Australia to respond to surface fleet review in 2024
The delay in publishing Ausralia's surface fleet review indicates there is a struggle going on at the top of the Ministry of Defence about how to best proceed (Photo: Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Twitter/X)
The Australian government will receive the much-anticipated independent Royal Australian Navy surface fleet review today, but will not publish the document or its response until next year.
Responding to questions in a TV interview with ABC on 28 September 2023, the Australian deputy prime minister and minister of defence, Richard Marles, stated: 'The Government will work through its processes in pretty short shrift to provide a response to that over the next few months… in the early part of next year.'
By taking an extended period of time into 2024 to make a decision about the review it is clear that the government has difficult decisions to make. However, taking extra time to deliver a response goes against the clear need for urgency - as indicated in
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Raytheon will develop an advanced naval sensing and targeting system for DARPA]()
Raytheon will develop an advanced naval sensing and targeting system for DARPA
RTX’s solution for DARPA’s Pulling Guard programme is intended to provide advanced maritime defence technologies to protect platforms against uncrewed surface vehicles and other threats.
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
-
![Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant]()
Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
