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.
Subsequent Defence White Papers released in 2013 and 2016, and a Defence Strategic Update released in 2020 did not radically change the force structure of the Royal Australian Navy and repeated a modest number of 2 landing helicopter docks, 12 diesel-electric submarines 12 frigates and destroyers and 12 OPVs. However, following the formation of AUKUS in 2021, the release of the Defence Strategic Review in 2023 and the subsequent Independent Surface Combattant Fleet Review in 2024, the Royal Australian Navy is now set to grow to a much larger size not seen since the end of the Second World War. It is set will include a 8 nuclear-powered attack submarines; 20 frigates and destroyers; 6 missile-armed large optionally-crewed surface vessels; 6 OPVs and 8 patrol boats. This significant increase is set to be completed some time in the 2040s.
Future vessels
The following is a list of vessels currently ordered or under construction for the Royal Australian Navy:
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 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.[8][9][10] 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.[11] 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.[12]
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.[13] 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.[14] Future potential upgrades include the integration of the SM-6 and the acquisition of the Naval Strike Missile as a replacement of the RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile. The government will invest up to $5.1 billion in upgrades to the Hobart-class destroyer combat management system upgrades at Osborne from 2024.[15]
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$35billion 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.[16] Construction will begin in Adelaide, South Australia in 2020.[17] Australian shipbuilding company ASC Shipbuilding will become a subsidiary of BAE Systems Australia for the duration of the build.[18] It was announced in February 2024 that only six Hunter Class Vessels would be built and would serve alongside three Upgraded Hobart Class vessels forming the Navy's 'Tier 1' vessels.[19]
Tier 2 Force
With the announced changes to the future Navy's Force Structure discussions around what would form the components of the class, or classes, comprising the 'Tier 2' force.[19][20] While the announced changes included increasing the surface fleet from 11 to 26 vessels the majority of the change would come from within this 'Tier 2' force - a combined 17 vessels in this category.[21] The 17 vessels would comprise of six new "optionally crewed" vessels to "significantly enhance" the Navy's long-range strike capabilities along with a fleet of 11 'general purpose frigates' with designs from Japan, South Korea, Germany and Spain being considered.[21][19][20]
Amphibious warfare
HMAS Canberra in 2016
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 shipJuan 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 HMASCanberra and HMASAdelaide, 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. HMASTobruk 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 RFALargs Bay, which entered service in December 2011 as HMASChoules.
In November 2023, defence companies Austal and Birdon announced that they would be building landing craft. They would be built at the Henderson Shipyard in WA. [22]
The RAN's main patrol force is the Armidale class. The first of these, HMASArmidale, was commissioned in June 2005, and was the first of fourteen. HMASGlenelg, the last ship of the class was commissioned in 2008. Two ships have been decommissioned. HMASBundaberg in 2014 as a result of extensive damage caused by a fire and HMASPirie in 2021.[24]
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.[25] 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.[25] 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. It was determined that this class would be reduced, both in terms of vessel count down from 12 to 6, but also in role with their focus shifting to civil maritime security operations.[26][27]
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 two Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels in a mine counter-measures configuration.[28][29] This was expanded in the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and 2020 Force Structure Plan released on 30 June 2020 for up to 8 vessels optimised for mine countermeasures and hydrographic survey roles potentially based on the Arafura design.
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.[31] 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.[32] 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 $25billion. The submarines are expected to be capable of carrying long-range cruise missiles and midget-subs.[33]
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 $35billion.
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.[34]
SSN-AUKUS
On 15 September 2021, Australian, US, and UK leaders announced the AUKUS agreement which included the construction of nuclear powered submarines for the RAN replacing the previous plan to acquire 12 French designed diesel-electric powered Attack-class submarine[35] A specific plan for the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines was outline in March 2023 and will proceed in three phases.
In the first phase RAN personnel will be trained by the US and UK, while Australia develops submarine shipyard infrastructure and maintenance facilities. Starting in 2027 the US and UK will deploy Virginia-class and Astute-class submarines to Australia as part of "Submarine Rotational Force West". The second phase, starting from 2032, will then see the RAN acquire three Virginia-class submarines, with the option to acquire two more. The final phase will involve Australia and the United Kingdom jointly developing the SSN-AUKUS. Australia will build five SSN-AUKUS boats by 2055 and eight by the mid 2060s.[36][37]
The RAN currently has two ships used for afloat support/replenishment at sea: HMASSupply and HMASStalwart. Supply, replaced the former support ship HMASSuccess in April 2021, while Stalwart replaced the fleet oiler HMASSirius in November 2021. Supply and Stalwart are based on the Navantia built Spanish Navy's replenishment vessel Cantabria.[40]
The 2020 Defense Strategic Update And 2020 Force Structure Plan announced the planned procurement of two new additional 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.[41] The two announced multi-role sealift and support ships - Project Sea2200 - would be domestically built and replace HMAS Choules and enhance the logistical support of the RAN. [42] As of May 2022 BMT Group was the sole company having submitted a proposal based on their ELLIDA design, adapted from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary designated as Tide Class, however the Damen Group reportedly had also shown interest in submitting a design based on their joint support ship class.[43]
Fleet Air Arm
One of the RAN's MRH-90s in 2011
The Fleet Air Arm is currently an all rotary winged organisation. The RAN operates 6 MRH-90 helicopters shared with the Australian Army,[44] and 23 MH-60R "Romeo" Seahawk helicopters.
The US government has approved a possible sale of up to 12 additional MH-60R helicopters to the RAN. This is part of the RAN plan to expand and rationalise its support and logistics helicopter fleet by replacing the 6 MRH-90s and operating only one type of helicopter to ease maintenance and training.[45][46] In May 2022, the Morrison government announced that it would purchase 12 MH-60Rs to replace the MRH-90 fleet and a 13th to replace a MH-60R that was ditched in the Philippine Sea in October 2021.[47][48] In September 2022, the Albanese government placed an order for 12+1 MH-60Rs.[49]
List of major projects
(Updated to reflect changes made in the Defence Capability Plan – June 2011 Supplement)
JP 2048 – Amphibious Deployment and Sustainment program
HMASPerth successfully completed trials of ASMD upgrade in July 2011.
The upgrade of the other seven Anzac-class frigates has been given government approval.[51] 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.
SEA 1905 is the acquisition of a further two Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels in a mine counter-measures configuration.[28]
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.[28]
SEA 2200 - Future joint support ship
Initial designs sought for two joint support ships to replace HMAS Choules and be construct domestically.[43]
1 2 Department of Defence (2 May 2009). Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030. Commonwealth of Australia. pp.72–3. ISBN978-0-642-29702-0. OCLC426475923.
↑ Prime Minister Scott Morrison; Minister for Defence Peter Dutton; Minister for Defence Industry, Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price (9 May 2022). "Securing our national security and local defence jobs and skills". Liberal Party of Australia (Press release). Archived from the original on 9 May 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is the naval force of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The professional head of the RAN is Chief of Navy (CN) Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AM, RAN. CN is also jointly responsible to the Minister of Defence (MINDEF) and the Chief of Defence Force (CDF). The Department of Defence as part of the Australian Public Service administers the ADF.
The Anzac class is a ship class of ten frigates; eight operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and two operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). During the 1980s, the RAN began plans to replace the River-class destroyer escorts with a mid-capability patrol frigate and settled on the idea of modifying a proven German design for Australian conditions. Around the same time, the RNZN was seeking to replace their Leander-class frigates while maintaining blue-water capabilities. A souring of relations between New Zealand and the United States of America in relation to New Zealand's nuclear-free zone and the ANZUS security treaty prompted New Zealand to seek improved ties with other nations, particularly Australia. As both nations were seeking warships of similar capabilities, the decision was made in 1987 to collaborate on their acquisition. The project name is taken from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps of the First World War.
HMAS Parramatta is an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). One of ten warships built for the RAN and Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) based on the MEKO 200 design, Parramatta was laid down in 1999, launched in 2003, and commissioned into the RAN in 2003. During her career, the frigate has been deployed to the Middle East on several occasions. In early 2015, Parramatta was docked to undergo the Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) upgrade. She completed these upgrades in April 2016.
HMAS Stuart is an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). She was built at Williamstown in Victoria, and commissioned into the RAN in 2002. The frigate is operational as of 2021.
HMAS Sydney was an Adelaide-class guided-missile frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The frigate was one of six modified Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates ordered from 1977 onwards, and the third of four to be constructed in the United States of America. Laid down and launched in 1980, Sydney was named for the capital city of New South Wales, and commissioned into the RAN in 1983.
HMAS Anzac is the lead ship of the Anzac-class frigates in use with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). Entering Australian service in 1996, the frigate operated as part of the INTERFET peacekeeping taskforce in 1999. In 2003, she was involved in the Battle of Al Faw, and became the first RAN ship to fire in anger since the Vietnam War.
HMAS Arunta is an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The ship, named for the Arrernte people, was laid down in 1995 and commissioned in 1998. Since entering service, Arunta has performed a wide range of duties, including border protection patrols in northern Australian waters, and several deployments to the Persian Gulf.
HMAS Perth is an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The last ship of the class to be completed, she was built by Tenix Defence and commissioned into the RAN in 2006. In 2007, Perth became the first major warship of the RAN to be commanded by a woman. During 2010 and 2011, the frigate was used as the testbed for a major upgrade to the Anzac class' ability to defend themselves from anti-ship missiles.
HMAS Toowoomba is the seventh Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). She was laid down in 2002 by Tenix Defence and commissioned in 2005.
HMAS Warramunga is an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). One of ten frigates built for the Australian and New Zealand navies, Warramunga was laid down by Tenix Defence in 1997 and commissioned in 2001. During her career, the frigate has operated in the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst, and undertaken anti-piracy operations off Somalia. Warramunga underwent the Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) upgrade during 2014. She is active as of October 2022.
HMAS Ballarat is an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The frigate was laid down in 2000 and commissioned into the RAN in mid-2004. Since entering service, Ballarat has been involved in border protection as part of Operation Relex II, was deployed to the Gulf for Operation Catalyst, and was one of the two ships involved in the Operation Northern Trident 2009 round-the-world voyage. Ballarat has undergone the Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) upgrade, completing in 2015.
The Hobart class is a ship class of three air warfare destroyers (AWDs) built for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Planning for ships to replace the Adelaide-class frigates and restore the capability last exhibited by the Perth-class destroyers began by 2000, initially under acquisition project SEA 1400, which was re-designated SEA 4000. Although the designation "Air Warfare Destroyer" is used to describe ships dedicated to the defence of a naval force from aircraft and missile attack, the destroyers are expected to also operate in anti-surface, anti-submarine, and naval gunfire support roles.
The Fleet Air Arm (FAA), known formerly as the Australian Navy Aviation Group, is the division of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) responsible for the operation of aircraft. The FAA was founded in 1947 following the purchase of two aircraft carriers from the Royal Navy. FAA personnel fought in the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and participated in later conflicts and operations from host warships.
The Adelaide class of six guided missile frigates was constructed in Australia and the United States for service in the Royal Australian Navy. Two were later sold to the Chilean Navy. The Adelaide class was based on the United States Navy's Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates, but modified for Australian requirements. The first four vessels were built in the United States, and the final two were constructed in Australia. The first ship entered service in November 1980.
The Canberra class is a ship class of two landing helicopter dock (LHD) ships built for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Planning to upgrade the navy's amphibious fleet began in 2000, based on Australian experiences leading the International Force for East Timor peacekeeping operation. With a new climate for growing Australian Navy spending, a desire existed for forward defence capability for landing and supporting troops on Asian territory, that had never existed in Australian history, even with the old Majestic-class light fleet carriers, HMAS Melbourne and HMAS Sydney in the 1970s. In 2004, French company Direction des Constructions Navales (DCN) and Spanish company Navantia were invited to tender proposals, with DCN offering the Mistral-class amphibious assault ship and Navantia proposing the "Buque de Proyección Estratégica" design. The Spanish design was selected in 2007, with Navantia responsible for construction of the ships from the keel to the flight deck, and BAE Systems Australia handling the fabrication of the combat and communications systems. Finally, Siemens (Germany) supplied and fitted the azimuth thrusters.
The Arafura class is a class of offshore patrol vessels being built for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Initially proposed in the 2009 Defence White Paper and marked as procurement project SEA 1180, it was originally planned that 20 Offshore Combatant Vessels (OCV) would replace 26 vessels across four separate ship classes: the Armidale-class patrol boats, the Huon-class minehunters, the Leeuwin-class survey vessels, and the Paluma-class survey motor launches. Although having a common design, the ships would use a modular mission payload system to fulfill specific roles; primarily border patrol, mine warfare, and hydrographic survey. The 2013 Defence White Paper committed to the OCV project as a long-term goal, but opted in the short term for an accelerated procurement of an existing design to replace the Armidales, and life-extension refits for the other types. This resulted in the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) project and the number of vessels reduced to 12. However, this was further increased to 14 when 2 further Mine Counter Measures variants were proposed under SEA 1905.
HMAS Canberra (L02) is the first ship of the Canberra-class landing helicopter dock in service with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and is the second largest in the Navy, succeeded by its sister ship HMAS Adelaide (L01). Construction of the ship started in Spain in 2008, with the hull launched by Navantia in 2011. The hull was then transported to Australia in late 2012 for completion by BAE Systems Australia. Canberra was commissioned on 28 November 2014.
The Hunter-class frigate is a future class of six heavy frigates for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to replace the Anzac class.
HMAS Flinders(FFG) is the second ship of the Hunter-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy.
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