South Australian defence manufacturers Century Engineering and MG Engineering have commenced production of critical components for the first Hunter Class frigate.

As key suppliers to BAE Systems Maritime Australia (BAESMA) on the program, the two companies are manufacturing ship sections at their local facilities.

The companies’ progress highlights the significant role the state’s experienced and capable industrial base is playing in delivering one of the country’s biggest surface ship programs.

BAESMA Hunter Class Frigate Program Director Jason Loveday said producing ship sections offsite ensures production of the nation’s first submarine hunting surface combatant continues when the Osborne Naval Shipyard is operating at full production capacity.

“Supplying units for the first Hunter class frigate is a massive undertaking that requires not only technical expertise but also a commitment to meeting deadlines and quality benchmarks,” Mr Loveday said.

“In a complex project like this, the ability to manage an efficient, reliable supply chain is vital. We work closely with our suppliers and logistics teams, and we maintain a strong focus on quality control at every step of the process.”

The assembly of fabricated components, which includes side shells, bulk heads and seats, is being undertaken at MG Engineering’s Port Adelaide facility, representing the first outsourced Ship 1 product for the Hunter program.

MG Engineering has also consolidated side shells, with decks and bulkheads previously manufactured in the shipyard, from its facility. Weighing more than 16 tonnes, this prototype port side unit demonstrates the company’s capability to produce ship sections offsite.

MG Engineering Managing Director Anthony Brdar said the company is proud to be a key supplier for the construction of the first of the Hunter anti-submarine frigates.

“Our team’s commitment to precision and quality has enabled us to achieve this level of support for the Commonwealth’s biggest surface ship program,” Mr Brdar said.

“This strategic partnership not only reinforces our position in the defence sector but also demonstrates our capacity to deliver complex, high-performance components to Tier One complex surface combatants.”

Mr Loveday said MG Engineering’s status as a strategic supplier is a testament to the company’s capabilities and dedication to delivering quality components.

BAESMA is now expanding its Strategic Supplier Partnerships program and will onboard additional Australian suppliers later this year and into 2026.

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Photo: MG Engineering and BAE Systems employees working on the Hunter ASW.