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Royal Australian Navy

Australia is an island continent, and therefore its primary defense focus is on maritime defense. Naval and air forces are given high priority capability to perform their tasks, backed up by a mobile, technologically advanced army. The use of a relatively small defense force tomaximum advantage has required a series ofprocurement plans to acquire state of the art informationtechnology, intelligence, commandsystems, surveillance, subsurface and surface forces, strikecapability, and land defense. It is difficult to design an intermediate Navy such as that of Austrlia, especially because of the size of the geographical scenario. As it cannot be prepared for everything, it is necessary to assign priorities to the resources selected.

Sharing the same seas, navies frequently interact with one another and are at ease with the issues involved in international operations. Nevertheless, interoperability cannot be assumed and requires substantial and sustained effort to achieve common doctrine, common procedures and common communications. The greater the commonality in equipment and methods achieved, the less duplication of resources and the fewer delays there will be in achieving operational results when nations come together in contingencies. Formal alliances are the primary mechanism for achieving interoperability, but other approaches are possible through port visits, passage exercises and other cooperative activities. They can range from regular and highly sophisticated multinational exercises to exchange postings and information exchange agreements.

One multilateral example of co-operation is the Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS), which brings together regional navies to discuss matters of mutual interest. Amongst the products of the WPNS is the Code for Unalerted Encounters at Sea (CUES), a code of practice for naval units encountering each other unexpectedly, which provides guidance on manoeuvring and communications.

• Major fleet units - These ships are designed to operate independently in most navigable areas of the world's oceans. They can operate for extended periods at sea by replenishing supplies, including fuel, water, provisions and ammunition while underway. Their internal logistic support capacity enables them to react to changes in mission because they have specialist personnel, access to resources, some onboard maintenance capability, and can operate independently of a parent base.
• Minor war vessels - Smaller vessels are designed to operate autonomously for much shorter periods. Their tasking is usually regional due to their requirement for support from their parent establishment or ship, but occasionally they deploy remotely, including to foreign ports. Their logistic support is limited by the space available for provisions and repair parts. They usually do not have dedicated logistics personnel embarked and their support is organised and provided by the staff of the parent establishment. Examples of such vessels include patrol boats, landing craft and mine warfare craft. Clearance Diving Teams (CDTs), helicopter detachments and special forces elements are supported in a similar way.
• Coastal and harbour craft - These vessels are designed for work in and around the harbor environment and therefore rely heavily on shore based support. They have minimal, if any, self-sufficient logistics capability.

In 2013 the Australian government introduced the nation’s toughest border protection measures to stop a steady flow of asylum seekers arriving by sea. Operation Sovereign Borders, a military-led border security initiative, was criticized by rights groups, who claimed Australia is breaching its international refugee obligations. When Australia’s conservative coalition won the 2013 Australian federal election, incoming Prime Minister Tony Abbott promised that his government would stop asylum seekers reaching the country by boat.

Operation Sovereign Borders began in October 2013. The military was ordered to turn or tow migrant vessels away from Australia’s northern waters. The government called it an invaluable effort “to combat people smuggling and protect Australia’s borders.” Immigration Minister Scott Morrison said in September 2014 that the military had turned back a dozen boats. Morrison said he was "utterly convinced" that every asylum seeker was returned safely back to Indonesia, a popular transit point for migrants trying to reach Australia by sea.

The government in Canberra has deployed the navy to intercept vessels carrying asylum seekers, and is refusing resettlement to anyone arriving on unauthorized boats. Boat arrivals are being transferred to Australian-sponsored camps on the tiny South Pacific republic of Nauru, and Manus Island in Papua New Guinea.

Australia's government acknowledged in January 2014 its navy breached Indonesian territorial sovereignty as part of its controversial policy to stop boats carrying asylum seekers. Immigration Minister Scott Morrison said the incursions were “inadvertent,” but they could nonetheless further enflame tensions with Indonesia. Australia apologized to its northern neighbor after its navy entered Indonesian territorial waters several times without permission. Canberra will not say what its ships were doing, but has previously insisted that boats carrying asylum seekers from Indonesia would be forced to return by the military.

Reports said that some vessels have already been turned around, although there has been no confirmation from Australian officials. The tow-back policy has angered Jakarta, which believes it would violate its sovereignty. Australian Immigration Minister Scott Morrison downplayed the suggestion that this episode will further damage bilateral ties that were strained by a 2013 spying scandal.

Hundreds of thousands of refugees have been resettled in Australia since the 1950s.

http://lanserver/wmd/library/news/australia/index.html 20 February 2024 The Albanese Government’s blueprint for the Royal Australian Navy’s enhanced lethality surface combatant fleet will deliver direct investment to grow a capable, resilient and competitive sovereign defence industrial base and support Australian jobs. The Government has committed to increase Defence’s funding in the 2024-25 Federal Budget by $11.1 billion over the next decade to ensure the enhanced lethality surface combatant fleet is funded. Australian shipbuilders and industry will be at the centre of delivering this future fleet. The Albanese Government is providing a clear pipeline of work and setting the conditions for job creation, technology investment, export opportunities, supply chain resilience, infrastructure enhancement and economic prosperity. The independent analysis of Navy’s surface combatant fleet found in excess of $25 billion in unfunded promises in the former government’s acquisition and sustainment plans. This meant there was no certainty for Australian industry and workforce. Over the next ten years, this investment will support more than 3,700 direct jobs and deliver the critical infrastructure required at the Osborne shipyard in South Australia and Henderson shipbuilding complex in Western Australia, delivering on the Government’s commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding. In South Australia, the construction of the Hunter class frigates at Osborne will sustain at least 2,000 jobs and create at least 500 new jobs over the next decade. Under this plan, the Albanese Government will enter into a build contract for the Hunter class frigates that sees construction start this year, with the final Hunter frigate to be delivered by 2043. The Hunter class will be immediately followed by construction of the replacement for Navy’s Hobart class destroyers. Combined with more than 4,000 estimated jobs created to build the new Submarine Construction Yard in South Australia and the more than 4,000 direct jobs to build conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines in Australia, Osborne will be at the epicentre of a naval shipbuilding jobs revolution in this country. In Western Australia, the Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to establishing a continuous naval shipbuilding program, securing the future of naval shipbuilding jobs at the Henderson complex for decades to come. Consolidation of the Henderson precinct is currently underway, as recommended by the Defence Strategic Review. Successful and timely consolidation will enable eight new general purpose frigates to be built at the Henderson precinct, and will also enable a pathway to build six new Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels in Western Australia. This is in addition to the strategic shipbuilder pilot which will see Army’s Landing Craft Medium and Heavy (Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels), as well as the decision to acquire two new Evolved Cape-Class Patrol Boats, all of which will be built at Henderson by Austal. These projects will create at least 1,200 new local jobs over the next decade. The planned Transition Capability Assurance (TransCAP) upgrades to the Anzac class will not proceed. The accelerated acquisition of a new general purpose frigate allows for a more cost effective and lethal capability outcome. Two Anzac class vessels will be decommissioned close to their original planned withdrawal from service. The six remaining Anzac class frigates will be upgraded with enhanced maritime strike capabilities. Defence will work with industry partners to redeploy the Anzac class sustainment workforce across the Henderson precinct. An updated Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan will be released this year. Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP: “The Albanese Government is delivering world class, sovereign capabilities through this investment in Navy’s future fleet and Australia’s vital shipbuilding and defence industry. “After inheriting the oldest surface fleet Navy has operated in its history, this blueprint will see Navy equipped with a major surface combatant fleet over twice as large as planned when we came to government, with more surface combatants in the water sooner. “The delivery of an enhanced lethality surface combatant fleet and sovereign shipbuilding industry will help secure Australia’s economic prosperity and trade, and help keep Australians safe.” Quotes attributable to the Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP: “The innovation and ingenuity of our dynamic defence industry is critical to the Albanese Government’s plan to deliver four times as many warships in the next 10 years compared to what had been planned by the previous government. “This additional investment of $11.1 billion over the next decade, will provide confidence to industry and financial security for thousands of hard-working Australians. “By investing in a strong and sovereign shipbuilding industry, the Albanese Government is investing in a future made in Australia by Australians.” 20 FEBRUARY 2024 Today, the Albanese Government has released its blueprint for a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet for the Royal Australian Navy, more than doubling the size of the surface combatant fleet under the former government’s plan. This follows the Government’s careful consideration of the recommendations of the independent analysis of the surface combatant fleet, commissioned in response to the Defence Strategic Review. Our strategic circumstances require a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet, complemented by a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet. Navy’s future fleet will be integral to ensure the safety and security of our sea lines of communication and maritime trade, through operations in our immediate region. This fleet will constitute the largest number of surface combatants since WWII. The independent analysis of Navy’s surface combatant fleet lamented the current surface combatant fleet was the oldest fleet Navy has operated in its history, and emphasised the need for immediate action to boost Navy’s air defence, long-range strike, presence and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. In line with independent analysis’ recommendations, Navy’s future surface combatant fleet will comprise: 26 major surface combatants consisting of: Three Hobart class air warfare destroyers with upgraded air defence and strike capabilities Six Hunter class frigates to boost Navy’s undersea warfare and strike capabilities 11 new general purpose frigates that will provide maritime and land strike, air defence and escort capabilities Six new Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels (LOSVs) that will significantly increase Navy’s long-range strike capacity Six remaining Anzac class frigates with the two oldest ships to be decommissioned as per their planned service life. The Government has also accepted the independent analysis’ recommendations to have: 25 minor war vessels to contribute to civil maritime security operations, which includes six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). The Hunter class frigates will be built at the Osborne shipyard in South Australia, and will be followed by the replacement of the Hobart class destroyer. The Hobart destroyers will be upgraded at Osborne with the latest US Navy Aegis combat system. The new general purpose frigate will be accelerated to replace the Anzac class frigates, meaning the Transition Capability Assurance (TransCAP) upgrades are no longer required. These new general purpose frigates will be modern, capable and more lethal, requiring smaller crews than the Anzac. Consolidation of the Henderson precinct is currently underway, as recommended by the Defence Strategic Review. Successful and timely consolidation will enable eight new general purpose frigates to be built at the Henderson precinct, and will also enable a pathway to build six new Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels in Western Australia. The Albanese Government is committed to continuous naval shipbuilding in Australia and the design of Navy’s future fleet will provide a stable and ongoing pipeline of work to the 2040s and beyond. Budget In order to implement the recommendations of the independent analysis, the Albanese Government has committed to funding the planned acquisition and sustainment of the future surface fleet. This will see the Albanese Government inject an additional $1.7 billion over the Forward Estimates and $11.1 billion over the next decade in Defence for an accelerated delivery of Navy’s future surface combatant fleet and to expand Australia’s shipbuilding industry. This comes on top of the Albanese Government’s investment of an additional $30.5 billion to Defence’s Integrated Investment Program out to 2032-33. This additional $11.1 billion of funding for the future surface fleet alone brings both acquisition and sustainment investment in the fleet to $54.2 billion in total over the next decade. This investment provides a clear pathway for the shipbuilding industry and workforce in South Australia and Western Australia. The Albanese Government thanks Vice Admiral William Hilarides, USN (Retd), Ms Rosemary Huxtable, AO, PSM and Vice Admiral Stuart Mayer, AO, RAN for their leadership of the independent analysis and contribution to the most comprehensive update to Navy’s fleet in decades. Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP: “The enhanced lethality surface combatant fleet will ensure the Navy is optimised for operations in our current and future environment, underpinned by the meticulous assessment conducted by the Independent Analysis Team. “Australia’s modern society and economy rely on access to the high seas: trade routes for our imports and exports, and the submarine cables for the data which enables our connection to the international economy. “The Royal Australian Navy must be able to ensure the safety and security of our sea lines of communication and trade routes as they are fundamental to our way of life and our prosperity.” Quotes attributable to the Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP: “This significant advancement in Navy capability that will be delivered under this plan requires a strong, sovereign defence industry. “This plan ensures Navy’s future fleet can meet our strategic circumstances by delivering a larger and more lethal fleet sooner and secures the future of naval shipbuilding in Australia, supporting 3,700 direct jobs over the next decade and thousands of indirect jobs for decades to come.” Quotes attributable to the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO: “A strong Australia relies on a strong Navy, one that is equipped to conduct diplomacy in our region, deter potential adversaries, and defend our national interests when called. “The size, lethality and capabilities of the future surface combatant fleet ensures that our Navy is equipped to meet the evolving strategic challenges of our region.” (02) 6277 7840 General enquiries minister.conroy@dfat.gov.au Release content 20 FEBRUARY 2024 The Albanese Government’s blueprint for the Royal Australian Navy’s enhanced lethality surface combatant fleet will deliver direct investment to grow a capable, resilient and competitive sovereign defence industrial base and support Australian jobs. The Government has committed to increase Defence’s funding in the 2024-25 Federal Budget by $11.1 billion over the next decade to ensure the enhanced lethality surface combatant fleet is funded. Australian shipbuilders and industry will be at the centre of delivering this future fleet. The Albanese Government is providing a clear pipeline of work and setting the conditions for job creation, technology investment, export opportunities, supply chain resilience, infrastructure enhancement and economic prosperity. The independent analysis of Navy’s surface combatant fleet found in excess of $25 billion in unfunded promises in the former government’s acquisition and sustainment plans. This meant there was no certainty for Australian industry and workforce. Over the next ten years, this investment will support more than 3,700 direct jobs and deliver the critical infrastructure required at the Osborne shipyard in South Australia and Henderson shipbuilding complex in Western Australia, delivering on the Government’s commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding. In South Australia, the construction of the Hunter class frigates at Osborne will sustain at least 2,000 jobs and create at least 500 new jobs over the next decade. Under this plan, the Albanese Government will enter into a build contract for the Hunter class frigates that sees construction start this year, with the final Hunter frigate to be delivered by 2043. The Hunter class will be immediately followed by construction of the replacement for Navy’s Hobart class destroyers. Combined with more than 4,000 estimated jobs created to build the new Submarine Construction Yard in South Australia and the more than 4,000 direct jobs to build conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines in Australia, Osborne will be at the epicentre of a naval shipbuilding jobs revolution in this country. In Western Australia, the Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to establishing a continuous naval shipbuilding program, securing the future of naval shipbuilding jobs at the Henderson complex for decades to come. Consolidation of the Henderson precinct is currently underway, as recommended by the Defence Strategic Review. Successful and timely consolidation will enable eight new general purpose frigates to be built at the Henderson precinct, and will also enable a pathway to build six new Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels in Western Australia. This is in addition to the strategic shipbuilder pilot which will see Army’s Landing Craft Medium and Heavy (Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels), as well as the decision to acquire two new Evolved Cape-Class Patrol Boats, all of which will be built at Henderson by Austal. These projects will create at least 1,200 new local jobs over the next decade. The planned Transition Capability Assurance (TransCAP) upgrades to the Anzac class will not proceed. The accelerated acquisition of a new general purpose frigate allows for a more cost effective and lethal capability outcome. Two Anzac class vessels will be decommissioned close to their original planned withdrawal from service. The six remaining Anzac class frigates will be upgraded with enhanced maritime strike capabilities. Defence will work with industry partners to redeploy the Anzac class sustainment workforce across the Henderson precinct. An updated Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan will be released this year. Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP: “The Albanese Government is delivering world class, sovereign capabilities through this investment in Navy’s future fleet and Australia’s vital shipbuilding and defence industry. “After inheriting the oldest surface fleet Navy has operated in its history, this blueprint will see Navy equipped with a major surface combatant fleet over twice as large as planned when we came to government, with more surface combatants in the water sooner. “The delivery of an enhanced lethality surface combatant fleet and sovereign shipbuilding industry will help secure Australia’s economic prosperity and trade, and help keep Australians safe.” Quotes attributable to the Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP: “The innovation and ingenuity of our dynamic defence industry is critical to the Albanese Government’s plan to deliver four times as many warships in the next 10 years compared to what had been planned by the previous government. “This additional investment of $11.1 billion over the next decade, will provide confidence to industry and financial security for thousands of hard-working Australians. “By investing in a strong and sovereign shipbuilding industry, the Albanese Government is investing in a future made in Australia by Australians.”