The Australian government has awarded Babcock Australia a $129-million Australian dollar ($93-million) contract to sustain the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac-class frigates.
Under the five-year contract, Babcock will deliver asset management, engineering, and supply chain services to keep the warships seaworthy through the remainder of their lifecycle.
Saab Australia will partner with Babcock, providing expertise on the Anzac-class platform and its combat system, as well as an established sovereign workforce.
The Anzac-class frigates are being progressively replaced by Australia’s new general-purpose frigates based on Japan’s upgraded Mogami-class design, with the first of the new ships scheduled to arrive in Australia in December 2029. The Royal Australian Navy operates eight Anzac-class frigates, which entered service between 1996 and 2006.
“Building a strong sovereign naval shipbuilding industry is not only good for jobs, it’s essential for our national security,” Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment David Hanley said.
Local Job Creation
The contract is expected to support more than 70 defense industry jobs in Western Australia and New South Wales. Babcock will also work with small- and medium-sized enterprises to supply spare parts and manage assets across a broader industrial base.
“Babcock is proud to deliver this vital work, uplifting sovereign capability, creating local jobs, strengthening the economy and ensuring the Anzacs remain operational, seaworthy and ready to meet Australia’s defence needs now and into the future,” Babcock Australasia Acting CEO Leah Grantham said.
“This contract reflects the strength of our partnership with Babcock, bringing together complementary capabilities to deliver sovereign and future-focused sustainment outcomes for the Royal Australian Navy,” Saab Australia Managing Director Andy Keough said.
