Future of the Royal Australian Navy

This article needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (September 2016)

The Royal Australian Navy, although a significant force in the Asia-Pacific region, is nonetheless classed as a medium-sized navy. Its fleet is based around two main types of surface combatant, with limited global deployment and air power capability. However, in 2009, a white paper, Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030, was produced by the Australian government which set out a programme of defence spending that will see significant improvements to the RAN's fleet and capabilities.

Future Vessels[]

The following is a list of vessels currently ordered or under construction for the Royal Australian Navy:

Class	Ship	Pennant No.	Builder	Type	Displacement	Launched	Commissioning	Status
Supply class	Stalwart	A304	Navantia, Ferrol	Auxiliary oiler replenishment	19,500 tonnes	30 August 2019	2021	Awaiting commission
Arafura class	Arafura		ASC Shipbuilding, Osborne	Offshore patrol vessel	1,640 tonnes	2021	December 2021[1]	Under construction
						2022	March 2023[2]	Under construction
			Civmec, Henderson			2023	May 2023[1]	Under construction
						2024[3]	February 2024[1]	Under construction
							December 2024[1]	Ordered
							June 2025[1]
	TBD						April 2026[1]
	TBD						January 2027[1]
	TBD						October 2027[1]
	TBD						June 2028[1]
	TBD						March 2029[1]
	TBD						December 2029[1]
Cape class	TBD		Austal, Henderson	Patrol boat, general	300 tonnes		2021	Under construction
	TBD						2021	Under construction
	TBD						2022	Under construction
	TBD						2022	Ordered
	TBD						2023
	TBD						2023
Hunter class	Hunter		BAE Systems Australia and ASC Shipbuilding, Osborne	Frigate, guided missile	8,800 tonnes		2031	Ordered
	Flinders
	Tasman
	TBD							Planned
	TBD
	TBD
	TBD
	TBD
	TBD
	TBD		Osborne	Nuclear attack submarines				Planned
	TBD
	TBD
	TBD
	TBD
	TBD
	TBD
	TBD
Other Future Vessels
Mine countermeasures vessel class[4]	TBD			Mine Countermeasures Vessel	N/A
	TBD
	TBD
	TBD
	TBD
	TBD
	TBD
	TBD
Multi-role sealift and replenishment vessel class[5]	TBD				N/A
	TBD
Pacific Step-Up Support vessel[5]	TBD				N/A
ADV Ocean Protector replacement[5]	TBD				N/A
Salvage and Repair vessel[5]	TBD				N/A
Sail training ship[5]	TBD				N/A

Surface Combatants[]

Anzac-class FFH[]

The Anzac class is the main surface combatant of the Royal Australian Navy. The first unit was commissioned in 1996 and the last entered service in 2006. Starting in November 2003, all eight frigates underwent extensive upgrades under Project SEA 1448 Phase 2, the Anzac Ship Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade. Completed in two phases, the following systems were upgraded and installed:

• Upgrade to the Saab Systems 9LV 453 Combat Management System.
• Installation of a SAGEM Vampir NG Infra-Red Search and Track System capable of detecting anti-missile and low-flying aircraft near land.
• Installation of an Australian CEAFAR S-band phased array radar and CEAMOUNT X-band multi-channel phased array missile illuminator to deliver enhanced target detection and better tracking, allowing Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles to engage multiple targets simultaneously.
• Installation of an I-Band navigation radar to replace existing target indication and Krupp Atlas 9600 radar systems.

Final Operating Capability is scheduled for October 2017.^[6][7][8] The vessels are expected to remain in service until 2032 where they will be replaced with up to nine frigates designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare.^[9] Further upgrades under the so-called AMCAP upgrade include the replacement of the ageing Air Search Radar capability with the new CEAFAR L-band long-range air search radar. Designed and produced by CEA Technologies, this new radar technology will also be part of the combat system on board the Hunter-class Frigates which will replace the Anzac class frigates. Other major work as part of AMCAP upgrade include:

• Upgraded ventilation systems; new sewage systems;
• Improvements to the Control and Monitoring System;
• Engine modifications to improve power and efficiency;
• New communications suite (SEA1442);
• Upgraded LESCUT;
• Upgraded AN/SLQ-25C torpedo self-defence systems; and
• Technical insert for the Saab 9LV 453 combat management system moves its operating system from Windows to Linux.^[10]

Hobart-class DDG[]

The most significant project recently completed for the RAN are three Hobart-class air warfare destroyers to replace the Adelaide-class frigates. Although the 2009 Defence White Paper and original contract suggested that a fourth ship may be ordered, the 2016 Defence White Paper concluded that only three would be built. Each destroyer will be fitted with the Aegis combat system and will be based on the F100 design by Spanish shipbuilding company Navantia. Each vessel will be fitted with cruise missiles and the SM-6 anti-aircraft missile. Hobart was commissioned on 23 September 2017, with the following vessels to be delivered in 2018 and 2019. The destroyers are being built by ASC Pty Ltd, although the project involves a significant amount of work sub-contracted to other companies and locations.^[11] The destroyers are to be named Hobart, Brisbane and Sydney. Future upgrades to this class includes an upgraded Aegis Combat System with an Australian developed tactical interface which will be the same as on the Hunter class FFG.^[12] Future potential upgrades include the integration of the SM-6 and the replacement of the RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile.

Hunter-class FFG[]

With the Anzac-class frigates due to begin retiring in the late 2020s, work on a replacement program has begun. The program is expected to cost AU$35 billion and a request for tender for the vessel design was released in March 2017 to three contenders: Navantia, Fincantieri, and BAE Systems as part of a competitive evaluation process. In June 2018, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced that a variation of the BAE design had been selected as the preferred tender for the Hunter-class frigates.^[13] Construction will begin in Adelaide, South Australia in 2020.^[14] Australian shipbuilding company ASC Shipbuilding will become a subsidiary of BAE Systems Australia for the duration of the build.^[15]

Amphibious Warfare[]

The RAN's amphibious capabilities was greatly increased by a new class of two Canberra-class amphibious vessels. These ships, based on Navantia's Strategic Projection Ship (later commissioned into the Spanish Navy as Spanish ship Juan Carlos I), displace approximately 27,000 tonnes, can transport 1,000 personnel and 150 vehicles, and can transport these ashore through landing craft carried in a well deck, or helicopters, with up to six operating simultaneously from each ship's flight deck. The new ships, named HMAS Canberra and HMAS Adelaide, their hulls were built at Navantia's shipyard in Spain, then transported to BAE Systems Australia (BAE acquired Tenix Defence after contract awarded) facilities at Williamstown, Victoria for finishing. The two ships replaced the Kanimbla-class amphibious vessels. HMAS Tobruk was to be replaced by a strategic sealift vessel of 10,000 to 15,000 tons displacement, which will provides the capacity to transport equipment, supplies, helicopters, and soldiers into zones of operation, and embark or disembark these without port facilities. .In the 2016 defence white paper it revealed that HMAS Choules would fulfill this role. Following the early decommissioning of both Kanimblas and Tobruk being out of action, multiple ships were purchased and or leased to cover the lack of amphibious capability. The RAN planned also replace the six Balikpapan-class heavy landing craft with six larger vessels. In mid-2011, the RAN acquired the former British Royal Fleet Auxiliary landing ship RFA Largs Bay, which entered service in December 2011 as HMAS Choules.

Minor Vessels[]

Between 1999 and 2003, the RAN acquired six Huon-class minehunters.^[16] Based on Intermarine's Gaeta-class minehunters, each ship is equipped with a variable depth sonar, and a pair of Bofors Double Eagle underwater clearance vehicles.^[16]

Up to the turn of the 21st century, the RAN's main patrol force was made up of the Fremantle class. However, these have been replaced by the new Armidale class. The first of these, HMAS Armidale, was commissioned in June 2005, and was the first of fourteen. These vessels are significantly more capable than the Fremantle class, and better equipped for a greater range of sea conditions.

The 2009 Defence White Paper announced that a new class of 20 offshore combatant vessels would replace the Armidale and Huon classes, along with the Leeuwin and Paluma-class survey ships.^[17] The multi-role ships are predicted to displace anywhere up to 2,000 tonnes, and may be equipped with a helicopter or unmanned aerial vehicle.^[17] However the 2016 Defense White Paper decreased the amount of planned vessels to twelve and stated that they would only replace the Armidales while the other classes would see life-extension work. Lurssen's OPV 80 design was chosen. The class was named Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV). The first ship will be named Arafura.

During the 2019 election campaign, Scott Morrison announced that one hydrographic survey ship and two minehunters would be constructed from the mid 2020s in the Henderson Shipyard Precinct Under SEA 1905 and SEA 2400. SEA 2400 Hyrdographic Data Collection Capability Program which includes the introduction of a Strategic Military Survey Capability(SMSB) to replace the Leeuwin-class survey vessels. While SEA 1905 is the acquisition of a further 2 Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels in a mine counter-measures configuration.^[18][19] This was expanded in the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and 2020 Force Structure Plan released on the 30 June 2020 for up to 8 vessels optimised for mine countermeasures and hydrographic survey roles potentially based on the Arafura design.

The Government announced that six evolved Cape class patrol boats from Austal to be built in Henderson, Western Australia will be acquired for A$350 million on 1 May 2020 to with deliveries expected to start from September 2021 to mid-2023 to boost patrol capability.^[20]

Submarines[]

The Collins-class submarines, the first of which entered service in 1996, are due to receive a major upgrade to their combat systems, with technology based on the US Navy's Virginia class. This new system will be introduced in conjunction with the new heavyweight torpedo.

In the longer term, the Collins-class submarines will begin to reach the end of their useful life in 2026.^[21] To meet an in-service date of 2026, advanced design work on the next generation of Australian submarines will begin by 2014–2015. The submarines are likely to be Australian-built, conventional submarines equipped with air independent propulsion and advanced combat and communications systems.^[22] Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon ordered planning to begin on the next generation of submarines to replace the Royal Australian Navy's Collins-class fleet. The 17-year project will be the largest, longest and most expensive defence acquisition since Australia's Federation, potentially costing up to $25 billion. The submarines are expected to be capable of carrying long-range cruise missiles and midget-subs.^[23]

According to the 2009 Defence White Paper, the submarine fleet is to be expanded to 12. The submarines will be equipped with cruise missiles and the world's most advanced torpedoes, sonars, combat systems, intelligence gathering systems as well as also being able to support special forces operations. The first submarine is expected to be in service by 2030. The 2009 White Paper predicted the cost of the new submarines at $35 billion.

Collins class[]

To avoid a capability gap prior to the anticipated entry into service of the first of 12 Attack-class submarines, Defence Minister Peter Dutton has confirmed that all 6 of the Collins-class submarines will undergo major life-of-type extensions (LOTEs). Approximately $6 billion would be invested in the program. It is expected to involve rebuilding each submarine once it achieves 30 years of service, with each upgrade scheduled to take approximately two years.^[24]

Attack class[]

In 2018, Naval Group's Shortfin Barracuda design was chosen as the design for the new vessels. It was announced that these vessels would be designated the Attack-class submarine with the first vessel was to have been named HMAS Attack. The Attack-class submarines were expected to replace the older Collins-class from mid 2030s. The project was cancelled on 15 September 2021 in favour of a nuclear powered submarine using US and UK nuclear submarine technology.

Nuclear attack submarines[]

On 15 September 2021, Australian, US, and UK leaders announced the AUKUS agreement which included the construction of nuclear powered submarines for the RAN. At least 8 are planned to be built.^[25]

Afloat Support[]

The RAN currently has two ships used for afloat support/replenishment at sea; HMAS Sirius is a fleet oiler, with a limited dry stores capability, while HMAS Success is a general dry stores/fuel replenishment vessel. The navy has initiated a project that will ultimately see two new purpose built vessels enter service by 2020. Sirius was purchased second hand (double hulled to meet new international regulations) in 2005 as MT Delos and converted to replace HMAS Westralia in 2006. Then, as Sirius reaches the end of its service life around 2018, a new vessel will be purpose built. At around the same time (approximately 2015), a replacement for Success will be constructed.

The Minister of Defence confirmed in March 2016 that Navantia had been selected to build the next two replenishment vessels. The project is expected to cost anywhere between $1 and $2 billion. Navantia had offered Australia a design based on the Spanish Navy's current replenishment vessel Cantabria, which entered service in 2011.^[26] The ships will be named HMAS Supply and HMAS Stalwart.^[27] Supply was launched at Ferrol on 23 November 2018.^[28]

The 2020 Defense Strategic Update And 2020 Force Structure Plan announced the procurement of two new multi-role sealift and replenishment ships, a replacement of the ADV Ocean Protector, a large salvage and repair vessel, a replacement for STS Young Endeavour youth training ship and a new vessel to support the Pacific Step-Up.^[29]

Fleet Air Arm[]

The Fleet Air Arm is currently an all rotary winged organisation. Previously 16 S-70B-2 Seahawks helicopters were the combat helicopters of the Air Arm. The Seahawks were being upgraded with FLIR and enhanced ECM, to improve both their surveillance and self-defence capabilities. In the 2009 Defence White Paper the Australian Government stated that it will urgently acquire at least 24 new naval combat helicopters.^[30]

The Navy's Sea Kings, which had been in service for twenty years, werebe replaced by MRH 90 helicopters modified for naval purposes by 2010. These aircraft were purchased as part a joint Army-Navy helicopter purchase.^[31] All 6 have been delivered.

The 2009 Defence White Paper, Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030, stated that the RAN needed to replace its 16 Seahawk helicopters with at least 24 new helicopters by 2014. In June 2011 the Australian government announced the purchase of 24 MH-60R "Romeo" Seahawk helicopters as a replacement for the S-70-B2. All 24 have been delivered.

List of major projects[]

(Updated to reflect changes made in the Defence Capability Plan – June 2011 Supplement)

• JP 2048 – Amphibious Deployment and Sustainment program
  • Phase 5: Balikpapan-class landing craft replacement – 6 new LCH design
    • RFI assessment completed. RFP to be issued early 2012.^[32]
    • As of 2019 no further developments.
• Sea 1000 – Design and Procurement of Future Submarine
  • Phase 1 & 2: Phase 1 (Design) and Phase 2 (Acquisition) has been combined. Decision not due until 2017–2020 or so.
• Sea 1180 – Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel.
• Sea 1360 – Maritime Extended Range Air Defence (Standard SM-6 for Hobart-class destroyer)
  • Phase 1: Project definition stage. Budget for capability reduced from $1–$2b to $500m-$1b.
• Sea 1439 – Installation of new combat system for Collins-class submarines
  • Phase 4A: Replacement Combat System.
    • Currently underway, IOC has been achieved and FOC expected by 2013.
    • Replacement system is the same AN/BYG-1v8 system fitted to the Virginia-class SSN.
  • Phase 4B: Weapon & Sensor Enhancements.
    • Currently underway.
  • Phase 6: Sonar Replacement.
    • Given first-pass approval.
• Sea 1448 – Anzac-class frigate capability upgrades
  • Phase 2B: Anzac-class Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade
    • HMAS Perth successfully completed trials of ASMD upgrade in July 2011.
    • The upgrade of the other seven Anzac-class frigates has been given government approval.^[33] The upgrade is due to begin early 2012 and be complete by 2017.
  • Phase 4A: ES system improvement given first-pass approval.
  • Phase 4B: AN/SPS-49 (Air Search Radar) replacement budget increased from $100–$300m to $300–$500m.
    • RFI released.
• Sea 1654 – Maritime Operational Support Capability
  • Phase 3: HMAS Success replacement
    • Keel laid for NUSHIP Supply on 18 November 2017, construction expected to be complete by 2020
• Sea 5000 – Future Frigate Program – ( Anzac-class frigate replacement)
  • Phase 1: Project definition stage. Contract awarded to BAE Systems Australia June 2018, 9 ships to enter service 2027 - 2042^[34]
• SEA 1905 is the acquisition of a further 2 Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels in a mine counter-measures configuration.^[18]
• SEA 2400 is the Hydrographic Data Collection Capability Program which includes the introduction of a Strategic Military Survey Capability(SMSB) to replace the Leeuwin-class survey vessels.^[18]

A full listing of all current Projects is available at the Defence Materiel Organisation website.

Recently completed projects[]

• JP 3030 – HMAS Choules procurement
• JP 2048 – Amphibious Deployment and Sustainment program
• Sea 4000 – Design and procurement of new Air Warfare Destroyers
• Air 9000 – Future Naval Aviation Combat System

See also[]

• Future of the Royal Navy
• Future of the Indian Navy
• Future of the Russian Navy

Notes[]