No easy options: Australia's navy faces complex surface fleet choices
There appears to be a consensus that the Hunter-class frigate project is likely to be cut from nine ships to three under the DSR's report into the Royal Australian Navy's surface combatant fleet. (Photo: BAE Systems)
As part of Australia’s Defence Strategic Review (DSR), a report into the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) future surface fleet force structure was directed to be completed separately. Shephard examines its likely outcomes and how Australia might balance capability with affordability
Led by an ex-US Navy admiral, the ‘Independent Analysis into Navy's Surface Combatant Fleet’ will be submitted to government at the end of September and is designed to review RAN warship requirements and ensure they align with plans to introduce new nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) in the next decade.
The DSR called for a fleet mix of Tier 1 and Tier 2 ships to provide a larger number of smaller vessels. But once the government receives the report from former VAdm William Hilarides the Department of Defence will have to develop a series of alternative options to meet its future requirements.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract]()
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.
-
![Royal New Zealand Navy outlines modernisation goals]()
Royal New Zealand Navy outlines modernisation goals
The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has a crunch time coming up as it looks to refresh its fleet before 2040, and prepares to begin operating Sikorsky MH-60R helicopters, although it is at the back of a long ordering queue. A key part of any solution is looking at what neighbouring Australia is buying.
-
![US Coast Guard awards contracts for the construction of up to 150 aids to navigation vessels]()
US Coast Guard awards contracts for the construction of up to 150 aids to navigation vessels
Agreements with Inventech Marine Solutions and North River Boats cover the acquisition of trailerable aids to navigation boats and cutter boats - aids to navigation – small.
