Austal, Civmec and Navantia Australia have announced a partnership aiming to propose the delivery of six corvettes to the Australian Government in recognition of the Navy’s need for increased strike capability.
Designed by Navantia, the corvette combines the manoeuvrability of a Tier 2 vessel, with the weaponry of a major surface combatant.
The corvettes require a smaller crew than larger ships and include sovereign capabilities such as the Saab Australian combat system and CEA Technologies radars.
The three companies have been collaborating to develop a detailed proposal since November 2022. The proposal was first presented to the Commonwealth in response to the Defence Strategic Review (DSR) and independent analysis of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet. The three companies are updating and expanding the proposal, now named the Tasman Class corvette.
The corvettes would be constructed entirely in Henderson, Western Australia, with production able to start rapidly as the design is based on a proven design referencing the proven Avante class family.
The corvette will be built for endurance and range, allowing effective regional force projection, greater seakeeping capabilities, and enhanced strike capabilities through NSM Anti Surface launchers and MK-41 vertical launch system cells.
They would also integrate existing Australian payloads, including the Saab 9LV combat management system, the CEA FAR OPVR radar, and the MH60-R Seahawk helicopter.