Australia: They need a frigate design but will almost certainly go with the hull used in the Hobart - by the time they've got the hang of building 'em, they'll want to capitalise on their experience.
I would be very disappointed if this is the case.
SEA5000 (or Future Frigate) isn't due for a First Pass Approval (meaning Govt has decided a new frigate project will go ahead, but not on the type) until 2019-2021.
Then the options will be examined and and a choice of design is to be made in 2022-2024. This is the published RAN/Aust Govt timetable, the next is just speculation.
If history is any guide (Anzacs and Hobarts) construction will begin 2-3 years later in 2025-2027, and after a 2-3 year build a 2026-2030 commission for the first of class. This matches a 30 year service life of HMAS
Anzac which commissioned in 1996.
By this point the Hobart will have been in service 12 years (fingers crossed) and the F100 design itself will be getting on for 35 years old, having been ordered by the Spanish Armada in 1997. For comparison, it would be like putting a brand new Type 22 or Oliver Hazard Perry into service today.
Further, the gap between the commissioning of the last Hobart DDG in 2018 (planned) and starting construction on the first Future Frigate in my speculated 2025-2027 is at least 7 years. Enough time to lose any corporate experience gained by ASC on the Hobarts, assuming ASC gets the contract to build the Future Frigates.
The F100 design is fine now and for the near future, but it is an utterly conventional CODAG direct drive platform that makes no allowances for improvements in propulsive technologies or hull forms that will be far more mature in 2022 when the decision is made, or increases in power requirements of weapons and sensors that would suit an IEP.
Having said all that, if the F100 is reliable and economical to run, easy to maintain and upgrade, then it wouldn't be a bad platform in 2026.
If the RNs procurement plans aren't completely screwed by budget cuts and the first Type 26 commission is still on track for the planned 2020 date, then there is even time for the RAN to undertake an in-service evaluation of the Type 26's suitability for the SEA5000 requirements by Year Of Decision in 2022-2024.