Of which would likely be quite interesting particularly if the OPV build somewhat non-continuous (which it already is). So after 3 or 4 ships we decide due to circumstances to build something a bit more capable, there are options, then you can go back to building OPV's (or something in between) on the tail of the build process.
Having corvettes based out of Manus island (or/and elsewhere) would be a considerable force magnifier, the range of these ships is less likely to be an issue if already located around the SCS. If we go back to the OCV concept, replacing all classes, then there is a potential pool of 20 ships/crew of which could be adjusted to provide what is required.
There would likely need to be some sort of tender process for any new ship class. The KC130 is likely to get updated as the next two German batches come through, and Israel building quite a capable corvette off the same (altered) design with the Sa'ar 6 ships, which would be a very capable ship in the size class (they are probably up gunners wet dream). I don't imagine there would be huge amounts of commonality, but you would have the yard(s), the workforce, much of the systems etc. Plus additional systems what ever we have pulling off the Anzacs as they get replaced that we won't need on the Hunters. I could imagine we could put a pretty good radar etc on them. There would be some smaller launchers that might be able to be cycled onto them etc. The hard stuff is already in place.
Suddenly all that CEC capability and command space on the Hunters might make a bit more sense if we can interface it through to the rest of the fleet.
But will it arrive in time? Australia has quite a bit of latent capability, but we seem to be in no rush to convert it. Tooling up time will be reduced but it isn't zero. Any new class would have a significant period before IOC.
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