Muar River
Member
A build on time and within budget (like the Anzac programme) won't do the RAN or industry any harm. If economies of scale can be achieved, could the Kiwis be tempted to buy three low klm frigates and the AWDs replaced early? Could a buy of more Romeos be a possibility? I think it is a very exciting time for the RAN.Over red rover.
Given current circumstances I would say its almost a given that the F-105 based frigate will be built. The chatter I hear its almost a done deal as in when not if and sooner rather than later.
With AWD crews being worked up and ~70%+ commonality and as you mentioned a warm production line its going to be very hard to argue to get anything else in the time frame. The real question is how many of that type will be built.
Not getting a 4th AWD isn't such a loss given the Anzac replacements are going to be very powerful ships in their own right.
Now with the AWD's hitting the water, builds need to continue. Decisions to be made.
There is an image of a FREMM (French) frigate as a contender for the Canadian frigate programme. It is in the Warships magazine but the forward tower is reminiscent of Navantia future frigate design to accommodate CEAFAR. Does anyone have thoughts on this?