Australian Surface Fleet Review

{{Short description|Australian Government program to outline the future of the Navy}} {{good article}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}{{Use Australian English|date=June 2024}} {{Infobox document |document_name=Surface Fleet Review<br>{{small|Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Review}} |Image=File:新型護衛艦_(06FFM).jpg |image_caption=New FFM {{endash}} the frigate chosen for the general purpose frigate program |date_presented=20 February 2024 |signers=Richard Marles<br>Pat Conroy |purpose=To determine the future of the Royal Australian Navy surface fleet |commissioned=Albanese government|subject=Royal Australian Navy}}

The '''Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Review''' (or the '''Surface Fleet Review''') was a 2024 independent review of the surface fleet of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), that was authorised as a result of the larger Defence Strategic Review. It considered and recommended actions the RAN needed to take to solidify Australia's war-fighting capabilities on the maritime front. The review aims to counteract China and 'Chinese coercion' in the region. It was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy on 20 February 2024.

Upon governmental approval, the review established several programs, including a General Purpose Frigate Program, an optionally-crewed arsenal ship program, as well as various programs to improve the capability of existing ship classes. These programs were divided into three tiers, each corresponding to different levels of ship capability. The review also focused on shipbuilding programs and infrastructure, and on the procurement of missiles.

== Background == The Surface Fleet Review, as well as the Defence Strategic Review, aim to counteract the increasing military power of a belligerent China.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=U. S. Naval Institute |date=2024-02-21 |title=Report on Royal Australian Navy Surface Fleet Expansion |url=https://news.usni.org/2024/02/21/report-on-royal-australian-navy-surface-fleet-expansion |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=USNI News |language=en-US}}</ref> This coupled with the major focus and prioritisation of the Australian Army over other branches has created a ground for focus on the neglected Royal Australian Navy.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2023-09-12 |title=As an island nation, why do we accept such a weak navy? |url=https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/as-an-island-nation-why-do-we-accept-such-a-weak-navy-20230911-p5e3rn |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}</ref> In 2019, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy had a fleet of 335 ships, 55% larger than in 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eagle vs Dragon: How the U.S. and Chinese Navies Stack Up |url=https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2020/3/9/eagle-vs-dragon-how-the-us-and-chinese-navies-stack-up |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=www.nationaldefensemagazine.org}}</ref> Although Australia has a much smaller navy at 11 surface combatants, the SFR sets out a range of actions that Australia should take to increase the firepower and effectiveness of its naval assets.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Malcolm |date=2024-02-20 |title=The Navy gets bigger under the fleet review. But is it enough? |url=https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/the-navy-gets-bigger-under-the-fleet-review-but-is-it-enough/ |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=The Strategist |language=en-AU}}</ref> In 2021, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that Australia would cancel its contract with the French Naval Group for 12 Attack-class conventionally-powered submarines for the SSN-AUKUS nuclear-powered design in collaboration with the UK and US.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Doherty |first=Ben |last2=Hurst |first2=Daniel |date=2023-03-14 |title=What is the Aukus submarine deal and what does it mean? – the key facts |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/14/what-is-the-aukus-submarine-deal-and-what-does-it-mean-the-key-facts |access-date=2024-10-16 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> France described the renegotiation as a 'stab in the back' ("''poignarder dans le do''s").<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chrisafis |first=Angelique |last2=Boffey |first2=Daniel |date=2021-09-16 |title=‘Stab in the back’: French fury as Australia scraps submarine deal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/16/stab-in-the-back-french-fury-australia-scraps-submarine-deal |access-date=2024-10-16 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

In response to the recommendations of the larger military-wide ''Defence Strategic Review,'' the Australian Government commissioned an "''Independent Analysis into Navy's Surface Combatant Fleet''" to consolidate and consider what changes should be made to make the naval fleet more lethal and efficient.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunter |first=Abbie |date=2024-02-28 |title=Navy’s surface fleet review announced |url=https://defencesa.com/news-events-and-media/news/navys-surface-fleet-review-announced/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=Defence SA |language=en-AU}}</ref> The review was announced on 20 February 2024 by Defence Minister and Prime Minister, Richard Marles, alongside Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy. Marles stated that the plans of the review would enable Australia to 'deter Chinese coercion' and maintain 'Australia['s] way of life'.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dougherty |first=Robert |date=2024-02-21 |title=New surface fleet will deter coercion and protect way of life, says Deputy PM |url=https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/naval/13651-new-surface-fleet-will-deter-coercion-and-protect-way-of-life-says-deputy-pm |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=www.defenceconnect.com.au |language=en}}</ref>

== Outcome and response ==

=== 'Tier 1' surface combatants === thumb|''HMAS Hobart'' in 2017|225x225pxthumb|The Type 26 is the base platform of the ''Hunter''-class|230x230pxthumb|''Mogami''-class frigate, of which the New FFM (Upgraded Mogami) was chosen for the general purpose frigate program|230x230pxthumb|Base ship of the ''Arafura''-class|230x230pxthumb|''Cape''-class vessel in Darwin Harbour, 2014|230x230px The government plans to upgrade the Tier 1 Hobart-class destroyers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Plans revealed for Australia's future surface fleet - Australian Defence Magazine |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/plans-revealed-for-australia-s-future-surface-fleet |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=www.australiandefence.com.au |language=en}}</ref> The major upgrades include increasing the Aegis Combat System from Baseline 8 to 9 and possibly upgrading the radar system. The shipbuilders will also alter the missile cells so as to accommodate for more advanced missiles such as the Tomahawk, the Naval Strike Missile, and the SM-6 anti-ballistic missile.<ref name=":4">https://www.defence.gov.au/about/reviews-inquiries/independent-analysis-navy-surface-combatant-fleet</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Surface Fleet Review botches future frigate shortlist - Australian Defence Magazine |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/surface-fleet-review-botches-future-frigate-shortlist |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=www.australiandefence.com.au |language=en}}</ref>

As a result of the review, the Department of Defence (DoD) has agreed to make various concessions to the ''Hunter-class'' frigate program, the largest of which perhaps being the reduction of the total order of vessels, of which the DoD has announced their intent to slash the program to six vessels instead of the original nine that were planned.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-20 |title=SA-built frigates sink from nine to six as costs blow out by $20 billion - InDaily |url=https://www.indaily.com.au/business/defence/2024/02/20/six-frigates-to-be-built-in-adelaide-as-costs-blow-out-by-20-billion |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=www.indaily.com.au |language=en}}</ref> The DoD also followed the recommendation of the review to assess the feasibility of adapting the frigate to allow for the launching of the Tomahawk cruise missile.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HMAS Sydney fitted with Naval Strike Missile - Australian Defence Magazine |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/hmas-sydney-fitted-with-naval-strike-missile |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=www.australiandefence.com.au |language=en}}</ref>

=== 'Tier 2' surface combatants ===

In response to the aging nature of the current ''Anzac-class'' frigates of the RAN and in accordance with the recommendations of the review, the DoD has announced their intent to procure 11 'General Purpose Frigates (GPFs)'.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Dougherty |first1=Robert |date=2024-02-20 |title=Australia commits to modern and lethal general purpose frigates |url=http://www.defenceconnect.com.au/naval/13646-australia-commits-to-modern-and-lethal-general-purpose-frigates |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=www.defenceconnect.com.au |language=en}}</ref> They are intended to form part of a 'tier 2' fleet: less expensive than their 'tier 1' counterparts whilst still retaining adequate firepower, especially when it comes to Vertical launching system (VLS) cells. The GPFs will gradually replace the Anzac frigates as they come out of service, and the first batch is to be built in an accelerated manner overseas, and later transition to Henderson Naval Base for construction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dougherty |first=Robert |date=2024-02-20 |title=Australia commits to modern and lethal general purpose frigates |url=https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/naval/13646-australia-commits-to-modern-and-lethal-general-purpose-frigates |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=www.defenceconnect.com.au |language=en}}</ref> The DoD has outlined four shortlisted ships to be considered for the program:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Freebairn |first=Tom |date=2024-08-07 |title=The General Purpose Frigate: An Opportunity for Japan and Australia |url=https://dsm.forecastinternational.com/2024/08/07/the-general-purpose-frigate-an-opportunity-for-japan-and-australia/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Defense Security Monitor |language=en-US}}</ref> * German MEKO A-200, an upgraded design used for the Anzac-class frigates.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McLaughlin |first=Andrew |title=End of an era as first Anzac-class frigate is decommissioned after 28 years of service |url=https://psnews.com.au/end-of-an-era-as-first-anzac-class-frigate-is-decommissioned-after-28-years-of-service/134782/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=PS News |language=en}}</ref> * Japanese New FFM (Upgraded Mogami) 06FFM stealth frigate. * South Korean Daegu FFX or Chungnam FFX frigate. * Spanish ALFA3000 corvette, the same design used before the review to advocate for a '<nowiki/>''Tasman''-class' corvette.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Luck |first=Alex |date=2023-11-07 |title=Navantia shows Tasman corvette, and destroyer aimed at RAN. |url=https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/indo-pacific-2023/2023/11/navantia-shows-tasman-corvette-and-destroyer-aimed-at-ran/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}</ref> In November 2024, it was reported that the government had shortlisted the Japanese and German designs, with a final decision expected in 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-11-07 |title=Japan and Germany shortlisted for Australia's next warship program |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-08/japan-and-germany-shortlisted-for-australia-warship-program/104575738 |access-date=2024-11-09 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref> In August 2025, the Japanese New FFM was selected.

The DoD has announced as a result of the review their program to acquire six large optionally-crewed surface vessels. The intended role of these vessels is to act as crewed arsenal ships; they will have 32 vertical-launch cells, but few close-in weapons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=2024-02-20 |title=Australia To Bet Big On Heavily Armed, Optionally Crewed Warships |url=https://www.twz.com/sea/australia-to-bet-big-on-heavily-armed-optionally-crewed-warships |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=The War Zone |language=en}}</ref> The DoD plans to purchase the ships from the United States contractors on their similar program, but to have them built in Australia.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Laird |first=Robbin |date=2024-05-12 |title=Royal Australian Navy Explores Autonomy and Optional Crewing: Eyes LUSV as Potential LOSV Solution |url=https://sldinfo.com/2024/05/royal-australian-navy-explores-autonomy-and-optional-crewing-eyes-lusv-as-potential-losv-solution/ |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Second Line of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref> The 32 VLS cells on the ship will allow the system to act as a launch arena for anti-ballistic missiles such as SM-3 and RIM-174 Standard ERAM as well as land-strike missiles and anti-air munitions.<ref name=":3" />

=== 'Tier 3' surface combatants ===

The review emphasised the belief that the ''Arafura-class'' is under-gunned and does not possess significant offensive or defensive capability, and as such, the DoD has agreed to reduce the amount of ''Arafura'' vessels from the planned twelve down to six vessels.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Luerssen responds to Arafura OPV cuts - Australian Defence Magazine |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/luerssen-responds-to-arafura-opv-cuts |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=www.australiandefence.com.au |language=en}}</ref> They also agreed to investigate whether the vessels could be used in a specialised role, such as mine countermeasure.<ref name=":4" />

The DoD has agreed to use the ''Cape-class'' primarily as an Australian Border Force vessel, as well as manufacture capability on a number of the vessels that would prove useful to the Navy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austal launches 7th Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat - Australian Defence Magazine |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/austal-launches-7th-evolved-cape-class-patrol-boat |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=www.australiandefence.com.au |language=en}}</ref> The government has also agreed to put in place a framework that would allow for all ''Cape-class'' vessels to be under the overall responsibility of the Department of Defence, yet maintenance would be funded by the appropriate organisation (ABF or Navy).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bajkowski |first=Julian |date=2024-02-20 |title=Navy fleet rejig goes for more ships, fewer sailors, better missiles |url=https://www.themandarin.com.au/239968-navy-fleet-rejig-goes-for-more-ships-fewer-sailors-better-missiles/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=The Mandarin |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Shipbuilding === The review emphasised that the government of the day must commit to continuing Australia's domestic shipbuilding industry. As a result of this, the government made various concessions to accommodate this with projects divided across Australia's two naval manufacturing bases. These projects are:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Hunter |first=Abbie |date=2024-02-28 |title=Navy’s surface fleet review announced |url=https://defencesa.com/news-events-and-media/news/navys-surface-fleet-review-announced/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=Defence SA |language=en-AU}}</ref>

* At the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia; ** Upgrading all ''Hobart''-class destroyers; ** Ensure all six ''Hunter''-class frigates be built efficiently; ** Life of Type Extension (LOTE) upgrades of ''Collins''-class submarines; ** Three replacement destroyers for the ''Hobart''-class to be built following completion of ''the Hunter'' program; * At the Australian Marine Complex in Western Australia; ** Construct 8 out of the 11 General Purpose Frigates; ** Build all of the six Large Optionally-Crewed Surface Vessels; and ** Two additional Evolved ''Cape''-class patrol boats.

South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas praised the government's allocation of shipbuilding programs to South Australia.<ref name=":0" />

== Execution of the review == thumb|HMAS ''Sydney'' and HMAS ''Brisbane'' have been fitted with the Naval Strike Missile and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, respectively, in 2024.

=== 2024 === In May 2024, it was proven that the newest destroyer of the RAN, HMAS Sydney, was fitted with Naval Strike Missile launchers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HMAS Sydney fitted with Naval Strike Missile - Australian Defence Magazine |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/hmas-sydney-fitted-with-naval-strike-missile |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=www.australiandefence.com.au |language=en}}</ref> According to the SIPRI arms transfers database, Australia placed an order for an unknown quantity of the Block-1A NSMs with delivery to begin in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arms transfer database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/CSVResult |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=armstransfers.sipri.org}}</ref> In July 2024, during Exercise RIMPAC, HMAS Sydney successfully fired its first NSM in the waters surrounding Hawaii.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHENjUZSHBA |title=ADF {{!}} Naval Strike Missile HMAS Sydney successful firing |date=2024-07-21 |last=Defence Australia |access-date=2024-07-22 |via=YouTube}}</ref> ''Sydney'' contributed to the SINKEX of the USS Tarawa with an NSM during RIMPAC 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HMAS Sydney fires first Naval Strike Missile - Australian Defence Magazine |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/sea/hmas-sydney-fires-first-naval-strike-missile#:~:text=HMAS%20Sydney%20(DDG%2042)%20fired,USS%20Tarawa%20(LHA%201). |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=www.australiandefence.com.au |language=en}}</ref>

The first ship of the Hunter-class frigate program, HMAS ''Hunter'', had its steel cut on 21 June 2024 and is expected to be launched in 2029-30, and commissioned in 2034.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Batch one Hunter class build contract signed - Australian Defence Magazine |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/sea/batch-one-hunter-class-build-contract-signed |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=www.australiandefence.com.au |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Kuper |first=Stephen |date=2024-06-21 |title=First steel cut for Hunter Class frigate |url=http://www.defenceconnect.com.au/naval/14265-first-steel-cut-for-hunter-class-frigate |access-date=2024-06-22 |website=www.defenceconnect.com.au |language=en}}</ref> alt=HMAS Brisbane has been fitted with the Tomahawk cruise missile|right|frameless|253x253px On 4 September 2024, Australia and Japan signed a deal to further collaborate on long-range missiles, especially for ship use. Australia agreed to allow Japan to use Australian missile testing ranges for Japanese experiments.<ref>{{Cite web |last=NEWS |first=KYODO |title=Japan, Australia look to cooperate on long-range missile capability |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/09/c44167b6824a-japan-australia-look-to-cooperate-on-long-range-missile-capability.html |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Kyodo News+}}</ref>

In November 2024, Australia announced its intention to purchase $7 billion worth of SM-2 and SM-6 missiles, both manufactured by Raytheon. SM-6 is a multipurpose sea-to-air missile, however its use in the RAN has been prioritised towards terminal ballistic missile defence.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-10-21 |title=Australia reveals plan for $7b missile purchase from US |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-22/australia-us-medium-long-range-missiles-deal/104500268 |access-date=2024-10-25 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>

In December 2024, for the first time Australia fired a Tomahawk cruise missile off the coast of the United States using the ship HMAS ''Brisbane'', striking a test range in California successfully.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM-I0QjMBpA |title=Australian navy to be equipped with long-range US missiles {{!}} 9 News Australia |date=2024-12-10 |last=9 News Australia |access-date=2024-12-10 |via=YouTube}}</ref> According to the Department of Defence, the milestone testing of the Tomahawk missile extends Australia's strike missile capability to beyond 2,500km, much further than the previous range of 200km.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1PKUlXQ4b4 |title=Australian Navy Successfully Test-Fires Tomahawk Missile |date=2024-12-11 |last=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=2024-12-16 |via=YouTube}}</ref>

=== 2025 === On 5 August 2025, Defence Minister Richard Marles officially announced that the New FFM was selected as the general purpose frigate design.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dziedzic |first=Stephen |date=2025-08-04 |title=Australia picks Japan to build $10b frigates after fierce contest |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-05/australia-japan-navy-frigates/105613688 |access-date=2025-08-05 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>

== References == {{reflist}}

== External links == * [https://www.defence.gov.au/about/reviews-inquiries/independent-analysis-navy-surface-combatant-fleet Surface Fleet Review - Department of Defence]

Category:Military history of Australia Category:Government procurement Category:February 2024 in Australia