BMT has entered into an exclusive partnership with BAE Systems Australia to compete for the sustainment of the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac-class frigates under the Commonwealth’s open tender process.
The new partnership, dubbed “DSC–West,” is built around the established naval sustainment capabilities located at the Henderson maritime precinct in Western Australia. The collaboration combines BMT’s engineering and design heritage with BAE Systems’ longstanding operational role in Anzac Class support.
A notable feature of the bid is the inclusion of Australian Maritime Technologies (AMT), now part of BMT’s global organisation. AMT has supported Anzac Class vessels in both the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) from their design inception to in-service phases. Its continued relationship with original designer ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems further deepens the team’s technical reach.
“This partnership represents a significant step forward in delivering outstanding sustainment outcomes for the Anzac Class,” said Graeme Nayler, Regional Business Director at BMT. “With AMT’s extensive experience now part of the BMT organisation, we offer a truly integrated and capable team ready to support the Commonwealth in achieving enduring operational performance.”
Rob Dunbar, Managing Director of AMT, added: “We’re proud to now be part of the wider BMT group and to be partnering with BAE Systems on this important program. By leveraging our historical knowledge and our strong relationship with TKMS, we’re well placed to ensure the continued performance of the Anzac Class fleet.”
BAE Systems Australia, which has been involved with the Anzac Class for over 30 years, sees the collaboration as a way to build sovereign capability.
“This teaming arrangement with BMT supports the continued growth of Australia’s sovereign defence capability in collaboration with local industry,” said Paul Berryman, Acting Managing Director of BAE Systems Australia – Maritime. “We remain committed to working with the Commonwealth to ensure the fleet is capable, lethal, and ready.”
Unlike traditional Technical Support Networks or generalist approaches, the BMT–BAE Systems–AMT model aims to offer integrated, low-risk delivery, underpinned by established design authority and deep platform knowledge. The team says this will ensure performance, certification, and through-life vessel integrity for the Anzac fleet.
The Commonwealth’s decision on the Anzac Class Design Support Contract is expected later this year.
