Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates 2.0

[iambuzzard]

JMSDF launch of 1st 2 OPVs Sakura and Tachibana.

Launch via ‘Japanese journalist Kosuke Takahashi's YouTube‘ channel

Yahoo

ついに艦名が明らかに！ 自衛隊初の新ジャンル「哨戒艦」2隻同時は極めて異例 詳細も判明（乗りものニュース） - Yahoo!ニュース

　防衛省は2025年11月13日（木）、JMU（ジャパンマリンユナイテッド）横浜事業所磯子工場（神奈川県横浜市）にて、新規建造された哨戒艦2隻の命名・進水式を実施しました。 　これらは、従来「05

news.yahoo.co.jp

‘95m long, 12m wide, 7.7m deep, with a draft of 4.2m, a standard displacement of 1,900 tons, and a crew of approximately 30. They are powered by a combined propulsion (CODLAD) system consisting of two diesel engines and two propulsion transmissions, and can reach a speed of over 25 knots (approximately 46.3km/h). On the other hand, the ship is only armed with a single 30mm cannon mounted on the bow. However, the stern is equipped with a multi-purpose deck that can accommodate the landing of MCH-101 minesweeping and transport helicopters, as well as carrying UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles: to be equipped at a later date) and electromagnetic intelligence gathering equipment (to be equipped at a later date). Other features include a multi-purpose hangar (not suitable for helicopters) and a multi-purpose crane, and the ship is characterized by its emphasis on versatility and manpower saving. In addition, a bow thruster is installed below the bow waterline, which allows the ship to enter and leave port without the aid of a tugboat, making it suitable for use in ports that do not have sufficient facilities.Of course, since the ship is designed to operate in rough ocean waters, it is also equipped with anti-roll tanks to reduce rolling.

Well, they are OPVs, and Japan does have a sizeable fleet of destroyers and frigates. Us, well!!!

 

[Reptilia]

Well, they are OPVs, and Japan does have a sizeable fleet of destroyers and frigates. Us, well!!!

These are a good fit for Cairns + Darwin if Aus or ABF ever decided to get more patrol boats, at 95m they can be lifted and maintained at those precincts. $65 million usd each to build so I wonder what the export cost is once fully kitted out. Main Gun can be swapped apparently for 57mm or 76mm. 25+ knt speed is also better than listed. Future autonomy may decrease the ships crew even more(less than 30).
Looks like a nice versatile OPV.

 

[iambuzzard]

These are a good fit for Cairns + Darwin if Aus or ABF ever decided to get more patrol boats, at 95m they can be lifted and maintained at those precincts. $65 million usd each to build so I wonder what the export cost is once fully kitted out. Main Gun can be swapped apparently for 57mm or 76mm. 25+ knt speed is also better than listed. Future autonomy may decrease the ships crew even more(less than 30).
Looks like a nice versatile OPV.

Look to them once the Evolved Capes finish their production run. Patrol boats have a finite life and are limited in heavy sea conditions. We need to look ahead now, not when hulls start cracking. Plan for the future. I like the fact that a 57mm or 76mm can be swapped in.

 

[Reptilia]

Look to them once the Evolved Capes finish their production run. Patrol boats have a finite life and are limited in heavy sea conditions. We need to look ahead now, not when hulls start cracking. Plan for the future. I like the fact that a 57mm or 76mm can be swapped in.

Another ECape order is expected soon, may be better for the Austal team to focus on LCM+LCH+LOSV , cancel anymore ECapes orders to 2030 (9 planned) and order opvs off the shelf.
End 2026 we will have 12 ECapes, 10 Capes and 3 Arafura class in service + 3 under construction. All capes to ABF and all opvs current and future to RAN?
Other possibilities could see ECapes become future Pacific patrol boats and Arafuras go to ABF or become PNG Navy, leaving RAN with the more capable opvs.

 

[iambuzzard]

Another ECape order is expected soon, may be better for the Austal team to focus on LCM+LCH+LOSV , cancel anymore ECapes orders to 2030 (9 planned) and order opvs off the shelf.
End 2026 we will have 12 ECapes, 10 Capes and 3 Arafura class in service + 3 under construction. All capes to ABF and all opvs current and future to RAN?
Other possibilities could see ECapes become future Pacific patrol boats and Arafuras go to ABF or become PNG Navy, leaving RAN with the more capable opvs.

When do we get to start planning defence? Some of the powers that be in Canberra don't have a clue.

 

[Reptilia]

When do we get to start planning defence? Some of the powers that be in Canberra don't have a clue.

Got no issue with…
1st Upgraded Mogami by 2030, 3 by 2035.
1st Hunter by 2034, 3 by 2038.

I think more can be done in the short term, more ECapes and a few more Arafura ain’t gonna cut it.

MIA in the short-medium term…
-Hobarts going through long term upgrades, 1 after the other.
-Arunta to be decommissioned next year + potentially 2 more by 2030.
-10 Original Capes decommissioned early-mid 2030s.
-Choules another that may have to be replaced.

Capable off the shelf purchases within the next several years would help.

 

[downunderblue]

Hunter update - Naval news

I've said it once before, but seeing another look of the displayed model (clearly of HMAS Nambour aka the Big Pineapple) at Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition makes me deduce it has to be the ugliest ship designed today.

Yes, it doesnt matter if 'the canoe' is pretty or not, as long as it meets mission, but (especially front on) she's one ugly bird that one.

 

[SammyC]

an interview with RADM Hughes regarding the Mogami. Interesting overview of the miriad of contracts that need to be set. Perhaps provides an understanding of why it takes so long to get these executed.

Also a little bit more information on the SM2/6 delivered capability (it comes ready).

Lastly the NSM fit is classified as not breaching the "no change" strategy as Japan is providing this capability (at least within the combat system and having fitted wiring) for their own ships. Sounds like they are looking for the ability to swap out launchers to use NSM or their own type 12s.

 

[Reptilia]

an interview with RADM Hughes regarding the Mogami. Interesting overview of the miriad of contracts that need to be set. Perhaps provides an understanding of why it takes so long to get these executed.

Also a little bit more information on the SM2/6 delivered capability (it comes ready).

Lastly the NSM fit is classified as not breaching the "no change" strategy as Japan is providing this capability (at least within the combat system and having fitted wiring) for their own ships. Sounds like they are looking for the ability to swap out launchers to use NSM or their own type 12s.

Should be space for 4 quad nsm launchers when you look at the length of the new type 12. Japan may go 2+2 mix and Aus 4 NSM launchers?

 

[Bob53]

To me the 5' still has a place.
Not every threat is a drone, I would take the increased range when it comes to ASMs.
Most drones would not require the use of smart ammunition, so while there is still a price factor it is not insurmountable.
I am also looking at possible future developments such as HVPs, Kingfisher rounds and cannon launched loitering munitions.

Not sure if a surface launcher is available but APKWS IIs also seems to be both cost effective and effective against small drones.

 

[ADMk2]

Not sure if a surface launcher is available but APKWS IIs also seems to be both cost effective and effective against small drones.

Seems to be, but firing a 2.75inch rocket from surface launch, it’s range is going to be abysmal…

From an MH-60R at some altitude and some speed they range out at about 5000m and work quite well. The various vehicle mounted 2.75inch rockets around the place have a range of barely 2k… Phalanx or a .050 Cal can hit that…

I suppose a booster could perhaps be devised to mitigate the lack of speed and altitude at launch, but we are starting to get very close to missile territory here. APKWS are already gaining hardware and software updates to improve their capability in the Counter- UAS role, you integrate a booster and a surface-launch capability and I wonder how close you are getting to a Hellfire in cost, but still without the overall capability?

 

[Stampede]

Got no issue with…
1st Upgraded Mogami by 2030, 3 by 2035.
1st Hunter by 2034, 3 by 2038.

I think more can be done in the short term, more ECapes and a few more Arafura ain’t gonna cut it.

MIA in the short-medium term…
-Hobarts going through long term upgrades, 1 after the other.
-Arunta to be decommissioned next year + potentially 2 more by 2030.
-10 Original Capes decommissioned early-mid 2030s.
-Choules another that may have to be replaced.

Capable off the shelf purchases would help.

2026 to to 2036, 8 to 9 majors will be the new normal.
It’s just not enough.

chicken and egg

More ships generate more crew or is it the other way round.

However you look at it we are not going to introduce another class on top of the existing builds
ECapes Arafura Hunter and GPF.

More ECapes and Arafura’s are the only short term avenue for expanding the fleet.

OPVs are the best way forward for the 10 year gap

Cheers S