[1][2][3] Adelaide has the same physical dimensions as Juan Carlos I, but differs in the design of the island superstructure and the internal layout, in order to meet Australian conditions and requirements.

[5] Propulsion is provided by two Siemens Energy SiPOD 11-megawatt (15,000 hp) azimuth thrusters, each with an onboard electric motor, driving two 4.5-metre (15 ft) diameter propellers.

[4] The sensor suite includes a Sea Giraffe 3D surveillance radar, and a Vampir NG infrared search and track system.

[8][10] Construction of Adelaide began at Navantia's shipyard in Ferrol, northern Spain, during February 2010, when the first steel was cut.

[4][11] Fitting out of the ship progressed at a faster rate than expected, which brought the predicted commissioning date back to September 2015,[17] although this did not eventuate.[why?]

[20][21] In early 2016, Adelaide undertook post-commissioning trials and other activities as the ship was worked up to full operational status.

The vessel had attracted the attention of Maritime Border Command after loitering and circling more than 200 nautical miles off the southern coast of Australia.

[26] In September 2017, Adelaide sailed as part of the largest Australian task group to deploy since the early 1980s on Exercise Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2017.

Adelaide was accompanied by fleet oiler HMAS Sirius and a varying number of escorts, with a total of four frigates (Melbourne, Darwin, Toowoomba and Parramatta) sailing from Sydney on 4 September 2017.

[27] The last time such a large deployment of Australian warships went to sea was September 1980, led by the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne.

[29] On 18 January 2022, Adelaide departed from Sydney for Brisbane on its way to provide disaster relief to Tonga following the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha'apai eruption and tsunami.

[30] On 25 January, the Department of Defence confirmed that 23 crew members aboard the Adelaide had tested positive for COVID-19 while enroute to Tonga.