Anschütz clears CDR for Hunter-class frigate navigation systems

March 19, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Anschütz has passed the critical design review (CDR) for its Warship Integrated Navigation and Bridge Systems (WINBS) on the Royal Australian Navy’s Hunter-class frigates.

The CDR is a decisive checkpoint in naval systems development, confirming that the design satisfies all technical, operational, and safety requirements. For mission-critical systems such as the WINBS, the review assures that the architecture, interfaces, and redundancies are robust enough to perform reliably in demanding operational environments.

A defining feature of Anschütz’s WINBS for the Hunter class is its integration with the Aegis combat management system. This allows navigational data to be seamlessly shared across the ship, enhancing situational awareness and supporting tactical decision-making. In modern naval operations, such interoperability between navigation and combat systems is vital for real-time data fusion and operational effectiveness.

The WINBS incorporates a suite of core components designed for the Australian Navy, including multifunctional naval radar systems that blend navigational and tactical capabilities. Officers can access a consistent maritime picture and navigational functions from any location on the bridge or in the operations room, thanks to versatile consoles and intuitive user interfaces.

Anschütz brings a wealth of experience to the Hunter program, having delivered WINBS solutions for the UK Royal Navy’s Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, the German Navy’s F125 and K130 classes, and Brazil’s Tamandaré-class frigates.

With the CDR complete, Anschütz is moving into the production and integration phase. The company has also established Anschuetz Australia, a local subsidiary designed to support the Hunter-class program and strengthen collaboration with domestic industry.