As previously suggested in ADM’s Defence Week Premium newsletter, the RAN is considering buying or leasing one of Britain’s Bay-class Landing Ships Dock (LSD), confirmed minister for defence Stephen Smith.

The Government will appoint an independent team of experts to develop a plan to address problems in the repair and management of the amphibious and support ship fleet.

Tourism operator Mary D Enterprises has selected Austal to design and construct a 35-metre high-speed monohull passenger ferry.

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith has outlined a range of problems with the ADF's amphibious capability during a keynote address at the ADM2011 Congress.

Assembly of the Mk32 Mod 9 torpedo launchers for the Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers is now underway at Babcock's Techport Australia premises.

New Zealand defence minister Wayne Mapp has met his Australian counterpart Stephen Smith in Wellington to discuss defence and security issues.

Austal has launched its largest catamaran to date, the Leonora Christina for Danish company Faergen (formerly Nordic Ferry Services).

Defence has announced that it will develop a comprehensive plan to transition from the existing amphibious support ships to the new Landing Helicopter Dock Ships.

Defence minister Stephen Smith recently responded to questions on the possible lease or purchase of an ex-UK Royal Navy Bay Class landing vessel.

Australian company Austal Ships will build 10 Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) for the US Navy (USN) under a contract awarded shortly before Christmas 2010.

Forecast International's 'The Market for Submarines' analysis projects that 111 submarines worth $106.7 billion will be produced from 2011-2020.

Thales Australia's in-service support contract for Defence's Maritime Tactical Wide Area Network under SEA 1442 Phase 3 is now operative.

The US division of Australian-headquartered Austal has been awarded a US Navy contract to construct one Independence Class Littoral Combat Ship.

The US Navy is hedging its bets on the Littoral Combat Ship, awarding both Austal and a Lockheed Martin-led team contracts for another 10 ships each.

HMAS Melbourne, which is currently serving in the Middle East, has been recognised as the best ship in the Royal Australian Navy fleet.

Lockheed Martin-Marinette Marine and Austal USA have agreed to extend their price guarantees for the Littoral Combat Ship until December 30 2010.