Bet
Better send your plan to Min Def pronto.Both ASC and Civmec have demonstrated they can build the Arafuras quickly and efficiently with few if any issues. BAE and SAAB have demonstrated they can design and manage major capability upgrades for existing designs, that the designs were never intended to incorporate.
Then there is the Iver Huitfeldt / Arrowhead 140, three in service in Denmark, blocks for which were built to print in Estonia and Lithuania, now the modified Type 31 under construction for the UK and selected by Indonesia and Poland. The RN specified their own systems including some used in the Type 23 and Type 26, which Babcock have apparently integrated seamlessly.
So we have the teams that can deliver a timely supplement and replacement for the ANZACs, the only missing part is a decision.
The plusses:
Basically a low risk way to increase capability withing a decade, possibly at lower risk, as well as mitigating risk, associated with the current upgrade and build plan.
- The ASC shipbuilding workforce expands earlier and cuts its teeth on a more advanced platform than the Arafuras.
- Hundreds of highly qualified and capable people available due to the end of SEA 1000, can be retained and gainfully employed.
- Civmec and BAE can take over the build when the Hunters start, ASC helping.
- Pressure taken off the ANZACs, i.e. not an many need to be upgraded as urgently.
- Capability can be increased without reducing active numbers.
- Active numbers can be increased.
- Arrowhead can be easily tailored to Patrol Frigate and GP frigate roles.
- Arrowhead can replace both the never built corvettes and the original role of the ANZACs, allowing the Hunters to supplement the Hobarts as replacements for the DDGs and FFGs
- New systems designed for the ANZACs and some designed for the Hunters can be incorporated into the Arrowheads