Nov 2024 Vol 50 #8

U.S. NUCLEAR-POWERED
SUBMARINE SLOWDOWN
SEA 3000 shortlisting India Navy ADF
expected soon grows in size & capability communication projects
 MAKE ANY POINT YOUR
CENTRE OF COMMAND.
 40 29 26

> Letter from the Editor 32 ADF communications for a world Nov 2024 Vol 50 #8

of Hertz
06 Is the Government being told the truth Defence isn’t talking – as usual
about nuclear subs?
38 Interview: Brigadier Doug Pashley
> News 1st Brigade Commander

08 C2 Robotics and Thales cooperation 42 Australian 155mm artillery shells

Thomas Global Systems and Lockheed
going to Ukraine
Not directly – it’s from NIOA to Germany
Martin agreement
09 Australia signs $7 billion missile deal 46 Australia probably received nothing
with the US for Taipan spares
Once the cost of their destruction is
> Features factored in
U.S. NUCLEAR-POWERED
10 US nuclear-powered sub construction 48 Australia donates M1A1s to Ukraine SUBMARINE SLOWDOWN
slowing About time
It’s all about the supply chain
SEA 3000 shortlisting India Navy ADF
expected soon grows in size & capability communication projects

50 News from across the Tasman

18 SEA 3000 shortlisting imminent Our regular update Cover description: HMAS Stuart conducted a Helicopter in-Flight
What a mess Refuelling (HIFR) evolution from the flight deck, with their embarked
Flight 602 MH-60R Seahawk helicopter call sign ‘Scarecrow’ during the
ship’s regional presence deployment. (DoD photo / Rikki-Lea Phillips)
21 Lack of justification for SSNs
What will Australia do with them?

23 Australian mine warfare – a

IN THE NEXT ISSUE
budgetary sacrifice > Uncrewed and robotic feature
A critical capability > Air, Land & Sea uninhabited
systems Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn:
27 Indian Navy growing in size and reach Asia Pacific Defence Reporter (APDR)
Rapid expansion underway Follow us on X: @APDR_APAC

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4 APDR | Nov 2024

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 EDITOR’S LETTER

Is anyone telling the

Government the truth about
nuclear-powered subs?
“The US is putting $17 billion into uplifting to keep repeating that the US remains fully
Kym Bergmann // Canberra
their submarine industrial base to deal with the committed to the AUKUS endeavour.
supply chain issues, including our contribution The current Government has already invested

H
ere at APDR we are getting the sinking of $3 billion, and it is paying off. Progress is far too much of its Defence credibility – such
feeling that the Australian Submarine being made. For example, I visited Australian as it is – on AUKUS Pillar One, and this close
Agency (ASA) and the RAN are not giving company Austal’s very large shipyard in to the Federal election no one should expect
the Government the full picture about the state Alabama, where they’re now building modules any change at all. However, after the vote –
of nuclear-powered submarine construction in for the Virginia-class submarine. That’s an expected in May 2025 – there should be a high-
the US. In turn, they might not themselves be example of the US dispersing and increasing level, thorough and independent review into
fully in the picture if all they are doing is relying their supply chain.” Pillar One. This is something that the current
on assurances from the USN that all is going to We remind the Minister, the $3 billion he Government should have done when it came to
plan. It isn’t. refers to is in US currency and the true amount office, but inexplicably did not.
This comes against a backdrop of a reported of our contribution – or gift – is actually $4.56 There is a theory that if such an independent
major fire at the BAE Systems nuclear billion at today’s exchange rate. review was carried out by a person acceptable
submarine factory at Barrow in the UK. Going by As we have repeatedly attempted to explain to all sides of politics there’s a chance that
several online images and extensive reporting, – lifting submarine production requires money support for whatever recommendations
a major fire appeared to be raging through but it also requires an industrial base that made could receive bipartisan endorsement.
the main construction hall. At the time of can produce things at the needed increased For example, if such a review concluded that
writing, the Australian government is said to be rate. The US has ordered more Virginia class Australia has bitten off more than it can chew
“scrambling” for information. submarines and has paid for them, but the and that budgets and timescales are likely to
If the damage is as bad as it potentially looks manufacturing process is about three years blow out even more, we can then start to think
it will take many months to figure out the behind schedule. about the alternatives rather than pretend we
implications both for the Dreadnought SSBN The maintenance and support for existing don’t need any.
program and the last of the Astute SSNs. The SSNs – both older Los Angeles class and As dire as the situation is becoming for
worst case would be a fire inside a submarine, newer Virginias – is also lagging. For a healthy nuclear-powered submarines, the Government
which could cause catastrophic damage, submarine fleet, they spend about 20% of their has made some progress on the missile
especially to electrical wiring – if that catches lives out of the water undergoing work to keep front announcing a buy of $7 billion worth of
alight you are in a world of hurt. Otherwise, if them safe and at the leading edge of technology. advanced SM-2 and SM6 weapons for the RAN
it has been confined to surrounding flammable The current figure for the USN is that 33% of surface fleet. This is on top of earlier buys of
materials and infrastructure that will still be a the entire SSN fleet is either out of the water or other long-range weapons, including Harpoon;
major headache. sitting idle waiting for work to begin. LRSSM and PrSM – plus the local manufacture of
As we have detailed in this edition (first Alarmingly, one never hears this sort of NSM, JSM and basic GMLRS munitions.
story), in the US the construction of Columbia information from the ASA, the RAN or Defence However, an oddity in all of this is the decision
SSBNs and Virginia SSNs is slowing down, not – let alone the Government. At least there to award Thales Australia a contract for the
speeding up. We know this because the CEO has been a slight change in the early euphoric domestic manufacture of US 155mm artillery
of General Dynamics – the owner of prime rhetoric and now it is acknowledged that there ammunition called the M795 projectile. The only
contractor Electric Boat – says so. She has are a number of hurdles to be overcome before problem with that is 155mm shells are already
told shareholders that the construction rate is Australia can be sold second hand Virginia class being made at Maryborough by Rheinmetall-
suffering because the vast supply chain cannot submarines in the early to mid 2030s. That’s a NIOA Munitions. These are for German DM 121
keep pace with current demand. good start. shells that will inevitably end up being used by
Asked about this on October 30 at the However, Australia now needs to go much Ukraine against the Russian invaders.
National Press Club, Defence Industry Minister further and start to have a serious think about NIOA could start making M795 shells in 2026
Pat Conroy either avoided or didn’t understand what we should do if neither the US nor the using an existing plant with a local workforce;
the question, answering: UK can deliver submarines to anything like the Thales can only do so in 2028 in a new facility.
required timetable. It is simply not good enough Go figure.

6 APDR | Nov 2024

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 NEWS

collaborating to advance our maritime

uncrewed systems.” Commodore Michael
Turner, RAN, Director General Maritime
Integrated Systems.
The announcement was made during
the Royal Australian Navy’s recent
Exercise Autonomous Warrior Maritime
Big Play 2024 that took place at Jervis Bay
in October 2024. The exercise tested a
range of autonomous technologies below
and on the surface of the ocean and
includes C2 Robotics’ Speartooth LUUV.

THOMAS GLOBAL SYSTEMS

AND LOCKHEED MARTIN
COLLABORATING TO SHAPE
Standing in front C2 Robotics’ Speartooth LUUV at Jervis Bay (from left to right): Commodore Michael
Turner, RAN, Director General Maritime Integrated Capabilities branch; Michael Parker, C2 Robotics;
THE FUTURE OF AIRBORNE
Gavin Henry, Thales Australia Underwater Systems; Jarrod O’Kane, C2 Robotics; Tim Cain, Thales VPX I/O CAPABILITY
Australia Underwater Systems; Adam Waldie, Thales Australia Underwater Systems; Captain Andrew
Stevens, RAN, Director Maritime Uncrewed Warfare. (C2 Robotics photo) IRVINE, California, and SYDNEY, Australia
28 October 2024
A FUTURE MADE IN
AUSTRALIA: C2 ROBOTICS proficiency in sonar and acoustic Thomas Global Systems is working
payloads is world renowned, has the with Lockheed Martin to deliver next-
AND THALES AUSTRALIA
potential to accelerate Speartooth’s generation computing input/output (I/O)
ADVANCE PARTNERSHIP IN
capabilities and footprint on an AUKUS capability for undisclosed platforms.
SUPPORT OF SOVEREIGN stage. Most importantly, all of the sensors Thomas Global Systems will develop and
AUTONOMOUS MARITIME and electronics that will be integrated supply Lockheed Martin with new I/O
SYSTEMS with Speartooth under this agreement technology enabling higher-performance
28 October 2024 are designed and produced locally at data processing and more reliable
C2 Robotics and Thales Australia have Thales’ Acoustics Centre of Excellence, communication, ensuring seamless
announced a partnership to integrate Rydalmere, Sydney. This aligns with C2 and secure operations in challenging
Thales’ sovereign sensor technology Robotics’ approach of ensuring supply environments. This new capability will
into the Australian-made C2 Robotics chain resilience and generating mass enhance customer’s capabilities for the
Speartooth Large Uncrewed Underwater based on Australian industry.” Dr Tom United States, Australia, and partner
Vehicle (LUUV). Loveard, Chief Technology Officer, C2 nations.
Thales Australia’s locally designed and Robotics The collaboration will leverage the
developed sonar sensors and processing “This exciting partnership represents benefits of the new AUKUS license
will enhance Speartooth’s ability to a significant opportunity to develop exemptions, enabling Thomas Global
navigate autonomously at long range Australia’s sovereign autonomous Systems to efficiently utilize resources
with higher levels of safety, reliability, and maritime capability by leveraging the and capabilities across its US and
precision. This will enhance customers’ expertise of an innovative Australian SME. Australian businesses. Lockheed Martin
trust in Speartooth and increase the C2 Robotics have been collaborating with and Thomas Global Systems are among
range of missions it can perform. Navy for several years on Speartooth the pioneering companies to benefit
Thales’ extensive industrial footprint, and in that time they have demonstrated from the License-Exempt Environment,
coupled with its sovereign technology the maturity of the vessel. We are which permits the vast majority of
expertise, will enable its sonar very pleased to be able to support commercial, defense and dual-use trade
solutions to be scaled appropriately for C2 Robotics’ focus on manufacturing between the US, UK and Australia to
performance and cost when integrated scalability and their speed to capability be authorized in accordance with the
into the Speartooth LUUV. This will ethos.” Troy Stephen, Vice President permitted exemptions. Working together,
allow C2 Robotics to achieve its goal Underwater Systems, Thales Australia Thomas Global Systems is committed to
of delivering an affordable, long-range and New Zealand. maximizing the opportunities presented
platforms that can be produced at scale “The Royal Australian Navy is very by AUKUS for faster, more innovative and
in Australia. supportive of this partnership. It’s a great efficient defense technology cooperation.
“Collaborating with Thales, whose example of Australian Defence Industry “Lockheed Martin is committed to

8 APDR | Nov 2024

 NEWS

providing cutting edge technologies to

meet the safety critical mission systems
computing needs of our customers
around the world. We look forward to
the opportunity to continue to build on
our relationship with Thomas Global
Systems to address key development
areas in support of our general purpose
computing solutions,” said Steve Donlin,
Lockheed Martin Avionics and Aircraft
Modernization director.
“We are honored to be working
with Lockheed Martin to deliver this
important new capability. With the new
AUKUS License-Exempt Environment
in place, Thomas Global Systems is
uniquely positioned to leverage our
deep engineering capabilities across
the US and Australia. This new contract HMAS Sydney fires Royal Australian Navy’s first Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) during Exercise Pacific Dragon
underscores our commitment and 2024. (DoD photo / Daniel Goodman)
capability to deliver innovative and
dependable electronics solutions advanced technologies that will greatly Minister for Defence Industry and
internationally,” said Angus Hutchinson, enhance the lethality and effectiveness of Capability Delivery Pat Conroy said:
CEO of Thomas Global Systems. our Navy ships in line with the National “Australia faces the most complex
Thomas Global Systems LLC is a Defence Strategy and the Independent geo-strategic environment since the
US Small Business, located in Irvine, Analysis into Navy’s Surface Combatant Second World War. Our investment in
California and will lead this new contract, Fleet. The SM-2 IIIC brings active seeker these world-leading, high-tech missiles
supported by the company’s Australian technology and significantly enhanced is another example of the Albanese
team. The contract is set to commence defensive capabilities against missile Government moving fast to keep
in Q4 2024 and is anticipated to be threats. Australians safe, deter any adversary,
completed by mid-2026. The SM-6 missile will provide Australia and defend Australia’s national interests
with extended range air defence in the missile age. Australia was the first
AUSTRALIA SIGNS $7 BILLION capability against air and missile threats, country, other than the United States, to
MISSILE DEAL WITH US an offensive anti-ship capability and for fire the SM-6 missile, underscoring the
22 October 2024 the first time, a terminal ballistic missile strength of our alliance.”
defence capability. The SM-2 IIIC and Managing Director Raytheon Australia
Australia will bolster its air and missile SM-6 complement existing capabilities Ohad Katz said: “Raytheon Australia
defence under a $7 billion agreement such as ESSM Block 2 and Naval Strike welcomes the Australian Government’s
with the United States to acquire state- Missile as part of a layered strike and announcement today to further increase
of-the-art long-range missiles. The missile defence capability for Navy’s the lethality of its naval surface fleet
acquisition of the Standard Missile 2 surface combatant fleet. through the acquisition of additional
Block IIIC (SM-2 IIIC) and Standard Missile Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles Raytheon Standard Missiles (SM-2 and
6 (SM-6) is a significant milestone in the said: “This is another example of the SM-6). This is a significant milestone
government’s rapid progress in boosting Albanese government accelerating that supports Australia’s strategy of
the long-range capability of Navy’s the acquisition of critical capabilities denial and deterrence against potential
surface combatant fleet. for the Australian Defence Force and adversaries, while also supporting a
The SM-2 IIIC and SM-6 are the most enhancing the lethality of Navy’s surface foundation for regional stability. As a
advanced air and missile defence combatant fleet. The Standard Missile strategic partner in the Guided Weapons
weapons in the world and will be 6 and Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC will and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise, we
progressively deployed across Navy’s enable our Navy to strike maritime, land engage regularly with the Australian
Hobart class destroyers and in the future, and air targets at long-range, and provide Government and Defence to ensure that
the Hunter class frigates. This follows a terminal ballistic missile defence we are doing our part to grow Australia’s
the recent successful test firing of a SM-6 capability, boosting the capacity for the strong industrial base that will be critical
from HMAS Sydney. ADF to safeguard Australians and their to support national security outcomes for
The SM-2 IIIC and SM6 contain interests.” decades to come.”

Nov 2024 | APDR 9

 NEWS
AUKUS

The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) departs HMAS Stirling, Sept. 10, 2024, marking the conclusion of a historic submarine
maintenance period in Western Australia. (U.S. Navy photo by Rory O’Connor)

US nuclear powered sub construction

slowing Kym Bergmann // Canberra

Just at a time when the construction of Virginia class SSNs is meant to be speeding up, prime contractor
General Dynamics Electric Boat says the opposite is happening.

I
n a very under-reported development – at least The problems impact the construction of both Connecticut, and Huntington Ingalls Industries
in Australia – the CEO of the parent company GD, the Columbia class SSBNs and Virginia SSNs. She (HII) whose yard is at Newport News in Virginia.
Phebe Novakovic, told shareholders on October continued: The distance between the two locations is about
23 “EB continues to be severely impacted by late “The supply chain is not getting better at a 800km as the crow flies – and large sections of
deliveries from major component suppliers, which fast enough rate, as we had hoped. Through our submarines are transported from one to the other
has delayed schedules and is continuing to impact internal efficiency, we have now outpaced them. by barge.
costs. This is the reality of the post-COVID environment For the Virginias, Electric Boat is the prime
“There is no point hurrying portions of the for many of our most important suppliers. contractor and builds the centre sections of
boat only to have to stop and wait increasingly “Current submarine delivery projections are not the submarines. HII is responsible for the much
extended periods of time for major components incrementally impacted, since they already reflect more complex bow and stern sections. The two
to arrive. It is neither good for the boat over time the anticipated delays from the supply chain. We yards take it in turns to deliver complete SSNs
nor cost. Given the recent projections from the will, of course, carefully monitor supply chain to the USN – so sections are sent backwards and
supply chain on deliveries, we need to get our performance and accelerate our work, should forwards by barge, depending on whose turn it is
cadence in sync with the supply chain and take their deliveries to us improve.” to deliver the completed submarine.
costs out of the business if we to hope to see The construction of both types is shared The situation is slightly different for the
incremental margin growth.” between Electric Boat based in Groton, Colombia SSBNs. In that case both yards build

10 APDR | Nov 2024

 AUKUS

sections, but all final assembly is done by EB at

Groton. The yards also take turns building reactor
compartments and for the last 30 years since
the arrangements were put in place have shared
profits roughly 50/50.
The Columbia class are the USN’s next
generation ballistic missile firing submarines
designed to replace the Ohio SSBNs and are
regarded as the least vulnerable part of the
US nuclear war deterrent. The first Ohio was
commissioned in November 1981 and was due
to leave service in 2026, but that is now not going
to happen.
Before joining hull sections for any submarine,
it is important to have as much equipment
installed in them as possible. This is because
once everything is welded together it is much
more difficult to gain access to the compartments,
which adds enormously to the cost of work. As
EB has noted, it would be foolish to weld sections
together to meet an artificial deadline only for a
far more expensive approach to be required when
the necessary components arrived at the shipyard,
as Phebe Novakovic has acknowledged. The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Colorado (SSN 788) arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-
Hickam during its change of homeport, April 17, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication
According to the GD CEO, it can cost eight
Specialist Amy Biller)
times more to do work out of sequence than if
everything is arriving to the correct schedule. The Columbia class are the USN’s next generation ballistic missile firing
In another overlooked piece of news from the
US related to this, there are credible estimates
submarines designed to replace the Ohio SSBNs and are regarded as the
that the Virginia program is not only running late, least vulnerable part of the US nuclear war deterrent.
but by 2030 – the critical time for Australia under
Pillar One – it will be $17 billion (AU $26 billion) that commitments to INDOPACOM and our AUKUS also learned that there is a projected $17 billion
over budget. The source of this is House Rep. Ken partners remain on track. shortfall in the Virginia-class program alone over
Calvert, Chairman of the powerful House Defense “This causes me to question whether you the next six years.”
Appropriations Subcommittee, who described the actually believe your rhetoric on the state of these In the light of this, one is also entitled to wonder
two submarine programs as being “in crisis”. programs, despite the facts. whether Australian officials also believe what they
Addressing the US Navy Secretary, Carlos del “The Navy is supposed to build one Columbia say when they continue to insist that everything is
Toro, he said on 19 September at an oversight and two Virginia-class submarines a year. However, going well with AUKUS Pillar One.
hearing into naval shipbuilding: today the Navy is struggling to construct just 1.3 However, we learned even more from a
“In 2017, the Navy announced a 2-year slip in Virginia-class submarines per year, and Columbia Congressional Research Service background
the Columbia schedule, meaning each Columbia is falling behind. Congress has provided over $10 report for Congress, released 10 October.
submarine would be ready just in time to replace billion in additional shipbuilding industrial base https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RL/
the retiring Ohio-class platform. At the time, Navy funding since fiscal year 2018, more than the RL32418/285
leadership insisted that there was no margin left Pentagon has requested. It has received some coverage in Australia
in the Columbia program, asserting that this “In fiscal year 2024 alone, Congress enacted and has the title: “Navy Virginia Class Submarine
program is the top priority. Every other program almost $20 billion for our submarine programs, Program and AUKUS Submarine (Pillar One)
could fail, but this one would not. including $3 billion in supplemental funds for Project.” Running at more than 120 pages, it
“And yet, earlier this year when you announced the submarine industrial base and $16 billion for provides a summary of issues associated with
that Columbia would have an additional 12-to-16- the procurement of Columbia and Virginia-class ramping up production – and especially dealing
month delay, the Chief of Naval Operations told submarines, advance procurement and additional with a serious maintenance backlog.
Congress that Columbia would still be on time. submarine industrial base funding in the base On the latter, good practice would see 20%
“The math is equally convoluted in the Virginia- budget. of the SSN fleet undergoing work in a shipyard.
class submarine program, which was on a 6-month “We have since learned from the Department’s However, since 2018 the figures have been: 32%;
accelerated schedule but is now delayed by 2-to- anomaly request that this funding was still 30%; 37%; 33% and 33% for submarines in a depot
3-years. Somehow, the Navy continues to assert somehow at least $1.95 billion short. We have or sitting idle waiting for work to begin - not an

Nov 2024 | APDR 11

 AUKUS

encouraging trend. The report also discusses subsequently to 2.33 boats per year, the rate the For the 2025 US financial year, which started
the difference between procuring Virginia class Navy states will be needed to not only execute on 1 October, the USN is buying a single Virginia.
subs – in other words, contracting and paying for the two-per-year procurement rate, but also build However, this is a hot political issue and members
them – and their actual delivery, which is entirely replacement SSNs for the three to five Virginia- of Congress are lobbying for a second sub, ping-
ponging between different committees discussing
For the 2025 US financial year, which started on 1 October, the USN requirements for additional funding.
is buying a single Virginia. However, this is a hot political issue and On the other side of the ledger, it is
acknowledged that US shipyards are hiring
members of Congress are lobbying for a second sub, ping-ponging
thousands of works and are receiving billions of
between different committees discussing requirements for additional dollars – including the first tranche of Australia’s
funding. gift of a total of $4.6 billion, depending on the
exchange rate. However, as the GD CEO reminds
another matter: class boats that are to be sold to Australia under us, it’s not simply a matter of throwing money at
“….although Virginia-class boats have been the AUKUS Submarine (Pillar 1) Project that is the problem.
procured at a rate of two boats per year, the actual discussed later in this report, and to reduce the Regarding the sale to Australia, the CRS report
production rate has fallen short of 2.0 boats per accumulated Virginia-class production backlog.” notes:
year, and since 2022 has been limited by shipyard Simply put, to get an accurate picture of the rate “The United States is to sell Australia three
and supplier firm workforce and supply chain of production, you have to look at not how many Virginia-class submarines, with the potential
challenges to about 1.2 to 1.4 boats per year, have been ordered but how many have been to sell up to two more if needed. The first two
resulting in a growing backlog of boats procured commissioned. In 2017 that figure was 1; followed boats, which are to be sold in FY2032 and FY2035,
but not yet built. by 2 (2018); 1 (2019); 2 (2020); 0 (2021); 2 (2022); would be existing boats with 18 to 27 years each
“As also mentioned earlier, the Navy and 1 (2023); and 1 (2024). Clearly, this is well short of of remaining expected service life. The third boat,
industry are working to increase the Virginia-class the average needed for the needs of the USN, let which is to be sold in FY2038, would be a new boat
production rate to 2.0 boats per year by 2028, and alone Australia. taken directly from the U.S. production line, and

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The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) (Gold Crew) arrives at Naval Base Guam, May 29 to conduct a scheduled port visit.
(U.S. Navy photo by Lt. James Caliva)
12 APDR | Nov 2024
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 AUKUS

The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) New Jersey (SSN 796) pulls into Naval Weapons Station Earle Pier, Sept. 6, 2024, in
preparation for s upcoming commissioning ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by Bill Addison)

thus have a full 33-year expected service life. In It is startling to think that neither the previous Coalition government,
combination, the sale of these three boats would
transfer more than 70 boat-years of SSN capability
nor the current Labor administration have shown any interest in
from the U.S. Navy to Australia’s navy.” examining alternatives to Pillar One. There now seems to be ample
It also points out a perceived weakness in the evidence to suggest decision makers seriously face up to the possibility
Australian approach to AUKUS, which apparently
failed to consider any serious capability
that Australia will receive no nuclear-powered submarines from the US.
alternatives, saying:
“There is little indication that, prior to announcing of an AOA or an equivalent rigorous comparative and has a very even-handed approach to AUKUS
the AUKUS Pillar 1 Project in September 2021, analysis can lack a sound business case. Pillar one discussing various viewpoints and
an analysis of alternatives (AOA) or equivalent “The (US) Government Accountability Office leaving it up to readers to come to their own
rigorous comparative analysis was conducted (GAO) has stated that “a program should not go conclusions. There’s something for everyone – and
to examine whether Pillar 1 would be a more forward into product development unless a sound at 120 pages (easily double that once footnotes
cost-effective way to spend defence resources for business case can be made,” and that “weapon and graphs have been taken into account) it is a
generating deterrence and warfighting capability systems without a sound business case are at revelation for information-starved Australians.
than potential alternative courses of action, greater risk for schedule delays, cost growth, and Some local AUKUS-boosters have sought
such as a U.S.-Australian division of labor for integration issues.” to discredit the CRS, saying it is similar to the
performing SSN missions and non-SSN missions. It is startling to think that neither the previous Federal Parliamentary library. It is not. It has
“Such an AOA or equivalent rigorous Coalition government, nor the current Labor an annual budget of $200 million and a staff
comparative analysis (or a summary of one) administration have shown any interest in of 600 analysists, quite unlike the dozen or so
has not been released. Performing an AOA or examining alternatives to Pillar One. There now hard-working researchers in Canberra. The
equivalent rigorous comparative analysis can seems to be ample evidence to suggest decision information it contains should be compulsory
test the validity of beliefs or presumptions about makers seriously face up to the possibility reading for anyone interested in nuclear-powered
the cost-effectiveness of an envisioned course of that Australia will receive no nuclear-powered submarines.
action and can produce unexpected or counter- submarines from the US. One wonders how many Australian officials
intuitive results. Programs initiated in the absence The CRS is written for a U.S. political audience have made the effort to do so.

14 APDR | Nov 2024

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of platforms. This organic asset can be rapidly
APUS 25. Credit: IAI deployed by frontline units, providing immediate

A
aerial support without the need for extensive
ustralia is once again grappling four rotors through a patented variable-pitch launch infrastructure.
with a severe bushfire that mechanism. The result is a dramatic increase
IAI has designed the APUS 25 with
endangers both wildlife and human in flight endurance—up to 8 hours—compared
versatility in mind. The drone can be
communities. In response, reports have been to the mere tens of minutes offered by electric
equipped with a range of payloads, including
flooding into emergency services, and a cutting- counterparts. The use of a heavy-fuel engine
high-resolution day/night cameras, laser
edge quadcopter is now airborne to provide brings additional advantages. The APUS 25
capabilities (pointing and range-finding), and
crucial aerial oversight from high altitude. The can operate on various fuel types, including
specialized sensors for highly challenging tasks.
drone is equipped with a high-performance, Jet-A1, JP5, and JP8, eliminating the logistical
The drone’s robust design and stable flight
long-range day and thermal optical payload challenges associated with battery-powered
characteristics add a new dimension to tactical
essential for such missions. This advanced long- drones, such as long charging times and the
air support across a variety of scenarios.
endurance drone plays a vital role in disaster need for specialized storage facilities.
management by offering continuous monitoring From a strategic perspective, the APUS 25
In terms of payload capacity, the APUS 25
of the fire and delivering early warnings about offers significant advantages in terms of force
punches well above its weight class.
its spread. Additionally, it supports police and multiplication. Its extended endurance allows
With a maximum takeoff weight of under
first responders in managing and supervising a single unit to cover an area that would
25 kg, it can carry payloads of up to 10 kg
the affected areas, enhances search and rescue typically require multiple conventional drones.
for extended missions. This opens up a
operations, and aids firefighters in their efforts to By combining the flexibility of a multirotor
wide range of possibilities for emergency
combat the blaze. with the endurance of fixed-wing platforms,
response, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance,
IAI has created a versatile tool that can adapt
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel’s and Reconnaissance) operations, as well as
to a wide range of mission profiles. As these
leading defence supplier, has unveiled a potential combat support roles. The drone’s
advanced drones become more prevalent in
groundbreaking addition to its unmanned advanced design allows it to operate effectively
disaster areas and battlefields, they will likely
aerial systems portfolio—the APUS 25. This in challenging environments, withstanding
reshape paramilitary and military doctrine and
innovative long-endurance quadcopter is wind speeds of up to 23 knots and reaching
operational planning.
set to redefine tactical drone operations for altitudes of 11,000 feet. The APUS 25’s
first responders, paramilitary, and military exceptional manoeuvrability is notable, allowing
forces worldwide. The APUS 25 represents a it to execute tight turns and swift altitude
For further information,
significant leap forward in drone technology, adjustments—capabilities vital for handling please contact our experts via
offering an unprecedented combination of gusty winds and operating from ship decks. info.malat@iai.co.il
vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities
with extended flight times typically associated
with fixed-wing aircraft. This unique blend of
features addresses several critical pain points
faced by users in the field.

At the heart of the APUS 25’s innovation

is its propulsion system. Unlike conventional
electric quadcopters that rely on multiple
electric motors, the APUS 25 utilizes a single,
centrally located internal combustion engine.
This engine operates at a fixed RPM, powering APUS 25. Credit: IAI
 ADVERTORIAL

Electric drive propulsion can give

the RAN a distinct advantage
Interviewed by Kym Bergmann, APDR Editor

The RoKN FFX-II and FFX-III frigates are modern stealth

ships equipped with advanced sonar, communication, and
power systems, enhancing their anti-submarine capabilities
to address the growing undersea threat.

Q: Before we start with electric drive for ships, could you say a few Q: Moving to the naval sector, what’s the attraction of hybrid elec-
words about Leonardo DRS. tric drive systems for Navy ships?
A: Sure. Leonardo DRS is part of the Italian global aerospace and A: Today, advanced Hybrid-Electric Drive (HED) systems are widely
defence company Leonardo. Leonardo DRS is a provider of defence used across allied navies, from Europe to Asia and here in Australia.
technology to the U.S. military and allied countries, such as Australia, Their operational flexibility, superior fuel economy, and significantly
ranging from advanced sensing, network computing, force protec- reduced life-cycle costs are all reasons HED systems have become
tion, and electric power and propulsion, as well as other mission-crit- standard across allied navies around the world.
ical technologies.
Hybrid-electric propulsion systems, like those made by Leonardo
In fact, there is a long relationship between Leonardo DRS and the DRS, are designed to power a ship with an electric motor with power
Australian military as a provider and integrator of technology across generated from a gas or diesel generator. That configuration allows
the Navy and land forces. Both Leonardo and Leonardo DRS have a the ship to move silently through the water at slow to moderate
significant presence in Australia providing a range of products from speeds for anti-submarine operations or for staying on station longer
helicopters to advanced sensors. The advantage of both companies and using less fuel.
having a presence here is that they understand the needs across
The electric motor is flexible and can also be wired into the ship’s
the forces and can combine their technologies to develop solutions
electrical system to deliver additional conditioned power to the
unique to the land and naval service needs.
electrical system or to operate power-hungry sensors and weapons
 ADVERTORIAL

Q: I’ve been hugely impressed with ROK Navy ships and they will
The Leonardo DRS Naval Power Systems U.S. facility houses be strong contenders for SEA 3000.
the design, test, and manufacturing facilities for naval
power distribution and conversion. A: I agree, the SEA 3000 frigates are being built for a mission that fits
right into having a powerful hybrid electric drive propulsion system.
The Korean frigate class the RAN is looking at has those powerful
Leonardo DRS hybrid electric drive systems and is a very good candi-
date for a new class of ship that is built to modernize the fleet and be
a force multiplier for the RAN.
Q: What would you tell leaders in the RAN about the need for Hy-
brid Electric Drive to modernize it’s fleet of frigates?
A: As regional and global adversarial threats grow, a Hybrid Electric
Drive system, equal to those installed on allied navy ships around
the world, will provide RAN frigates with the space and power for
continued modernization with tomorrow’s power-hungry systems.
As a frontline surface warship, the new RAN frigates should be built
with a proven and powerful hybrid-electric power and propulsion
systems. For high-speed operations, the ship simply switches over to system to give commanders the confidence to place these new plat-
its fuel-powered turbine engines. forms at the tip of the spear for naval operations.
The flexibility of HED systems is a force multiplier, giving any combat The mission-flexible nature of the Hybrid-Electric Drive system al-
ship variable propulsion capabilities. For high-speed operations, lows the vessel to quickly move from high-speed operation using the
these vessels operate on a gas turbine engine; and for quiet anti-sub- turbine engine to the electric generator, significantly reducing the
marine warfare or extended on-station loitering needs, users can noise signature of the ship for a range of requirements. It is a force
easily switch to the electric generator system. multiplier for commanders who will be able to use these modern
frigates in ways not previously seen in naval operations.
Q: Are there advantages to Hybrid drive systems when it comes to
the construction of warships. This really is the way of the future. The same Leonardo DRS ad-
vanced hybrid electric drive system in today’s ROK Daegu Class
A: Yes. Many shipyards, like those in Korea, have a lot of experience
FFX-II frigates will provide the RAN with class-leading perfor-
installing electric drives on commercial and navy ships, so there is
mance, efficiency and operational capability in an affordable, power
not a leaning curve to overcome when installing these systems.
dense package. This technology is a prime example of the system
But the primary advantage to these systems, especially the one made level optimization that can be achieved from a proven propulsion
by Leonardo DRS and used in the new Korean frigates, is their size and electric plant.
weight and power. They are very power-dense in a small package, so
As the Royal Australian Navy looks to build a more capable and
when they are installed, they leave much more space in the engine
lethal frigate to play a critical role in defending against evolving se-
room for any future needs to add to the ship.
curity challenges and the changing nature of warfare, a crucial com-
Q: Coincidentally, I’ve made a couple of recent visits to Korea and ponent enabling these new platforms should be a proven world-class
the ROKN seems to have made an in-principle decision to switch to Hybrid Electric Drive system that will provide advanced and flexible
hybrid electric drive. You mentioned DRS is involved in that. power and propulsion capabilities for today and well into the future.
A: Correct. South Korea received a major shock when one of their
frigates was torpedoed and sunk by a North Korean mini subma-
rine with the loss of 46 sailors in 2010. As a result, even though they
had started the construction of the first FFX batch frigates, they
switched very quickly to hybrid-electric propulsion to reduce me-
chanical drive noise, adding a significant layer of protection and sub
hunting capability.
They made that transition very quickly – keeping the same hull form
and pivoted to hybrid-electric to dramatically reduce the noise signa-
ture of the entire class of ship. The Leonardo DRS hybrid system was
the right answer for this rapid update because of the small size and
powerful nature of our technology. It could easily fit into the ships.
The ROK Navy is pleased with the results and we have our systems
on their FFX Batch 2 Daegu class and Batch 3 Chungnam frigates. Following an independent review of the Royal Australian
The Korean Navy has gone even further with this technology, choos- Navy’s surface combatant capability, the Australian
ing it for their new destroyer program, and they have selected DRS to Government has unveiled its blueprint for a larger and more
supply fully integrated electrical drive systems in those vessels. lethal surface combatant fleet. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy
 SEA 3000

MEKO A-200 EN Batch 3 GP Frigate (tkMS photo)

All SEA 3000 bidders await

shortlisting decision Kym Bergmann // Canberra

If it was the aim of Defence to create an unprecedented level of uncertainty about the way forward for
the General Purpose Frigate (GPF) project, they have succeeded. With all bidders faced with automatic
exclusion if they breathe a word about Australia’s requirements, they cannot discuss their needs with
local industry, let alone the media. What the RAN hopes to gain from encouraging confusion and
speculation is unknown.
18 APDR | Nov 2024
 SEA 3000

T
he genesis of this is the ‘Independent that even if they don’t have a majority of seats to have scheduled travel to Canberra in mid-
Analysis into Navy’s Surface Combat Fleet’ but can overtake Labor then they will be in the November. This might be coincidental – that
- a deeply flawed document that couldn’t stronger position to form government. has happened before – or it could be that they
even correctly list the ships to be shortlisted, Most analysts don’t share this view, correctly have been summoned for some form of progress
nominating four rather than the five designs pointing out that at the last Federal election meeting. If so, it would be bizarre – a word
to be evaluated. It also nominated a laughably many of the independents – the ‘teals’ – won frequently used for this project – because there
improbable budget of $11 billion for between 7 because of progressive views on social policy and would seem to be no point inviting unsuccessful
and 11 advanced frigates averaging 4,000 tonnes. especially on the need for climate action. While companies to travel to the Southern Hemisphere
The decision-making process is being squeezed there’s huge frustration with Labor’s position, it is to be given the bad news personally.
by the electoral cycle. The latest possible date arguably more effective than the Coalition’s long The expectation is that the shortlist will be of
for the next Federal election is May 24, 2025. term plan of moving to nuclear power. two companies – and that they will each quickly
The previous one occurred on May 21, 2022. Returning to SEA 3000, while the country is sign a contract for an Offer Definition Activity
The next budget will now be handed down on in caretaker mode, work on the project could with a deadline for completion just prior to the
March 25 next year to avoid a clash with the continue uninterrupted. However, if a final start of the caretaker period just before mid-
election campaign. The normal pattern for a choice of bidder has not been made by then April. Assuming the ODA contracts are signed
government seeking re-election is to spend a (mid-April) there will be no announcement until by early December, this would leave a mere 4.5
fortnight trumpeting the wonders of the give- a new Government has been sworn in – and that months to complete an enormously complex
aways and tax breaks and to then call the poll. might take some time. response. Everyone in industry can forget about
This means that the Prime Minister would go to
Government House sometime around April 8 and If the Australian order were reduced to 7 hulls – highly likely given the
call for an election on Saturday May 17. There is unrealistically low budget for the project – then only the final one would
some wriggle room in the election campaign, but
have true local production since: a) the first 3 are fully imported; and
not much. As soon as the election is called the
government automatically goes into “caretaker b) the next 3 are merely the local assembly of parts brought in from
mode”, which means that Ministers do not make another country.
any further consequential announcements, and
everything ticks over on automatic pilot with the In a best-case scenario, if the Government is Christmas – not that Defence has ever cared
bureaucracy left running the country. in place by mid-June and the preferred bidder is about that.
If the election were called on Friday April 11 announced soon after that, there still needs to be The flawed Enhanced Lethality Surface Combat
that would be a five-week campaign, which is the detailed contract negotiations for a project of this Fleet document calls for the first of the GP
average for contemporary Australia. However, magnitude, complexity and price. That will take Frigates to be in the water by 2029 and the next
the time taken to form the next government is several months, meaning we will be lucky to see two by 2030. The review has already concluded
more speculative given opinion polls show that serious work beginning before the start of 2026. that the only way this arbitrary timetable can be
the most likely result is a hung Parliament. In this If Labor are returned, they might start to regret met is by building the initial three ships in the
case there will be a scramble between Labor and their chest-beating about having a ship delivered parent yard of the successful designer.
the Coalition as to who can first come up with a by 2029. Korea, Japan and Germany can all build This means either: 1) Hamburg (Germany /
working majority and persuade the Governor- quickly – but contract signature to launch cannot tkMS); 2) Nagasaki (Japan / MHI); 3) Okpo (South
General of their case. be done realistically in less than 48 months. The Korea / Hanwha Ocean); 4) Ulsan (South Korea /
Now it looks as if the Labor Party is in the only way to meet the 2029 deadline is to sell Hyundai Heavy Industries) and 5) Ferrol (Spain
slightly stronger position because they look like to Australia a ship that is already being built for / Navantia).
hold more seats in the House of Representatives another customer. The remaining 4 to 8 frigates would then
and will find the job of forming a majority easier The only way to short-circuit the entire process be built in Australia by a yet to be determined
because they are far more likely to receive the would be for the government to jump to a single entity in the Henderson shipbuilding precinct
support of the Greens and most independents supplier almost immediately and announce a in Western Australia. The RAN has previously
than is the Coalition. However, this is the winner in the next fortnight. This scenario seems indicated that the first three locally built ships
situation today, more than five months away absurd based on the scant information supplied would continue to use the existing supply chain
from the likely start of the election campaign. to date with almost all of it related to a parent of the first three built offshore, an idea so stupid
The Coalition has been steadily making up yard build of a ship for another navy. it defies credibility, but it has been said by a Rear
ground in the polls – though it is probably more It looks like the government – in the form of Admiral so could well be true.
a case of the government weakening its own the National Security Committee (NSC) of Cabinet If the Australian order were reduced to 7 hulls
position rather than anything else. Six months – could make a decision on Melbourne Cup – highly likely given the unrealistically low budget
ago, Opposition strategists conceded there was Day (November 5) – and in the normal course for the project – then only the final one would
no way they would win the 20+ seats needed to of events make a public announcement the have true local production since: a) the first 3 are
govern in their own right. However, the mood is following week. fully imported; and b) the next 3 are merely the
now subtly changing and some are speculating Curiously, several of the bidders appear local assembly of parts brought in from another

Nov 2024 | APDR 19

 SEA 3000

country. Does anyone think it would be viable This latter requirement alone will add greatly 3. MEKO 200 from tkMS. This family of ships
to Australia to produce only a single frigate with to complexity and therefore time and cost. is well known to the RAN since the Anzac frigates
parts and systems coming from local suppliers? No article would be complete without some are of this design. The company has built more
It is presumed that the two companies selected wild, uninformed speculation – so here goes than 80 to date for a variety of customers – and
for the Offer Definition Activity will use those APDR’s thinking: the latest sale of four has been to the Egyptian
few months to ‘Australianise’ the design and Navy. These are highly capable and robust ships
develop a baseline that includes elements such with a modular design able to include whatever
as CEA radars and – especially – the Saab 9LV systems the RAN requires.
combat management system (CMS). The Saab Since Anzac frigates already have a radar
CMS is necessary to ensure commonality and mast, the latest variant of the ship presumably
connectivity with all other RAN surface ships. can offer the same thing. The company is very
To date, the only requirements are: familiar with 9LV and also CEA radars having
• operate a Maritime Combat Helicopter worked with them in Australia and elsewhere.
• provide undersea warfare through a depressed As is often the case with Germany, the
active/passive towed array sonar and have the Government is supportive, though in a somewhat
ability to store, handle and employ lightweight low-key manner.
torpedoes
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF)
Mogami-class frigate JS Noshiro (FFM 3) (U.S.
• provide air defence through a limited number Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd 4. ALFA 3000 from Navantia. This is a curious
of point and self-defence systems Class Caroline H. Lui) choice because the ship is more a corvette,
• provide maritime and land strike being a little over 100 metres in length and
• provide force protection 1. Mogami FFM from Japan. This is a very 2,200 tonnes displacement – which is half the
In an attempt to save the RAN from itself, most modern ship with impressive characteristics, size of the Mogami FFM and 60% of the size of
of the bidders – but not all of them (we know including a 32 cell Mk 41 VLS launcher; embarked a Chungnam.
but can’t say) - have included 9LV as an option, Seahawk helicopter; integrated radar mast – and It might be on the shortlist as: a) a very low-cost
even though they were not required to do so. a very high level of automation. It will probably alternative; or b) because someone of limited
Whether any of them have included an option be the most expensive of the offers and is the experience and knowledge in the RAN thought
for CEA radars is less clear, particularly since largest design. It has the strong support of the that the 3000 in the name meant the number
the designers have been banned from having Government of Japan, with the bid submitted of tonnes of the ship. This sort of idiocy would
discussions with Australian companies. by ATLA (the defence procurement agency) on not be out of place, with the review unable to
If the project sticks with the requirements behalf of MHI. understand that the Korean FFX Batch 2 (Daegu)
above, no matter who designs the hull the ships and Batch 3 (Chungnam) are completely different
will be less capable than the Anzac frigates they 2. Hanwha Ocean and Hyundai Heavy ships.
are replacing. We have detailed in previous industries. They are offering, respectively, the Navantia has a proven track record in
articles the effectiveness of the CEAFAR / 9LV / Thai version of the Daegu class frigate; and the Australia having supplied the Hobart class
ESSM combination able to defeat a swarm attack new FFX Batch 3 Chungnam frigate for the ROKN. AWDs; the Canberra class LHDs; and the Supply
from supersonic anti-ship missiles. The Thai frigate has the advantage of coming class replenishment ships. However, the highly
One of the many ways in which the RAN was with the 9LV CMS and it also carries a Seahawk publicised current maintenance issues must be
able to take an effective, missile-armed OPV helicopter. a major headache for the company.
designed for Brunei for SEA 1180 and turn it Hanwha Ocean has a huge facility at Okpo that This competition has several wild asymmetries.
into something militarily ineffective – the words can churn out more than 100 platforms per year. The designs vary in size from 4,500 tonnes to
of the RAN, not APDR – was to strip it of almost The Daegu design is smaller than Chungnam but 2,200 tonnes. The extent to which they use US
all its weapons, and then complain about that. As the inclusion of 9LV plus a Sea Giraffe radar, also weapons and systems varies greatly. Prices are
a person very familiar with the project quipped: from Saab, is a reasonable combination. also likely to be wildly divergent; and approaches
“It’s as if the RAN bought a Mini after looking The Chungnam is an even more modern to an Australian build for the second tranche
at many options – and then complained they platform than the Daegu and features an of ships is pure guesswork at this stage. Their
couldn’t fit their grand piano in it.” integrated radar mast and can carry a Seahawk combat capabilities vary from basic to advanced.
SEA 3000 is saddled with definitional phrases helicopter. Many of its weapons are of Korean A final word for all of the bidders: be careful
such as “minimum viable capability” that are manufacture, though in terms of space & weight what you wish for. Just ask Luerssen – one of
open to a variety of interpretations. On top they are similar to their US equivalents. HHI’s Europe’s leading shipbuilders – how they have
of that is the stated desire to take something shipyard at Ulsan is modern, enormous and can been treated by Defence for the OPV program.
designed for another navy and simply take it “as also build modern warships very quickly. Unless some sanity returns to the entire
is”. Only two major concessions have been made, The Government of Korea is strongly procurement process – an unlikely occurrence on
namely that signage needs to be in English and supporting both bids and has guaranteed the current settings – SEA 3000 will be a commercial
that the ships need to be fully compliant with delivery of a ship by 2029 if Australia sticks rigidly and reputational poisoned chalice for whoever
Australian regulations. to the “no change” formulation. is selected.

20 APDR | Nov 2024

 SSN

The RAN has provided little

justification for SSNs A special correspondent // Canberra

In a world dominated by great power competition, there are nuclear submarines that are most definitely
‘deterrents’, but thankfully Australia isn’t getting any of them. Australia will acquire a force of 5 – 8
SSNs. As impressive a military capability as it might be, 5 -8 boats won’t deter much…particularly in
circumstances of great power competition.

A
ustralian SSNs unquestionably will
influence the operational level thinking
of an adversary. But in all likelihood, they
won’t deter that adversary from indulging in the
use of military force if it judges such action to be in
its interests. SSNs just don’t do that. Nonetheless,
SSNs are potent naval platforms, doing what they
do best; sinking ships. And that alone makes the
acquisition of capable but costly SSNs justifiable.
SSNs are impressive military platforms and if
Australia is going to purchase new submarines
there are good reasons to buy nuclear ones. SSNs
have unique capabilities well suited to Australia’s
geo-strategic circumstances and although
they have weaknesses too, on the balance of
probability their shortcomings are outweighed
by their strengths.
The National Defence Strategy 2024 (NDS
24) outlines the Government’s vision that in
future national security will be a whole of nation
endeavour. Some contend that it always has Sailors assigned to the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) conduct
been. The detractors may grumble that NDS 24 mooring operations at Naval Base Guam, Oct. 4, 2024. Annapolis returns to its homeport after
is neither ‘National’ nor ‘Defence’. Nonetheless completing a 3-month western Pacific deployment (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist
1st Class Justin Wolpert)
a strategy with grand ambitions expressed in
concepts of denial and deterrence. 40 years ago. Be that as it may, it enunciates with submarine warfare should express that
The NDS 24 is however, a strategy that is strategic guidance to Defence to acquire several instinctively…but for some reason Australia’s
somewhat less expressive about the details new capabilities to meet strategic needs. Not the senior naval officers seem less interested in
of where and how denial and deterrence will least of which is ‘conventionally armed, nuclear- that and prefer to trot out the same lines as
be applied. Notwithstanding, Government and powered submarines’. senior politicians.
Defence are working at pace (although you The Australian Submarine Agency is on its Politicians can be forgiven for an inability to
might be forgiven for thinking, ‘snail’s pace’) to journey to acquiring the SSNs the RAN needs to comprehend complex military concepts, but naval
acquire the ‘denial and deterrent capabilities’ for make Australia’s submarine force a powerful and officers cannot.
a future ADF that will operate as an integrated effective contributor to national security. Instead of solid military rationale, Australians
and focussed force. Unfortunately, the SSNs are poorly justified are subjected to hyperbolic talk about
History has shown us that in Australia every with Australians being told the boats will ‘underwater apex predators’ and ‘SSNs will
new regime loves having its very own geo- ‘deter’ adversaries from threatening national be Australia’s primary deterrent capability’,
strategic spare wheel to reinvent and for this interests. Really? The problem here is that SSNs apparently as part of a campaign to dampen
Government its NDS 24. Many argue it is an aren’t designed to ‘deter’ - they are designed critical thinking about serous matters like cost-
updated version of a strategy first used about to ‘fight’. Every military professional familiar capability trade-offs and alternative investments

Nov 2024 | APDR 21

 SSN

for vast amounts of public money. is rigorous and stands up to scrutiny. Currently predators’ please. The country deserves better
No doubt the SSN is a formidable capability it doesn’t. than that. SSNs are very capable boats which
but so is every submarine and yet none of them The talk that SSNs are a ‘deterrent’ is exagger- obviously the Navy believes are better suited
rarely, if ever, deter any potential adversary from ated. It is naval officers that will bear the burden to Australia’s military-strategic needs than the
doing anything at all. Deterrence only works when of maintaining the justification over the terms of alternatives. SSNs are built to do a job and the job
the fear of loss outweighs the hope of gain and several Defence Ministers because they alone are they do best is to seek out and destroy adversary
surface ships. Sinking ships is
likely to influence a war but
history suggests it will not deter
the war in the first place.
No doubt the RAN, and not
the Government, understands
that intimately, and therefore,
it is the Navy that must be
responsible advancing the
case to expend vast resources
to buy submarines. You can’t
expect a bunch of politicians
to make a fist of that. Despite
what politicians might think,
SSNs are not strategic assets
and their talk of them being
so is grossly overstated and
misleading.
Nobody in Australia denies
the RAN the capabilities it
needs to fight and win at
sea but equally everybody in
Australia expects it to be able
to articulate the justification
for its capabilities. If the Navy
wants SSNs, it should get them.
Virginia-class submarine USS California (SSN 781) pulls into Submarine Base New London in Gronton, However, it needs to be open and honest about
Conn., July 12, 2024, returning from national tasking. (U.S. Navy photo by John Narewski)
why it wants them and what the SSNs will do when
the Navy gets them. Hollow talk of ‘deterrence’
Just what is Australia getting for its multi-billions? Well, as a starter, just doesn’t cut it. Consequently, the Navy’s senior
it will get a capable submarine. In all probability one that is more leadership team just has to do better.
lethal than would have been the case had the process to acquire new Just what is Australia getting for its multi-
billions? Well, as a starter, it will get a capable
conventional submarines been completed. A submarine that will go submarine. In all probability one that is more
further and faster, carrying more firepower than any RAN submarine lethal than would have been the case had the
that has gone before it. A formidable submarine by any standard. process to acquire new conventional submarines
been completed. A submarine that will go further
submarines, no matter how lethal deterrents the people who can and must communicate the and faster, carrying more firepower than any RAN
aren’t unless they are the ones that carry numbers nuances of submarine warfare. Australians expect submarine that has gone before it. A formidable
of city-destroying missiles. Thankfully Australia the Navy to be comfortable adequately explaining submarine by any standard.
isn’t buying these. Deterrence is a subjective the need for SSNs. However, Australia will not get a deterrent. Let’s
concept best measured from the perspective Incidentally, the Navy should not and cannot be honest about that. Apparently, if entry to the
of the opponent rather than the hopes of the hide behind the cover that everything is classified. SSN club is a small step for RAN submariners,
proponent. That’s just the way it is. It isn’t. Other countries acquire and operate SSNs then entry into the SSBN club is a giant leap
As powerful as RAN SSNs will be, the journey and are open about why they do so. Logically for all Australians! Bes ides, to put deterrence
to get them will be protracted, complex and Australia can do the same. Granted, specific in context, one person’s deterrent is another
expensive. A journey that will see Defence facing missions might be highly classified but the general person’s irritant. In an environment dominated
constant questioning. Under those circumstances concepts aren’t. by great power competition 5 – 8 SSNs are very
it is imperative that the justification for the SSNs No more talk of ‘deterrence by underwater apex likely going to irritate somebody!

22 APDR | Nov 2024

 MCM

Australian mine warfare – a budgetary

sacrificial lamb? Gordon Arthur // Christchurch

Imagine the following scenarios...

A
Royal Australian Navy (RAN) task group
conducts a freedom of navigation
operation in the South China Sea, but
intelligence indicates China has laid mines in the
area. Or a terrorist group deploys improvised sea
mines in the Torres Strait, damaging merchant
oil tankers steaming to Australia. Or thirdly,
the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is sending
troops overseas to ward off an intrusion by a
major power; potential beaches for amphibious
landings and their approaches must be searched
and cleared of sea mines.
What all three scenarios have in common is
the critical importance of utilising mine counter-
measures (MCM). As Australia emphasises expe-
ditionary and littoral operations, adversaries can
seriously delay or disrupt them by laying mine-
fields by air, surface or underwater platforms.
This could include ground mines on the seabed,
buoyant mines moored in deep water, surface This is HMAS Diamantina, one of the remaining Huon-class minehunters left in the Royal Australian
floaters drifting or moored, and self-propelled or Navy. (Gordon Arthur)
smart-positioning mines.
China poses a serious existential threat to the IIP also dealt with the topic cursorily by three Bluefin-12 unmanned underwater vehicles
Taiwan, but Australia too could be a military target discussing “investment in a range of uncrewed (UUV); eight training and inspection SeaFox
for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). A 2012 and autonomous systems that can work together expendable mine neutralisation systems; three
assessment estimated that China might possess and complement crewed systems on a range of MCM support boats; two unmanned surface
stockpiles of 50,000-100,000 sea mines, which missions…” The absence of a single reference to vessels (USV); 18 acoustic generators; and 47
could be laid by naval vessels, merchant ships or the RAN countering mines is disconcerting. exercise training mines. Thales Australia was
fishing boats. Australia has ten priority ports and Things look even direr when one realises appointed prime systems integrator.
seven other significant ports, and ships account the RAN is gradually paying off its Huon-class In summary, the General Dynamics Mission
for 99% of its international trade. In a time of coastal minehunter fleet. Six 732-tonne vessels Systems Bluefin-9 has an eight-hour endurance
conflict, if China laid mines outside Australian were commissioned from 1999-2003, but two and 200m diving depth. This 70kg UUV is
harbours or in maritime chokepoints, an MCM retired in October 2018 and one in May 2024. A considered portable, and its removable module
capability would be absolutely critical. Defence spokesperson told Asia-Pacific Defence stores images, video and sonar data. The
However, it seems the ADF is allowing this niche Reporter, “Navy continues to operate two Huon- Bluefin-12 is heavier at 213kg, with an endurance
capability to stagnate. In fact, if April’s National class minehunter vessels,” but it is unclear when of 26 hours. It can carry multiple payloads for
Defence Strategy (NDS) and Integrated Investment the fourth vessel was pulled from service. MCM and unexploded ordnance detection.
Program (IIP) are anything to go by, then MCM’s Steber International was awarded a $6 million
role is being minimised. Sea 1778 contract to build five 11.6m-long glass-fibre craft.
The NDS mentioned “maritime capabilities for We turn our attention to what other mine warfare Three are the aforementioned MCM support
sea denial and localised sea control operations assets the RAN currently owns, besides its lonely boats that have a 25kt top speed, carry five
that provide Defence with the ability to deny pair of minehunters. Project 1778 Phase 1, a crewmembers and have a 3-tonne payload for
the use of an area of the sea when needed and deployable MCM capability, saw the influx of the equipment such as UUVs. The other two Steber-
provide the ADF with freedom of action,” while following from around 2020: four Bluefin-9 and built craft are USVs controlled remotely by an

Nov 2024 | APDR 23

 MCM

Exail system, and they can tow the Australian APDR asked Defence about the rationale and submarines.”
Minesweeping and Support System (AMASS) behind cancelling Sea 1905 and received this brief Despite the sudden cancellation of Sea 1905,
developed jointly by DST Group/Thales Australia. response: “Defence requirements for maritime does Exail still see opportunities in Australia?
These deployable assets were operated by Mine mine countermeasures effects have changed, Penn responded, “Absolutely! Exail remains
Warfare Team 16, which stood up in 2016. The in line with the NDS and associated IIP. The NDS committed to opportunities to contribute to
unit subsequently transformed into the Maritime called for an integrated and focused force, and the Australia’s defence needs, particularly in the areas
Deployable Robotic and Autonomous Systems IIP outlines investments in maritime capabilities of undersea and seabed warfare. We’ve developed
Experimentation Unit (MDREU) in 2022 to exploit for sea denial and localised sea control operations, strong partnerships with Australian defence
new unmanned technologies. Clearance Diving industry leaders with specialist capabilities,
Teams can also clear mines using UUVs, a mother ensuring we’re ready to provide solutions that
vessel or an expeditionary camp ashore. Equipped align with Australia’s strategic objectives. Our
with computerised underwater navigation collaborations with local partners and research
systems that incorporate sonar to search for institutions are central to this commitment.”
mines, plus MAS Zengrange command-initiated Exail also sees opportunities to contribute to
detonation systems, clearance divers can jump other sectors like Australia’s offshore oil and gas
from helicopters, parachute from aircraft or insert industry.
in inflatable boats. And what does Exail think Australia’s best
pathway forward is? Penn shared: “We understand
Sea 1905 and commend the Australian government
The RAN’s mine warfare capabilities were to on developing a ‘focused force’ with offensive
receive a third generation shot in the arm via capabilities to deter adversaries in all domains.
Project Sea 1905. (Incidentally, this program From our experience with the Belgian and Dutch
was masterfully numbered, for 1905 in Roman navies, we believe it’s equally important to
numerals is MCMV.) A Phase 1 request for maintain strong defensive capabilities, particularly
information for a maritime MCM and military in protecting economic and strategic interests
survey capability was released on 28 January such as Australia’s vital ports and SLOCs. Noting
2020; it sought a mission management system, this, Exail stands ready to support these efforts
system integration and a toolbox of “scalable and with advanced technology and our comprehensive
versatile” autonomous systems to detect, localise suite of autonomous and seabed-warfare
and destroy sea mines. Defence wanted a proven solutions.”
solution that was containerised and deployable. A Saab Double Eagle underwater mine disposal
Official documents outlined an “evergreen vehicle is launched from the minehunter HMAS Saab
strategy” whereby “systems could be updated
Yarra near Jervis Bay in 2020. (ADF) Saab Australia, as systems integrator,
or replaced at a faster rate than dedicated and partnered with Leidos (software), Sonartech
more complex specialist platforms” in response and subsea and uncrewed maritime systems.” Yet, Atlas (USVs and UUVs) and SeaBytes (mission
to evolving threats. An operational shore- as we saw earlier, neither document mentions management system). The company told APDR
based capability was sought by late 2024, and mine countermeasures by name. that “this collaboration would have delivered a
a deployable ship-based capability a year after comprehensive, world-class equipment, training,
that. Two competing consortia were shortlisted Exail technology, support and MCM capability,
for Tranche 1 – Saab Australia and Exail. Before proceeding further, it would be helpful an unmatched toolbox of mission elements
However, on 17 April, Sea 1905 came to to discuss Exail’s and Saab’s respective offerings. for the RAN”. Its solution boasted the Double
a shuddering halt. As an Exail press release Antony Penn, Exail’s Chief Commercial Officer, Eagle family for mine detection, identification
acknowledged, “This stop follows the defence told APDR that the French company’s solution was and neutralisation, plus the Multi-Shot Mine
programs review that redefined the equipment based on the next-generation capability currently Neutralisation System (MuMNS) that allows
priorities of the ADF to take into account budget being supplied to the Dutch and Belgian navies. multiple charges to be deployed in a single
constraints.” Exail was referring to the NDS and He noted that production is occurring at Ostend, mission.
IIP, published that very same day. Belgian Navy training is under way, and “testing Asked whether the firm still senses opportu-
As promulgated by 2020’s Defence Strategic and evaluation [is] progressing smoothly”. nities in Australia, Andy Keough, Saab Australia’s
Update and Force Structure Plan, Sea 1905’s Penn correctly pointed out: “Like Australia, Managing Director, said: “For more than 20 years,
follow-on Tranche 2 would also have replaced both the Belgians and Dutch share a strategic and Saab Australia has had a longstanding role in pro-
Huon-class minehunters and two Leeuwin-class geographic reliance on sea lines of communication viding MCM capabilities in Australia, demonstrat-
hydrographic survey ships in the mid-2020s. (SLOC), and hence they consider MCM to be a ed by our successful deployment of the Double
Indeed, their earmarked replacements should crucial capability. In addition, Australia needs to Eagle system on Huon-class minehunters. As a
have been based on up to eight Arafura-class hulls protect its current and future high-value assets leader in sovereign systems integration, Saab
built by Luerssen Australia. by ensuring safe navigation channels for ships continues to deliver cutting-edge technology while

24 APDR | Nov 2024

 MCM

ensuring these capabilities are interoperable with

broader naval systems, such as the Australian
combat management system.”
Keough added, “The RAN has an enduring
requirement for an MCM capability – our expertise
means we remain ready for future opportunities
in the Australian market, offering both advanced
MCM products and critical systems integration.”
Furthermore, “Saab’s MCM solution, inclusive of
the MuMNS, provides unparalleled operational
capability with greater flexibility that significantly
improves operational tempo, and reduces the cost
of MCM operations and risk to personnel.”
With Saab Australia furnishing 9LV combat
management systems for Australian naval vessels,
the company noted this sovereign integration
expertise would have eased integration of
equipment onto future MCM vessels. The Royal Australian Maritime Warfare Centre and Thales Australia test a Steber-built USV used to
conduct minesweeping operations. (ADF)
Where to next?
With Sea 1905 now consigned to history, APDR buoyant mines in advance of a task group, Jennifer Parker, an Expert Associate at the
asked about the future viability of the ADF’s MCM amphibious landing force or to rapidly clear vital National Security College, Australian National
capability. A Defence spokesperson said, “The SLOCs.” University, warned in a recent Australian
deployable mine countermeasure capability Especially as the final minehunters are Strategic Policy Institute article, “The country’s
utilises crewed and uncrewed surface vessels pensioned off and no like-for-like replacement is decision to scrap its future mine warfare ship
paired with remote and autonomous underwater envisaged, a capability gap will appear when there program…echoes New Zealand’s dangerous
vehicles.” is a need to clear transit lanes and minefields underinvestment in niche but vital capabilities.”
In other words, nothing else is on the cards during such amphibious operations. Fly-away Parker continued, “The justification for
except vague references to autonomous systems. UUV teams will have to conduct such clearances cancelling the mine warfare ship program was
The IIP promised investment of $5.2-$7.2 billion from vessels of opportunity – of which few are that autonomous systems would replace the
in developing and acquiring subsea warfare available – so this may present difficulties for lead- capability. However, without a ship to deploy from,
capabilities and new uncrewed maritime vehicles, through operations and the clearance of strategic these systems cannot cover the full spectrum of
including through AUKUS Pillar II. waterways like the Torres Strait. operations needed to protect Australia’s shipping
The IIP said: “The development and acquisition
of uncrewed surface vessels and uncrewed
undersea vehicles will take advantage of
technological advancements in autonomous,
robotic and uncrewed systems. This will include
investments in expendable, low-cost systems
that can be produced at scale and deployed
in larger groups on operational missions.
Navy’s uncrewed systems will be optimised for
persistent, long-range defence missions in high-
risk environments…”
It would be surprising if the navy’s Ghost Shark
extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle being
developed by Anduril does not envision some
sort of mine warfare role. A sonar module could
perhaps detect mines, it could deploy smaller
robotic MCM UUVs, or even dispense sea mines
of its own.
Nonetheless, in an RAN website article, Warrant
Officer Clearance Diver Christopher Wright noted:
“There currently exists a gap in the ADF’s MCM Bluefin-9 autonomous underwater vehicles are seen aboard a Steber mine countermeasures support boat
assets to clear ground mines and deep-water at HMAS Waterhen. (ADF)

Nov 2024 | APDR 25

 MCM

on analysis from its acoustic, magnetic and

pressure sensors.
In the absence of any other information, we
might dare to presume that Australia acquired
all three types of mines. The latest defence
budget listed a Sea 2000 acquisition budget
of $769 million, of which $137 million had
been spent up until June, and another $136
million is allocated for the coming fiscal year.
What is known is that, during Exercise Dugong
in March, the RAN laid sea mines for the first
time in nearly 50 years.
Australia is also looking at producing
sea mines domestically under the Guided
Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise.
Technology transfer has the longer-term goal
of enabling electronics servicing, loading,
a sse m bling a nd pa cking of sea mines
Exail was shortlisted for Australia’s Sea 1905 requirement. It is currently fulfilling a similar project for within Australia, including filling them with
the Belgian and Dutch navies. (Exail) explosives. As well as defending Australian
routes from naval mines – something it should displayed. ports, sea mines have an offensive function
expect in the event of a conflict in the region.” Briefly, the Asteria mine possesses multi- too if laid in strategic chokepoints that an
It is a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul. With sensor architecture (acoustic, seismic, magnetic, enemy might use. Sea denial works both ways.
Australia’s AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine pressure, underwater electric potential/ This is important because, according to
program sucking up immense sums of money, extremely low frequency electromagnetic and a report published last year by the China
cuts are required elsewhere. The original optic). Laid by ship or submarine, the Asteria is Maritime Studies Institute of the US Naval
concept of Sea 1905’s MCM capability is one resistant to countermeasures like jamming, and War College, Chinese “military and civilian
such victim in the scramble to save money. it can be remotely controlled by a bidirectional authors offer rather bleak assessments of the
Compromises are required, and it seems that it acoustic link. Next, the Manta is a multi-influence PLA Navy’s existing capability to neutralise
has been decided that one area where savings shallow-water mine effective against landing enemy mine threats, particularly as the PLAN
can be made is MCM. craft and small-to-medium-tonnage vessels. operates at greater distances from mainland
Difficult to detect, the Manta can be deployed by China”. Nonetheless, the report asserted,
Sea mines surface vessels, helicopters and aircraft. Finally, the PLA has “made progress in fielding more
Before concluding this article, it would the Murena is a multi-influence sea mine laid advanced MCM platforms and equipment,”
be pertinent to mention Australia’s own by surface vessels, aircraft and submarine (via with a current inventory of about 60 MCM
proc urement of sea m ines . De fe nc e ’s torpedo tube or mine belts). Its logic is based ships and craft.
spokesperson told APDR: “To safeguard against
the possibility of a contested maritime domain
within Australian waters, the government has
invested in capabilities to help secure Australia’s
regional maritime approaches and augment
Defence’s ability to protect littoral operations.
This includes the acquisition of advanced, multi-
sensor sea mines, under Project Sea 2000,
capable of being deployed from subsurface
vessels, ships and aircraft.”
Further, “The project entered into contract
with Rheinmetall Italia in December 2022, and
Defence has taken delivery of the initial batch of
operational and exercise weapons.” RWM Italia
declined to answer APDR queries regarding the
quantities and types of mines being acquired.
It referred only to a press release issued ahead
of the Indo-Pacific 2023 maritime exhibition, Saab Australia’s offer for Tranche 1 of Sea 1905 involved the Multi-Shot Mine Neutralisation System,
where Asteria, Manta and Murena mines were as seen in this image. (Saab)

26 APDR | Nov 2024

 INDIA

Indian Navy growing in size and reach

Guy Martin // Johannesburg

India lives in the shadow of the world’s largest navy in terms of ship numbers, with China possessing three
times India’s vessels. Growing competition with an increasingly assertive China is driving the Indian Navy
to acquire additional warships, submarines, and aircraft, as well as invest in technology and infrastructure,
and deploy warships around the world.
Submarines
India is expected to spend some US $31
billion on submarine procurement over the
next decade, countering dozens of Chinese
submarines and half a dozen Pakistani vessels
(Pakistan is acquiring eight Chinese Type 039B
attack submarines). A significant milestone came
on 29 August when the Navy commissioned
the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine
(SSBN) INS Arighat after more than a decade of
construction. The 6,000 tonne vessel is armed
with 12 K-15 Sagarika (750 km range) or four K-4
(3500 km range) ballistic missiles, giving some
parity to Chinese submarines and strengthening
India’s three-tier nuclear deterrent capability
(land, air and sea).
Arighat is apparently superior to the first of
class INS Arihant that was commissioned in
2016. Built at the Indian Navy’s Ship Building
Centre (SBC) in Vishakkapatnam, the Arihant
class are powered by 83 MW pressurised
light water reactors developed with Russian
assistance. The Arihant class is the first SSBN
built by a country other than one of the five
permanent UN Security Council members.
The Kalvari class submarine INS Vagir (PIB) The third and fourth Arihant vessels – due for
commissioning in 2025 - will be larger and able

T
he Indian Navy aims to have a fully At any time there are at least half a dozen to carry 24 K-15/eight K-4 missiles. The proposed
indigenously equipped navy by 2047 and Chinese warships in the Indian Ocean along with 13,000 tonnes displacement S-5 follow-on SSBN
over the next year will receive a dozen a large number of fishing vessels and research would be able to launch K-6 nuclear missiles.
new warships – some 50 are in various stages ships, requiring constant surveillance. To meet Project approval has not yet been granted.
of construction, with all but two being built at Chinese ambitions, India’s Navy is investing Although approval for six 6,000 ton nuclear-
Indian shipyards. Presently, the Indian Navy has substantially in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) powered attack submarines (SSNs) was given
about 130 medium to large vessels in service vessels, maritime patrol aircraft, and unmanned in 2015 under Project 75 Alpha, little detail has
and aims to grow this to 155-160 by 2030 and aerial vehicles (UAVs), and upgrading facilities in emerged. Construction at the Naval Shipbuilding
170-175 by 2035, providing sufficient strength to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as well as the Centre in Visakhapatnam is expected from
secure both sea flanks in the Bay of Bengal and Lakshadweep archipelago. 2024/2025 and service entry in 2032.
the Arabian Sea. A new naval base (INS Varsha) is being The Indian Navy currently operates 16 diesel
In spite of schedule and budget overruns by developed for the Arihant class submarines powered attack submarines in the Sindhughosh/
local shipyards, successive commissioning of while existing facilities are being upgraded. Kilo, Shishumar/Type 209, and Kalvari (Scorpene)
locally built vessels is a sign of India’s growing Expansion is to not only counter China and classes. The latter, built by France’s Naval Group
military industrial base and a shift away from Pakistan but respond to other threats such as and state-owned Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL)
foreign dependency. piracy, smuggling, and natural disasters. under Project 75, are the most modern, with

Nov 2024 | APDR 27

 INDIA

which is envisaged with directed energy

weapons, high-power sensors, UAVs, anti-
ballistic missile systems, longer-range cruise
missiles and hypersonic missiles. Eight to ten are
planned following Defence Acquisition Council
approval. The first can be expected to enter
service by the early 2030s.

Frigates
India will spend approximately US $41.9 billion
on additional naval vessels over the next decade,
a third being frigates. Multiple frigate classes
are being built, notably eight Project 17 Bravo
vessels, being acquired for US $8.4 billion. These
stealth guided missile frigates will be fitted with
indigenous weapons such as the VL-SRSAM,
Barak-8, and BrahMos.
The Project 17 Bravo will have improved
capabilities over the preceding Project 17A Nilgiri
class, seven of which are being built by Mazagon
and GRSE. The 149 metre long lead ship INS
An Indian Air Force C-17 drops commandos during the liberation of the hijacked MV Ruen in March 2024 Nilgiri began sea trials in August, 80 months
(PIB)
after block erection started, representing one
five commissioned between 2017 and 2023. the INS Jalashwa (ex-USS Trenton) commissioned of the fastest construction times for a larger
The sixth and final (INS Vagsheer) should be in mid-2007. Indian Navy warship. Deliveries will conclude by
commissioned by year-end. The Kalvari class is The new vessels will complement three mid-2028. These follow the earlier three Shivalik
expected to have an indigenous air independent Shardul class amphibious warfare vessels built class (Project 17) - the 144 metre vessels are the
propulsion (AIP) system integrated in the future. by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers first designed with low observability features to
Negotiations are underway with France for (GRSE), and a Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL)- be built in India. The Project 17 and 17A frigates
another three Kalvaris, with up to 60% local built Magar class landing ship. Other amphibious will be India’s principal such vessels of the first
content. warfare vessels in service include three Kumbhir half of the 21st century.
In addition, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems class landing ships, and eight smaller Mk IV LCU Also on the frigate front, Goa Shipyard Limited
and Navantia are contending for Project 75I, class landing craft built by GRSE. (GSL) in July launched the first of two 124 metre
for six new submarines fitted with AIP systems frigates, INS Triput, with delivery for 2026. This
to be built in partnership with Indian yards. Destroyers is a follow-on to the Talwar (Project 11356)
Order placement is expected to take over two Also on the upper level of naval capabilities, the class guided missile frigate program. Under a
years, with deliveries six years from contract Navy is receiving four Project 15B Visakhapatnam US $2.5 billion 2016 agreement with Russia, GSL
signing. Preliminary studies are also underway class destroyers – the first (INS Visakhapatnam) is building two Talwars and Yantar Shipyard is
for six indigenous conventional diesel-electric was delivered by Mazagon Dock in November building another two in Russia. Delivery of the
submarines (Project 76). 2022, with the last scheduled by 2025. Based two Russian ships is delayed, with INS Tushil
On the unmanned side, the Indian Navy is on the three Project 15A Kolkata destroyers expected in late 2024 and INS Tamal by February
planning to acquire indigenously-made Extra built and delivered between 2003 and 2016, the 2025.
Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicles. It recently Visakhapatnam class has a length of 163 metres. India already operates six Project 11356
revealed its first autonomous underwater vehicle The Kolkatas were preceded by three Project frigates, ordered in batches of three as the
– Neerakshi – and is trialling a new 15 metre 15 Delhi-class destroyers. Improvements and Talwar and Teg subclasses and commissioned
Autonomous Fast Interceptor Boat. increased local content over these generations in the early 2010s and early 2000s.
encompassed stealth, propulsion, sensors, Other frigates in Indian Navy service include
Amphibious warfare weapons, and helicopter capabilities. three Brahmaputra class (Type 16A/Project
Particularly to protect its isolated Andaman and These destroyers are backed by three 16A) guided missile frigates, designed and built
Nicobar islands and to respond to disasters like surviving Rajput class vessels built in the 1980s by GRSE. They are 126 metres long and were
the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the Navy is in the Soviet Union to Indian modifications. A commissioned in the early 2000s.
expanding its amphibious warfare capability. mid-life refit added BrahMos missiles and other
Four Landing Platform Dock/Landing Helicopter improvements. Corvettes
Dock vessels are planned, with local production. A follow-on to the Visakhapatnam class is Corvettes form an important component of
These will expand on the capacity provided by the Project 18 stealth guided missile destroyer, Indian naval power, with some 20 in service,

28 APDR | Nov 2024

 INDIA

but the fleet is set to grow further. By the end

of 2024, the Indian Navy should receive the lead
of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water
Craft (ASW-SWC) project, INS Arnala. Eight are
being built by GRSE (Arnala class), and eight
by Cochin Shipyard Limited (Mahe class). They
feature water jet propulsion, stealth features,
and sensors and weapons for ASW. These 77-
78 metre vessels will replace the Abhay class
corvettes.
Other recently approved projects are with
domestic shipyards to manufacture eleven Next
Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs)
and six Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs)
for US $2.4 billion. The Department of Defence
signed the NGOPV contract with GRSE and GSL
in March 2023 to replace six Sukanya class patrol
vessels, with the first delivery for September
2026. The NGOPV project follows on the failed
Shachi class, which was cancelled after a
decade’s delay.
Cochin has been tasked with building the
INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant in the Arabian Sea in 2023 (PIB)
NGMVs. These 89 metre anti-surface warfare
between 2014 and 2020. They are the first ASW
These destroyers are backed by three surviving Rajput class vessels built stealth corvettes to be built in India, with GRSE
in the 1980s in the Soviet Union to Indian modifications. manufacturing the 109 metre long vessels. GRSE
also manufactured the four Kora class vessels,
corvettes will be armed with anti-ship or land 120 metre Next Generation Corvettes featuring commissioned around the turn of the century,
attack missiles and feature advanced stealth advance stealth features and long-range which the Kamorta vessels will replace.
features. Deliveries are expected from March missiles. In May 2024 the Navy issued a Request Other corvettes in Indian Navy service include
2027, possibly replacing two surviving Khukri for Proposal to local shipyards. seven surviving Veer class (modified Soviet
class corvettes in service since the 1980s. The new corvettes will join the Kamorta class Tarantul) and a single surviving Abhay corvette
The Indian Navy also intends acquiring eight (Project 28), four of which were commissioned (customised Soviet Pauk).

Smaller vessels
The Indian Navy operates nearly 20 smaller
patrol vessels in the 49 metre Car Nicobar class
(13), 46 metre Bangaram class (four), and 46
metre Trinkat class (two), all of which were
domestically built by GRSE in the 2000s. This
fleet was bolstered by four 105 metre Saryu
class patrol vessels commissioned in 2013 and
2014 after being built at GSL, and will be further
expanded after a January 2023 Request for
Information for 21 New Water Jet Fast Attack
Craft to be built between 2026 to 2030.

Other vessels
Surveying is another area that is being
consolidated, with deliveries of the new 110
metre Sandhayak class– the largest such vessels
to be built in India - by GRSE underway to replace
ageing survey ships. The first of four – INS
Sandhayak – was commissioned in February
2024. They are outfitted with unmanned
INS Vikrant and the stealth guided-missile destroyer INS Kolkata (PIB) platforms and small boats fitted with sensors

Nov 2024 | APDR 29

 INDIA

INS Mormugao, the second Project 15B destroyer, was delivered to the Indian Navy in November 2022 (PIB)

for survey work, along with a helicopter. major ports. An RFI was issued in August 2023, Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
Meanwhile, Larsen & Toubro is building two with service entry from 2031. The new 87 metre Air power plays a central role in the Navy’s
107 metre Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs) with MCMV class will act as motherships for multiple aircraft carrier ambitions, which passed a
delivery scheduled from May 2025. They will unmanned MCM assets. milestone on 20 September when the Navy
perform multi-role support functions such as Other acquisitions include a dozen weaponised officially inducted the carrier INS Vikrant into the
maritime surveillance and patrol, gunnery/target autonomous swarm boats and 30 autonomous Western Fleet, two years after commissioning, 15
support, disaster relief, towing etc. underwater swarm vessels from Sagar Defence years after construction commenced, and several
In August 2023 the Indian Navy contracted Engineering (October 2023), two 118 metre Nistar times over budget. Built by Cochin, the Vikrant is
HSL to design and build five Fleet Support Ships. class diving support vessels/submarine rescue the largest warship ever built in India, measuring
At more than 220 metres in length they will be vessels (HSL – sea trials from June 2024), and 120 262 metres long.
amongst the largest vessels in the fleet. These Fast Interceptor Craft (RFI – construction between Vikrant can house 20 MiG-29K fighters
will join five replenishment ships in the Deepak, 2026 and 2030). (launched via a ski jump) and ten Ka-31, MH-
Aditya, Jyoti and Ambika classes 60R and ALH rotorcraft. Construction of the
Many requirements are out for miscellaneous Naval air power Indian Navy’s most complex vessel involved
new vessels, for example a dozen mine Along with surface and subsurface vessels, bases over 500 Indian companies - many systems are
countermeasures vessels (MCMVs), to be built and infrastructure, the Indian Navy is expanding locally supplied. Vikrant has a range exceeding
by two Indian shipyards. In a glaring capability its aviation assets, with new platforms like 12 7,500 nautical miles, giving notable blue water
gap, the Navy lacks MCMVs after the Karwar class Boeing P-8Is, 24 Sikorsky MH-60Rs, and numerous capabilities and extended power projection in
was retired in April 2019 and multiple attempts Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Advanced the Indian Ocean region and beyond.
to buy and lease additional ships failed – ideally, Light Helicopters (ALH) entering service - HAL is Vikrant joins the INS Vikramaditya (ex-Admiral
26 MCMVs would be needed to secure India’s 13 also developing the 12.5 ton Deck-Based Multi- Gorshkov), which operates MiG-29K jets as well

30 APDR | Nov 2024

 INDIA

as Ka-28, Ka-31, Sea King, Dhruv, and Chetak

helicopters. INS Vishal, a larger 65,000 tonne
catapult-assisted takeoff but arrested recovery
(CATOBAR) carrier, is in the concept phase – India
would like 5-6 carriers to meet China’s present
three and ultimately six.
New aircraft are envisioned for the Vikrant
and any future carrier – the HAL Tejas (LCA
Navy) has undergone trials on the Vikrant,
while 26 Dassault Rafale Ms will be ordered as
a stopgap until HAL completes its Twin Engine
Deck Based Fighter in the early 2030s to replace
unsatisfactory MiG-29Ks.
India is pursuing 15 maritime patrol variants
of the Airbus C295 (nine for the Navy and six
for the Coast Guard), with permission for the
acquisition approved in February. Locally built
A GRSE-built Mk IV Landing Craft Utility of the Indian Navy (GRSE)
by Airbus/Tata, they would receive locally built
destroyers, and aircraft, to the Gulf of Aden after
With its growing fleet, the Indian Navy is expanding its reach and Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted ships in solidarity
influence, cementing operations in the Persian Gulf region, Horn of with Hamas. India’s Navy subsequently assisted
Africa, Strait of Malacca, South and East China Seas, and Mediterranean. numerous vessels hit by Houthi attacks, and
rescued multiple vessels from resurgent Somali-
sensors and equipment. agreed to begin Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer based pirates – some 20 attempted hijackings
The Indian Navy also flies 25 HAL-built Dornier Mission patrols next year. were recorded this year, with India liberating
228s for maritime surveillance, with a mid-life Another indication of India’s ambitions is its nearly half a dozen vessels.
upgrade underway. HAL is also pitching its membership of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Within the last year India has responded
Dhruv Naval Multi-Role Helicopter (UH Marine in the Indian Ocean – it joined in November 2023. to 18 incidents in the western Indian Ocean,
helicopter) and Naval Utility Helicopter for Navy In April the Indian Navy recorded its first drug deploying 21 ships and 5,000 personnel in
requirements. interdiction as a CMF member when INS Talwar rotation, boarding and investigating over 1,000
UAVs are being acquired as force multipliers, seized 940 kg of narcotics in the Arabian Sea. vessels, with up to a dozen warships deployed
with the Navy inducting Elbit Hermes 900 The Indian Navy has been heavily involved in on some days as the Navy attempts to be a ‘first
Starliners this year (manufactured locally by Indian Ocean maritime security since 2008 when responder and preferred security partner’ in the
Adani Defence and Aerospace as the Drishti it commenced anti-piracy operations in the Gulf Indian Ocean. The massive deployment is a clear
10). The Navy is also set to receive 15 MQ-9B of Aden, and subsequently near the Seychelles. indication of its great power ambitions and sends
Sea Guardians for maritime surveillance; two Activity has increased within the last year: in a message to China about how it will contest
MQ-9As have been leased from General Atomics November 2023 India sent three guided missile challenges for dominance in the region.
since November 2020. These join IAI Heron and
Searcher IIs.

Far reaching deployments

With its growing fleet, the Indian Navy is
expanding its reach and influence, cementing
operations in the Persian Gulf region, Horn of
Africa, Strait of Malacca, South and East China
Seas, and Mediterranean. It is most concerned
about security in its immediate region, and to this
end is working with regional and international
allies. One of the most important alliances is the
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) with the
US, Australia, and Japan.
While China dominates the South China Sea,
India is pushing to restore some balance, partly
through contribution to the Quad’s coast guard
patrols in the Indo-Pacific. In September, leaders The fifth Kalvari class submarine INS Vaghsheer undergoing sea trials in May 2023 (PIB)

Nov 2024 | APDR 31

 COMMS

ADF communications for a world

of Hertz Gordon Arthur // Christchurch

The Ukraine war is underlining the criticality of reliable, encrypted communications. Enemy electronic
warfare sensors can rapidly target unwary users of communications devices, whilst radio transmissions
can be jammed and degraded, leaving military units disoriented.

Land 4140
Starting with land programs, an expression of
interest for Project Land 4140 Tranche 1 Land C4
Modernisation closed on 1 November. Multiple
companies, including Hanwha, are positioning
themselves for this major program likely worth
hundreds of millions of dollars. Defence will
shortlist vendors and a request for tender is
expected in Q2 2025. The timeframe for Land
4140’s delivery is 2025-30.
Defence is looking for a program integration
partner, rather than a traditional prime systems
integrator, to manage this software-heavy project
that needs to embrace legacy networks like Land
200 and evolve them over time to build the next
generation of networks.
“It makes sense,” Darcy Rawlinson, Senior
Manager - New Business at Boeing Defence
Australia, told reporters at Land Forces 2024.
This trailer-mounted Medium SATCOM Terminal, supplied by Boeing Defence Australia under Project “They’ll make sure it takes advantage of new
Currawong, allows the ADF to connect to satellite networks. (ADF)
technology advancements; it reacts to whatever

T
he Australian Defence Force (ADF) has and communications systems. Defence’s ability the threat is doing from an EW and cyber
multiple acquisition and modernisation to sustain protracted operations despite these perspective.” He added that Land 4140 is “all
programs to boost communications. disruptions underpins the ability to credibly the communications that army needs, from the
Indeed, April’s Integrated Investment Program respond to threats.” forward rifleman who’s walking around carrying
(IIP) listed planned FY2025-34 investment of $2.6- The spokesperson added: “The government is his pack…right the way through to a big joint task
$3.6 billion in warfighting networks and strategic also undertaking information and communications force headquarters with heaps of people in it.”
communications, $5.2-$7.2 billion for satellite technology (ICT) systems reform to urgently deliver According to 2022 tender documents, Land
communications (SATCOM) and $5-7 billion on timely and effective ICT outcomes to support the 4140 covers transportable SATCOM terminals for
enterprise networks. ADF. This includes the launch of the Defence Digital deployed battlegroup-and-above headquarters
To get the latest updates, Asia-Pacific Defence Group [in November 2023], providing greater elements; a high-capacity data network with 3G
Reporter submitted detailed questions to Defence. support to the enhancement and operation of transmission rates, eventually leading to 5G-level
Whilst a response was forthcoming, comments the Defence ICT environment.” connectivity; more mobile local area networks with
were so generalised and unenlightening that Rather than offer updates on specific server racks, hardware and cable management;
they are not repeated here – they would only communications programs, Defence simply network modelling tools; and modular open
be a waste of paper. A Defence spokesperson noted, “The government has prioritised upgrades systems standards to support rapid integration
did acknowledge this, however. “As outlined in to Defence’s communications networks.” Given in vehicles.
the 2024 National Defence Strategy, the ADF such paucity of official comments, this article relies
must be able to sustain protracted operations on responses from companies – and Australian JP2072
during a conflict, including in circumstances industry clearly enjoys a treasure trove of Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) may be in an
involving disruptions to command-and-control communications expertise – and publicly available advantageous position for Land 4140 thanks to
(C2) networks, infrastructure, logistics networks information. its success with JP2072 Phase 2B, which replaced

32 APDR | Nov 2024

PROTECTING AND
ADVANCING OUR
NATIONAL INTERESTS

FROM THE SKY

TO CYBER SPACE

Visit us at MilCIS 2024 to discover how we are protecting Australia

from support through to solution.
leidos.com.au
 COMMS

the army’s and RAAF’s Integrated Battlefield result is a lightweight portable router unveiled L3Harris Communications Australia, told APDR his
Telecommunications Network (I-BTN). After in September. The 3.3kg Rapid Tactical Router firm is creating a Regional Support Centre (RSC) to
being issued this Currawong contract in 2015, (RAPTR) fits inside a backpack-sized transit case, “dramatically reduce turnaround times for repair”
BDA announced on 9 September that the I-BTN and rapidly establishes connections via SATCOM, of controlled cryptographic devices.
had achieved final operational capability. radio, VOIP phones or public internet. The RAPTR Creation of this RSC to service the Indo-Pacific
Tom Minge, BDA’s program manager, noted, was the first piece of equipment developed under region’s 50,000+ L3Harris radios was announced
“This capability gives deployed forces access this capability enhancement strategy contract, and in September, and the facility should begin
to more voice, data and video services than Boeing said significant numbers are on order by operating in early 2025. Rushbrook added that
ever before on the battlefield … The project’s the army and RAAF. this centre would become “the pivotal hub for
ongoing capability enhancement strategy also It is also worth mentioning the Enhanced supporting the ADF, NZDF, regional military allies
supports resilience against emerging threats Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS), for and first responders,” thanks to enhanced supply
by continuously adopting new and emerging which Raytheon Australia has held a services chain resilience with in-theatre spare parts and
technologies to meet the changing operational contract since its 2011 introduction. The company inventory; swift turnaround for communications
needs of the warfighter.” Among the deliverables said, “Under JP2072, the organisation supports the systems through local maintenance, repair and
overhaul services; OEM-certified assistance from
an Australian workforce; and in-country repair and
maintenance capabilities for foreign equipment.
L3Harris also has a tactical-communications
network systems integration lab at its Hamilton,
Queensland facility.

JP9102
The ADF has multiple joint programs on the
go too, a major one being JP9102 that will give
Australia its first ever sovereign SATCOM system.
On 3 April 2023, the government announced
Lockheed Martin Australia had been selected –
ahead of Airbus, Boeing, Northrop Grumman and
Optus – as preferred tenderer for the multi-billion-
dollar JP9102 Phase 1.
Covering the Indo-Pacific oceanic region, this
SATCOM system will feature Defence-controlled
and operated geostationary communications
satellites, multiple ground stations, an integrated
SATCOM management system and two SATCOM
This is a “Protected Mobility Headquarters-on-the-Move” Bushmaster variant (note the SATCOM antenna operations centres. Air Vice-Marshal David
on the roof) of the 1st Combat Signals Regiment. (ADF) Scheul, Head of Air Defence and Space Systems
Division, said, “Currently across Defence there are
were Bushmasters fitted with a SATCOM-on-the- ADF by providing a secure, jam-resistant, electronic up to 89 capabilities which depend on satellite
move capability, a welcome first for the army. communications network that distributes close communications. Once delivered, the new system
The latest defence budget stated, “During to real-time tactical information.” Significantly, will increase the resilience, agility and flexibility of
2024-25, key activities will include capability EPLRS is the primary in-service data bearer for Defence’s military satellite capability.”
enhancements to the I-BTN; the ongoing the SitaWare interim battlespace management Lockheed Martin Australia said, “Our solution
development and delivery of a mobile system, plus it provides connectivity for the both draws from and contributes to Australia’s
retransmission system; reduction and disposal Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System defence and space industry capability to
of obsolete radio systems; the continued (AFATDS) and other C2 systems. an unprecedented extent, with our guiding
rationalisation and improvement of land force philosophy being whatever can be done in
headset fleets; and support for design, acquisition Land 200 Australia should be done in Australia.” Partners
and sustainment of related systems.” The ADF formerly acquired AN/PRC-152(C) include Inovor Technologies, EM Solutions, AV-
Boeing acknowledges the importance of not multiband handheld radios, AN/PRC-117G Comm, Linfox, Shoal Group, Ronson Gears,
letting this capability atrophy, so it is investing in wideband radios, AN/PRC-117F multiband radios Calytrix Technologies, Conscia, Clearbox Systems,
technology refreshes and adding extra features and AN/PRC-150(C) HF manpack radios from DXC and Blacktree Technology.
via BDA’s Battlespace Communications System L3Harris under Project Land 200 Tranche 2. The The company stated: “One of the defining
Enterprise, a government contract to continuously company continues to support this hardware, features of Lockheed Martin Australia Space’s
innovate communications technologies. One and Andrew Rushbrook, Managing Director of JP9102 solution will be its comprehensive resilience

34 APDR | Nov 2024

 COMMS

against an increasingly diverse and evolving

portfolio of counter-space threats, recognising the
new realities of space as a contested warfighting
domain. In space, this means designing a satellite
constellation optimised to withstand anti-satellite
operations that will employ any combination
of electronic warfare (jamming), direct-ascent
missiles and co-orbital anti-satellite operations.
Ground segment infrastructure, likewise, must
be capable of surviving against the full suite of
threats, from cyber and electronic warfare to
more traditional forms of strike and sabotage.”
Indeed, China poses a threat to Australian
satellites. Dr. Malcom Davis, a Senior Analyst at
the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI),
warned: “Clearly, China would like to dominate
space in terms of control and deny space access
to the US and to US allies … I think that all the good
intentions and flowery language of arms control
and regulatory reform aside, the Chinese will use
counter-space capabilities prior to or at the outset
This is the new back-packable Rapid Tactical Router (RAPTR) from Boeing Defence Australia, which
of the next war. We should expect space to be weighs just an eighth of existing I-BTN equipment. (BDA)
contested, and ultimately a warfighting domain,
where the Chinese will seek to deny us access to Babcock added, “Since assuming responsibility
critical space support.” JP9101 for the strategic HF communications program,
JP9102’s sovereign satellite capability is JP9101, also known as Project Phoenix, Babcock has coordinated a seamless and
vital since Australia cannot be over-reliant on i s a s o v e r e i g n D e f e n c e H i g h -F r e q u e n c y fast-tracked transition of the DHFCS into its
commercial or overseas-controlled systems – even Communication System (DHFCS) that enables custodianship, and consistently delivered across
the US military’s Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) voice and data to be transmitted almost anywhere performance indicators in support of the existing
constellation, to which the ADF has proportional on Earth. Indeed, HF communications are essential service. Concurrently it is working diligently on
access – as they may restrict bandwidth or be for long-range C2 in satellite-denied, degraded, establishing the new, world-leading system which
unavailable when most required. intermittent and low-bandwidth environments. will provide the ADF and its allies with levels of
In October 2023, prime systems integrator reliability and operational resilience not seen
JP2008 Babcock Australasia received a ten-year contract before within this technology domain.”
Continuing the SATCOM theme, JP2008 is a multi- to create an enhanced system known as EDHFCS. Babcock’s solution revolves around its
phased effort to give greater SATCOM capacity, This win represented the company’s single largest- Intelligent Network and Serial Protocol Interface
including improved wideband ground stations ever contract to date. Richard Udall, Babcock for Radio Equipment (INSPIRE), which will ease
across Australia. Asked about JP2008’s protracted Australasia’s Managing Director Mission & Support future upgrades and reconfigurations. Babcock
nature, Defence’s spokesperson acknowledged, Systems, told APDR: “As the Commonwealth’s Australasia is working with 71 Australian partners,
“On 22 May 2023, the Australian government industry partner under JP9101, Babcock is leading including Ebor, Lockheed Martin Australia, Ventia,
announced that it had listed JP2008 as a project the operation, management and maintenance of CyberCX, Daronmont, Rohde & Schwarz and
of concern.” Defence stated at that time, “While the existing DHFCS capability, while delivering a Antenna Products Corporation.
infrastructure for the project has been delivered, comprehensive technology upgrade to four high- Udall also noted, “The JP9101 contract
including three large ground antennae, it is facing frequency communications nodes across Australia establishes Babcock as the largest provider of
ongoing schedule delays due to other technical over the initial ten-year contract period of the strategic high-frequency communications in the
challenges.” $877 million program.” world, with the New Zealand and UK governments
Particularly impacted is JP2008 Phase 5B2 Babcock commenced operating the existing also selecting Babcock as their partner of choice
Satellite Ground Station - East and Wideband DHFCS in mid-2023, and the enhanced version in the engineering, operation and support of long-
SATCOM Network Management System, for will give greater communications capacity, faster range, resilient, strategic HF communications.”
which Northrop Grumman Australia was speed and improved interoperability with allies.
appointed prime system integrator in 2017. APDR The latest defence budget revealed, “During 2024- Air 6500
approached Northrop Grumman Australia for 25, the project will commence facilities upgrades Project Air 6500 Phase 1 is delivering a Joint Air
comment, but it deferred to Defence. The latter at Townsville, Queensland and Riverina. The Battle Management System. Although not directly
completed the circle of silence with just the brief project will also conduct detailed design reviews a communications project, it does have such
sentence quoted above. of the mission system and support system.” elements to ensure the system can coordinate

Nov 2024 | APDR 35

 COMMS

the project continues to deliver key tactical data network indicates its priority on ensuring service
link equipment and radios, support integration interoperability in joint-force C4 systems.
on Defence platforms, and finalise design and Announced in June 2023, EOS subsidiary EM
development for future joint data network Solutions was awarded a $150 million contract
systems.” under a limited-release tender for Work Package
APDR had no success gaining updates on 1 under Phase 5. This is replacing primary and
JP2047 Defence Terrestrial Communications alternate naval SATCOM systems with King Cobra
Network. Achieving a final operational capability and Cobra SATCOM terminals over a seven-year
in around 2021 – five years behind schedule after period. These shipboard terminals connect to
Telstra received the contract in 2012 – this multi- either WGS or commercial networks.
phased effort provides a modernised, integrated Earlier, under Sea 1442 Phase 3, Thales
multimedia transmission and switching capability. Australia was awarded a contract extension in
Satellite communications are being renewed and In late 2021, Defence extended Telstra’s services late 2022 for an IP-based Maritime Tactical Wide
improved through multi-phased efforts like JP9102 contract, valued at more than $1 billion, for a Area Network (MTWAN). For 14 years now, the
and JP2008, although the latter is experiencing five-year period. MTWAN has been at the core of RAN maritime
difficulties. (ADF) communications. The company said in 2022,
and synchronise a common air picture. Lockheed “Thales has developed and deployed several
Martin Australia, who signed a $500 million head major baseline upgrades of MTWAN to support
contract in March, turned to BDA for Air 6500 the growing demands of increased bandwidth
deployable communications components via for deployed forces, diversity of communication
a subcontract announced in June. BDA stated, bearers and enhanced cybersecurity of tactical
“Drawing on the technology developed for the networks at sea. This work has included the
Currawong battlespace communications system, integration of additional commercial and military
Boeing Defence Australia will deliver hardware SATCOM systems, joint domain networks and
and software for voice and data services for the improved bandwidth utilisation tools.” Thales
JABMS command-and-control system.” Australia failed to respond to APDR’s request for
Boeing added that its contract “includes an update.
multiple transmission options, from Wideband
Last year, Babcock Australasia was given
Global Satellite to fibre to public networks, responsibility for creating the Enhanced Defence Barrett and Codan
combined with innovative system management High-Frequency Communication System. (Babcock) Finally, it would be remiss not to mention two
and networking software, to deliver high-quality, companies very active in the export space. Perth-
uninterrupted communications services and Sea 1442 based Barrett Communications, acquired by
unprecedented levels of awareness and control”. The RAN is overhauling maritime communications Motorola Solutions in August 2022, told APDR
under the multi-pronged Project Sea 1442 that this move “expanded and complemented our
Other joint programs program, with the aim of installing integrated, existing radio communications portfolio with HF
According to the FY2025 defence budget, JP9141 interoperable and resilient communication and VHF mission-critical radio communications”.
Communications Security Modernisation has a systems on naval vessels. Attention is currently Barrett added that this investment “aligns
$1.287 billion budget, of which $574 million has focused on Phase 5, for which a selection decision with Australia’s Defence Strategic Review with
been spent so far. “This project will remediate is awaited. the capability to support military operations
and modernise selected ADF land radios to meet Boeing Defence Australia and BMT have and disaster response and recovery events
upcoming algorithm obsolescence. This will ensure teamed up for this tender, and Scott Carpendale, with interoperable communications between
ongoing availability of secure communications Vice President and Managing Director of BDA, Australia’s defence force and the nation’s
in support of Defence operations, and commented: “Our collaborative partnership offers emergency services”.
interoperability with key partner communications a seaworthy, sovereign communications system The other entity is Adelaide-based Codan,
and intelligence networks. During 2024-25, the that will enable Navy to fight and win at sea. Our which has manufacturing operations in Australia,
project will continue to upgrade communications solution creates opportunity for Navy to become Canada, Malaysia and the USA. Codan unveiled its
facilities and capabilities and deliver modernised part of a fully integrated ADF-wide system, with new Sentry Mesh 6161-L software-defined radio
radios, software and equipment to the land force.” access to coalition interoperability.” last year. In February 2021, Codan announced
Furthermore, regarding the $575 million JP9347 BDA’s low-risk solution, the Maritime Warfighter a $113 million takeover of Domo Tactical
Joint Data Network project, the budget noted, Network, is an evolution of the army’s in-service Communications in the USA, which opened up
“This project will expand and modernise Defence’s Currawong I-BTN. Because Defence mandated new avenues in that particular market.
joint data networks to enhance C2 through the the Phase 5 solution be Joint Black Core Network-
timely distribution and management of tactical compliant, this should advantage Boeing since Barrett Communications was absorbed by Motorola
and intelligence data between aircraft, ships, the same network already forms the backbone Solutions in August 2022, and it continues to export
vehicles and ground nodes. During 2024-25, of Currawong. ADF advocacy for a common core radios around the world. (Gordon Arthur)

36 APDR | Nov 2024

 Delivering
Australian Made
Capability for a
Future Ready
Defence Force

thalesgroup.com/australia
 ARMY

Interview: Brigadier Doug Pashley,

1st Brigade Commander, Australia
Gordon Arthur // Darwin

Plan Beersheba has been consigned to the historic waste bin, as the Australian Army undergoes weighty
changes in accordance with last year’s Defence Strategic Review. One unit transforming is 1st Brigade, head-
quartered at Robertson Barracks near Darwin, and Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter spoke to its commanding
officer, Brigadier Doug Pashley, about its new light, littoral role.

equipment will continue to relocate across

army to meet the new structure. We’ll see 5/7
RAR relink at the end of this year,” as 7 RAR
disappears from Adelaide.
The CO said the brigade is thus smaller than in
the past. “It’s a lighter brigade in both name and
nature. We’re going to see a modest increase at
the end of this year when we relink 5 and 7 RAR,”
contributing to an eventual roster of around
2,500 personnel.
“As part of our transition to a littoral brigade,
we’re experimenting with a lot of mobility
options,” Pashley explained.
This includes Supacat HMT vehicles, whose
communications suite is a boon for the brigade’s
tactical headquarters. He also said “they’re
probably a bit more regionally relevant than
some of the heavier stuff that we’ve had in
the past year”. The unit is experimenting with
lighter mobility vehicles like the Polaris MRZR
Brigadier Doug Pashley, commanding officer of the Australian Army’s 1st Brigade, peruses a map of all-terrain vehicle too. “We’re really lucky we can
northern Australia. (Gordon Arthur)
draw lessons from other forces that have been

C
ertainly, he has the right credentials Simultaneously, heavy combat capabilities leading the way in terms of developing littoral
to oversee the transformation, after reside in 3rd Brigade in Townsville, motorised capabilities, both the US Marine Corps and the
previously commanding 2nd Battalion, capabilities in 7th Brigade in Brisbane, and Royal Marines. Both of them have procured
Royal Australian Regiment – 2 RAR (Amphib) – in there is a newly established fires brigade some light mobility vehicles, so we’re keen to
Townsville and, prior to that, he spent three years (10th Brigade) in Adelaide. Pashley said, “That leverage lessons from them.”
at US Marine Corps Forces, Pacific in Hawaii. process of reorganisation is still under way, but “I’d say, broadly speaking, that considering
Pashley remarked, “1st Brigade has always it has seen 1st Brigade become an organisation we’ve only started on this light, littoral journey
been army’s traditional, mechanised, heavy optimised for the littoral.” with 1 Brigade relatively recently, we’re still
brigade.” However, the decision was made Under the restructure, 1st Brigade consists wrapping our arms around the best equipment
that parts of the brigade in Adelaide (e.g.1st of a headquarters, 1st Combat Engineer solutions.” He said more equipment trials will
Armoured Regiment) would become part of Regiment, 1st Combat Signals Regiment, 1st occur, but being able to communicate better is
9th Brigade. “Then, more recently, in response Combat Service Support Battalion, 8th/12th a fundamental requirement for him.
to the Defence Strategic Review, army started Regiment (M777 towed howitzers), and 5 RAR Furthermore, as the Adelaide-based 10th
to restructure and assigned new roles and (Bushmasters and Hawkeis). Pashley added, Brigade grows to full maturity with land-based
responsibilities. 1st Brigade is to become the “Ongoing in the back end of this year, you’ll see anti-ship missiles and HIMARS, Pashley said
light, littoral brigade.” the restructure continue: capabilities, vehicles, opportunities to train together will “become

38 APDR | Nov 2024

 ARMY

more prevalent and sophisticated. We need

to learn how to use those and how to employ
them,” as 1st Brigade grows more accustomed
to operating at ranges of hundreds of kilometres
in the littoral domain.

Littoral role
Perhaps most notable is 1st Brigade’s dedicated
littoral role. Pashley explained to APDR:
“Australia’s primary area of military interest is an
archipelago of islands, the land bridge between
Australia and Southeast Asia … From a military
perspective we’re interested in the parts of the
land that can be influenced from the sea, and
in the parts of the sea that can be influenced
from the land.
“But it’s far broader than that: it includes
people, urban centres, cultures, economies,
because that all exists in a littoral zone. So,
the ability to operate there and understand
how we can is really important. It also includes
Easily moved by air, road and ship, the M777 towed howitzer will remain an asset in 1st Brigade after the
the electromagnetic spectrum and how we can
reorganisation. (Gordon Arthur)
operate in that really cluttered space.”
Referring to littoral regions, the brigadier said, zone than just on land alone.” He admitted that, “There’s a lot of work to get done before
“I think the proliferation of sensors has meant there are “lots of really good challenges for us they arrive and, in the lead up to that, to make
that it’s a kind of unique environment; it’s really to grapple with”. sure that we’re optimised to work with them
hard to remain unseen in the maritime, and it’s Pashley added, “So as an organisation we from the get-go.”
probably easier to hide on the land. So what need to understand where those opportunities In a separate interview involving APDR, Chief
does that mean for how we operate? Those and risks might be to operate in that space, and of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart also
sensors mean [greater] distances that you have our people need to be as comfortable operating discussed the army’s new landing craft. “I’m
to be able to operate in, and you have to be in the maritime as they are on land. If I could not seeking to reinvent the wheel. We’ll use
thinking significantly different than probably go now and grab a young captain, sergeant all of navy’s experience, we’ll use their training
what army has conceived of in the past. or corporal, take them out to the field, they system, we’ll use their regulatory system.”
“It goes to the kind of long-range fires can read a map, they’d be really comfortable Indeed, some of the first landing craft may be
capabilities that army is introducing in response with the kind of terrain and considerations with crewed jointly with the navy.
to the National Defence Strategy. We need operating on the land. Put them on the sea and Stuart affirmed that it is important to have a
to be an army, a land force, that’s thinking it’s very different, and that’s one of the lessons “stable design, minimising engineering change
in hundreds of kilometres – no longer tens, that we’ve learned. How do we read charts? How proposals, if we want to deliver on schedule,
twenties, thirties of kilometres – and thinking do we talk with authority and make decisions in and schedule matters most to us. Our plan is
of those distances in both the land and the the maritime? It’s about becoming familiar with to have the first medium in the water by the
maritime from targeting, strike, sustainment. that environment, being comfortable operating end of ’26, the first heavy by the end of ’28.
How do we do sustainment in the maritime? in that.” That means we’ve got to work with industry and
How do we get health support to our people in Landing craft will play a critical role in the make sensible compromises to get the capability
response to an injury across contested sea lines brigade’s future. Under Project Land 8710, the which will be a step change above anything
of communication?” army will receive 18 Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels we’ve currently got.”
His reference to sensors includes radars, - Medium and eight LMV-Heavy, around a third The ADF wants to be an integrated force;
which exist on vessels and land. It is about of which will reach Darwin. Speaking of these a joint force is no longer good enough. That
“understanding where they are and what “tremendous capabilities,” Pashley said it is yet means the army is working more closely
they can do so that we have maritime domain to be decided who will own the landing craft, with its sister armed services than before. As
awareness. Also, the proliferation of unmanned though “they will work really, really closely with Pashley explained: “For a modest-sized force,
aerial systems and obviously loitering munitions, 1st Brigade”. we need to be more integrated, we need to
they make it really difficult to remain concealed “I cannot wait to see these amazing watercraft, work better. We’ve made some progress there,
– we’re learning lessons from Ukraine and how what they can do and how we can use them. but we can be better. So we have a number of
effective that can be. It’s significantly more And the direct lessons learned from what we’re army officers conducting navy maritime warfare
challenging for any force to operate in a littoral doing now will inform that journey.” He added officer training courses at the moment. They’ll

Nov 2024 | APDR 39

 ARMY

responsibility for the Chief of Army, we have

set ambitious objectives for ourselves in both
the distribution of the exercise, as well as what
we’re getting after.”
Predator’s Run involved nearly 4,000 troops
from Australia; 40 Commando Royal Marines
and the Littoral Response Group (South) with
two Royal Navy vessels; Marine Rotational
Force - Darwin (MRF-D) from the USMC; and
the Philippine Army. Troops were spread
hundreds of kilometres from East Arnhem Land
all the way to the Bradshaw Training Area, “So
tremendous distances, and that was deliberate
to really assess our ability to understand where
our strengths and weaknesses are in command
and control, communications, health support,
targeting, fires, resupply at that distance in the
unique training environment in the Northern
Territory.”
Pashley said the exercise was “fantastic”
and, even though “we’re far from perfect,
Australian Army sappers from the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment conduct littoral operations from a
contracted military vessel off the Tiwi Islands. (ADF) we’ve learned something every day, and we’re
definitely better placed where we are now than
graduate and they’ll be at the leading edge as Exercise Predator’s Run we were at the start.” Indeed, he concluded,
we introduce these new, really sophisticated At the time of APDR’s visit to Darwin, 1st Brigade “It would be remiss of me not to highlight how
watercraft over the next two years, and we was busily conducting the Predator’s Run ready this brigade is, and that’s been validated
couldn’t have done that without navy.” foundational warfighting exercise, one “unlike during Exercise Predator’s Run.”
Given its new littoral role, is there an overlap any other Predator’s Run that 1 Brigade has “The one thing that I’m really pleased with
with 2 RAR (Amphib) in Townsville, which participated in before”. The brigade commander from Predator’s Run is that people are getting
falls directly under 1st Division’s Australian noted that, “This year, noting our new role and after it.” He highlighted, “They see the challenge,
Amphibious Force? Pashley acknowledged, “I
think we’re still coming to terms where littoral
and amphib intersect and where they don’t. I
think, yes, there’s a relationship because we’re a
small army, so we need to be able to understand
and operate with other parts of the force. So,
yeah, there’s definite crossover … We probably
have some work to do to understand how best
to optimise that relationship.”
As the appointed pre-landing force, 2 RAR has
shared its experience using small boats with 1st
Brigade. “We have definitely derived lessons
from them. We have our own small boats and
pre-landing force capability, which we have
developed in 5 RAR, and we couldn’t have done
that without support from 2 RAR or 3 Brigade.”
Furthermore, the brigade supports the
Operation Resolute border protection effort
by contributing personnel and LCM-8 landing
craft. “That’s one of the ways that we’ve
strengthened joint integration, because that’s a
joint interagency task force by its very nature.” It
has given members a taste of littoral familiarity,
tides, hydrography and suitability of beach An Australian Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle drives off a US Navy landing craft during Exercise
landing sites, the CO explained. Predator’s Run on the Tiwi Islands. (ADF)

40 APDR | Nov 2024

 ARMY

Barracks. Pashley noted the brigade has higher

rates of live-in personnel, resulting in greater
demand for on-base facilities.

Readiness
Instead of three multirole brigades rotating
through Plan Beersheba’s readiness cycle, “We
have three brigades with discrete and tailored
structures and roles and responsibilities,”
Pashley observed. Under this new, focused
brigade structure, APDR asked who would deploy
in the event of contingencies. “The decisions
about how the brigade deploys is clearly beyond
my paygrade, but I guess you’d say that we have
now a range of options across army that can be
selected, and a tailored response can be crafted
based on what the mission requires, pulling
elements of each brigade.
“If I were to deploy as a brigade headquarters,
which I need to be ready to do, I expect I’d get
forces assigned to me from other brigades,
other elements of the organisation. I don’t think
I’d deploy holus-bolus as 1 Brigade, and the
other brigade commanders, I’m sure, have a
Members of 1st Brigade’s 5 RAR, a unit which will soon relink to form 5/7 RAR, take part in Exercise
similar view.”
Predator’s Run 2024. (ADF)
Now, without the former readiness cycle,
they learn lessons, they make mistakes, they from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, the Pashley agreed that all brigades must now
learn fast, and we’re evolving.” Philippines, Thailand or Timor-Leste. maintain a higher state of readiness. “It’s all
Predator’s Run demonstrated how the He highlighted the brigade’s affinity with the about providing the decision-makers with
Northern Territory offers “lots and lots of space, USMC too. “We’re incredibly close with MRF-D. options.”
uncluttered terrain” for training. He pointed I don’t think there’s any partnership that’s
out that this vast environment offers extreme stronger than the US Marine Corps and the
realism. “If we can operate up here, if we can Australian Army. The MRF-D has been here for
operate in isolated, austere conditions, then a number of years now, and it just goes from
we can operate anywhere. It builds readiness strength to strength.” The current rotation has
just by being here – individual and collective around 2,000 marines and “the integration of
readiness – and that’s really unique.” the units is as good as you’ll get. The support
He also referred to Darwin’s proximity to that the marines have provided as we have
Southeast Asia. It is quicker to fly to Jakarta rapidly fielded an amphibious capability has
than to Canberra, and Timor-Leste’s capital Dili been significant.”
is only an hour away by aircraft. “We’re part of After Predator’s Run ended in August,
Southeast Asia, we’re part of the region, and Pashley said his brigade would be better able
that strengthens our partnership with those to concentrate on implementing the army’s
key nations. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere restructuring plan. “It’s a deliberate, methodical,
else. This is the place that 1 Brigade needs controlled move, moving significant assets
to be to build readiness, and this is the place over significant distances, so it needs to be
that 1 Brigade needs to be to link in and have done well.” He said army planners would like
strong, effective relationships with likeminded to have most elements in this phase of the
partners.” reorganisation set by the start of 2025.
Pashley elaborated, “Whilst we might be small The army is also benefitting from $14-18
in number, we’re a brigade that’s optimised billion promised for resilient base infrastructure
at working with others. That’s how we deploy in the Northern Territory. New accommodation
and fight, because we’ll never fight alone.” is being built for the USMC, as well as an 1st Brigade was using examples of Supacat’s HMT
Pretty much all year round the brigade has upgraded medical facility, technical facility, gym Extenda 6x6 vehicle during the Predator’s Run
troops deploying overseas or is hosting them and messes for Australian troops at Robertson exercise in the Northern Territory. (ADF)

Nov 2024 | APDR 41

 AMMUNITION

Australian 155mm artillery shells

destined for Ukraine Kym Bergmann // Maryborough

The shells are being manufactured at a new plant in the rural Queensland town of Maryborough and
exported to Germany. Once there, they will be filled with explosive material and receive a fuse – and after
that they go into the pool of ammunition to be transferred to Ukraine. While it is impossible to track each
individual shell, some – or all – of the Australian production run will be fired against Russian invaders.

T
his is not being done via the Australian
government – indeed 100% of the factory’s
current output is going to Germany. This
is a consequence of the ownership of the plant,
which is a 51-49 joint venture between industri-
al giant Rheinmetall Waffe Munition and fami-
ly-owned Australian company NIOA. While the JV
is currently producing German DM121 shells at
a rate of 20,000 per year, this will progressively
increase because of global demand to an annual
total exceeding 100,000.
CEO Rob Nioa explained during a media visit
that the decision to build the Maryborough
factory in 2020 was a mixture of practicality but
also sentiment. The business case to warrant
investment from Rheinmetall, the Queensland
and Federal governments – and NIOA itself – had
to be rock solid to reach a collective target of
$90 million.
However, the town – with a population of
25,000 – is also the home of the Nioa family
and at the time regional unemployment was
Australian Army gunners from 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery conduct a live-fire fire mission
stubbornly high. Now the plant employs 150 during Exercise NADZAB at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland. (DoD photo / Brandon Grey)
people working three shifts a day for five days
a week. The company has expansion plans not effect in June 2023. At the time the company said: Strategic Review (DSR) was to accelerate and
only in Maryborough but also Benalla in Victoria “Over the past five years, NIOA and supply shore up supply of critical munitions and
where it produces medium calibre ammunition partners JUNGHANS Microtec GmbH, Nitrochemie projectiles which have been included in a $2.5b
and a variety of pyrotechnics. Aschau GmbH and Rheinmetall Denel Munitions investment in Guided Weapons and Explosive
At the moment, Australia imports all 155mm have worked in close collaboration with Defence Ordnance (GWEO).”
rounds from another member of the industrial to deliver and integrate this artillery system into Australia could move to local production of
family, Rheinmetall Denel Munitions (RDM) of the Army’s M777A2 howitzers and are preparing Assegai, which would involve investment to
South Africa – which the author has also visited. for integration into K9/AS9 Protected Mobile Fires produce fuses – especially one with the ability
Known as the Assegai – Zulu for spear – this is a platforms. to guide the round - and increase capacity to fill
modular approach to ammunition with the ability “Projectile variants include conventional HE, shells and make the explosive charges necessary
to mix and match projectiles, propelling charges, Insensitive Munition High Explosive (IHE), IHE Pre- to fire the shell.
fuses and primers. Fragmented (PFF), screening smoke, illumination Another recent development is that Canberra
Even though there is huge global demand for (infrared and visual), base-bleed and Extended and Washington are considering the local
155mm ammunition, the Australian Army has Range Velocity Enhance (V-LAP), practice and inert manufacture under licence of a standard US
future proofed supply with a series of 5-year projectiles. Army 155mm round known as the M795. This
contracts, the most recent of which came into “A key recommendation of the recent Defence seems to be based on the fact that US factories

42 APDR | Nov 2024

 AMMUNITION

alone cannot meet the demand for 155mm

ammunition, especially as Ukraine needs to have
the ability to fire at least 5,000 rounds per day
if it is to have a realistic chance of fighting back
against Russia.
If this progresses, it seems logical that NIOA will
be involved since they operate the only 155mm
shell press in the country.
However, on October 30, Defence Industry
Minister Pat Conroy surprised an audience at the
National Press Club, announcing that it would be
Thales – not NIOA – who would be manufacturing
M795s. This means that Thales will be funded by
the government to build a forge – even though
one exists in Maryborough.
NIOA would have been able to retool in two
years; it will take Thales until 2028 to commence
production. The fact that Thales are even being
considered has raised eyebrows given that both
they – and Defence – were heavily criticised in an
ANAO report released on June 25.
Titled “Defence’s Management of contracts
for the supply of ammunition – Part 1” it
examined arrangements for the management of
ammunition production at Benalla and Mulwala
by Thales. Sections of the report have been widely
quoted, including:
“Defence’s conduct of the sole source
procurement process to establish the 2020–30
contractual arrangements was partly effective.
Risk assessments were not timely and appropriate
records for key meetings with Thales during the
tender process were not developed or retained by
Defence. After assessing Thales’ tender response
as not being value for money in October 2019,
Defence proceeded to contract negotiations in
December 2019 notwithstanding internal advice
that Defence was at a disadvantage in such
negotiations due to timing pressures.”
In other words, despite being assessed as
not being value for money, Thales nevertheless
was a awarded the contract. Probably the most
memorable – certainly the most frequently cited
The forge at Rheinmetall NIOA munitions, Maryborough (K Bergmann photo)
– section reads:
“Defence did not establish appropriate that required briefings on probity and other legal protected by patents but include things such as
probity arrangements in a timely manner. A requirements were delivered.” the use of water-based lubricants for the forge
procurement-specific probity framework to Manufacturing shells is a blend of precision – which has to operate continuously at 1,200
manage risks associated with the high level of engineering and mass production techniques. Celsius – and the spin-balancing of each shell.
interaction between Defence and Thales was They have to be churned out at a rapid rate to Those that don’t pass – about 10 percent - can
not put in place until July 2018. Probity risks meet demand, but at the same time must be then be re-machined if necessary, so that each
arose and were realised during 2016 and 2017, produced to exact tolerances for reasons of one is delivered to the highest quality standards.
including when a Defence official solicited a bottle safety, reliability and performance. The production process is very exacting and
of champagne from a Thales representative. The Maryborough plant was designed by NIOA starts with a steel blank weighing 65kg – each
Defence did not maintain records relating to – with the invaluable assistance of Rheinmetall – one cut from a 2.5 tonne section imported from
probity management and could not demonstrate and has a number of unique features. These are Germany. Australia used to have the ability to

Nov 2024 | APDR 43

 AMMUNITION

we put some proposals to government that

were ultimately supported, originally through a
regional jobs program.”
This was before the Russian invasion of Ukraine
when everyone assumed that the warning time
for a major conflict would be around 10 years,
so the original rate of production was modest.
He continued:
“Now we are ramping up production – and we
have proposals for further expansion involving
extra equipment and additional facilities.
When everything comes together as we have
recommended, we will be able to produce more
than 100,000 rounds per year.”
This would more than double the current
capacity of the factory. According to Mr Nioa, all
of the IP is available to move to the production
of the entire round, not just the shell. He believes
that investment in guided fuses in particular
would be worthwhile because it greatly increases
the accuracy of each round. He said:
“We also need to increase the capacity
to fill shells, particularly with a higher rate of
production – which means additional plant and
equipment. We also need to consider the nature
of the explosive. At the moment we make low-
cost TNT, which is fine for training munitions. It’s
also a satisfactory war shot for some nations, but
it is not the preferred fill for Australia because of
our need for insensitive munitions (IM).”
“To that can be added things such as double
based propellants and combustible cartridge
cases. We also need to make the primer, which is
a bottleneck in the production not only of 155mm
artillery rounds but a number of other things,
including 120mm tank ammunition and 5” shells
for naval gunfire.”
The Defence Strategic Review is prioritising
long range strike, but as the fighting in Ukraine
is showing on a daily basis, conventional artillery
is still playing a dominant role at the front line.
The Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance
(GWEO) is looking at ways of industrialising the
Partially completed 155mm shells at Maryborough (K Bergmann photo)
production of weapons to increase Australia’s
manufacture steel of the requisite quality and delivery. The end product weighs 32kg – so about sovereign capabilities and the full domestic
produce it in the necessary size and shape, but half of the steel is lost in the process – and can be production of 155mm ammunition would seem
those days are long done. filled with 8kg of explosive. logical.
After being heated, an industrial robot places Mr Nioa explained the background to Since we have gone from no 155mm forges
each section in the forge with everything glowing establishing the forge, which alone cost $17 four years ago to having one in operation and a
red hot, and in a series of steps squashes the million: second by 2028, the Defence business case must
metal into a very precise steel tube. As it moves “First of all, in 2017 we won the future Army be interesting. This means that rather than being
through the carefully monitored production artillery contract to supply their new shells – an importer, Australia could contribute to the
process, the nose is tapered and the outside and at that time Australia had lost the ability allied pool of artillery shells – particularly in the
is machined so the finished shell is gradually to forge an in-service shell. We thought it was Indo-Pacific region - and possibly export directly
produced, etched, painted and then batched for an important capability to bring on-shore – and to countries such as Ukraine.

44 APDR | Nov 2024

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 TAIPAN

Soldiers from the 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery and 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment dismount from an MRH-90 Taipan during Exercise
Chau Pha in Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland. (DoD photo / Riley Blennerhassett)

Army probably received nothing for

Taipan spare parts
Kym Bergmann // Canberra

The Australian Army – and the government – initially tried to dismember 45 MRH90 Taipan helicopters in
secret. Next, information was either concealed or ignored about interest from Ukraine in receiving the fleet
to help evacuate their wounded from combat zones. Then all the helicopters were torn apart – disassembled
– with Defence moving with unprecedented speed to achieve that result.
46 APDR | Nov 2024
 TAIPAN

chain problems – especially the slow delivery

of some spares – but referenced an order of
additional helicopters from the Netherlands
plus strong interest from several potential new
customers in the Middle East. He also repeated
information contained in a news release of June
13, which says:
“The NATO Helicopter Management Agency
(NAHEMA) and NHIndustries (NHI) announced
today the signing of a major contract for
the development and delivery of Software
Release 3 (SWR3) for the NH90 helicopter.
This milestone agreement, valued in excess of
600M€, underscores a continued commitment
to enhancing the operational capabilities and
performance, and extending the in-service life
of the NH90 fleet.
“The signing ceremony took place today at
the NAHEMA headquarters in Aix-en-Provence,
with the attendance of senior representatives
from both organizations and NAHEMA’s countries
involved in the initiative: Belgium, Germany, Italy
and The Netherlands.
A Royal Australian Navy MRH-90 Taipan helicopter prepares for take-off. (DoD photo / Daniel Goodman) “The SWR3 is an important configuration
update for the in-service NH90 helicopters,

F
inally, the public were told that dismem- redress are likely to include: Safran (engine achieved as a collaboration between the NHI
bering the fleet and selling the spare parts support); Leonardo (gearbox maintenance); and Partner Companies (Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo
was in the best interests of the taxpayer. Thales (electronics). and Fokker) and major European suppliers. This
On January 18, Defence Industry Minister Pat Asked for a comment on the value of the new enhanced configuration further boosts
Conroy said no one was interested in acquir- spares, Defence replied: the outstanding NH90 operational capabilities,
ing the helicopters – ignoring the request from “Due to commercial-in-confidence consid- featuring equipment such as the first airborne
Ukraine – adding: erations, no additional information can be Data Link 22 on a helicopter, next-generation
“Therefore, the best value for taxpayers was provided.” high definition Electro-Optical system (LEOSS-T)
to disassemble the aircraft and to begin selling
the spare parts.” Further research in Australia shows that the Taipan support facilities
On October 9, US online publication Breaking operated by Airbus at Oakey and Holsworthy consistently achieved
Defense quoted Axel Aloccio, NHIndustries
availability rates of 80%.
(NHI) CEO, as saying the spares acquired from
Australia were valued at AU $405 million. NHI Since the CEO of NHI has revealed the figure for and Sonar (OTS-90 Mark II), civil GNSS/FMS and
is the manufacturer of the NH90 and is a joint spare parts and said the company has received additional weapons integration.”
venture formed by Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo 300 out of a total of 4,000 items from Australia, it Further research in Australia shows that the
Helicopters, and Fokker Aerostructures. is unclear why additional information cannot be Taipan support facilities operated by Airbus at
However, multiple independent industry provided – other than to protect the reputation Oakey and Holsworthy consistently achieved
sources have told APDR that once the cost of of Defence itself. availability rates of 80%. However, those
disassembly, transport, storage, repairs and Speaking of the Taipan / NH90 program overall, operated by Army (Townsville) and separately
updates of various components had been taken Mr Aloccio said he expected the global fleet to be the RAN (Nowra) were often as low as 20%. We
into account the amount paid to Australia “would operating for another 50 to 60 years and the have previously explained that the low level
have been close to zero, or even at a loss.” number of helicopters built would continue to of availability when the military was in control
Furthermore, once compensation has been increase. As well as mentioning Australia, he also came about because of several factors including
paid to Australian companies who invested in acknowledged that another unhappy customer, a “soldier first, maintenance second” policy and
good faith in Taipan support based on 30 years Norway, had lodged a claim against NHI for non- lack of commercial incentives to increase flying
of operations, it is likely that the entire exercise performance which had then launched a counter- hours.
will have cost Defence a considerable amount claim against the Norwegian government. The Airbus Helicopters has been contractually
of money. As well as having to pay out Airbus combined case is due to go to court next year. muzzled by Defence and are unable to comment
Helicopters themselves, other suppliers seeking Mr Aloccio also spoke about previous supply or supply any information.

Nov 2024 | APDR 47

 UKRAINE

Australian Army M1A1 Abrams tank firing during Exercise Gauntlet Strike in Puckapunyal. (DoD photo / Luke Bellman)

Australia to donate M1A1 Abrams

tanks to Ukraine Kym Bergmann // Canberra

In a major victory for all supporters of Ukraine, the government announced on 17 October that it will gift
49 Abrams main battle tanks to help fight back against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion. The Minister
for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy, made the offer to his Ukrainian counterparts at
a NATO meeting in Brussels.

T
he government says that the package is ment, it is important that we continue to work armour – though as experience with other allied
worth $245 million, but more importantly together with our partners around the world to MBTs used by Ukraine has shown, they have
will add to the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s deter aggression and coercion and protect the some vulnerability to top-down drone attacks.
firepower and mobility and complement part- global rules-based order.” The geography of Ukraine will also impose some
ners’ support for Ukraine’s armoured brigades. Australia is in the process of purchasing 75 limitations on how they can be deployed because
It is possible that some of the tanks will require refurbished newer M1A2s and retired the existing western MBTs are typically much heavier than
upgrades before they are transferred – or they fleet in July. Army will keep a small number of the their eastern European counterparts and are
could be cannibalised to support the majority of older model Abrams for training and transition more likely to get bogged in marshy terrain.
the vehicles being donated. The government is purposes. It is understood that the M1A2s – plus At the very least they will further complicate
open to either solution and will discuss the best a large number of tracked engineering vehicles Russian planning and even if some of the
way forward with Kyiv. based on the same chassis – are on their way to vehicles are unavailable because of maintenance
Minister Conroy said: Australia. requirements an integrated force of around 40
“We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine in Even though the original 59 ex-US Marine Corps modern MBTs are capable of making an important
their fight against Russia’s illegal invasion. M1A1s were purchased in 2004, they are still a contribution to the war effort. Ukraine already
“These tanks will deliver more firepower and formidable weapon with an M256 120mm main uses some donated US M1A1s and presumably
mobility to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and gun able to destroy all Russian tanks at a distance an effective logistics network is already in place.
complement the support provided by our partners of at least a kilometre – and in most circumstances It also sends an important signal to Moscow
for Ukraine. well beyond that. that Ukraine’s allies – no matter how distant – are
“As we face a challenging geostrategic environ- They are well protected with extremely thick continuing to help in meaningful ways.

48 APDR | Nov 2024

 UKRAINE

AUSTRALIAN ARMY FACT SHEET

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS PERFORMANCE

Weight 62,000kg Power plant Gas turbine engine 1119 kilowatts

Length 9.83m Speed More than 60km per hour (standard terrain)

Width 3.65m Operational range More than 40km per hour (cross-country)

Height 2.89m More than 400km

Crew 4: commander, gunner, loader & driver Smoke grenade system 66 millimetre Launcher Grenade M250

Armament 120 millimetre M256 smooth bore cannon

12.7 millimetre M2HB QCB machine gun

An Australian Army M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank from the 1st Armoured
Regiment, drives through the Cultana Training Area, SA during Exercise Rhino
Run 24. (DoD photo / Johnny Huang)

Nov 2024 | APDR 49

 1ST
NEW
STRAPLINE
PERSON
ZEALAND

News from across the Tasman Gordon Arthur // New Zealand

Navy loses a ship in the USA last year. Four aircrews have already
The RNZN lost one of its nine ships after it sank been trained by the USAF, with two more to go.
in Samoan coastal waters on 6 October. HMNZS The first NZ-based training programme starts in
Manawanui, a 5,741-tonne hydrographic and early 2026, and this will incorporate a full-motion
diving support vessel, ran aground in heavy seas simulator. Scott explained, “Under the J-model
whilst conducting a hydrographic survey 1nm off contract, we’d be aiming to achieve as much
the southern coast of Upolu in Samoa. The vessel training as possible in the simulator.”
later listed, caught fire and capsized. In a tongue-in-cheek nod to the longevity
Her 75 crew and passengers were safely of the venerable C-130H fleet, Scott said, “The
evacuated via life rafts and rigid-hulled squadron and RNZAF Base Auckland are very
inflatable boats on 5 October, after the captain Three C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft excited about the opportunity that’s coming with
Commander Yvonne Gray gave the order to have arrived from Lockheed Martin so far. This is the C-130J. To elevate ourselves into the future
the first example. (NZDF)
abandon ship. Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin for the next potentially 60 years of Hercules
Golding, said this decision to evacuate helped of Whenuapai-based No. 40 Squadron that operations is an incredible thing for people to
avoid loss of life. operates the new C-130Js, told APDR that the be involved with.”
Maritime Component Commander Commo- new aircraft “can carry more things a farther No. 40 Squadron has three flights: one
dore Shane Arndell said, “We’re very grateful for distance and burn less fuel doing so”. He noted, with Hercules, one operating two Boeing 757
the assistance of everyone involved, from Rescue “It’s not necessarily a step change in capability transport aircraft, and a maintenance flight. The
Coordination Centre NZ who coordinated rescue with the C-130J, but it’s certainly a modernisation 757s have grabbed media headlines, breaking
efforts, to the vessels which responded and took and capability enhancement that we’ll receive.” down at inopportune times twice this year whilst
our crew and passengers from Manawanui to Scott said Kiwi “C-130Js come with a suite on VVIP missions.
safety.” of enhanced capability functions, which will Asked about this, Scott said, “You do take it to
The NZDF said in a statement, “At this stage enhance our crew’s situational awareness”. This heart at times, but it’s not specific to just when
the exact cause of the grounding is unknown it breaks down with the Prime Minister aboard.
and this will need further investigation.” This will “C-130Js come with a suite of It’s anytime that we’re unable to achieve the
be done via a court of inquiry. Defence Minister enhanced capability functions, mission to complete satisfaction, whether that
Judith Collins said there was little chance of be carrying the Prime Minister or moving troops
which will enhance our crew’s
salvaging Manawanui. to London to support Ukraine self-defence.”
This was the RNZN’s first active-duty vessel lost situational awareness”. He added, “The 757 is an incredible capability
since the minesweeper HMNZS Moa was sunk for the NZDF – the ability to carry passengers and
by Japanese aircraft in Solomon Islands in 1943. includes an L3Harris Wescam MX-20HD electro- cargo, and the combination thereof, to almost
optic camera suitable for search and rescue anywhere around the world, including Antarctica,
Air Force gains new aircraft or post-disaster damage assessment, plus a is a phenomenal capability. What we’re noticing
At the time of writing, the RNZAF had received SATCOM-based wide-bandwidth broadband is that, as the fleet has aged, and in particular as
three of five new C-130J-30 Super Hercules system. 757s have reduced in numbers globally, as well
aircraft that Wellington purchased in 2020. The Final operational release for the new aircraft as maintaining a small fleet of a not-so-common
first aircraft touched down in NZ on 4 September in all roles is scheduled for Q4 of 2025. Indeed, aircraft, is presenting challenges.” A particular
and was welcomed in a ceremony at RNZAF Base flights to Antarctica will occur within a few factor is aging wiring, something exacerbated
Auckland six days later. The next pair of aircraft months of their arrival. by the 757s never having undergone a midlife
arrived on 29 September. At one point the RNZAF was operating just upgrade.
The final two aircraft were expected before three C-130H Hercules, so did that produce a The two 757s are to be replaced under the
October ended. These new C-130Js will permit NZ capability gap? “Certainly not,” Scott said. “We Future Air Mobility Capability - strategic project.
to retire its 1960s-era C-130H Hercules fleet that can do anything and everything with three that “The indicative end of life, or withdrawal from
has collectively flown nearly 155,000 accident- we could do with five. If anything, it’s actually service date, at the moment for the 757 as part
free hours over 97,000+ sorties. Two C-130Hs allowed us to focus, particularly the technical of those project assumptions is in the period
were withdrawn in February and November 2023 workforce, the maintenance resources. A smaller 2029-30,” the wing commander noted.
respectively, because they were approaching fleet number means that actually our aircraft With a project team established in early 2023,
deeper-level servicing, while the remaining trio availability is slightly improved than when we Scott said the replacement project is “in its
will all be gone by 31 January 2025. were operating a larger fleet.” infancy…going through the capability, definition
Wing Commander Bradley Scott, the CO C-130J crew and maintainer training started and end user requirements”.

50 APDR | Nov 2024

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SIA
Expiry date CVV
Canberra
4-6 November 2024
Tel: +61 2 6290 1505
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MilCis
Rank/Title
Canberra
12-14 November 2024
Tel: +61 2 6252 1200
First Name Family Name
Parari
Job Title Organisation Canberra
19-21 November 2024
Tel: +61 2 6252 1200
Address
parari@consec.com.au

City State Avalon Airshow

Melbourne
Postcode Country 25-28 March 2025
Tel: +61 3 5282 0500
expo@amda.com.au
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IMDEX
Email Singapore
6-8 May 2025
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Nov 2024 | APDR 51
TAKINGRESPONSIBILITY

FIGHT. SURVIVE. WIN.

The BOXER 8x8 CRV LANCE turret and CISR solution
for the Australian Army’s LAND 400 program.

BOXER provides Australian soldiers with

world-leading protection levels.

www.rheinmetall.com