Countdown to construction
Australian industry is gearing itself up for a busy next few years as naval shipbuilding programmes firm up, part of a wider fleet regeneration programme that will see new OPVs, patrol boats and large fleet frigates added to its force.
An initial evaluation process to design a class of 12 new OPVs for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) saw three companies - Netherlands shipbuilder Damen, along with the German pair of Lurssen and Fassmer – shortlisted in April to compete for the deal. With much of the work due to be awarded to national shipbuilders Australian firm Austal are looking
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies
The programme’s structure as a marketplace will allow multiple companies to compete for ongoing procurements; an approach which could be replicated across the Atlantic.
-
Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress
Lawmakers question the US Navy’s proposed $2 billion investment in the Trump-class battleship as concerns over cost, technology maturity and operational relevance fuel growing bipartisan scrutiny on Capitol Hill.
-
Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200
On 24 June 2026, the German Ministry of Defence announced it was cancelling the F126 frigate programme in favour of procuring eight MEKO A-200 DEU frigates.
-
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.