The primary sea control element will be an expanded submarine force able to project power around the Indonesian archipelago and into the near Pacific and Indian Oceans. Submarines will forward deploy ahead of the surface fleet during a time of conflict.
The surface fleet's function, to destroy other vessels, continues with an emphasis on Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) combined with a focus on air defence, particularly anti-missile defence. All destroyers and frigates will therefore field multi-layered missile defence systems (CIWS and anti-missile missiles), and have strong ASW sensors with bow and towed sonar arrays, and incorporate anti-torpedo torpedoes. Standard sensor capability must include advanced AESA radar and IR systems.
NAVY destroyers, frigates and submarines will also have a secondary land-attack strike capability being fitted to carry Tomahawk (LAM) cruise missiles. All capital ships, including armed offshore patrol vessels, will routinely employ drones (UAVs*/USVs) and helicopters as part of normal operations.
*Note: Consideration should be made towards developing a long endurance ship-deployable UAV/AEW airship – for use off the LHD ships - to provide extended air and/or surface surveillance on close approach towards potentially threatening areas.
Primary Weapons Systems
UPDATE: The Australian Government is now pursing nuclear submarines. Future ADF Page recommends buying eight Astute Class boats directly from the production line in the UK, to replace Collins. The RAN can then partner with the RN's future SSN program that will follow their SSBN production (the new SSN vessels will be built in Australia). If the Astute boats cannot be purchased directly from the production line in the UK then materials must be copied or transferred for rapid production in Australia. Later replacements for the RAN Astute Class boats should number from 10 to 12 vessels. If political events cause the cancellation of the nuclear boats the Barracuda program should be resumed.
Shortfin Barracuda (15)
Shortfin Barracuda Class (or Orka Class) submarines are intended for many missions, with a focus on offensive operations. They will act as the key strategic strike platform (via Tomahawk LAMs to target Command & Control facilities plus Airfields), as an anti-submarine platform, as an anti-ship platform, plus conduct surveillance and special operations deployments. These boats must include a towed sonar array, carry anti-torpedo torpedoes in addition to their heavy weight weapons, carry expendable UAVs, and later field a tube-launched anti-aircraft system for downing ASW aircraft. A total of 15 submarines will be acquired in order to create a continuous building program so when the first vessel is retired a new or upgraded type will follow into production. Three of these submarines may be crewed by New Zealanders and based in their country. (Displacing 4500 tons)
Scorpene S-BR Class Submarines (3)
These Scorpene Class submarines will be taken from the production line in Cherbourg, France, built following the end of the Brazilian Navy's order. They will immediately replace the aging Collins Class submarines in order to prevent a significant capability gap that will arise before the Shortfin Barracuda enters service. The vessels will be acquired with minimal modifications to the S-BR design. As the final Barracudas enter service these vessels may be retired. (Displacing 2000 tons)
Hobart Class Destroyers (3)
Hobart Class vessels are to act in a multi-role capacity in addition to their air defence mission. They must also provide a limited strike capability via the Tomahawk LAM. It should be noted that the present radar system on these vessels is not top-of-the-line and refitting will likely occur at a later date. Work on changes towards a low observable superstructure should also be considered. In addition to an SH-60R helo these ships will carry one or two MQ-8B Fire Scout helicopter drones, or a AV-247 Vigilant tiltrotor drone, that can be armed for surface attack. (Displacing 6200 tons)
Type 26 Frigates (12)
The Type 26 Frigates must be optimised for anti-submarine warfare and air defence. They must employ bow and towed sonar as part of their standard configuration. The radar systems on these vessels will be optimised to detect and shoot down low flying missiles at range, as on Daring Class Destroyers, with two CIWS units as the final layer of defence. Like the Hobart Class ships these frigates will be Tomahawk LAM capable and also operate one or two MQ-8B Fire Scout helicopter, or AV-247 Vigilant tiltrotor, drones in addition to their SH-60R helo. (Displacing 5400 tons)
OPV85 Offshore Patrol Vessels (18)
Lurssen OPV85 ships are to be acquired and upgraded to become effective war fighting vessels. In addition to a 76mm deck gun they should carry anti-ship missiles, a Rolling Airframe Missile system (or equivalent), and some type of lightweight sonar/torpedo system, or facilitate the operation of an ASW/Surface Attack AS565 MB Panther helo. Usually they will carry two Camcopters (or armed Fire Scout helo/Vigilant titlrotor UAV). In times of conflict the armed UAVs, or helicopter, will provide an advantage over other littoral combatants - particularly against hostile patrol boats and missile boats. (Displacing 1900 tons)
Unmanned Surface Vessels
Two Classes of USVs will be required for armed surveillance, anti piracy, mine detection, special operations and fleet defence:
Ship-Deployable Inshore USVs (1-2 per vessel)
Small USVs are intended for armed reconnaissance in littoral waters. They will have a multi-day loitering capability being able to launch small recon UAVs (two per boat) for closer inspection of inland targets. The boats should be equipped with a FLIR system, have sonar (mine detection), and be radar equipped - plus fitted with a 25mm cannon, and capable of firing both Hellfire (surface attack) and Stinger (anti-aircraft) missiles. These 'lightweight' drones come in two types - a larger 7 ton launch, the Fleet Class USV or similar, for use off capital ships, and a smaller RHIB version for use on Offshore Patrol Vessels.
Blue Water USVs (7)
These larger 500 ton ships are intended for picket line Air Defence and Anti-Submarine warfare; primarily to protect the Canberra Class LHDs. In addition to a torpedo launcher they will feature a VLS fitted with anti air and surface attack missiles to act in the (amphibious) fleet defence role. These drones will have a two month long endurance, needing only to refuel to remain active.
Air-Umbrella Elements: Naval Helicopters and UAVs
The use of aircraft is a key factor in detecting and countering other surface combatants and for coordinating cruise missile attacks and ship based artillery (gunfire support) strikes on land. In this capacity the following aircraft are recommended:
(30+) ScanEagle Drones to be deployed on all capital ships as unarmed scouts.
(30+) MQ-8B Firescout Drones for use on destroyers and frigates, armed with Hellfire missiles, plus S-100 Camcopters (for use on the OPVs).
(18) AV-247 Vigilant Tiltrotor Combat Drones equipped for surface attack with a front and rear facing AEW radar attachment in addition to the normal IRST sensors. These drones are to be deployable to all major fleet vessels.
(20+) Ship-deployable multi-day endurance AEW/maritime patrol UAV Airship Drones to patrol ahead of the surface fleet for use off Canberra, Hobart, and Type 26 Class.
(24+) MH-60Rs - for surface attack and ASW operations from Canberra, Hobart, and Type 26 Class.
(24) Eurocopter Panthers - for surface attack and ASW operations primarily from the OPVs.
(18) EH101 Merlins - for transport and search operations on Canberra Class LHDs.
Note: Where possible the surface fleet will operate with RAAF surveillance comprising MQ-4C Triton drones, UAV Airships, P-8A Poseidons, AP-3C Orions and C-37A Gulfstream Vs.
Secondary Vessels:
The following ships are primarily for use in low intensity operations, including border patrol missions; or in higher tempo operations under an established air defence and ASW 'umbrella'. Otherwise these vessels should be fitted for, and training aimed at, supporting humanitarian missions.
Canberra Class LHDs (2)
The Canberra Class LHDs must be equipped with CIWS missile defences and a RAM system. Their primary role is to provide logistical support to the ADF in low threat environments. Their other duty will be to aid in humanitarian operations where the air wing will be supplemented by cheap-to-operate (reserve force) UH-1H Huey IIs. While acting in the combat support role these ships will be equipped with attack helicopters and UAVs (helicopter/tiltrotor/airships) operating in maritime/onshore surveillance, and light attack roles.
The addition of AV-8B Harrier STOVL aircraft should be considered, as F-35s cannot operate on the deck, for limited maritime strike and attack roles, allowing the ADF to project overwhelming power at range against non-peer adversaries.
The numbers of Harriers acquired will be eighteen with six operating on the ship at any one time. AEW helicopters or UAVs will be added in this event. (Displacing 27,000 tons)
HMAS Choules LDS (1)
This Bay Class ship will be upgraded with CIWS. (Displacing 16,000 tons)
Endurance Class LDS (2)
The Endurance Class vessels' primary task, aside from supporting war fighting activities, will be to act as a base for border patrol missions and in low intensity island nation missions, operating in conjunction with OPV85s and Cape Class patrol boats. The ships will be upgraded to carry CIWS. (Displacing 8000+ tons)
Spearhead Class JHSVs (3)
The Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSVs) are intended for rapid 'in theatre' mobility. These ships must include anti-air/anti-missile RAM systems. (Displacing 2362 tons)
Remaining Fleet Vessels:
(2) Fleet Replenishment Vessels - Cantabria Class, displacing 19,500 tons. These ships will be modified with an extended helicopter deck able to accommodate CH-47 helicopters. CWIS and a RAM system must incorporated onto these vessels.
(6) Future Mine Sweepers - displacing 1500+ tons.
(4) Future Survey vessels - displacing 2000+ tons.
(6) Future Heavy Landing Craft (Caimen-200 design) replacing Balikpapan Class - displacing 800+ tons.
(18) Cape Class patrol boats of the Australian Border Force operating as in shore surveillance, customs, and fishery vessels - displacing 300+ tons.
(-) Requisition of civilian transport ships - ferries, container ships - during emergency situations.
The Aircraft Carrier Option (1-2):
The deployment of a CATOBAR aircraft carrier can provide a strategic deterrent against regional shore based air threats (airfields), surface vessels, and allows for high aircraft sortie rates against far off land targets. A moving airfield is a huge advantage. Such a platform can provide strong support to all manner of expeditionary operations.
The ship should displace 40,000 tons* and will employ an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). Onboard weapons must include CIWS, anti-air and anti-ship VLS missiles plus (defensive) torpedo/sonar/decoy systems for increased ASW functionality in high threat environments. Regular training operations will include ASW exercises involving Australian submarines.
The secondary function of this ship is as a Landing Platform Helicopter vessel with the section aft of the superstructure to include bays, one on each side, that can be utilised for landing craft - as seen amidships on HMS Ocean. Starboard and stern cargo doors will also be a feature to allow an additional roll-on roll-off cargo capability (see side column for details).
Aircraft Carried (CATOBAR):
(14) F/A-XX Multi-Role Fighters -- with 8 shore based and numbers interchangeable with RAAF aircraft.
(5) UCAVs - used for long range strike, recon and picket line air defence -- with 5 shore based.
(2) EA-18G Growlers (Block III) or (2) 'EA-XX' electronic warfare aircraft -- with numbers interchangeable with RAAF squadrons.
(4-8) AV-247 Vigilant Tiltrotor Drones will be used as forward deployed AEW sensors, having a removable front and rear facing radar attachment in addition to their IRST sensors. In low threat environments they will be equipped for surface attack missions.
(2) E-2D Hawkeye AWACs platforms -- with 3 shore based.
(3) S-3 Vikings ASW/tankers/SAR (new built) -- with 5 shore based.
(6) SH-60R ASW helos or AW101s.
(2) Eurocopter Panther helos for pilot recovery (and ASW).
Two shore based Training Squadrons will feature:
(14) T-45 Goshawks -- upgraded and equipped to carry a greater range of ordinance and sensors on their 3 underwing hardpoints. Notable weapons include anti-ship missiles, air-to-ground missiles, anti-radar missiles, AAMs, JDAMs and laser guided bombs.
(14) Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucanos -- navalised and equipped with tail hooks. The numbers of NAVY Tucanos will be in addition to the total Air Force numbers (65).
All training aircraft must have useful weapons capability as they are also required to act as lightweight multi-role fighters (T-45s) or light attack aircraft (Super Tucanos).
Note: If an aircraft carrier is employed the AV-8Bs, deployed on the LHDs, will be transferred from the Air Force to the NAVY's Fleet Air Arm.
*For further details on the design of this ship and the operation of a second aircraft carrier, see the side information column.
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