Rohde & Schwarz Finalises Preliminary Design Review For Hunter-Class Frigates' Integrated Communications

Rohde & Schwarz Australia, working with BAE Systems Maritime Australia (BAESMA), has completed the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the Integrated Communication System (ICS) that will equip the Royal Australian Navy’s Hunter-class frigates, marking a key programme milestone.

A PDR confirms design maturity by allocating requirements to sub-systems and defining an overall system architecture that captures all internal and external interfaces. The outcome sets the technical baseline for the next phase of development and integration.

Under the partnership, Rohde & Schwarz Australia and BAESMA will deliver the ICS — a multi-domain suite covering internal and external communications — for the first three Hunter-class frigates, including the NAVICS solution.

NAVICS is intended to serve as the “central nervous system” of the frigates’ communications, enabling integrated, resilient connectivity and the processing of classified information across multiple security domains.

"I'm proud to say the design deliverables were very well received, and good discussions were held with [BAESMA] and the Commonwealth on design direction for the next phase," said Rohde & Schwarz Australia Head of Programs (Navy) Paul Chisholm.

"The achievement of this milestone demonstrates Rohde & Schwarz Australia’s adherence to delivering on its commitments, with flawless execution and strong collaboration with BAESMA to ensure successful platform integration. The next significant phase of the program will culminate with the Critical Design Review (CDR) scheduled this Q2 and Q4 of 2026," he added.

To support delivery of the ICS, Rohde & Schwarz Australia has already doubled its engineering workforce and expects further growth as work on the Hunter Class Frigate Program (HCFP) progresses.

Rohde & Schwarz Australia Managing Director Gareth Evans highlighted the long-standing partnership with BAESMA: "This is an important step in the delivery of our ICS for the Hunter Class Frigate Program. The working relationship between Rohde & Schwarz, BAESMA and the Commonwealth has been extremely positive, as we work together to achieve our common objectives for the Royal Australian Navy."

rohde-schwarz.com