BMT and BAE Systems to jointly bid for Anzac-class frigate design support contract

May 19, 2025, by Aida Čučuk

UK’s design house and technical consulting firm BMT has entered an exclusive partnership with BAE Systems Australia, a subsidiary of the UK’s aerospace and defense company BAE Systems, to bid for the Anzac-class frigate design support contract, currently the subject of an open Commonwealth tender.

Through this partnership, known as ‘DSC–West,’ BMT and BAE Systems Australia reportedly seek to meet the needs of Anzac-class sustainment, “offering both the ‘know-how’ and ‘know-why’ critical to platform performance and longevity.”

According to BMT, a key strength of this collaboration is the inclusion of Australian design and marine engineering consultancy Australian Maritime Technologies (AMT), which has joined BMT as part of its broader global organization. As stated, AMT brings with it a history of support to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Anzac-class vessels, from design inception to in-service support, and retains a working relationship with the original ship designer, German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), “further enhancing the depth and technical reach of the partnership.”

BMT noted that the partners’ combined expertise provides an integrated model that “reduces platform-related delivery risk, enhances performance outcomes, and ensures integrity and certification throughout the vessel’s lifecycle,” claiming: “Together, the partnership stands ready to deliver superior sustainment, agile technical support, and future-proof capability enhancements – ensuring the Royal Australian Navy receives value, assurance, and excellence in through-life support.”

Commenting on the bid, Graeme Nayler, Regional Business Director at BMT, said that the partnership represents “a significant step forward in delivering outstanding sustainment outcomes for the Anzac Class,” adding that with AMT’s experience now part of the BMT organization, the company is “ready to support the Commonwealth in achieving enduring operational performance.”

Rob Dunbar, Managing Director of AMT, expressed pride in being a part of the wider BMT group and in partnering with BAE Systems for the bid, while Paul Berryman, Acting Managing Director of BAE Systems Australia – Maritime, stressed: “This teaming arrangement with BMT supports the continued growth of Australia’s sovereign defence capability in collaboration with local industry. BAE Systems has been involved with the Anzac Class for over three decades, and we remain committed to working with the Commonwealth to ensure the fleet is capable, lethal, and ready.”

In other news, BMT partnered with compatriot company Atlas Elektronik UK (AEUK) to advance autonomous maritime navigation by using the synthetic environment assurance service (SEAS) testbed. Moreover, together with Japan Marine United (JMU), it was contracted by Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) to design and build the next-generation high-speed landing craft to be operated by the Japan Self Defense Force (JMSDF).

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As for recent developments at BAE Systems, it is worth mentioning that the company signed a cooperation agreement with Norwegian defense company Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace aimed at fostering further close industrial collaboration to support the defense requirements of Norway and the UK. Additionally, it received equipment-related contracts from different customers.

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