The closest thing to SOSUS that is open source would be the replacement for the old UWTR which was decommissioned several years ago. L3Harris awarded $328 million underwater tracking range contract - Australian Defence Magazine
Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates 2.0
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There was this published a few years ago, cheers. https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/site...s Paper - Remote Undersea Surveillance F1.pdf
Launched by Optus / Singtel, dual operated with the mil payload provided by ADF and the civilian comms payload by Mitsubishi Electric.
OldTex
Well-Known Member
The satellite is owned by Optus, which is owned by Singtel. The Defence payload is hosted on the satellite hence why its full name was Optus C1D. As SATCOM is an enabler for all ADF services perhaps further discussion on this topic should be done on the ADF thread?
Anduril is developing its Seabed Sentry system which is intended for deployment from the Ghost Shark (Dive-XL). No mention of it being adopted by Australia but there seems to be a certain logic that Australia will be looking at this sort of system.
Seabed Sentry
AI-enabled sensor that brings connectivity and awareness to the deep dark sea.
www.anduril.com
Todjaeger
Potstirrer
Possibly, but there is also the distinct possibility the 'accidents' might take place which damage, cut or just outright destroy such SOSUS arrays.
There have been a number of instances in the last couple of years where undersea cabling has been cut, which can get quite complicated in detecting who was responsible and taking action when this happens in int'l waters. IIRC cabling between mainland Norway and the Svalbard had been cut, as well as two cuts to cabling in the Baltic last year, so there are certainly current vulnerabilities.
Having at least some of the SOSUS lines kept within the 12 n mile limit of home waters would then add additional risks to a hostile actor attempting to damage such systems, unlike something which might happen in int'l waters.
Fair points. Climbing back into my box.
justinterested
Member
I was just watching this YouTube clip about the new, shiny Arafura OPV undergoing sea trials and noticed part of the structure looking damaged and the workmanship a bit dodgy. I was hoping someone could re-assure me that it is just the angle of the shot and there is nothing to worry about.
Normal, get close enough and most ships will have these dimples.
iambuzzard
Well-Known Member
Geez, it looks like doped fabric on a radio controlled aeroplane!
iambuzzard
Well-Known Member
I figured as such. We don't armour plate them like we used to.
Takao
The Bunker Group
Not really just an unarmoured thing, more a large metal at sea thing.
Even heavily armoured ships show it.
More here too
Going Boeing
Well-Known Member
Apart from the “dimpling”, I believe that Justinterested was also asking about the damage to the wing of the bridge on the left of the photo.
I don’t think that it’s an optical illusion, it looks like it has come into contact with something a bit stronger.
I don’t think that it’s an optical illusion, it looks like it has come into contact with something a bit stronger.
the Iowa class armour belt was internal, those are not part of the armoured belt.
Going Boeing
Well-Known Member
I found the following info in this Naval News article interesting.
“The SSA establishes the framework under which Austal Defence Australia will design, construct, integrate, and deliver key naval programs, beginning with the LAND8710 Landing Craft Medium (LCM) and Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) projects for the Australian Army. Subject to final contractual negotiations, these programs are expected to deliver:
“The SSA establishes the framework under which Austal Defence Australia will design, construct, integrate, and deliver key naval programs, beginning with the LAND8710 Landing Craft Medium (LCM) and Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) projects for the Australian Army. Subject to final contractual negotiations, these programs are expected to deliver:
- 18 x LCMs over 8 years (contract finalisation expected Q1 FY2026), and
- 8 x LCHs (contract finalisation expected by end of calendar year 2025)”
I believe Civmec will build the LCH following the OPVs and Austal the LCM. Austal likely to continue building Evolved Capes for ABF too.
Even though the LCM timeline has slipped by 6+ months, the final LCM will still be delivered in 2032.(Avg 3 a year from 2027)
The timeline for LCH was first delivery in 2028 with the last post 2035.(possibly 1 a year on avg, but could be longer)
Where do they build them?
LCH at Civmec facility
LCM could be Henderson(Current facility), Naval Base(after Guardian class) or Ex Silveryachts shed(next to ASC West), not sure.
I think the Henderson precinct was to be upgraded over a 5 year period with GPF construction beginning around 2031 with an aim to deliver the first Aus built frigate in the mid 2030s, following ships delivered every 2 years.
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Keel laying of NUSHIP Carpentaria, the last of the 6 OPVs.
Pics from Civmec Facebook page
OPV 6 keel laying August 29 2025
OPV 3 launch October 2025
OPV 2 acceptance Q1 FY2026
Pics from Civmec Facebook page
OPV 6 keel laying August 29 2025
OPV 3 launch October 2025
OPV 2 acceptance Q1 FY2026
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