Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates 2.0

[76mmGuns]

I still think there will be more than 6 hunters because they'll build a guided missile/anti air variant of the hunter. This was in the proposed possible plan released back years ago, and was listed as building starting around late 2030's. BAE already released a design for it, with 96 Mk 41's. But I can imagine Australia might cut it back to, say, 64, given the number of missiles we have in our stockpile, and the extra space might allow the AAW to carry unmanned units. I understand the 96 VLS variant meant there is no tower sonar array.

 

[Reptilia]

I still think there will be more than 6 hunters because they'll build a guided missile/anti air variant of the hunter. This was in the proposed possible plan released back years ago, and was listed as building starting around late 2030's. BAE already released a design for it, with 96 Mk 41's. But I can imagine Australia might cut it back to, say, 64, given the number of missiles we have in our stockpile, and the extra space might allow the AAW to carry unmanned units. I understand the 96 VLS variant meant there is no tower sonar array.

It’s possible they might go with the 96 cell(or less) variant from Batch II.
3xASW + 3xAWD + 3 Hobart(and future replacement)
How many tier 1s do we need?

Or if they build 6 of the 32 cell variant, from then on the most likely candidates to replace the Hobarts are
-Hunter with 96 cells(or less)
-Type 83 cruiser
-13DDX (if we go with Mitsubishi as the tier 2)

 

[SammyC]

I still think there will be more than 6 hunters because they'll build a guided missile/anti air variant of the hunter. This was in the proposed possible plan released back years ago, and was listed as building starting around late 2030's. BAE already released a design for it, with 96 Mk 41's. But I can imagine Australia might cut it back to, say, 64, given the number of missiles we have in our stockpile, and the extra space might allow the AAW to carry unmanned units. I understand the 96 VLS variant meant there is no tower sonar array.

Regards the AAW Hunter version, I think the towed sonar was removed to reduce cost, rather than manage weight or space. I think there is a way for an AAW version to retain this capability. I could be wrong.

The AAW version also had a higher top speed by removing some of the silencing systems on the propulsion shaft.

I would have thought going for the full 96 VLS, but only filling as necessary would be the better strategy. Keep the enemy guessing.

In regards to the T83. My money is on an evolved T26 platform, possibly even the AAW Hunter. The Brits can't afford a new design, particularly when they have something very close to what they want already available.

 

[StevoJH]

The UK is also operating on a very different timeline and build tempo to the RAN.

The UK is planning on commissioning a new ship every 12 months from mid way through the program. By the time the RAN commissions the first Hunter, BAe is likely to be building the first Type 83.

 

[76mmGuns]

Regards the AAW Hunter version, I think the towed sonar was removed to reduce cost, rather than manage weight or space. I think there is a way for an AAW version to retain this capability. I could be wrong.

The AAW version also had a higher top speed by removing some of the silencing systems on the propulsion shaft.

Thanks for this info. I didn't know either of them.

 

[Going Boeing]

This article confirms what Sammy said about the towed sonar and noise reduction systems.

It appears that BAES design for the Type 83 AAW Destroyer is still in contention. The fact that a lot of design work for the Hunter class makes it suitable for an AAW version means that, if it is selected as the basis of the Type 83, it can be procured for a lower price and built in an expeditious time frame.

It certainly would make a very good AAW destroyer for the RAN, either to complement the Hobarts, or to replace them.

The Type 83 Destroyer – The MoD must get this right

 

[ADMk2]

Meanwhile, in the present day Navy, HMAS Choules sailed from Brisbane to rescue a Lithuanian rower who was attempting to row across the Pacific.
Ocean rower Aurimas Mockus stranded by cyclone off Australia’s east coast safely rescued
"On 01 March 2025, Defence accepted a request from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to support a search and rescue operation approximately 740km east of Mackay, QLD, after concerns were raised for the safety of a solo occupied rowboat. The vessel is in close proximity to Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Defence has dispatched a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft from RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia, and the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Choules from Brisbane to assist in the AMSA –led operation." Image source : ADF Image Library
View attachment 52388
Video of the seas she had to sail through to conduct the rescue : HMAS Choules in rough seas during a search and rescue mission.

Ironically I asked a few of the crew of Choules when she was in port last Saturday, had they sailed recently through TC Alfred and what it was like. They mentioned they hadn’t and hadn’t in fact ever done such a thing and din’t know what it was like.

Well, they do now…