The progress comes as BAE Systems Australia and its industry partners continue work on NUSHIP Hunter at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, where more than 60 percent of the ship is now in fabrication or construction phases. Recent developments include the delivery of a critical sonar dome sole plate manufactured by Hofmann Engineering in Western Australia.

Managing Director of BAE Systems Maritime Australia, David Shepherd, highlighted the importance of this piece of equipment and the Australian industry’s role in the Hunter program.

“This is a very substantial – in terms of its size, weight, and the extremely tight tolerances it must be manufactured to – piece of the frigate, and it is a testament to Hofmann Engineering’s specialist capability that they have now delivered it to Adelaide,” he noted.

“With the construction of NUSHIP Hunter continuing at pace with more than 60% of the frigate in fabrication or construction phases, the work of our supply chain partners, like Hofmann Engineering, is crucial to equipping the Royal Australian Navy with a superior anti-submarine warfare capability.”

“The manufacturing of the sonar dome sole plate for NUSHIP Hunter illustrates the unique abilities of Hofmann Engineering and the importance of sovereign manufacturing. This was a very challenging and technically difficult component and to be able to deliver this locally is a testament to our team and the capabilities of our business,” Chief Executive Officer of Hofmann Engineering, Oliver Viehweider, stated.

“Being able to support BAE Systems with such an important element of the ship is extremely rewarding. It also builds the supply chain depth in order to potentially unlock other opportunities for Hofmann Engineering.”

At the same time, prototyping activities on crew accommodation and outfitting systems are helping refine construction processes for future vessels, including the second ship in the class, NUSHIP Flinders, which is preparing to enter fabrication. The trials at Osborne are being used to validate installation methods, improve production efficiency, and support workforce readiness as the program scales up.

The Hunter‑class frigate program was initiated to provide the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) with a modern, high‑end anti‑submarine and multi‑mission surface combatant, replacing older Anzac‑class frigates. The vessels will have an 8,800-ton full load displacement and will be approximately 150 meters long.

The design is based on the UK’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship, but heavily modified to meet Australian operational requirements, including integration of the US Navy’s Aegis combat system with a local interface from Saab Australia, the Australian‑designed CEAFAR2 phased‑array radar, tailored communications and sensors, and the ability to operate the MH‑60R Seahawk Romeo maritime helicopter.

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The christening ceremony, held on 24 June 2026, took place in the presence of Belgium’s Minister of Defense Theo Francken and Chief of Defence Air Chief General Frederik Vansina. The event highlighted the Navy’s continued modernization drive and its growing role within NATO’s mine countermeasures capabilities.

Built under the BENESAM Belgian-Dutch cooperation framework, Oostende represents a new generation of minehunters designed to operate not by entering minefields, but by controlling uncrewed systems from a safe distance.

Oostende recently completed its first sea trials in Douarnenez Bay off the coast of Brittany, where it tested a full suite of unmanned mine countermeasure systems alongside the Mine Countermeasures Module Group (MMG). These trials represented a major step forward, shifting operations from shore-based simulation using a mobile control container to real-time deployment directly from the ship.

During the campaign, Belgian Navy crews and MMG operators conducted integrated missions for the first time at sea, following initial phases focused on safe navigation, firefighting, damage control, and ship-handling under varied scenarios.

Oostende measures 82.6 metres in length, has a beam of 17 metres, displaces around 2,800 tonnes, and reaches speeds of up to 15.3 knots, with a range of more than 3,500 nautical miles. It is designed to operate with a crew of 63 personnel, supported by modular unmanned systems that redefine how modern mine warfare is conducted.

The vessel’s concept centres on deploying unmanned platforms that transport sensors and conduct mine detection and identification tasks at range. Surface drones act as forward carriers for underwater systems, which then carry out the most dangerous phases of mine countermeasure operations, including neutralisation, without the ship entering the threat zone.

The rMCM program is led by Belgium Naval & Robotics, a consortium formed by Naval Group and Exail, with Kership, a joint venture between Piriou and Naval Group, serving as the industrial prime contractor.

The program plans for a total of 12 mine countermeasure vessels: six for the Belgian Navy and six for the Royal Netherlands Navy.

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According to Destinus, the trial involved the launch of a Hornet Block 1 interceptor from the Santa María-class frigate using a containerized deployment system. The demonstration was intended to assess how rapidly deployable interceptor systems could be integrated aboard existing warships to enhance protection against emerging aerial threats.

The company said the test focused on a maritime air-defense concept that would allow interceptor systems to be deployed without extensive modifications to naval vessels. No details were released regarding the test scenario, target type, or performance results.

Hornet Block 1 is a canister-launched interceptor developed by Destinus to counter subsonic aerial threats. According to the company, the system uses radar cueing and autonomous terminal guidance and is designed to operate in environments where satellite navigation signals are unavailable.

Destinus states that the interceptor is intended to engage threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles, loitering munitions, and coordinated drone attacks.

The demonstration comes as navies increasingly examine new methods of defending ships against the growing use of drones and other low-cost aerial threats. Containerized systems are attracting attention as a way to add defensive capacity to existing vessels without the need for major structural modifications or dedicated launch infrastructure.

Destinus said the trial was conducted in collaboration with the Spanish Navy as part of ongoing efforts to evaluate future maritime defense capabilities.

The F-81 Santa María is the lead ship of the Spanish Navy’s Santa María-class frigates, which are based on the US Navy’s Oliver Hazard Perry-class design.

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The initial voyage, conducted on the surface using the submarine’s own propulsion systems, represents the start of a comprehensive testing campaign aimed at validating the vessel’s performance and onboard systems before its planned delivery to the Spanish Navy later this year.

During the sea trials, Navantia engineers and naval personnel will carry out a series of inspections and operational tests covering the submarine’s systems and equipment. The trials are designed to verify the vessel’s readiness for service and identify any adjustments required before handover.

The S-82 is the second submarine in Spain’s S-80 series, a program that will deliver four next-generation conventional submarines to the Spanish Navy. The class is intended to provide enhanced stealth, endurance, and operational flexibility for a wide range of missions.

The start of sea trials for S-82 comes as Navantia continues advancing development of the class’s signature air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology. Earlier this month, the company began testing the AIP system integrated into the dedicated section of the third submarine, S-83 Cosme García, at a specialized facility in Cartagena.

While the AIP-equipped S-83 and the fourth submarine, S-84 Mateo García de los Reyes, remain under construction, the lead boat of the class, S-81 Isaac Peral, entered service with the Spanish Navy in 2023. The progress of S-82 through sea trials and the continued maturation of the AIP system mark important steps toward the full realization of Spain’s indigenous S-80 submarine program.

If successful, the trials will pave the way for the delivery of S-82 Narciso Monturiol to the Spanish Navy before the end of 2026, further strengthening the country’s undersea warfare capabilities.

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Originally an amphibious support ship, Lyme Bay has been rapidly modified to serve as a mine countermeasures mothership, carrying a range of autonomous and remotely operated systems designed to detect and neutralize naval mines and other underwater explosive threats.

The vessel embarked more than 270 personnel, including Royal Fleet Auxiliary sailors, Royal Navy mine warfare and explosive ordnance disposal specialists, Royal Marines, British Army personnel, medical staff, and French sailors.

Among the systems carried aboard are autonomous surface vessels capable of deploying towed sensors and remotely operated underwater vehicles, advanced 2D and 3D sonar systems, and VideoRay Defender-Viper mine disposal submersibles used to locate, identify, and destroy mines.

The deployment comes as international efforts focus on restoring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. Military planners are preparing to assess and, if necessary, clear mines and underwater explosive devices before commercial shipping can fully resume operations in the area.

According to estimates cited by the Royal Navy, around 450 merchant vessels, including tankers, container ships, and liquefied natural gas carriers, remain delayed in Gulf waters following hostilities that began in late February.

During its transit to the region, RFA Lyme Bay sailed through the Red Sea and Suez Canal alongside the German Navy support ship FGS Mosel and minehunter FGS Fulda. The group was escorted by the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon, which provided air-defense protection during the voyage.

The United Kingdom, Germany, and other partners are expected to contribute personnel and specialist capabilities to any future mine clearance effort aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted commercial traffic.

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The decision, announced on June 24, ends one of the Bundeswehr’s largest naval acquisition programs. Six F126 frigates had been planned to strengthen the German Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, a mission the ministry described as critical to both national and NATO collective defense.

According to the ministry, the original prime contractor, Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS), failed to meet the agreed schedule and financial targets. A subsequent assessment of whether the program could be salvaged through a transfer of prime contractor responsibilities to Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL) concluded that such a move would not provide a viable path forward.

As a replacement, the Ministry of Defense intends to procure eight MEKO A-200-DEU frigates, a design developed by German shipbuilding major TKMS. The proposal will be submitted to the Bundestag’s Budget Committee for approval as soon as possible.

German Navy Inspector Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack said the planned vessels would allow the service to fulfill its core anti-submarine warfare mission while meeting Germany’s commitments to NATO.

The ministry estimates that the first four MEKO A-200-DEU frigates would cost approximately €6.3 billion, subject to parliamentary approval. An option for four additional ships could be exercised by the end of 2026 for around €5.3 billion, bringing the total potential acquisition cost to roughly €11.6 billion.

By comparison, a review conducted by the ministry concluded that procuring the six F126 frigates would likely have cost around €18 billion.

The MEKO design family, developed around a modular “Mehrzweck-Kombination” (Multi-Purpose Combination) concept, has been exported to numerous navies worldwide and can be adapted for a range of missions, including patrol, surface warfare, and anti-submarine operations.

The cancellation marks a major shift in Germany’s naval modernization plans and represents one of the most significant defense procurement reversals in recent years,

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The handover took place on June 22 at the Philippine Navy’s Naval Operating Base Subic and was attended by US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Bridgette Walker, US Embassy Senior Defense Official and Chief of the Joint US Military Assistance Group-Philippines Colonel Daniel Oh, Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Cabahug-Orbe, and Philippine Navy Unmanned Surface Vessel Unit Acting Commander Lieutenant Commander Aldwin Pasicolan.

The vessels are valued at approximately PHP 754 million ($13 million).

The Triton AUSVs are designed to operate both on the ocean surface and underwater, collecting maritime data through a mesh-network communications system. Powered by solar energy, the platforms can remain deployed for up to 30 days, providing extended surveillance and monitoring capabilities.

According to information released by the US Embassy, the systems are intended to support the Philippines’ maritime domain awareness and improve its ability to monitor and respond to activities in its maritime areas of interest, including illegal maritime activities and other security challenges.

The delivery forms part of ongoing US security assistance efforts aimed at supporting the modernization of the Philippine military and its transition toward territorial defense operations.

US officials said future cooperation will focus on integrating the new systems into Philippine Navy operations and sustainment programs.

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The milestone follows the vessel’s launch at Naval Group’s Lorient shipyard in June 2025. With HS Formion now at sea, all three FDI frigates ordered by Greece have reached advanced stages of construction and testing as the program moves toward completion.

HS Formion is the third and final ship in the Hellenic Navy’s FDI program, following HS Kimon and HS Nearchos. At the time of Formion’s launch, HS Kimon was already undergoing sea trials, while HS Nearchos entered the sea testing phase in February this year.

The FDI program has also involved significant participation from Greek industry. Construction of blocks for the frigates was carried out by Salamis Shipyards in Greece, while approximately 70 Greek companies were integrated into Naval Group’s supply chain.

The 4,500-ton frigates measure approximately 122 meters in length and 18 meters in beam and are capable of speeds of up to 27 knots. Designed as multi-mission combatants, the ships can operate a 10-ton-class helicopter alongside a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle.

HS Formion and its sister ships are equipped with MBDA Exocet MM40 Block 3C anti-ship missiles, Aster surface-to-air missiles, RAM missile systems, MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes, and naval artillery systems. The vessels also feature advanced sensors and combat systems supplied by Thales, including the SeaFire radar, sonar, electronic warfare, and communications suites.

The three FDI frigates are expected to strengthen the Hellenic Navy’s air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime security capabilities.

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The vessel is the first in a series of five ASC’s to be built by Davie Defense in collaboration with its sister shipyards Sata Shipbuilding and Helsinki Shipyard. The steel-cutting ceremony was held in Pori on June 23.

Authorized under the US Presidential Memorandum, “Construction of Arctic Security Cutters,” Davie Defense will deliver five ASCs. The first two will be built at Helsinki Shipyard, supported by Sata Shipbuilding. Three more ASCs will be constructed at affiliate shipbuilder Gulf Copper in Texas, which on June 1 broke ground on a major modernization. 

American shipbuilders will work and learn alongside Helsinki’s world-leading icebreaker builders. This will support the efficient construction of three ASCs in Texas. The delivery of the first vessel is scheduled for 2028.

In line with the trilateral Icebreaker Collaboration (ICE Pact), the ASC program demonstrates how allied nations can work together to strengthen Arctic security, expand domestic industrial capacity, and accelerate the delivery of strategic assets, according to the shipbuilders.

“This is a historic milestone for Sata Shipbuilding and our Group. We are proud to begin work on the Arctic Security Cutter for the United States and to lay the foundation for a program of great significance to both Finland and America,” Niko Suomela, Managing Director of Sata Shipbuilding, said.

“We are proud to contribute our expertise to this transatlantic industrial partnership. Finnish excellence in specialized shipbuilding is recognized around the world because it is built on a proven record of delivery. Helsinki Shipyard and Sata Shipbuilding have the experience, expertise and commitment to deliver these vessels on time, on quality and on budget,” Mika Heiskanen, CEO of Davie Shipyards Finland, stated.

“Plans don’t defend nations, strategic assets like the ASC do. Today, we are turning commitment into action. The Arctic Security Cutter program will strengthen Western maritime security, rebuild critical U.S. strategic capability with Finnish expertise, and reinforces our position as a trusted global partner in delivering complex, ice-capable vessels,” James Davies, Co-founder Inocea Group, commented.

The ASC is a new class of polar icebreakers designed to conduct US Coast Guard missions in the world’s most challenging maritime environments. The ASC will support the coast guard in terms of national security, maritime safety, and polar access.

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This vessel, the first of the second contract signed between the Ministry of Defence of Saudi Arabia and Navantia, touched the water in San Fernando on June 18.

The design is based on Navantia’s AVANTE 2200 model, a multi-purpose platform conceived for maritime surveillance and traffic control, search and rescue, and assistance to other ships, among other missions. The vessels also provide significant capabilities for the defence of strategic assets and intelligence, as well as anti-submarine, anti-air, anti-surface and electronic warfare.

This second series is comprised of three corvettes, the last of which will be delivered in 2029. The first one will be commissioned in Spain, while the second and third will be completed in Saudi Arabia with the installation, integration, and testing of the combat system, as was the case for the fourth and fifth units of the previous contract.

The contract includes an Integrated logistic support (ILS) package and crew training, as well as an operational evaluation period by the Spanish Navy at Rota Naval Base, where Navantia will provide support services.

The corvettes feature the HAZEM combat system (via the SAMINavantia joint venture), the HERMESYS integrated communications system, the DORNA fire-control director, the integrated platform control system and the MINERVA integrated bridge.

The ships also incorporate propulsion engines under MTU license, diesel generator sets and reduction gearboxes under Schelde license.

Navantia’s Repairs Business Unit will further support the program through work carried out during the corvettes’ dry dockings in San Fernando.

The Director of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Saleh Al Khathami, on behalf of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman AL-Ghuraybi, stated that “we celebrate together a significant milestone in the second batch of ALSARAWAT Project, the launching of HMS ALMADINAH”.

“On this special occasion, RSNF would like to express its sincere appreciation to Navantia’s longstanding commitment and outstanding efforts throughout the project and to the valuable support provided be the Spanish Navy throughout this important endeavor. Today the sea welcomes (HMS ALMADINAH) and tomorrow she will contribute to safeguarding the Kingdom’s maritime interests and supporting regional and internation stability.”

Navantia’s Chairman, Ricardo Domínguez, highlighted the collaboration among all those who have made it possible for the Avante 2200 programme to meet the most demanding deadlines and requirements.

“We are proud that, throughout both series of corvettes, all vessels have been delivered on time, within budget and in full alignment with our localisation commitments to the Kingdom, especially with GAMI.”

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