Plasan and Bisalloy to provide armour for Hunter class frigates

Israeli company Plasan and NSW manufacturer Bisalloy Steel will provide armour protection for the first three Hunter class frigates being built by BAE Systems Australia for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

Plasan signed a contract with BAE Systems Australia which will see Bisalloy produce the ballistic steel for the advanced anti-submarine warfare frigates, replacing the currently in-service Anzac class frigates.

Plasan is providing composite armour for the UK Type 26 frigates (pictured), the baseline design for the Hunter vessels, which are being built by BAE Systems in Glasgow for the Royal Navy.

The composite armor is distributed over hundreds of square meters across each vessel, protecting against various threats, some of which are unique to the maritime environment.

A unique installation approach that was demonstrated as part of the Type 26 delivery will allow for simple and cost-effective integration into the Hunter class frigates.

The Hunter frigates, to be built at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, include a large flight deck, an integrated mission bay and hangar that will be able to support a range of manned and unmanned maritime systems, and unique sonar capabilities.

According to a statement: “Plasan’s world leading armour technology, flexibility and innovation has helped to secure this important programme.

“The quality and production processes within Plasan underpin the confidence that has been shown in selecting Plasan’s solution utilising Australian steel.”

Picture: Plasan