This is going to seem really random but I've been waiting a while to have my say here goes...
First of all,
The Hobart Class AWD, in my opinion is not up to scratch.
With only two fire control channels it would be unable to properly defend itself and other ships in normal operations and would definitely not be able to defend itself against a saturation attack. Why are we spending so much money on the Aegis combat system and SPY radar when we have been developing one of the only two fourth generation phased array radar right here in Australia?
I am of course, talking about the CEAFAR from CEA technologies, which can effectively, when paired with the latest SAAB Combat System provide up to Ten fire control channels simultaneously. This system is already being fitted to the ANZAC Class and has been VERY successful in sea trials. Versions of this system should be fitted to every surface warship and should be sold to the navies of other nations as well.
Why do we continuously buy overseas designs not suited to our requirements when we are perfectly capable of building and maintaining our own designs and systems. Look at what we did with HMAS Jervis Bay and HMA ships Kanimbla and Manoora (admittedly there were problems due to our inexperience).
My Ideal (if not fanciful
) Royal Australian Navy:
1 x STOVL Carrier (based on Cavour of the Italian Navy) to be named HMAS Australia, operating F-35B and Seahawk Helicopters.
Secondary role as LPH operating MRH-90, armed exactly the same as the Cavour but with Mark 41 VLS equipped with ESSM and CEAFAR/SAAB combat system.
1 x Canberra Class LHD operating MRH-90 and Tiger helicopters armed with CEAFAR/SAAB combat system, 2 x CIWS and 8 cell VLS with 32 x ESSM.
With the retirement of Kanimbla, Manoora and the upgraded Adelaide class FFG's we will have an additional 6 x Phalanx CIWS (block 1B) and 4 x 8 cell Mark 41 VLS which could be fitted to (for example) the Canberra Class.
3 x Supply Ships, able to operate several MRH-90 in a secondary LPH role armed with 2 x CIWS and 1 or 2 X SeaRAM.
8 x ANZAC Class, 5 inch gun, 8 cell VLS with 32 ESSM and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
4 x Hobart Class, a larger more capable version of the ANZAC class, armed with a 48 cell Mark 41 VLS with SM2 and ESSM, 5 inch gun, 2 x CIWS. CEAFAR radar and SAAB combat system. Essentially a larger ANZAC with more VLS cells and more capable version of the SAAB Combat system and CEAFAR. Also equipped with Harpoon anti-ship missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles.
6 x Collins Class, with Harpoon anti-ship missiles and tomahawk cruise missiles.
18 x Armidale Class Patrol Boat, as is now but with four of the ships upgraded with the edition of 1 x SeaRAM and anti-submarine capabilities in order to act in a secondary role as lower level anti submarine ships, escorts and offshore patrol vessels.
6 x Huon Class (As Is)
Ships separated between east and west bases like so:
East Base (Sydney);
5 x ANZAC Class
3 x Hobart Class
1 x HMAS Australia - STOVL Carrier
1 x Canberra Class LHD
2 x Supply ship
2 x Upgraded Armidale Class
4 x Huon Class
West Base (Perth):
3 x ANZAC Class
1 x Hobart Class
1 x Supply Ship
6 x Collins Class
2 x Upgraded Armidale class
2 x Huon Class
Northern Approaches (Cairns, Broome, Darwin)
14 x Armidale Class
