The review covers delivery of NAVICS, Rohde & Schwarz’s naval integrated communications system, under the Hunter Class Frigate Program. The milestone marks an important step in maturing the design by allocating requirements to sub-systems and defining the system architecture, including internal and external interfaces.
Rohde & Schwarz Australia is working with BAE Systems Maritime Australia to deliver the communications system for the first three Hunter class frigates. The system includes a multi-domain suite of internal and external communications capabilities, with NAVICS serving as the core platform.
NAVICS will act as the central communications backbone for the Hunter class frigates, supporting reliable information exchange and the handling of classified information in a multi-level security environment.
Paul Chisholm, head of programs for navy at Rohde & Schwarz Australia, said the design deliverables had been well received and that discussions with BAE Systems Maritime Australia and the Commonwealth had helped shape the next phase of the programme.
“The achievement of this milestone demonstrates Rohde & Schwarz Australia’s adherence to delivering on its commitments, with flawless execution and strong collaboration with BAESMA to ensure successful platform integration,” Chisholm said.
He said the next major phase would culminate in the Critical Design Review, with activities scheduled for the second and fourth quarters of 2026.
Rohde & Schwarz Australia Managing Director Gareth Evans said the milestone reflected a long-standing partnership between the company, BAE Systems Maritime Australia and the Commonwealth.
“This is an important step in the delivery of our ICS 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 company said it had doubled its Australian workforce to support engineering services for the design and manufacture of the integrated communications system, and expected further growth as work continues under the Hunter programme.
BAE Systems Maritime Australia Managing Director David Shepherd said the programme was helping strengthen Australia’s defence industrial base as well as delivering new warships to the navy.
“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.
“The way we work with our suppliers, including key partners like Rohde & Schwarz Australia, is paramount to enabling Australia’s continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment endeavour.”
