UK, Australia to cooperate on frigate newbuilding programme

The UK and Australian governments have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate on the construction and delivery of new Type 26 frigates to both countries’ navies.

A key aspect of the MOU is a pledge on information exchange to ensure shipbuilding best practice is shared between the two countries.

The agreement also sets out a framework to enable both nations to utilise the Type 26 and Hunter programmes to create jobs and contribute to the growth of the UK and Australian economies, seeking to support small and medium-sized enterprises.

Prototyping for the Hunter-class frigate programme will begin by the end of 2020.