Surface Fleet Review
| Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Review | |
|---|---|
| Presented | 20 February 2024 |
| Signatories | Minister for Defence - Richard Marles Minister for Defence Industry - Pat Conroy |
| Subject | The Royal Australian Navy's surface fleet |
| Purpose | To determine the future of the RAN surface fleet |
The Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Review (or the Surface Fleet Review[1]) is an independent review of the surface fleet of the Royal Australian Navy, that was authorised as a result of the larger Defence Strategic Review. The review examines the future of the RAN and attempts to reconcile what has been a period of 'neglection' of the Navy.[2] The review was announced to the public on 20 February 2024 by Minister for Defence and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, as well as Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy.[3]
Background
[edit]The Surface Fleet Review, as well as the Defence Strategic Review, aim to counteract the increasing military power of a belligerent China.[4] This coupled with the major focus and prioritisation of the Australian Army over other branches has created a ground for focus on the neglected Royal Australian Navy.[2]
In 2019, the People's Liberation Army Navy had a fleet of 335 ships, 55% larger than in 2005.[5] Although Australia has a much smaller Navy, the SFR sets out a range of actions that Australia should take to increase the firepower and effectiveness of its naval assets.[6]
Recommendations
[edit]
| Program | Tier | Codename | Recommendation[7] | Agreed Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart-class destroyer | Tier 1 | N/A | Upgrade ship's Aegis, missile capability and radar |  |
| Hunter-class frigate | Tier 1 | SEA5000 Phase 1 | Reduce number from 9 to 6 vessels | |
| Hunter-class frigate | Tier 1 | SEA5000 Phase 1 | Adjust Hunter-class to be Tomahawk capable | |
| Hobart-class destroyer | Tier 1 | N/A | Commence planning for Hobart-class replacement to ensure safety for domestic ship industry | |
| General Purpose Frigate | Tier 2 | SEA3000 | Acquire at least 7, optimally 11 frigates, they will be built offshore then transferred to domestic building, use 4 frigates for the selection process | |
| General Purpose Frigate | Tier 2 | N/A | Upgrade Anzac-class to prevent capability gap whilst waiting for new GPFs |  |
Outcome and response
[edit]Enhanced Lethality Surface Fleet
[edit]
Upgraded Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD)
[edit]The Government plans to upgrade the Tier 1 Hobart-class destroyers.[8] The major upgrades include increasing the Aegis Combat System from Baseline 8 to 9, and possibly upgrading the radar system. The shipbuilders will also alter the missile cells so as to accommodate for more advanced missiles such as the Tomahawk, the Naval Strike Missile, and the SM-6 anti-ballistic missile.[7][9]
(SEA5000 Phase 1)[citation needed]
As a result of the review, the Government has agreed to make various concessions to the Hunter-class frigate program, the largest of which perhaps being the reduction of the total order of vessels, of which the Government has decided to procure 6 vessels instead of the original 9 that were planned.[10] The Government also followed the recommendation of the review to assess the feasibility of adapting the frigate to allow for the launching of the Tomahawk cruise missile.[citation needed]
(SEA3000)
In response to the ageing nature of the current Anzac-class frigates of the RAN and in accordance with the recommendations of the review, the Government has agreed to procure 11 'General Purpose Frigates'.[11] They are intended to form part of a 'tier 2' fleet, that is, be less expensive than their 'tier 1' counterparts (Hobart and Hunter classes) whilst still retaining adequate firepower, especially when it comes to Vertical launching system (VLS) cells. The GPF's will gradually replace the Anzac frigates as they come out of service, and the first batch are to be built in an accelerated manner overseas, and later transition to Henderson Naval Base for construction[12]. The Government has outlined 4 shortlisted ships to be considered for the program, these are:[13]
- German MEKO 200, same design used for Anzac-class frigates.[14]
- Japanese Mogami 30FFM stealth frigate.
- South Korean Daegu FFX/Chungnam FFX frigate.
- Spanish ALFA3000 corvette, the same design used before the review to advocate for a 'Tasman-class' corvette.[15]
Large Optionally-Crewed Surface Vessel (LOCV)
[edit]The Government will, as a result of the review, acquire six 'Large Optionally-Crewed Surface Vessels'. The main role is these vessels will be to act as missile boats, much like the Israeli Sa'ar 4.5-class missile boats, and will have 32 vertical-launch cells, but few close-in weapons.[16] The Government plans to collaborate with the US and their unmanned-vessel program, however it the intention for the Government to crew these vessels.[17]
The 32 VLS cells on the ship will allow the system to act as a launch arena for anti-ballistic missiles such as SM-3 and RIM-174 Standard ERAM as well as land-strike missiles and anti-air munitions.[17]
Minor War Vessels
[edit](SEA1180 Phase 1)
The review emphasised the belief that the Arafura-class is under-gunned and does not possess significant offensive or defensive capability, and as such, the Government has agreed to reduce the amount of Arafura vessels from the planned 12, down to six vessels.[18] The Government has also agreed to investigate whether the vessels could be used in a specialised role, such as mine countermeasure.[7]
The Government has agreed to use the Cape-class primarily as an Australian Border Force vessel, as well as manufacture capability on a number of the vessels that would prove useful to the Navy.[19] The Government has also agreed to put in place a framework that would allow for all Cape-class vessels to be under the overall responsibility of the Department of Defence, yet maintenance would be funded by the appropriate organisation (ABF or Navy).[20]
Summary
[edit]| Vessel | Type | Manufacturer | Quantity before | Quantity after | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart-class | Destroyer | ASC Pty Ltd | 3 (built) | 3 (built) | Upgrading capability, including Baseline 9 AEGIS[21] |
| Hunter-class | Frigate | BAE Systems | 9 | 6 | Less vessels, better capability[22] |
| General Purpose Frigate | Frigate | TBD | ~ | 11 | Plans to procure 11 frigates from overseas (then domestically built)[23] |
| Large Optionally-Crewed Surface Vessel | Optionally-Crewed Vessel | Overseas Henderson |
~ | 6 | Plans to procure 6 vessels that are optionally-crewed, and have 36 VLS cells, the ADF plans to crew them[24] |
| Arafura-class | Patrol boat | ASC Forgacs |
12 | 6 | Reduce number of vessels from 12 to 6, increase capability, explore options for specialised operations[25] |
| Cape-class | Border vessel | Austal | 18 | 18 | Increase capability of vessels for Navy use, bring both ABF and Navy variants under Defence control[26] |
Timeline of vessels
[edit]It is predicted that the Royal Australian Navy will operate the following ships among others in the mentioned year;[27][28]
2028
[edit]Tier 1
[edit]Tier 2
[edit]Tier 3
[edit]- Arafura-class OPV - Arafura, Eyre, Pilbara, Gippsland, Illawarra, Carpentaria
- Cape-class patrol boat - Fourcroy, Inscription, Otway, Peron, Naturaliste, Capricorn, Woolamai, Pillar
2033
[edit]Tier 1
[edit]Tier 2
[edit]- Anzac-class frigate - Toowoomba, Perth
- General purpose frigate - GPF 1, GPF 2, GPF 3, GPF 4
- Optionally-crewed surface vessel - OCSV 1, OCSV 2, OCSV 3, OCSV 4, OCSV 5, OCSV 6
2043
[edit]Tier 1
[edit]- Hobart-class destroyer - Hobart, Sydney, Brisbane
- Hunter-class frigate - Hunter, Flinders, Tasman, TBD, TBD, TBD
Tier 2
[edit]- General purpose frigate - GPF 1, GPF 2, GPF 3, GPF 4, GPF 5, GPF 6, GPF 7, GPF 8, GPF 9, GPF 10, GPF 11
- Optionally-crewed surface vessel - OCSV 1, OCSV 2, OCSV 3, OCSV 4, OCSV 5, OCSV 6.
Execution of the review
[edit]In May 2024, it was proven that the newest destroyer of the RAN, HMAS Sydney, was fitted with Naval Strike Missile launchers.[29] According to the SIPRI arms transfers database, Australia placed an order for an unknown quantity of the Block-1A NSMs with delivery to begin from 2024.[30] In July 2024, during Exercise RIMPAC, HMAS Sydney successfully fired its first NSM in the waters surrounding Hawaii.[31] Sydney contributed to the SINKEX of USS Tarawa with an NSM during RIMPAC 2024.[32]
The first ship of the Hunter-class frigate program, HMAS Hunter, had its steel-cut on 21 June 2024, and is expected to be launched in 2029-30.[28]
On 4 September 2024, Australia and Japan signed a deal to further collaboration on long-range missiles, especially for ship use. Australia agreed to allow Japan to use Australian missile testing ranges for Japanese experiments.[33]
Notes
[edit]External links
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Surface Fleet Review botches future frigate shortlist - Australian Defence Magazine". www.australiandefence.com.au. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
- ^ a b "As an island nation, why do we accept such a weak navy?". Australian Financial Review. 12 September 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
- ^ Lonergan, Thomas (22 March 2024). "Faster, cheaper ways to expand Australia's maritime firepower". The Strategist. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
- ^ Staff, U. S. Naval Institute (21 February 2024). "Report on Royal Australian Navy Surface Fleet Expansion". USNI News. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
- ^ www.nationaldefensemagazine.org https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2020/3/9/eagle-vs-dragon-how-the-us-and-chinese-navies-stack-up. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ Davis, Malcolm (20 February 2024). "The Navy gets bigger under the fleet review. But is it enough?". The Strategist. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
- ^ a b c https://www.defence.gov.au/about/reviews-inquiries/independent-analysis-navy-surface-combatant-fleet
- ^ "Plans revealed for Australia's future surface fleet - Australian Defence Magazine". www.australiandefence.com.au. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "Surface Fleet Review botches future frigate shortlist - Australian Defence Magazine". www.australiandefence.com.au. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "SA-built frigates sink from nine to six as costs blow out by $20 billion - InDaily". www.indaily.com.au. 20 February 2024. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
- ^ Dougherty, Robert (20 February 2024). "Australia commits to modern and lethal general purpose frigates". www.defenceconnect.com.au. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
- ^ Dougherty, Robert (20 February 2024). "Australia commits to modern and lethal general purpose frigates". www.defenceconnect.com.au. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ Freebairn, Tom (7 August 2024). "The General Purpose Frigate: An Opportunity for Japan and Australia". Defense Security Monitor. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ McLaughlin, Andrew. "End of an era as first Anzac-class frigate is decommissioned after 28 years of service". PS News. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ Luck, Alex (7 November 2023). "Navantia shows Tasman corvette, and destroyer aimed at RAN". Naval News. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ Trevithick, Joseph (20 February 2024). "Australia To Bet Big On Heavily Armed, Optionally Crewed Warships". The War Zone. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b Laird, Robbin (12 May 2024). "Royal Australian Navy Explores Autonomy and Optional Crewing: Eyes LUSV as Potential LOSV Solution". Second Line of Defense. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
- ^ "Luerssen responds to Arafura OPV cuts - Australian Defence Magazine". www.australiandefence.com.au. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
- ^ "Austal launches 7th Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat - Australian Defence Magazine". www.australiandefence.com.au. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
- ^ Bajkowski, Julian (20 February 2024). "Navy fleet rejig goes for more ships, fewer sailors, better missiles". The Mandarin. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
- ^ "ADF supports Aegis Baseline 9 BMD test - Australian Defence Magazine". www.australiandefence.com.au. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ "Surface Fleet Review botches future frigate shortlist - Australian Defence Magazine". www.australiandefence.com.au. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ "Project Sea 3000: What we know - Australian Defence Magazine". www.australiandefence.com.au. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ Garman, Liam (20 February 2024). "'Optionally crewed' vessels provide VLS firepower for Tier 1 combatants". www.defenceconnect.com.au. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ "Luerssen responds to Arafura OPV cuts - Australian Defence Magazine". www.australiandefence.com.au. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ "Austal begins work on Australia's 11th, 12th Cape/Evolved Cape-class vessels". Default. 26 June 2024. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ "Australia's New Combat Ships: Which vessels? How many? When?". YouTube. March 2024.
- ^ a b Kuper, Stephen (21 June 2024). "First steel cut for Hunter Class frigate". www.defenceconnect.com.au. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
- ^ "HMAS Sydney fitted with Naval Strike Missile - Australian Defence Magazine". www.australiandefence.com.au. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ "Arms transfer database". armstransfers.sipri.org. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ Defence Australia (21 July 2024). ADF | Naval Strike Missile HMAS Sydney successful firing. Retrieved 22 July 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "HMAS Sydney fires first Naval Strike Missile - Australian Defence Magazine". www.australiandefence.com.au. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ NEWS, KYODO. "Japan, Australia look to cooperate on long-range missile capability". Kyodo News+. Retrieved 12 October 2024.