The Independent Analysis of the RAN Surface Fleet was commissioned by the government earlier this year after the much-anticipated Defence Strategic Review (DSR) declined to make substantive recommendations about the fleet.
Led by Vice Admiral William Hilarides USN (ret) the review, which delivered its report on September 29th, was tasked with assessing the future surface force structure of the RANs surface fleet in the wake of AUKUS. While the exact terms of reference remain classified, it’s understood that the review was primarily tasked with weighing the improved anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities delivered by the Navy’s future nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSN), with the future surface fleet’s heavy emphasis on ASW capabilities.
Speaking in May, Defence Minister Richard Marles said that the future SSNs represented a “dramatically different capability,” that had “obvious implications” for the overall structure of the Navy.
More, Smaller Ships?
One recommendation made about the Navy by DSR was for it to pursue a fleet made up of an “optimal mix” of “Tier 1” and “Tier 2” surface combatants.
While there is no official definition of either term “Tier 1” is broadly understood to refer to large, high-end capabilities such as the Australian Navy ’s Hobart-class destroyers. In contrast, “Tier 2” vessels are understood to be smaller, less capable, and cheaper than their “Tier 1” brethren with the Navy’s fleet of eight Anzac-class frigates currently filling the role.
Under current plans, the “Tier 2” Anzac-class frigates will not be replaced “like-for-like” with another “Tier 2” system. Instead, they’ll be initially supplemented, and later replaced by nine “Tier 1” Hunter-class frigates.
It’s widely expected that the government’s response to the Independent Analysis of the RAN Surface Fleet will include cuts to, and the possible cancellation, of the Hunter class program to free up money and workforce for a “Tier 2” fleet of corvettes or light frigates.
Companies Circle Requirement
Despite the lack of an official requirement a number of companies have publicly raised their ability to meet any future “Tier 2” requirement. These include Babcock Australasia, BAE Systems, Navantia Australia and Luerssen Australia.
In addition, Naval News understands that several other companies, including South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Hanwha Ocean, are awaiting the outcome of the review before deciding to pursue any future requirement.
Another possibility is that Australia may decide to procure a variant of the Constellation class frigate, either directly from American shipyards, or incorporating a domestic build. The rationale being that, with much of the design work already complete to acceptable U.S. standards, it may allow the quicker delivery of capability.
Babcock Australasia
Naval News understands that Babcock intends to offer its proven Arrowhead 140 design to the Royal Australian Navy should a “Tier 2” requirement eventuate. The design, variants of which are slated to enter service with the British, Polish and Indonesian Navies, is on the larger end of “Tier 2” offerings to the RAN at 138 metres long boasting a maximum displacement of around ~7000 tonnes.
In August, the Australian Financial Review reported that Babcock had pitched the ship to both the Australian and New Zealand Navies for a combined program to replace both navies’ Anzac class frigates.
“Capable of operating with a core crew of only 100 people, Babcock’s Arrowhead frigate would allow the Royal Australian Navy to deploy more capability with a significantly smaller crew,” Babcock Australasia chief executive Andrew Cridland was reported as saying.
BAE Systems
BAE Systems, who are currently building the Hunter class frigates, are understood to have signalled their interest in supporting any future requirement. In particular, Naval News can reveal, the company intends to pitch its Adaptable Strike Frigate concept to the RAN during Indo Pacific 2023.
The Adaptable Strike Frigate, first unveiled during Euronaval 2022, is described by the company as part warship and part container ship. According to BAE, it can carry more than 20 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers inside a modular mission bay. Danish company SH Defense, which manufactures “The Cube” modular system, has previously worked with BAE systems on the concept.
Separately, BAE is understood to have submitted a proposal to the government wherein three of the planned Hunter class frigates would be completed as air warfare destroyers, with between 100 and 150 vertical launch system cells.
Navantia Australia
Navantia Australia, meanwhile, has reportedly offered the Australian Navy a variant of its parent company’s Alfa 3000 design with delivery by 2029 if built in Spain or 2032 if built domestically. Uniquely the offering, with a reported price tag of around AUD 5 billion, is linked with a separate offer by the company to build a further three Hobart class destroyers.
While the exact specifications of the offering are unclear, the Alfa 3000 variant on order for the Royal Saudi Navy (RSN) boasts 16 VLS cells in addition to a 76mm main gun, two 20mm remote weapons systems, torpedos and 35mm CIWS.
Luerssen Australia
Luerssen Australia , who are currently building 12 Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessels for the RAN, proposed a variant of its C90 Corvette design to the Navy.
The design being proposed, a variant of that currently being built for the Bulgarian Navy, is on the smaller end of the potential offerings at around 2,300 tonnes. However, it’s understood to be heavily armed with 16 strike-length VLS cells, 8 surface-to-surface missiles, torpedoes and a variety of other weapons systems.
Naval News understands that the basis of any potential pitch to the government revolves around the ability to transition the established Arafura supply chain and workforce into the C90.
This, Naval News understands, would lead to the first ship being delivered before the end of the decade if the solution was to be selected.
A Stop-Gap Solution?
Even if the government signs a contract for a “Tier 2” combatant next year, it is unlikely that any company will be able to deliver a sustainable number of operational hulls before the early 2030s, by which time the Anzacs age will be showing. Given that, it’s widely anticipated that the RAN may seek to up-arm its Arafura class OPVs, which currently lack even a main gun.
Earlier this year, Naval News reported on Rafael’s containerised C-Dome air-defense system, which is reportedly being offered to the Australian Navy for the Arafuras. In addition, documents obtained under freedom of information laws last year reveal that the Australian Department of Defence is actively examining the option of fitting the vessels with up to four Naval Strike Missiles (NSM).
The Arafura reference design, Brunei’s Darussalam class has provisions for a variety of weapon systems not selected by Australia, including four Exocet anti-ship missiles and a 57mm main gun.
