The government has released its blueprint for a surface combatant fleet for the Royal Australian Navy, doubling the size of the surface combatant fleet under the former government’s plan.
This follows consideration of the recommendations of the independent analysis of the surface combatant fleet, commissioned in response to the Defence Strategic Review.
The Review stated that Australia's strategic circumstances require a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet, complemented by a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
The independent analysis of Navy’s surface combatant fleet lamented the current surface combatant fleet was the oldest fleet Navy has operated in its history, and emphasised the need for immediate action to boost Navy’s air defence, long-range strike, presence and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
“The enhanced lethality surface combatant fleet will ensure the Navy is optimised for operations in our current and future environment, underpinned by the meticulous assessment conducted by the Independent Analysis Team," said Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister.
“Australia’s modern society and economy rely on access to the high seas: trade routes for our imports and exports, and the submarine cables for the data which enables our connection to the international economy. The Royal Australian Navy must be able to ensure the safety and security of our sea lines of communication and trade routes as they are fundamental to our way of life and our prosperity.”
In line with independent analysis’ recommendations, Navy’s future surface combatant fleet will comprise 26 major surface combatants consisting of:
- Three Hobart class air warfare destroyers with upgraded air defence and strike capabilities.
- Six Hunter class frigates to boost Navy’s undersea warfare and strike capabilities.
- 11 new general purpose frigates that will provide maritime and land strike, air defence and escort capabilities.
- Six new Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels (LOSVs) that will significantly increase Navy’s long-range strike capacity.
- Six remaining Anzac class frigates with the two oldest ships to be decommissioned as per their planned service life.
The Government has also accepted the independent analysis’ recommendations to have 25 minor war vessels to contribute to civil maritime security operations, which includes six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). The Hunter class frigates will be built at the Osborne shipyard in South Australia, and will be followed by the replacement of the Hobart class destroyer. The Hobart destroyers will be upgraded at Osborne with the latest US Navy Aegis combat system.
The new general purpose frigate will be accelerated to replace the Anzac class frigates, meaning the Transition Capability Assurance (TransCAP) upgrades are no longer required.
These new general purpose frigates will be modern, capable and more lethal, requiring smaller crews than the Anzac.
Consolidation of the Henderson precinct is currently underway, as recommended by the Defence Strategic Review. Successful and timely consolidation will enable eight new general purpose frigates to be built at the Henderson precinct, and will also enable a pathway to build six new Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels in Western Australia.
Budget
The government plans to inject an additional $1.7 billion over the Forward Estimates and $11.1 billion over the next decade in Defence for an accelerated delivery of Navy’s future surface combatant fleet and to expand Australia’s shipbuilding industry.
This comes on top of the Albanese Government’s investment of an additional $30.5 billion to Defence’s Integrated Investment Program out to 2032-33.
This additional $11.1 billion of funding for the future surface fleet alone brings both acquisition and sustainment investment in the fleet to $54.2 billion in total over the next decade.
Note: In-depth analysis and background information to come from ADM journalists shortly.