Australia’s latest National Defence Strategy (NDS) has underlined the country’s need to secure critical undersea infrastructure (CUI). To meet this seabed warfare mission quickly, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is looking to the commercial underwater industry to provide the required capability. Discussing how foreign interference is posing intensified threats to Australian security and…
On May 30, 2026, the Royal Australian Navy commissioned the second Arafura-class OPV HMAS Eyre into the fleet, in a ceremony at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. Australian MoD press release HMAS Eyre is the second of six planned Arafura class offshore patrol vessels (OPV) to enter service, following the commissioning of sister ship HMAS Arafura last year. The 80-metre long Arafura class…
Ultra Maritime Australia has been awarded a contract by the Australian Department of Defence to supply Acoustic Device Countermeasure (ADC) units in support of the Royal Australian Navy. Ultra Maritime press release This latest agreement reinforces a trusted partnership spanning more than a decade, during which Ultra Maritime has consistently delivered advanced torpedo defence expendables…
Ayant annulé sa commande de douze sous-marins Shortfin Barracuda de conception française suite à la signature du pacte AUKUS, en septembre 2021, l’Australie devrait en principe se procurer huit sous-marins nucléaires d’attaque [SNA], dont trois de type «Virginia» auprès des États-Unis. Il est prévu que les cinq autres, de type SSN-AUKUS, soient développés et construits...
Cet article L’Australie…
The Australian government on 19 May 2026 has officially announced the launch of the so-called “life of type extension effort” (LOTE) for the six Collins-class submarines operational with the Australian Navy. The event marks a significant milestone in a lengthy and convoluted history of modernising these submarines, while a new design could eventually replace the ...
The post Australia begins…
The program will keep the submarines in service to the 2040s, 20 years longer than originally planned.
PteroDynamics Inc., an innovator in autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft systems, has been awarded a contract by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to supply Transwing VTOL unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to support RAN’s autonomous maritime distributed logistics capabilities. PteroDynamics press release PteroDynamics will deliver P4 Transwing UAS aircraft, plus training and…
Raytheon has been awarded a contract by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to provide SeaRAM® ship self-defense systems in support of Australia’s SEA 3000 General Purpose Frigate program. The SEA 3000 program is set to replace the decommissioning Anzac-class frigates with 11 Upgraded Mogami-class frigates. Press release by Raytheon Under the contract, Raytheon will supply SeaRAM launchers, Blast…
The contract covers the three Aussie frigates that will be built in Japan.
The Australian government published the biennial National Defence Strategy (NDS) and the corresponding Integrated Investment Program (IIP). The publication occurs amidst a background of conflict in the Middle East and a shifting American national security posture across regions directly affecting Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. The NDS communicates the Australian government perspective on…
The government of Australia has today, Saturday 18 April 2026, announced contracts with the Japanese government and shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the purchase of three “Upgraded Mogami” general purpose frigates. The event is a first step in an overall effort under SEA 3000 to produce up to 11 new general purpose frigates. RAN ...
The post Australia Announces Contract For…
Even as Australia eyes the heady prospect of operating nuclear-powered attack submarines in the future, it is facing the challenge of keeping six ageing Collins-class diesel-electric submarines in service for many more years. This is to be tackled through the Collins Life-of-Type Extension (LOTE) programme, known as Project Sea 1450, which hopes to keep them ...
The post Australia readies itself…
The Royal Australian Navy has formally named the Maritime Autonomous Systems Unit (MASU), marking a key step in Navy’s transition to a more integrated and highly advanced technology‑enabled future force. Australian Defence press release MASU has been created through Project SEA 1200 to accelerate the development, integration and operational employment of maritime autonomous systems, optimised…
Saab Australia has reached a major milestone in the delivery of the Australian Interface for the Hobart class destroyer combat system. Saab press release The Hobart Australian Interface Reference Site has been established at Saab’s Sovereign Combat Systems Collaboration Centre (SCSCC) to enable integration and testing of systems that will be installed on the upgraded ...
The post Saab opens key…
The Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review 2026 on Saturday, 21st March 2026, will feature an uncrewed surface vessel (USV), the Ocius Bluebottle, reflecting the growing role of autonomous systems for Australia’s maritime capability. Ocius Technology press release This milestone reflects the first time the Royal Australian Navy has included a USV alongside crewed vessels in a ...
The post Bluebottle USV…
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has just two of an original six Huon-class minehunters left in service. Plus, two years ago, the service suspended renewal of its mine countermeasures capability that was to be delivered via Project Sea 1905. Looking at this evidence, some analysts believe Australia’s naval mine countermeasures (MCM) capability is atrophying. However, ...
The post Australian mine…
Australian navy chief Vice Admiral Mark Hammond said that the Bluebottle was an extremely durable asset, noting that “these things have remained on station as the cyclones have rolled through, and they’ve remained operational.”
The Australian ministry of defense announced today it is acquiring a fleet of 40 Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels (USV) to enhance the Royal Australian Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities. Australian MoD press release The Albanese Government will strengthen Australia’s maritime security with a $176 million investment to deliver 40 new Australian-designed and built Bluebottle uncrewed surface…
“South Australia is at the centre of one of the most significant defence undertakings in our history,” Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas said in a press release.