Gabby Costigan took the helm of defence giant BAE Systems Australia almost three years ago, running a company entrusted with one of Australia's biggest ever defence undertakings, the $45 billion Future Frigates shipbuilding project.

It is building nine of its Type 26 global combat ships for the Royal Australian Navy, incorporating several major changes, including a home-grown radar, Lockheed Martin's Aegis combat system and Saab's locally developed tactical interface.