Australia issues Request for Tender for Future Frigates

The Australian government on Friday released the Request for Tender (RFT) for the Royal Australian Navy’s $35 billion Future Frigate project.

The RFT was issued to the three shortlisted designers: British BAE Systems, Italy’s Fincantieri and Spain’s Navantia.

Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne, said evaluation of the responses to the Future Frigate RFT would start later this year.

“The three shortlisted designers must demonstrate and develop an Australian supply chain to support Australia’s future shipbuilding industry, and also how they will leverage their local suppliers into global supply chains.

“The Government is committed to maximising Australian industry opportunities and participation and this project will contribute to building a sustainable Australian shipbuilding workforce.”

BAE Systems welcomed the issued RFT. “We look forward to working with the Commonwealth to maximise opportunities for Australian industry, drawing on our existing supply chain and a history of more than 60 years of supporting the Australian Defence Force,” BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive, Glynn Phillips said.