The Australian Light Frigate is based on the design of the Taiwanese Navy’s two new light frigates, the design of which Gibbs and Cox are involved in. Naval News understands that both the AUSLF and Taiwanese designs draw heavily on the design heritage of the U.S Navy (USN) Constellation class, featuring a similar Combined Diesel-Electric and Gas (CODLAG) power and propulsion system.
The roughly 3,500 tonne frigate has been optimised for strike missions which comes with some tradeoffs in other areas. Unlike the reference Taiwanese design, which has 16 Mk. 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) cells and a main gun, the AUSLF omits the gun and instead uses the space to house 16 additional VLS cells for a total of 32 cells. These are split fifty/fifty between tactical and strike length cells for a total of 16 of each type.
Strike length cells are unique in their ability to handle the largest missiles compatible with the Mk. 41 VLS, including the BGM-109 Tomahawk long-range cruise missile, which Australia is also aquiring.
In addition to its hefty VLS payload, the AUSLF is also equipped with 24 Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) mounted amidships in box launchers. Above the hangar, which is able to handle a single MH-60R Romeo helicopter, there is space for either a Phalanx Close in Weapon Systems (CIWS) or SeaRam.
While not shown on the model displayed at Indo Pacific 2023, Naval News also understands that any production design would feature several remotely operated 30mm cannons, spread around the ship.
At this stage in the process, Naval News understands, the design hasn’t progressed to the point of deciding on a Combat Management System (CMS). However, should the design be selected by the RAN, it’s highly likely that it would be fitted with some combination of Saab 9LV and the Aegis combat system.
Update:
A Gibbs and Cox spokesperson told Naval News that the strength of their bid was it’s ability to deliver “serious combat power” in an “affordable ANZAC sized hull”.
“AUSLF is a true general-purpose frigate with strong performance across air, surface, and underwater domains. Our CODELAG GE LM2500+ propulsion solution offers 30+ knot performance combined with electric drive for quiet state ASW patrol and cruise efficiency.”
Our interview with Gibbs & Cox at Indo Pacific 2023:
