I'm actually quite favourable to the LCM and LCHAustralia’s defence strategy is to deter aggression by projecting force in its northern approaches. There isn’t much point (given that strategy) having an army if it can’t get to those islands by sea. If the forces to be projected come from two places (e.g. Darwin and Townsville) then they would need to be moved by at least two vessels. 2 LHDs and an LPD can’t guarantee that so the ADF needs a larger littoral lift capacity than it has now.
You can certainly debate the strategy, and whether the Army should operate the watercraft, and whether the ADF could escort / protect two task forces but I would imagine both classes of vessel would be useful in benign environments outside of war and also before / after the hugh threat phases of a major war (and also that in coalition operations some of the force protection would be provided by others).
We have needed this sort of capability for decades.
Just find it interesting.
Army is acquiring a wider variety of capabilities yet is currently sacrificing numbers in other areas.
Its dynamic and may well be the right move for the future, but it must be acknowledged there is a lot of change.
Now add to the change this massive build up in capability for littoral manoeuvre.
Its actually a very big move.
Therefore it is of interest as to what the LCM and LCH will look like and therefore what capability they bring to the ADF.
Add to this the ambitious timetable to get these vessels into service.
So fair question to ask what is happening.
For the new LCM being the same size as our old LCH, one could surmise their capability would be similar in load out and range.
What details are available look very conservative in that area.
We should see some more information soon as the class enters production.
A working prototype should not be far from completion
The LCH Class of eight vessels in the 3000 / 5000t range regardless of shape is a major project.
Who would of thought we would get anything like this a few years ago.
What will this fleet carry.
The Army as is, or one that will expand down the track!!
More Boxers
More IFV's
More ????????
Interesting stuff
Cheers S