Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates 2.0

A

Armchair

Well-Known Member
SammyC said:
I kind of see the LOCSV as a rapidly evolving subject, and as a result it is scheduled for the back end of the building program late in the 2030's to provide it time to mature.

I would suspect the final platform that gets built would have little alignment with what is on the drawing board or in prototyping at the moment.

We might not even go with the USN program, we might flip to the Japanese one. Or a European option. It might be a couple of different types. Agree more GPFs might be the gap filler if the technology is not ready.

When we do eventually get them there will be more than six. This is the kind of thing where you have dozens as a mini swarm, perhaps $10-20M per vessel. Imagine 10 boats with 8 missiles a piece, 5 fitted with an ISR package and another 5 carrying a variable dept sonar sailing as part of a surface action group with a GPF or Hunter. Or even an Arafura.

I personally have the view that the optionally crewed concept is a dead duck and will be passed over very quickly. I think we will see viable fully automated solutions in the next couple of years. Then its just a matter of getting the cost down.

The real question will be whether they are slaved to the crewed platform or have the ability to operate independently as a hive mind, where the sensor ships provide the firing solution. While we have a current aversion to autonomous lethality, I think this will change as the technology advances and trained people become rarer.

Absolutely on the out is the exquisite and expensive platform, which is what the Government was originally thinking of with the LOCSV.

It's interesting to see that the Americans have gone away from fitted Mk41 VLS based vessels, to the bolted on Mk70 and adaptable surface launchers. That's a much better concept, and allows for simple flat tray style vessels.
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The combination of building Tier 1s with small VLS counts, recruitment problems, and the Australian political climate (ADF rules of engagement reflect the values of Australian society) made LOCSV (a crewed auxiliary magazine for a Tier 1 protected by that DDG/ FFG) an attractive solution for the Surface Fleet Analysis. If a low-crew GPF with 32 cells is selected then those problems might be mitigated somewhat.
 
A

At lakes

Well-Known Member
ABC news channel 24 and talking about it now it looks like its to be 10 vessels with three built in Japan and the first in the water by 2029 available early 30's
 
A

ADMk2

Just a bloke
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
Mogami-class frigate selected for the Navy’s new general purpose frigates

Joint media release
Related ministers and contacts
The Hon Richard Marles MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Defence
Media contact
[email protected]
02 6277 7800
The Hon Pat Conroy MP
Minister for Defence Industry
Minister for Pacific Island Affairs
Media contact
[email protected]
(02) 6277 7840
General enquiries
[email protected]
Release content
5 AUGUST 2025
The Albanese Government is accelerating the delivery of a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet with the selection of the upgraded Japanese Mogami-class frigate as the preferred platform for the Royal Australian Navy’s future fleet of general purpose frigates.
Following a rigorous and competitive tender process, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Mogami-class frigate was assessed as best able to quickly meet the capability requirements and strategic needs of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The upgraded Mogami-class frigate boasts a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles, a 32 Cell Vertical Launch System, and is fitted with surface-to-air missiles and anti-ship missiles.
The decision comes months ahead of schedule – reflecting the Albanese Government’s commitment to transforming the ADF into a more integrated, focussed force.
The Government acknowledges the competitive, high-quality proposal submitted by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, and thank them for their commitment and professionalism throughout this procurement process.
Defence will now proceed with the next stage of the procurement process with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with the aim to enter early into binding, commercial contracts with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the government of Japan in 2026.
The Government’s response to the Independent Analysis of Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet outlined that the first three general purpose frigates would be built offshore. This accelerated program will see the first three frigates built in Japan – with the first scheduled to be delivered to Australia in 2029 and operational in 2030.
That means, under the Albanese Government, the Navy will receive its first new surface combatant five years earlier than planned by the former Coalition government.
Successful consolidation of the Henderson precinct in Western Australia will enable the remainder of the build to be constructed locally, in line with the Albanese Government’s commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding.
Over the next two decades, tens of billions of dollars will be invested in defence capabilities in the West, supporting in the order of 10,000 well-paid, high-skilled jobs. This forms part of the Albanese Government’s $55 billion investment over the decade for Navy’s surface combatant fleet.
Australia’s new general purpose frigates will replace the Anzac-class frigates and will be equipped for undersea warfare and air defence.
Alongside the Hunter-class frigates and the upgraded Hobart-class destroyers and advanced missile investments, the general purpose frigates will be an essential part of the Albanese Government’s plan to more than double the size of Navy’s surface combatant fleet.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:
“This announcement is another example of the Albanese Government’s focus on investing in the capabilities we need now and into the future, to meet Australia’s strategic circumstances.
“The upgraded Mogami-class frigate will help secure our maritime trade routes and our northern approaches as part of a larger and more lethal naval surface combatant fleet.
“The Albanese Government is delivering these commitments at pace, as part of our sustained commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding in the West – driving jobs, investment and infrastructure for decades to come.
“We thank both Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, as well as the governments of Japan and Germany for their focus and cooperation throughout this procurement process.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:
“Today, we are taking another step towards delivering a much larger and more lethal Navy, with stealth frigates that will reassure our allies and deter our adversaries.
“The upgraded Mogami‑class frigate is the best option for our Navy, boosting its capability to put to sea.
“It will take our general purpose frigates from being able to fire 32 air defence missiles to 128 missiles, giving our sailors the cutting‑edge weapons and combat systems they need to prevail in an increasingly complex environment.
“This decision comes months ahead of schedule, reinforcing our commitment to deliver of capability at speed and at a lower overall cost to taxpayers. It makes good on our commitment to deliver four times as many warships in the next 10 years compared to the plan inherited by the former Coalition government.”
Media note:
Imagery is available at: Defence Imagery: Defence
 
7

76mmGuns

Well-Known Member
hauritz said:
Huge win for Japan as well. The first warship they have sold to an overseas buyer. I suspect there will now be increased interest in this design from other nations. Looking at you NZ.
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Can only agree with you- First sale, a big sale, and they get to build 3 instead of the just having all built overseas.

Glad this decision was made sooner, rather than later, for a change.
 
I

iambuzzard

Well-Known Member
ADMk2 said:
Mogami-class frigate selected for the Navy’s new general purpose frigates

Joint media release
Related ministers and contacts
The Hon Richard Marles MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Defence
Media contact
[email protected]
02 6277 7800
The Hon Pat Conroy MP
Minister for Defence Industry
Minister for Pacific Island Affairs
Media contact
[email protected]
(02) 6277 7840
General enquiries
[email protected]
Release content
5 AUGUST 2025
The Albanese Government is accelerating the delivery of a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet with the selection of the upgraded Japanese Mogami-class frigate as the preferred platform for the Royal Australian Navy’s future fleet of general purpose frigates.
Following a rigorous and competitive tender process, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Mogami-class frigate was assessed as best able to quickly meet the capability requirements and strategic needs of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The upgraded Mogami-class frigate boasts a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles, a 32 Cell Vertical Launch System, and is fitted with surface-to-air missiles and anti-ship missiles.
The decision comes months ahead of schedule – reflecting the Albanese Government’s commitment to transforming the ADF into a more integrated, focussed force.
The Government acknowledges the competitive, high-quality proposal submitted by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, and thank them for their commitment and professionalism throughout this procurement process.
Defence will now proceed with the next stage of the procurement process with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with the aim to enter early into binding, commercial contracts with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the government of Japan in 2026.
The Government’s response to the Independent Analysis of Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet outlined that the first three general purpose frigates would be built offshore. This accelerated program will see the first three frigates built in Japan – with the first scheduled to be delivered to Australia in 2029 and operational in 2030.
That means, under the Albanese Government, the Navy will receive its first new surface combatant five years earlier than planned by the former Coalition government.
Successful consolidation of the Henderson precinct in Western Australia will enable the remainder of the build to be constructed locally, in line with the Albanese Government’s commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding.
Over the next two decades, tens of billions of dollars will be invested in defence capabilities in the West, supporting in the order of 10,000 well-paid, high-skilled jobs. This forms part of the Albanese Government’s $55 billion investment over the decade for Navy’s surface combatant fleet.
Australia’s new general purpose frigates will replace the Anzac-class frigates and will be equipped for undersea warfare and air defence.
Alongside the Hunter-class frigates and the upgraded Hobart-class destroyers and advanced missile investments, the general purpose frigates will be an essential part of the Albanese Government’s plan to more than double the size of Navy’s surface combatant fleet.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:
“This announcement is another example of the Albanese Government’s focus on investing in the capabilities we need now and into the future, to meet Australia’s strategic circumstances.
“The upgraded Mogami-class frigate will help secure our maritime trade routes and our northern approaches as part of a larger and more lethal naval surface combatant fleet.
“The Albanese Government is delivering these commitments at pace, as part of our sustained commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding in the West – driving jobs, investment and infrastructure for decades to come.
“We thank both Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, as well as the governments of Japan and Germany for their focus and cooperation throughout this procurement process.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:
“Today, we are taking another step towards delivering a much larger and more lethal Navy, with stealth frigates that will reassure our allies and deter our adversaries.
“The upgraded Mogami‑class frigate is the best option for our Navy, boosting its capability to put to sea.
“It will take our general purpose frigates from being able to fire 32 air defence missiles to 128 missiles, giving our sailors the cutting‑edge weapons and combat systems they need to prevail in an increasingly complex environment.
“This decision comes months ahead of schedule, reinforcing our commitment to deliver of capability at speed and at a lower overall cost to taxpayers. It makes good on our commitment to deliver four times as many warships in the next 10 years compared to the plan inherited by the former Coalition government.”
Media note:
Imagery is available at: Defence Imagery: Defence
Click to expand...
A great decision to be applauded but I wish they would stop slagging off the Opposition. When the Hunter class decision was made we were in a totally different geopolitical situation. The Opposition do it as well. I just wish they would all just do what we pay them for, protect the country!
 
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AndyinOz

AndyinOz

Member
The other announcement today that seems to have got less media attention than the SEA3000 announcement is the finalisation according to AUSTAL of the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement 'Austal chief executive Paddy Gregg said the government’s approval of the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA) is a defining moment for Austal. He added that it would establish Austal Defence Australia as the Commonwealth of Australia’s strategic shipbuilder for tier 2 vessels in Western Australia.' Austal Finalises Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement - Sharecafe

Ministers Release https://www.minister.defence.gov.au...ures-continuous-pipeline-shipbuilding-work-wa
 
Going Boeing

Going Boeing

Well-Known Member
JBRobbo said:
At what speed? Surely a typo. If true it may suggest a CODLAG hybrid-propulsion system for the FFM, their latest Maya and Asahi class destroyers feature this but in COGLAG configuration.
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In a previous post (#448110), I speculated that the Improved Mogami might have 16 or 20 cylinder versions of the MAN V28/33D STC diesel engine in lieu of the 12 cylinder version used in the original Mogami class. The increase in the vessel’s displacement indicates more propulsion power is required as well as having sufficient power for existing weapon/systems and potentially new high power weapons - ideally, the 20 cylinder version would be the most suitable for future proofing the design. The increase in hull length should permit fitting the longer engines.

I suspect that it will be quite a while before that level of detail is available to the public.
 
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S

Stampede

Well-Known Member
A good call for the selection of the Morgan and congrats on getting the announcement out sooner rather than later.
We now wait for final details and hopefully get the contract locked in with this whole business up and going.

Good luck for a successful build

Regards S
 
H

hauritz

Well-Known Member
Interview with Conroy, He confirms that there will minimum change to the design beyond translating the combat system to English and making sure it complies with Australian seaworthiness laws. I am guessing this means we will be introducing a whole range of new weapons into the RAN. SeaRam, Type 19 ASM, Type 12 torps and so on.

It will be interesting to see if this minimal change policy will continue when we build our own version. Conroy makes a point that the major problem we have with the Hunter is all the changes we made to the original design.

Also nominated Japan as our most important regional partner which kind of suggests that we may see a greater expansion of co-operation between the two countries.

 
R

Reptilia

Well-Known Member
Mogamis to be built by Austals new subsidiary ‘Austal Defence Shipbuilding Australia (Austal Defence Australia)’

We may also get the new Type 12 missile which would be nice, 3-4 times the range of a NSM.

Potential for the u.s government to cancel the constellation class, move the heritage class cutter build elsewhere and start building upgraded Mogamis at austal? Nippon steel….

Also looks like the LCM contract signing is not too far away, late but Q1 2026. 18 lcm 1-1.3 billion AUD, final LCM delivered in 2032.
LCH contract late 2025

www.austal.com

Australian Government approves landmark Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement with Austal

COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT 5 AUGUST 2025 Australian Government approves Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement with Austal Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) is pleased to announce that it has finalised its Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA) with the Commonwealth of Australia (“CoA” or “the Commonwealth”), which...
www.austal.com www.austal.com
 
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R

Richo99

Active Member
hauritz said:
I am guessing this means we will be introducing a whole range of new weapons into the RAN. SeaRam, Type 19 ASM, Type 12 torps and so on.

Click to expand...
Apparently japan has a program to integrate NSM at some point.
I'm hoping ESSM integration is something that's viable too. At least mk41 would, I assume, mean physical/structural changes were minimised.
Should probably be getting RAM regardless.
 
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