Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

No easy options: Australia's navy faces complex surface fleet choices

14th September 2023 - 01:00 GMT | by Tim Fish in Auckland

RSS

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