Babcock Australasia, Saab Australia selected as frigate capability life cycle manager for Anzac Class frigates

Naval – 02 September 2026 – By: Robert Dougherty

Anzac Class frigates HMA Ships Stuart and Ballarat sail through Sydney Harbour during the Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review 2026. Photo: POIS David Cox

Babcock Australasia, partnering with Saab Australia, has been selected as the frigate capability life cycle manager to deliver critical asset management, engineering, and supply chain services to ensure the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac Class frigates remain seaworthy, materially ready, and available into the future.

The new, five-year contract is valued at around $117.5 million. Babcock and Saab will work closely with Defence to manage the critical Anzac capability through the remainder of their life cycle as the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) transitions to a new fleet of surface combatants.

Offering proven asset management capability, Babcock and Saab’s partnership delivers unmatched knowledge of the Anzac Class platform and its combat system, as well as an established sovereign workforce.

The Babcock and Saab strategic collaboration reflects decades of warship sustainment experience at the Henderson maritime precinct.

“We are delighted to be continuing our longstanding support for critical maritime sustainment for the Royal Australian Navy from Henderson, Western Australia, in partnership with Saab,” Babcock Australasia acting CEO Leah Grantham said.

“Babcock is proud to deliver this vital work uplifting sovereign capability, creating local jobs, strengthening the economy and ensuring the Anzacs remain operational, seaworthy and ready to meet Australia’s defence needs now and into the future.

“Babcock remains steadfast in our commitment to Western Australia. We have been delivering critical programs and services for Defence there since 1991 and annually, contribute more than $250 million to the state, supporting more than 850 full-time equivalent jobs.”

Both companies have supported Anzac sustainment as key members of the Warship Asset Management Agreement and through Babcock’s long-term partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force as strategic maritime partner, maintaining 100 per cent of the Royal New Zealand Navy fleet. Babcock is also the Regional Maintenance Provider West (RMP-West), supporting the RAN deliver maintenance to the Anzac Class fleet and other vital vessels.