BAE Systems Maritime Australia has just inked a deal with Ultra Maritime to outfit the Hunter class frigates with its Surface Ship Torpedo Defence (SSTD) system. This isn’t just another tech contract—it’s a strategic move to beef up Australia’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) game. Each frigate will get a suite of advanced acoustic detection and countermeasures, turning these warships into torpedo-fighting machines.
The SSTD system isn’t just about detection—it’s about outsmarting threats. Using sonar and decoys, it doesn’t just spot torpedoes; it advises crews on the best evasive tactics, like zig-zags or hard turns, to dodge incoming threats. It’s like having a tactical genius on board, crunching acoustic signatures to call the shots in real time.
Ultra Maritime isn’t new to this. Already contracted to deliver the Bow Sonar for the Hunter class, the company is no stranger to the program. But this new deal takes things further. It’s not just about hardware—it’s about integrating a full “sense to effect” capability. That means detecting, analysing, and neutralising threats in one seamless flow.
Andy Coxall, Delivery Director at BAE Systems Maritime Australia, put it bluntly: “The Hunter class frigates are a critical capability for protecting Australian shores and safeguarding the accessibility of ship lanes and undersea cables that our nation depends on.” He’s right. In an era where undersea cables are the lifeblood of global communications and commerce, protecting them isn’t just a military priority—it’s an economic one.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Ultra Maritime isn’t just delivering tech—it’s shaping Australia’s sovereign defence capability. By partnering with local suppliers, the Hunter class program is doing more than building warships. It’s building an industry. Coxall highlighted that this collaboration strengthens the national defence supply chain, ensuring Australia isn’t just buying tech—it’s growing it.
Jonathan Sadleir, Vice President and General Manager of Ultra Maritime’s Australia business, echoed this sentiment. “Ultra Maritime is proud to provide the Royal Australian Navy with a full sense to effect capability that keeps ships and crews safe from the torpedo threats.” But he didn’t stop there. He pointed to the bigger picture: “Leveraging global expertise, Ultra Maritime is positioned to support future maritime programs for AUKUS while continuing to grow and develop Australia’s sovereign undersea warfare capabilities.”
This deal isn’t just about the Hunter class. It’s a stepping stone for Australia’s broader defence strategy, particularly in the context of AUKUS. As tensions in the Indo-Pacific rise, the need for advanced ASW capabilities becomes non-negotiable. Ultra Maritime’s tech isn’t just about defending ships—it’s about securing Australia’s maritime dominance in an increasingly contested region.
The real question is how this will ripple across the industry. Will other nations follow Australia’s lead, investing in local defence tech to bolster their own ASW capabilities? And how will this shape the global defence supply chain? One thing’s for sure: Ultra Maritime just became a key player in the game.