The name ‘frigate’ originated in the days of sail and usually described a ship with a single gun deck. The modern frigate was developed by the Royal Navy during the Second World War to overcome the sea-keeping, speed and range limitations of its principal escort and anti-submarine warfare vessels, the Flower-class corvettes (similar to the Australian-built Bathurst-class corvettes). Australian and British Second World War frigates were comparable with the United States Navy’s destroyer escorts.
The Royal Australian Navy currently operates seven 3600-tonne, 118-metre Anzac-class frigates. The frigates have missiles, a helicopter, torpedoes, a 5-inch gun, and radar, sonar, detection and protection systems. Powered by combined-diesel-or-gas engines, they are capable of over 27 knots and offer a range of 6000 nautical miles at 18 knots. A typical complement is 22 officers, 140 sailors and up to 16 others (often air crew).
Two new classes of frigate have been announced: the Hunter-class (due in the early 2030s), and general-purpose frigates. These frigates will enhance the Royal Australian Navy’s anti-submarine and anti-air warfare capabilities.