I know that the US restricts ship builds from foreign countries, but I am reading that they are relaxing these rules (looking at Korea and Japan for frigate builds). Once we establish production, could the US and GB lean on our production capabilities, if this was a potential it could seriously offset the costs of our establishment.
Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates 2.0
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Still quite a while before everyone agrees to that.
More likely AOR and sealift ships built overseas. So doing so may free up more US yard capacity for military combatants.
A trial class or test class is allowable. Parts are allowable. Particularly if it accelerated assembly. US wants forgien builders to have yards in the US to bring their techniques, experience and capabilities to the US.
I guess we will get a lot of maintenance work with the FBW rotational fleet, but will Australia get much or any coin doing maintenance on the US and GB submarines?
Another Evolved Cape launched(but for ABF…)
10 ECape have been delivered to RAN already, this is the first of 11 for ABF for Q4 2026 delivery with I think another one due in Q1 2027.
I believe 3 or 4 are at various stages of construction with another 2 ordered recently.
In service currently between RAN/ABF/Other
10 Cape (20 yo service = 2033-2037 decommissioning)
10 ECape
+11 ECape by 2030/31
10 ECape have been delivered to RAN already, this is the first of 11 for ABF for Q4 2026 delivery with I think another one due in Q1 2027.
I believe 3 or 4 are at various stages of construction with another 2 ordered recently.
In service currently between RAN/ABF/Other
10 Cape (20 yo service = 2033-2037 decommissioning)
10 ECape
+11 ECape by 2030/31
Both Cape Fourcroy & Cape Inscription have recently been handed back to Austal after completion of their lease to the RAN, cheers.Another Evolved Cape launched(but for ABF…)
10 ECape have been delivered to RAN already, this is the first of 11 for ABF for Q4 2026 delivery with I think another one due in Q1 2027.
I believe 3 or 4 are at various stages of construction with another 2 ordered recently.
In service currently between RAN/ABF/Other
10 Cape (20 yo service = 2033-2037 decommissioning)
10 ECape
+11 ECape by 2030/31
So they will need to start to replace the Evolved Capes from mid 2030’s.. would it be to much of a stretch to replace them with Damen new MPSS vessel. Low manning requirements and can do a lot of different tasks not just patrol. With the drone capability could cover a lot of area with fewer vessels 6 of these and 6 Arafura would be sufficient. Thoughts?
www.damen.com
Multi-Purpose Support Ships (MPSS) | Damen
The Multi-Purpose Support Ship (MPSS) is a solution for the increasing use of drone technology in combat and surveillance.
www.damen.com
Additional magazine capacity = LOSV.
IMO I think we just need one class of more capable OCVs that replace both ECape and Arafura.So they will need to start to replace the Evolved Capes from mid 2030’s.. would it be to much of a stretch to replace them with Damen new MPSS vessel. Low manning requirements and can do a lot of different tasks not just patrol. With the drone capability could cover a lot of area with fewer vessels 6 of these and 6 Arafura would be sufficient. Thoughts?
Multi-Purpose Support Ships (MPSS) | Damen
The Multi-Purpose Support Ship (MPSS) is a solution for the increasing use of drone technology in combat and surveillance.
I like the Vard 7 105m(Canada) and the Fassmer OPV 90 mk II(Singapore) but the cost and crewing = too much.
Sakura class(Japan) or no doubt a new design out of Austal would be a better fit for hull numbers/timeline, cost and crewing.
What Aussie wouldn't want a 'frigate' that's also a ute?
Seriously though, the range of possibilities are immense. Up to us if we make the best use of the space, or not. But given how fast the world is changing, it might be nice to have options:
(My favourite is the 'cassette' of loitering, suicide UAS.)
Well it will likely keep things sustainable. A busy, experienced, fully used yard. It keeps us in the system, and will make enough money it keep it pretty neutral.