CEAFAR (a version of) has already been integrated into the much smaller ANZAC class frigates, so I suspect it's not really the drama it's often portrayed as. Similarly the work undertaken by SAAB Aus on the CEAFAR-AEGIS interface doesn't seem to get many mentions when project delays are discussed (publicly).Jensy wrote: ↑22 Sep 2023, 08:17Tomuk has answered you better than I could. I was referring almost entirely to the integration of CEAFAR, which seems to have been poorly planned.SouthernOne wrote: ↑22 Sep 2023, 03:16 Hunter class a "shambles". Why? Yes its running behind the originally promised schedule (as do most if not all large defence programs), but seems to be progressing at the same pace as the Canadian CSC program which is also using the BEA GCS hull as the basis for a full spectrum warship. Had the BAE GCS design been more mature (ie already constructed with sea trials finalised) when it was selected for these programs, both would probably be more advanced, but that's a separate issue, as is BAE's lack of experience with AEGIS and CMS330.
The Italian Navy's FREMM variant is also a well rounded ship using a hull "optimised" for ASW, as will be the USN Constellation class.
I must say some local Australian media/interest groups appear determined to portray it in a negative light, for whatever motivations...
As for the FREMM derivatives, from what has been seen in competitions Type 26 ASW is on a different level. Sufficiently so that mature defence ministries are willing to take a punt on it, over the 15 year older Franco-Italian design. The US competition was structured in such a way that Type 26 simply couldn't compete. Constellation is about a similar to either original FREMM as a Spruance is to a Ticonderoga Class.
Aegis might not be something the UK uses but the US division of BAE has a pretty extensive exposure from their work for the AEGIS Technical Representative organisation. knowledge and skills that I'm sure could be leveraged locally in Osborne as other global primes do.
Im not sure criticism of the Hunter class in Aus is really that heated, if compared to UK reports on the Type 26 though.