RAN embarked UAS plans shift to future frigate and OPV
The Royal Australian Navy will continue to explore potential acquisition of embarked maritime unmanned air systems but as part of a proposed new flotilla of frigate and offshore patrol vessels rather than equipping its new air warfare destroyers which are already on order.
Australia’s new defence white paper, issued 2 May, says that the proposed new generation frigate, replacing the RAN’s existing ANZAC class ships, would have an integral ability to “embark a combination of naval combat helicopters and maritime UAS”. Eight of the ships would be built.
The white paper proposes construction of up to 20 new generation 2,000t
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