Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates 2.0

[OldTex]

Perhaps the 2024 IIP is showing effectively place markers to cover potential future upgrades to the Phalanx CIWS. It doesn't mean that there are currently upgrades past the Block 1B2 standard.
The other thing with the future introduction of the SeaRam CIWS through GPF acquisition is that it may mean that the existing Phalanx mounts could be transferred to the LHDs, AORs, LSD etc and new SeaRam's replace them on the MFUs (with some other adjustments due to the differences in weight between Phalanx and SeaRam - 13,600lbs vs 17,800 lbs according to USN fact files)

A description of the RAM CIWS (from seaforces.org):
The Rolling Airframe Missiles, together with the Mk 49 Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS) and support equipment, comprise the RAM Mk 31 Guided Missile Weapon System (GMWS). The Mk-144 Guided Missile Launcher (GML) unit weighs 5,777 kilograms (12,736 lb) and stores 21 missiles. The original weapon cannot employ its own sensors prior to firing so it must be integrated with a ship's combat system, which directs the launcher at targets.

The description for the SeaRam CIWS (Mk 15 Mod 31) is:
The SeaRAM combines the radar and electro-optical system of the Phalanx CIWS Mk-15 Block 1B (CRDC) with an 11-cell RAM launcher to produce an autonomous system - one which does not need any external information to engage threats. Like the Phalanx, SeaRAM can be fitted to any class of ship.

 

[Salinger]

At the very least, the Self-Defense Forces consider the Phalanx to be useless. Regarding the Searam, the 30FFM does not carry reloading personnel onboard; it returns to base where support personnel load the ammunition.

 

[Joe Black]

Raytheon is definitely starting to promote RAM and SeaRAM, as shown in this year's Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition:

Will Taylor talking all things RAM | Raytheon Australia

Will Taylor talking all things RAM at Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition ▶️ Watch now!

www.linkedin.com

 

[spoz]

At the very least, the Self-Defense Forces consider the Phalanx to be useless. Regarding the Searam, the 30FFM does not carry reloading personnel onboard; it returns to base where support personnel load the ammunition.

If so, that is a matter of choice on the part of the JMSDF; however limiting yourself to only 11 shots from your CIWS seems a bit odd. Sea RAM’s whole concept is for it to be reloaded at sea. Should the RAN wish to do that (and I would be very surprised if it doesn’t) it will.

For those that may not be aware, the RAN doesn’t have dedicated ammunition handlers. It is a duty performed at action stations and in defence watches by what are known as day workers - cooks, stewards, stores bashers, those sort of people.

 

[SammyC]

If so, that is a matter of choice on the part of the JMSDF; however limiting yourself to only 11 shots from your CIWS seems a bit odd. Sea RAM’s whole concept is for it to be reloaded at sea. Should the RAN wish to do that (and I would be very surprised if it doesn’t) it will.

For those that may not be aware, the RAN doesn’t have dedicated ammunition handlers. It is a duty performed at action stations and in defence watches by what are known as day workers - cooks, stewards, stores bashers, those sort of people.

I would have thought this relates more to magazine space and handling systems.

There should be a magazine in the hangar to support the helo (lightweight torpedo storage) which could be used.

I think a RIM116 however weighs in around 80kg a pop, so it would need a winching system from the hangar (a sailor would not be carrying this up a ladder on his shoulder).

I can't see one in the models or photos, so it may only be configured for reloading from a shore crane.

 

[ADMk2]

If so, that is a matter of choice on the part of the JMSDF; however limiting yourself to only 11 shots from your CIWS seems a bit odd. Sea RAM’s whole concept is for it to be reloaded at sea. Should the RAN wish to do that (and I would be very surprised if it doesn’t) it will.

For those that may not be aware, the RAN doesn’t have dedicated ammunition handlers. It is a duty performed at action stations and in defence watches by what are known as day workers - cooks, stewards, stores bashers, those sort of people.

I guess that 11x round magazine compares reasonably well with the 20mm ammunition magazine of the Phalanx itself though? I know that can of course be reloaded, but how many engagements can the drum magazine manage before it too is spent? 11x by chance?

 

[SammyC]

I guess that 11x round magazine compares reasonably well with the 20mm ammunition magazine of the Phalanx itself though? I know that can of course be reloaded, but how many engagements can the drum magazine manage before it too is spent? 11x by chance?

I think you get about 20 seconds out of a Phalanx magazine. I would have thought each engagement is at least a few seconds, so perhaps 4-8 targets if you are lucky.

On the view that a Searam would fire two shots per engagement, then it probably has a similar capacity to the Phalanx before reloading is required.

 

[ADMk2]

I think you get about 20 seconds out of a Phalanx magazine. I would have thought each engagement is at least a few seconds, so perhaps 4-8 targets if you are lucky.

On the view that a Searam would fire two shots per engagement, then it probably has a similar capacity to the Phalanx before reloading is required.

I always assumed the 2 shots per threat” concept was a legacy concept due to guidance limitations on previous generation semi-active radar guided missiles?

RIM-116 Block 2 (assuming we’d exclusively buy the most current standard missile) being a tri-mode guided “fire and forget” missile may not require the firing of two per target, in line with the promotion of other modern active guided missiles, which promote their benefits as such?

Interestingly from Block I onwards, RIM-116 missiles also have a secondary anti-aircraft, anti-helicopter and anti-surface role out to their ranges (10k or so).

 

[K.I.]

Austal producing Capes, LCM, LCH and Unmanned vessels with an additional larger shed for the latter 2 projects and civmec focusing on Mogami makes too much sense.

Austal > Capes and LCM produced at current Henderson location combining both the Henderson and naval base workforce.
Austal > New or expansion of existing sheds close by for LCH and unmanned vessels.
Civmec > Site as is, the only facility big enough for 142mx17m Upgraded Mogami.

Austal Defence Australia (ADA) was no doubt set up to isolate the Tier 2 IP and project management from the rest of the company, allowing Austal to continue BAU.
Birdon's been bought out of the LCM deal and it remains to be seen how the LCH deal with Damen pans out too.
Wouldn't be surprised if the Federal govt exercises its option to acquire ADA when it gets too hard for Austal and allows MHI to buy into it so they can run it (properly). Civmec will be contracted to build the GPF hulls at a bare minimum as ongoing work after the OPVs rather than waiting for the LCHs to be finished. Austal will be given future builds in their area of capability like LCMs, Capes, optionally crewed, etc.
I have little faith in Austal delivering as they're more concerned about blocking a potential Hawha takeover.

 

[K.I.]

At least according to naval news per below, weapons fit for the “zero change” Mogami FFM was told to them by a senior RAN source at Indo-Pacific:

Mk.45 Mod 4.
ESSM Block 2.
NSM.
SeaRAM.
Mk.54 torpedo system.

Conroy has also stated publicly, SM-2, SM-6 and Tomahawk will also go on them, but I am betting the above weapons fit will be their entry to service, standard.

The comment that Japanese missiles are currently banned from export tells the real story, it's easier to integrate RANs missiles rather than loosen legislative restrictions.
The Mogami CMS (OYQ-1) is likely based on LMs CMS 330, an open architecture system with the ability to regularly update via software improvements.

 

[iambuzzard]

I think you get about 20 seconds out of a Phalanx magazine. I would have thought each engagement is at least a few seconds, so perhaps 4-8 targets if you are lucky.

On the view that a Searam would fire two shots per engagement, then it probably has a similar capacity to the Phalanx before reloading is required.

How easy or hard is it to reload each system?

 

[spoz]

While the Phalanx loader cassette does only have sufficient rounds for reasonably short engagements, ships fitted with the weapon generally have the capacity to reload a considerable number of times. More detail not forthcoming.

Sea RAM’s whole concept is for it to be easily reloaded at sea. Can’t remember whether it takes three or four personnel, but it’s not much more than that; and it requires a bit of kit but not a lot. There are videos on YouTube showing it being done.

 

[Stampede]

While the Phalanx loader cassette does only have sufficient rounds for reasonably short engagements, ships fitted with the weapon generally have the capacity to reload a considerable number of times. More detail not forthcoming.

Sea RAM’s whole concept is for it to be easily reloaded at sea. Can’t remember whether it takes three or four personnel, but it’s not much more than that; and it requires a bit of kit but not a lot. There are videos on YouRube showing it being done.

SeaRAM in Seaforces.org has plenty of info and images.
Includes many of the missile being loaded at sea.
Appears to use a very simple rig with block and tackle and two to three crew.

I personally feel RAM would be a welcome addition to the fleet as a compliment and an additional layer for many scenarios.

Our much bigger fleet is many years away and as we are constantly being told , we live dangerous times, both now and into the future. It very much surprises me that prompt attention is not being made to add capability asap.
Our five big ships plus the Hobarts need this system today not tomorrow or next decade.
GPF and Hunters no doubt to follow.
Upgraded Bushmasters to 30mm should also be in the mix.

Cheers S

 

[Severely]

I found this little link. Gives some idea of what's required.

Sailors load a rolling airframe missile launcher

240406-N-CO548-1001 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 6, 2024) Sailors load RIM 116 Block missiles into a rolling airframe missile launcher aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is currently underway conducting routine operations in the 3rd Fleet area of...

www.dvidshub.net

 

[Reptilia]

Navantia Australia
-Uncrewed Landing Craft Concept.

 

[Bob53]

More details on both the Austal Vantage 25 and 55 optionally crewed vessels.

Via Austal Linkedin page

#2c42 #austal #imc2025 #indopac2025 #vantage #optionallycrewed #surfacevessels #maritimeautonomy #aros | Austal

Austal Australia's Fergus Hudson presented "Uncrewed Surface Vessels: Enabling Scalable Capability under Real-World Constraints" at the IMC Conference, Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2025 today; promoting the new VANTAGE class of optionally-crewed surface vessels that include...

www.linkedin.com

What happens if someone try’s to board these when they are 2-3 hundred clicks from other RAN vessels?