Designed as a multi-mission ship, the Hunter-class destroyer can perform a variety of missions such as anti-submarine and surface warfare as well as perform surveillance and intelligence gathering missions. In addition, the ship is also capable of providing humanitarian relief and carrying out defense operations.
Previously, Australia signed a contract to build a Hunter-class destroyer with BAE Systems Maritime Australia (a subsidiary of BAE Systems) in December 2018. The total value of the contract is estimated at more than $25 billion, a significant investment to ensure the Royal Australian Navy remains at the forefront of maritime defense capabilities. The construction phase of all Hunter-class destroyers is expected to last 20 years, with the goal of putting the first ship into operation in 2034.
In terms of specifications, the Hunter-class destroyer is 151.4m long, 21.3m wide and has a full-load displacement of 8,800 tons. Equipped with a CODLOG hybrid propulsion system (combining diesel engines, gas turbines and electricity), the ship can travel at a speed of 50km/h, with a range of 12,964km. The Hunter-class destroyer is integrated with the domestic CEA phased array radar, the Aegis combat management system, and has a flight deck for helicopters and fixed-wing drones.
* Ukraine launched the Bulava suicide UAV
At the Eurosatory 2024 Army Weapons Exhibition taking place in Paris, Ukraine introduced the latest suicide unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) model called “Bulava”.
The Bulava suicide UAV was introduced by Ukraine at the Eurosatory 2024 Army Weapons Exhibition. Photo: Army Recognition
This UAV also has an export version called “Mace”. The launch of the new UAV model shows significant progress in the Ukrainian defense industry.
Developed by the Ukraine – Czech Republic joint venture UAC, Bulava has an X-shaped design and carries a 3.6kg thermobaric warhead. This drone can attack targets within a range of 60km. With a wingspan of 1.6m wide and 1.5m long, Bulava has a weight of 11kg and a flight ceiling of 2,000m. Equipped with an electric motor, this UAV can fly at a speed of 100km/h and remain in the air for more than 50 minutes.
Bulava is equipped with an encrypted communication module and CRPA antenna, making the platform resistant to electronic warfare. The vehicle uses MESH technology to transmit data via relay drones and can be operated directly by the operator or via satellite coordinates. This UAV is also equipped with an optical station with day and night thermal imaging channels to help detect and track targets and perform high-precision attacks even in poor visibility conditions.
Bulava is designed to perform a variety of missions, including target reconnaissance, precision strikes, and the destruction of ammunition depots and fortified positions. The aircraft’s maneuverability is enhanced by its X-shaped tail, providing stability and precision during flight and attack.
The development of the Bulava UAV is part of the strategy to modernize Ukraine’s armed forces. In addition to Bulava, Ukraine also introduced other advanced unmanned vehicle models at the exhibition such as Magura V5 and Raybird.
Quynh Oanh (Synthetic)