Naval contractor Eptec Defence Solutions has bagged a three-ship, ten-year deal to help protect the hulls of the new Hunter-class frigates being built for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
As per a recent BAE Systems press statement, it has subcontracted Eptec to provide blast and paint services for the first three new warships.
Acting Managing Director of BAE Systems Maritime Australia Paul Berryman explained: “Blast and paint services are a critical factor when it comes to ensuring the longevity of each frigate and the Eptec team is renowned for its global expertise and capability in the preservation of naval ships.”
Eptec is part of the defence prime’s Partnering4Success programme, a supply chain initiative that strengthens collaboration with SMEs.
Pier Nissotti, General Manager of Eptec Defence Solutions, added: “This contract is the culmination of a decade of focused investment in our defence safety, quality, people, technology, and equipment; and clearly demonstrates the unique delivery capabilities Eptec offers key defence clients.”
The RAN has selected BAE Systems to deliver six Hunter-class frigates, a variant of the Global Combat Ship programme which also takes in the Type 26 frigates being built for the Royal Navy in the U.K. and the River-class destroyers set to be produced for the Royal Canadian Navy.
The A$46 billion (£22.5bn) programme will see the warships constructed at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia and delivery of the first-in-class is expected in 2032.
The Hunter-class frigates will feature the Aegis combat system with a Saab interface. They will be about 150m long, have an 8,800-tonne displacement, and are expected to be capable of sailing at over 27 knots.
The ships will be able to accommodate a medium-sized helicopter on their flight decks, and will carry Kongsberg Naval Strike Missiles. A guided missile variant has also been mooted featuring up to 128 vertical launch cells.
- You can read more details on the BAE Systems website