Craig International Ballistics to build bulletproof windows for first three Hunter class frigates
A Gold Coast company has been awarded a contract to build ballistic protection windows for the $45bn Hunter Class Frigate Program.
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A Gold Coast company has been awarded a contract to build ballistic protection windows for the $45bn Hunter Class Frigate Program.
Arundel-based Craig International Ballistics will supply the transparent armour for the first three of the six naval warships, which are under construction for the Royal Australian Navy by British group BAE Systems in South Australia.
Craig International Ballistics will manufacture dozens of windows for each vessel, as well as the frames for the windows and the wiper systems.
Each of the six window types will have unique protective qualities, including ballistic protection, fire retardant properties and noise reduction.
The contract, for an undisclosed sum, follows an earlier win for the local company, which received a $30m order for its body armour products from the Australian Defence Force earlier this month.
BAE Systems Australia Maritime managing director Craig Lockhart, said Australian companies had benefited from more than 60 per cent of the spend on the project to date.
“We’re committed to maximising Australian industry participation in this truly national shipbuilding endeavour,” he said.
“The Hunter class frigates will be among the most advanced and capable warships in the world and companies such as Craig International Ballistics will deliver cutting edge equipment to these warships which maintains its stealth capabilities and well as significantly improving its survivability.
Craig International Ballistics CEO James Craig said the company was delighted with the deal, which has been in the works since 2020.
“Craig International Ballistics is delighted to supply transparent armour and wiper systems for the Hunter class frigates currently being built in Australia,” he said.
“As an Australian manufacturer of ballistic protection solutions, we take great pride in providing BAE Systems Maritime Australia and navy with high-quality products that are specifically designed to safeguard our navy personnel.
“Our whole team is very proud of the work we do here on the Gold Coast, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with BAE Systems and the Australian Defence Force.”
The first frigate in the six-vessel Hunter class fleet is due to be delivered in 2024, with the last due in 2043.
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