Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri launched the latest ship in the European FREMM frigate program from its facility in Riva Trigoso, south of Genoa, on February 4.

Considering the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability is the primary strategic purpose for the Sea 5000 Future Frigate acquisition, the pros and cons of the various tenders in this regard have received far less attention than other concerns.

In December 2017 the company committed to the BAE Systems Power and Propulsion Team.

The transfer ensures the design of the Hobart Class and its future developments will all be managed from Australia.

Fincantieri is offering a version of the FREMM for Defence’s Future Frigate program, to be delivered under Project Sea 5000 and known within the company as the FREMM-A (Australia).

This vessel will replace and expand the RAN’s existing hydrographic survey capabilities.

DB Santosolo is a leader in mechanical power transmissions for assurance critical applications in the mining, power generation, oil and gas, land and naval defence industries

Fincantieri is proposing to leverage its experiences gained in North America, including work on the US Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program, as part of its bid for the Sea 5000 future frigate program in Australia.

The past year has seen strong momentum maintained in the naval domain across surface and sub-surface capabilties and both in-service platforms and future assets.

The company has a long history partnering with Defence's Explosive Materiel Branch to provide specialist engineering, logistics and program management support.

At first glance, it looks like Defence did not like what it got back from the tender process in terms of teaming arrangements.

Saab Australia has its hands full with 9LV work and will need to double its workforce of software engineers.

Of particular note was the Commonwealth's decision to disregard the allegiances of bidders in making its final choice.

Government has announced a partnership between Austal, ASC, Civmec and Luerssen for the 12 Offshore Patrol Vessel build valued at $3.6 billion.

The shipbuilder is bidding for the Sea 1180 Offshore Patrol Vessel contract and is partnered with German designer and shipbuilder Fassmer with its OPV80.

This first phase of sea trials will test the ship’s propulsion, manoeuvring, control and navigation systems and will be followed by a more advanced phase of sea trials next year to test Brisbane's combat and communications systems.