On 14 December 2018, Defence signed the Head Contract with ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd (now known as BAE Systems Maritime Australia, a subsidiary of BAE Systems Australia Ltd) to build the Hunter Class frigates (HCF) under Project SEA 5000 Phase 1.
On 20 June 2024, Defence amended and signed the Head Contract with BAE Systems Maritime Australia to include construction of the first 3 Hunter Class frigates.