Unless their are some really major announcements next year I think the weapons configuration of the Hunters has already been determined. We have 32 VLS to be filled with ESSM, SM-2, SM-6 and probably Tomahawks with NSM to replace Harpoons.
I am not sure if we will still be going with the Phalanx CIWS but I would argue that the advent of cheap drones may well see this system retained ahead of larger calibre weapons or close in missile systems.
Interestingly the mast of the Hunter will actually be constructed at Henderson. Not that surprising really considering it will be largely made out of aluminium. This is one of those projects that is probaably a lot more significant than it might first seem since that mast is freaking huge and no doubt contributes a lot to the top weight of the vessel.
BAE Systems Australia’s shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia, has taken the first steps in constructing the proof-of-concept mast for the Hunter Class Friga
www.asdnews.com