Right about the time that The British Government was looking at a replacement for the Type 21 in 1980, the Australian Government made contact to find out the parameters of the replacement. After a designs studies were submitted the RN after the input of the RAN selected the the Jersey Class as the design to move forward with. The first Jersey Class were built for the RAN, with 6 delivered between 1982 and 1987 (builds slotted in with RN orders.
This delay did cause the Australian Navy several issues with Ship numbers, but the risk was considered worth the reward. VT also began work on new Yard in Melbourne in 1984 to work on upgrade and possible future orders with eyes on the upcoming New Surface Combatant competition.