RAN landing helicopter docks achieve FOC
The Royal Australian Navy’s fleet of landing helicopter docks have achieved final operational capability, the Australian Department of Defence announced on 12 November.
The two Canberra-class vessels, Canberra and Adelaide, are homeported at Garden Island, Sydney. At 230m long and with a speed of more than 20kt, the 27,500t ships have the ability to support six helicopters and four small landing craft that are able to carry the Australian Army’s M1A1 main battle tank.
The vessels are designed to provide support for amphibious operations such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and amphibious warfare.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said: ‘The Australian Defence Force’s amphibious capability is an integral part of Australia’s strategic posture and this milestone is another step in navy’s roadmap to delivering amphibious excellence.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
-
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.