Australia releases blueprint for expanded naval surface fleet
A batch of nine Hunter-class frigates has been cut to six vessels by the Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet review. (Photo: BAE Systems)
The much-anticipated Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet review has allocated billions of dollars towards enhancing the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet.
Australian has released its long-awaited Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet review. Emphasising firepower and increased hull numbers, the independent review’s recommendations will generate the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) largest surface warship fleet since WWII.
Ending months of speculation, the 24-page document appeared on 20 February, 10 months after the Defence Strategic Review.
Australia defence minister Richard Marles claimed the plan was “fully funded”. In addition to billions already budgeted for surface warships over the next decade, another A$11.1 billion (US$7.2 billion) will be allocated, and the government claimed defence spending would reach 2.4% of GDP by the 2030s.
Overall,
Access this article and other Decisive Edge Newsletter news content with a free basic account
Create account
You will also get one free Premium News article each week
Already have an account? Log in
More from Decisive Edge Newsletter
-
![US Air Force tests low-cost method to defeat surface vessels from the air]()
US Air Force tests low-cost method to defeat surface vessels from the air
The demonstration was conducted under the QUICKSINK programme in partnership with the US Navy.
-
![Eurofighter looks to fly integrated new systems in Typhoon next year]()
Eurofighter looks to fly integrated new systems in Typhoon next year
The first representative Eurofighter Typhoon flew in 1994 and entered operational service in 2003. Two decades later the company is working to ensure the platform’s relevance beyond the middle of the century.
-
![BAE to build more M109A7s as the search goes on to extend range]()
BAE to build more M109A7s as the search goes on to extend range
The M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPH) entered full rate production in 2020 and the most recent order brings the total contract value to almost US$3 billion.
-
![Elbit Systems looks to enhance automation for Israeli artillery systems]()
Elbit Systems looks to enhance automation for Israeli artillery systems
Automation efforts on the Roem and Sigma howitzers will maintain a ‘man in a loop’ configuration as the Israeli company focuses on the export market.
-
![Australia’s ‘Top Gun’ exercise in Top End reaches unprecedented scale in face of Chinese military build up]()
Australia’s ‘Top Gun’ exercise in Top End reaches unprecedented scale in face of Chinese military build up
Fast-jet exercise focuses on interoperability and cooperation between allies amid growing regional security concerns in the Asia-Pacific region.
-
![US Space Force bets big on the use of AI to improve its capabilities]()
US Space Force bets big on the use of AI to improve its capabilities
The service has been conducting several acquisition and upgrading efforts involving artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve communication, data analysis and ISR systems.
