I know that the US restricts ship builds from foreign countries, but I am reading that they are relaxing these rules (looking at Korea and Japan for frigate builds). Once we establish production, could the US and GB lean on our production capabilities, if this was a potential it could seriously offset the costs of our establishment.
Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates 2.0
- Thread starter OPSSG
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Still quite a while before everyone agrees to that.
More likely AOR and sealift ships built overseas. So doing so may free up more US yard capacity for military combatants.
A trial class or test class is allowable. Parts are allowable. Particularly if it accelerated assembly. US wants forgien builders to have yards in the US to bring their techniques, experience and capabilities to the US.
I guess we will get a lot of maintenance work with the FBW rotational fleet, but will Australia get much or any coin doing maintenance on the US and GB submarines?
Another Evolved Cape launched(but for ABF…)
10 ECape have been delivered to RAN already, this is the first of 11 for ABF for Q4 2026 delivery with I think another one due in Q1 2027.
I believe 3 or 4 are at various stages of construction with another 2 ordered recently.
In service currently between RAN/ABF/Other
10 Cape (20 yo service = 2033-2037 decommissioning)
10 ECape
+11 ECape by 2030/31
10 ECape have been delivered to RAN already, this is the first of 11 for ABF for Q4 2026 delivery with I think another one due in Q1 2027.
I believe 3 or 4 are at various stages of construction with another 2 ordered recently.
In service currently between RAN/ABF/Other
10 Cape (20 yo service = 2033-2037 decommissioning)
10 ECape
+11 ECape by 2030/31
Both Cape Fourcroy & Cape Inscription have recently been handed back to Austal after completion of their lease to the RAN, cheers.Another Evolved Cape launched(but for ABF…)
10 ECape have been delivered to RAN already, this is the first of 11 for ABF for Q4 2026 delivery with I think another one due in Q1 2027.
I believe 3 or 4 are at various stages of construction with another 2 ordered recently.
In service currently between RAN/ABF/Other
10 Cape (20 yo service = 2033-2037 decommissioning)
10 ECape
+11 ECape by 2030/31
So they will need to start to replace the Evolved Capes from mid 2030’s.. would it be to much of a stretch to replace them with Damen new MPSS vessel. Low manning requirements and can do a lot of different tasks not just patrol. With the drone capability could cover a lot of area with fewer vessels 6 of these and 6 Arafura would be sufficient. Thoughts?
www.damen.com
Multi-Purpose Support Ships (MPSS) | Damen
The Multi-Purpose Support Ship (MPSS) is a solution for the increasing use of drone technology in combat and surveillance.
www.damen.com
Additional magazine capacity = LOSV.
IMO I think we just need one class of more capable OCVs that replace both ECape and Arafura.So they will need to start to replace the Evolved Capes from mid 2030’s.. would it be to much of a stretch to replace them with Damen new MPSS vessel. Low manning requirements and can do a lot of different tasks not just patrol. With the drone capability could cover a lot of area with fewer vessels 6 of these and 6 Arafura would be sufficient. Thoughts?
Multi-Purpose Support Ships (MPSS) | Damen
The Multi-Purpose Support Ship (MPSS) is a solution for the increasing use of drone technology in combat and surveillance.
I like the Vard 7 105m(Canada) and the Fassmer OPV 90 mk II(Singapore) but the cost and crewing = too much.
Sakura class(Japan) or no doubt a new design out of Austal would be a better fit for hull numbers/timeline, cost and crewing.
What Aussie wouldn't want a 'frigate' that's also a ute?
Seriously though, the range of possibilities are immense. Up to us if we make the best use of the space, or not. But given how fast the world is changing, it might be nice to have options:
(My favourite is the 'cassette' of loitering, suicide UAS.)
Well it will likely keep things sustainable. A busy, experienced, fully used yard. It keeps us in the system, and will make enough money it keep it pretty neutral.
iambuzzard
Well-Known Member
But will they happen?
An Australian Border Force boat was fired on article today… Apparently by organised crime elements involved in smuggling operations…
paywalled, unfortunately.
https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sub...e838106fa3a1b7&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium
I guess our Patrol boats really don’t need a gun, afterall…
paywalled, unfortunately.
https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sub...e838106fa3a1b7&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium
I guess our Patrol boats really don’t need a gun, afterall…
they have 50 cals but no main gun, fitted for but not with. Maybe that might change…
iambuzzard
Well-Known Member
If the tobacco smugglers have something bigger than a 50 cal we are in a lot of trouble, Maybe now serious thought should be given to mounting at least a 25mm.
An AK47 was recently used in a street shooting. How are they getting in?
Agree, I think a RWS is needed going forward. Shouldn’t be too difficult…
Illegal stuff will always make it to our shores unfortunately -managing imports should become easier with technology.
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From behind the pay-wall.
Turns out it was a RAN patrol boat seconded to a Border Force operation and the "volume of fire" from automatic weapons forced the RAN patrol boat to "disengage" and the smugglers got through...
So much for "Constabulary operations only" huh?
Turns out it was a RAN patrol boat seconded to a Border Force operation and the "volume of fire" from automatic weapons forced the RAN patrol boat to "disengage" and the smugglers got through...
So much for "Constabulary operations only" huh?
Sounds like maybe the "threat assessment" needs "revising" once again, eh?
d-ron84
Active Member
Have you heard of "Ghost Shark"?
That plus all the other options mentioned above make a "Multi-Mission Bay" a great idea.
iambuzzard
Well-Known Member
What is the patrol boat armed with, a pop gun? If they have to get ministerial permission to return fire then we've all gone to s***!
If the patrol boat isn't armed scramble a fighter from Tindal and blow them out of the water. If they shoot, they die.