projected to cost $27 billion for just the frigates, equating to around $9 billion each, with the first vessel not expected to enter service until 2034—seven years late.
BAE Systems, the British firm awarded the contract, has also been entrusted with building Australia’s AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines. Strategic Analysis Australia’s Michael Shoebridge has labelled the Hunter Class project as a “high point of decadence” in defence planning, criticising Defence’s modifications to the original British design which included a variety of additional combat and radar systems that inflated costs dramatically. He condemned the program as a “wasteful use of taxpayer money” and underscored its inadequate contribution to Australia’s military capability.
The frigate, equipped with only 32 missiles, is substantially outmatched by threats like Chinese naval vessels. Shoebridge has called for a more immediate and capable acquisition, suggesting that Japan or South Korea could provide a properly armed cruiser far quicker than BAE.
Defence analyst Dr Marcus Hellyer concurs, arguing that design changes not only escalated costs but also increased the frigate’s weight—over 10,000 tonnes—ultimately slowing it down. He suggested that the government should cease further investment in the project. The increasing urgency is reflected in the government’s decision to explore alternative frigate designs, signalling recognition of the problematic nature of the existing project.
Despite widespread calls for a halt, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy maintains that the Hunter project will not be abandoned. He expressed regret over past missteps but insists the project is now on track, highlighting ongoing construction efforts and the employment of around 2,500 people.
Overall, the situation illustrates ongoing tensions in Australia’s defence procurement strategy, with many expert voices calling for a reevaluation of the Hunter Class frigate’s viability in favour of more immediate solutions to bolster the Royal Australian Navy’s capabilities.