Australian Army Discussions and Updates

[ADMk2]

At a guess? At best a continuation of 2024, with increased focus on passive and cUAS systems. Likely direction that Army launchers are to shift to being more common - so that instead of buying a Patriot or Standard, we buy any SAM that will fit in a HiMARs pod. Or similar. That gives CJOPS options - and the threat doesn't know if it's a GMLR, AShM, SAM or hypersonic missile. And, lets not kid ourselves, a common launcher should be simple to build from an industry point of view.

I don't think there will be land based MR GBAD effect in service for a while; certainly not one capable of defending multiple points. I think all the FIC will be in place, and it will be a quick capability to raise, but the missile units will be the last pieces.

Sounds pretty reasonable, though I am unaware of any efforts to convert HIMARS into a common launch system, I doubt it would be difficult to do it.

I recall though that MR GBAD was to be deployed by the RAAF, not Army. Are they under similar constraints as Army when it comes to deploying new capability?

They don't seem to be, when it comes to shiny new aircraft...

 

[Takao]

Sounds pretty reasonable, though I am unaware of any efforts to convert HIMARS into a common launch system, I doubt it would be difficult to do it.

I recall though that MR GBAD was to be deployed by the RAAF, not Army. Are they under similar constraints as Army when it comes to deploying new capability?

They don't seem to be, when it comes to shiny new aircraft...

Ah, poor phrasing. Not necessarily converting the M142 to shoot a SAM, rather a common system that could shoot a SAM or a PrSM or a GLMRS. A common launcher with dedicated pods would be an excellent buy

I know there are discussions about who should 'own' it; I don't really care because the reality is that its a joint asset. Just because it's a Sqn doesn't mean it only defends air bases; likewise, just because it's a Regt doesn't mean it only defends Bdes. I think the workforce question is tricker (and adds to my 'don't really care'); getting that workforce is going to be hard. Technically adept, clever, significant initiative - the ADF of 2025 is more of that than ever, and it's just going to get more as we move through 2035. The days of uneducated people filling most of the force are increasingly long gone - even the RAInf and RACT (the lowest educational requirements) now need the skills to operate and maintain radios, drones, complex platforms as well as synthases multiple different feeds all while having to operate in a environment where they will need to think for themselves. But going back to SAMs, that workforce is competing with AFVs, aircrew, cyber, long range strike, engineers, frigates, submarines - a whole shedload of stuff that will probably have a higher priority

Going to remain tight-lipped on aircraft; I've never been as disillusioned with that attitude as I was in 2025/26.....

 

[Stampede]

Ah, poor phrasing. Not necessarily converting the M142 to shoot a SAM, rather a common system that could shoot a SAM or a PrSM or a GLMRS. A common launcher with dedicated pods would be an excellent buy

I know there are discussions about who should 'own' it; I don't really care because the reality is that its a joint asset. Just because it's a Sqn doesn't mean it only defends air bases; likewise, just because it's a Regt doesn't mean it only defends Bdes. I think the workforce question is tricker (and adds to my 'don't really care'); getting that workforce is going to be hard. Technically adept, clever, significant initiative - the ADF of 2025 is more of that than ever, and it's just going to get more as we move through 2035. The days of uneducated people filling most of the force are increasingly long gone - even the RAInf and RACT (the lowest educational requirements) now need the skills to operate and maintain radios, drones, complex platforms as well as synthases multiple different feeds all while having to operate in a environment where they will need to think for themselves. But going back to SAMs, that workforce is competing with AFVs, aircrew, cyber, long range strike, engineers, frigates, submarines - a whole shedload of stuff that will probably have a higher priority

Going to remain tight-lipped on aircraft; I've never been as disillusioned with that attitude as I was in 2025/26.....

Aircraft??????
Army, Navy or Air Force.
Takao
You have left us hanging.

Cheers S

 

[Bob53]

At a guess? At best a continuation of 2024, with increased focus on passive and cUAS systems. Likely direction that Army launchers are to shift to being more common - so that instead of buying a Patriot or Standard, we buy any SAM that will fit in a HiMARs pod. Or similar. That gives CJOPS options - and the threat doesn't know if it's a GMLR, AShM, SAM or hypersonic missile. And, lets not kid ourselves, a common launcher should be simple to build from an industry point of view.

I don't think there will be land based MR GBAD effect in service for a while; certainly not one capable of defending multiple points. I think all the FIC will be in place, and it will be a quick capability to raise, but the missile units will be the last pieces.

There is HIMARs pod launched SAMs?

 

[ADMk2]

There is HIMARs pod launched SAMs?

No, he was suggesting a common launcher that is agnostic as to what munition is inside it, is an idea we should be looking at.

But, I did find that surface-launched AMRAAM was test fired from a HIMARS, way back in 2009. It was said to be successful, but obviously the concept didn’t progress much further, possibly because air defence wasn’t the priority then, that it has become since…

Lockheed Martin's HIMARS Launcher Successfully Fires Air Defense Missile

A Lockheed Martin High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher successfully fired two Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) during a U.S. Army "common launcher" feasibility...

news.lockheedmartin.com

 

[Reptilia]

Be interesting to see how the trials go…

SeaTransport SLV commences sea trials - Australian Defence Magazine

SeaTransport's amphibious transport ship has commenced contractor sea trials ahead of delivery. It is also soon to enter service with the US military.

www.australiandefence.com.au

 

[Murse]

Be interesting to see how the trials go…

SeaTransport SLV commences sea trials - Australian Defence Magazine

SeaTransport's amphibious transport ship has commenced contractor sea trials ahead of delivery. It is also soon to enter service with the US military.

www.australiandefence.com.au

A design thats good to go and made locally. Why government didn't choose this for our LC fleet I dont know.

Any insider knowledge about why it didn't get the gig?

 

[Reptilia]

A design thats good to go and made locally. Why government didn't choose this for our LC fleet I dont know.

Any insider knowledge about why it didn't get the gig?

Risk probably, the Damen LST 100 is a proven platform.

 

[spoz]

One of the issues will be the need to turn at rest to present the stern to the beach during the approach phase. A ship doing that is at about its most vulnerable until actually on the beach; much better to drive straight in, offload, retract and then turn when well away from the beach and with your grunts (hopefully) safely ashore.

 

[MARKMILES77]

RAAF has the Ghost Bat.
RAN has the Ghost Shark.
Maybe Army should have the "Ghost Atlas"?

 

[Wombat000]

I saw a comment suggestion for naming it Ghost Spider.
It’s even got eight wheels!
I think it’d be a clever name.

 

[Volkodav]

I saw a comment suggestion for naming it Ghost Spider.
It’s even got eight wheels!
I think it’d be a clever name.

Maybe "Rock Spider" and we can export it to the US as the M-47?

It looks great. Imagine these screening motorised infantry?

 

[OldTex]

Perhaps a few should be bought so 1 Arm'd can do so experimenting (especially as they no longer have their tanks). Develop some CONOPS and TTPs for a future HAMEL/TALISMAN SABRE ( next one is just too soon).

 

[Reptilia]

Landing Craft Heavy contract signed - $4 billion.

Austal awarded ~$4 billion Landing Craft Heavy Contract by Commonwealth Department of Defence

www.austal.com

-The first tranche of these vessels will be constructed at the Common User Facility, before the program moves to a permanent location.

-As part of the Landing Craft Heavy program, the Government will also make available an initial $30 million for the Western Australian Government to commence early works for interim replacement facilities for non-Defence industries that utilise the Henderson Common User Facility (CUF) to ensure they are afforded ongoing access to infrastructure.

Medium and heavy landing craft contracts signed - Australian Defence Magazine

The Government has signed two key contracts for Landing Craft Heavy and Landing Craft Medium.

www.australiandefence.com.au

-Construction of the 100 metre Landing Craft Heavy vessels, based on the Damen LST100 design, will be undertaken using Austal facilities and the Common User Facility at Henderson in Western Australia.

-Construction is scheduled to commence in 2026, with the eighth and final vessel scheduled for delivery to the Commonwealth in 2038.

Austal contracted to construct eight Landing Craft Heavy vessels for Australia

Austal Defence Australia has been awarded a $4 billion contract for the construction of eight Landing Craft Heavy vessels, under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia.

www.defenceconnect.com.au

 

[Stampede]

Landing Craft Heavy contract signed - $4 billion.

-The first tranche of these vessels will be constructed at the Common User Facility, before the program moves to a permanent location.

-As part of the Landing Craft Heavy program, the Government will also make available an initial $30 million for the Western Australian Government to commence early works for interim replacement facilities for non-Defence industries that utilise the Henderson Common User Facility (CUF) to ensure they are afforded ongoing access to infrastructure.

Medium and heavy landing craft contracts signed - Australian Defence Magazine

The Government has signed two key contracts for Landing Craft Heavy and Landing Craft Medium.

www.australiandefence.com.au

Await further detail for timeline to service.

Also what’s the LCM final look and capabilities.
This still appears an evolving space.

Anyway it looks like the starters gun has fired and we are moving down the track.

Cheers S

 

[K.I.]

RAAF has the Ghost Bat.
RAN has the Ghost Shark.
Maybe Army should have the "Ghost Atlas"?

Great platform, imagine these being integrated into the GBAD units as NASAMS launchers and C-UAS as well as infantry support like mortars, etc.

 

[SammyC]

Landing Craft Heavy contract signed - $4 billion.

Austal awarded ~$4 billion Landing Craft Heavy Contract by Commonwealth Department of Defence

www.austal.com

-The first tranche of these vessels will be constructed at the Common User Facility, before the program moves to a permanent location.

-As part of the Landing Craft Heavy program, the Government will also make available an initial $30 million for the Western Australian Government to commence early works for interim replacement facilities for non-Defence industries that utilise the Henderson Common User Facility (CUF) to ensure they are afforded ongoing access to infrastructure.

Medium and heavy landing craft contracts signed - Australian Defence Magazine

The Government has signed two key contracts for Landing Craft Heavy and Landing Craft Medium.

www.australiandefence.com.au

-Construction of the 100 metre Landing Craft Heavy vessels, based on the Damen LST100 design, will be undertaken using Austal facilities and the Common User Facility at Henderson in Western Australia.

-Construction is scheduled to commence in 2026, with the eighth and final vessel scheduled for delivery to the Commonwealth in 2038.

Austal contracted to construct eight Landing Craft Heavy vessels for Australia

Austal Defence Australia has been awarded a $4 billion contract for the construction of eight Landing Craft Heavy vessels, under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia.

www.defenceconnect.com.au

So it looks like Austal and Civmec could not make a shotgun wedding work.

And it sounds like they are going to build the first one out on the open hard stand. Interesting decision.

 

[Reptilia]

So it looks like Austal and Civmec could not make a shotgun wedding work.

And it sounds like they are going to build the first one out on the open hard stand. Interesting decision.

“With Landing Craft Medium and Landing Craft Heavy contracts now underway, there are outstanding opportunities for people and businesses to engage with Austal Defence Australia, and our industry and supply chain partners, to help deliver new capability for Australia. Austal Defence Australia is looking forward to expanding and developing the industrial capabilities at Henderson and beyond, into a reliable shipbuilding enterprise to support the Commonwealth’s objectives of sovereign shipbuilding capability.“


Door seems open for collaboration with $30 million going to non-defence infrastructure.
LCH construction begins in November. 1st delivered in 28/29, 8th in 2038.

 

[Murse]

Landing Craft Heavy contract signed - $4 billion.

Austal awarded ~$4 billion Landing Craft Heavy Contract by Commonwealth Department of Defence

www.austal.com

-The first tranche of these vessels will be constructed at the Common User Facility, before the program moves to a permanent location.

-As part of the Landing Craft Heavy program, the Government will also make available an initial $30 million for the Western Australian Government to commence early works for interim replacement facilities for non-Defence industries that utilise the Henderson Common User Facility (CUF) to ensure they are afforded ongoing access to infrastructure.

Medium and heavy landing craft contracts signed - Australian Defence Magazine

The Government has signed two key contracts for Landing Craft Heavy and Landing Craft Medium.

www.australiandefence.com.au

-Construction of the 100 metre Landing Craft Heavy vessels, based on the Damen LST100 design, will be undertaken using Austal facilities and the Common User Facility at Henderson in Western Australia.

-Construction is scheduled to commence in 2026, with the eighth and final vessel scheduled for delivery to the Commonwealth in 2038.

Austal contracted to construct eight Landing Craft Heavy vessels for Australia

Austal Defence Australia has been awarded a $4 billion contract for the construction of eight Landing Craft Heavy vessels, under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia.

www.defenceconnect.com.au

I heard a rumour just after the design was selected about the deck not being big enough to accommodate a Blackhawk. The literature says NH-90/medium sized helo, so assume the rumour is false. But having a deck that cant accommodate in-service aircraft isnt new to us.

 

[ADMk2]

I heard a rumour just after the design was selected about the deck not being big enough to accommodate a Blackhawk. The literature says NH-90/medium sized helo, so assume the rumour is false. But having a deck that cant accommodate in-service aircraft isnt new to us.

Which decks do we have that can’t accommodate in-service aircraft?