Plasan have signed a contract with BAE Systems Australia to armour the first three Hunter class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Plasan will deliver the armour in partnership with Australian steel manufacturer Bisalloy Steel Australia who will be responsible for the production of the ballistic steel under the contract. Plasan is currently providing composite armour for the Royal Navy Type 26 frigates. The unique installation approach that was demonstrated as part of the Type 26 delivery will allow for simple and cost-effective integration into the Hunter class frigates.
First steel was cut on prototype blocks in December 2021. This is to be followed in 2023 with first steel being cut on blocks that will actually be used in ships of the class. BAE Systems Australia will deliver nine Hunter class frigates to the RAN for anti-submarine warfare frigates, replacing the currently in-service Anzac class frigates. The Hunter frigates, to be built at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, will provide increased capability and flexibility through an innovative design that includes a large flight deck, an integrated mission bay and hangar that will be able to support a range of manned and unmanned systems, and unique sonar capabilities.
Over the last few years, Plasan has been developing armor systems to address the protection requirements of modern maritime vessels. These new advanced lightweight armor systems allowed Plasan to win major competitions held by Naval OEMs. Today, Plasan’s advanced composite armor is embedded in the world’s leading vessels, and we design and produce unique armor systems for new and modern designs of Frigates and Destroyers. The composite armor is distributed over hundreds of square meters across each vessel, protecting against various threats, some of which are unique to the maritime environment.
Plasan (incorporated as Plasan Sasa Ltd. and formerly as Plasan Sasa (ACS) Ltd.) is an Israeli based vehicle manufacturer. Plasan Sasa, established in 1985, manufactures custom-built vehicle armor systems and chassis up-armor designs as well as Add-On Armor Protection Kits for lightweight military trucks, fixed/rotary wing aircraft, commercial vehicles, and major supplier of personnel protection armor. With it’s patented composite material technologies, Plasan’s reinforced vehicle solutions are built by defense professionals for defense professionals, ensuring that the user’s survivability and functionality guide the entire design and production process.
