The replacement Mine Warfare vessels look like they are cut as well. The new emphasis appears to be UUVs in this role, as well as craft opportunity. That's all fine for port clearance, but seemingly a bit avant-garde for route clearance. I know various navies have thoughts in that space, but I can't...

the cuts went through a few years ago, but yeah...

My thoughts: It's not more horrible than it already was. Some of the long lead time acquisitions like ships and subs have funding. The short-term pain in things like army funding for IFVs and more amphibious/riverine craft could be turned around with relatively modest funding should a change of gove...

A few more details scraped off some glossy brochures:

some analysis: https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/national-defence-strategy-and-iip-discussed The government today released the long-awaited National Defence Strategy (NDS) and the 2024 Integrated Investment Program (IIP), outlining a response to the deteriorating security environment. T...

2024 Integrated Investment Program https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2024-04-17/2024-integrated-investment-program These investments include an additional $11.1 billion over the next decade to deliver the Government’s response to the independent analysis of Navy’s surface combatant...

some good insights here:
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... conundrum/

Some subtleties around the Japanese frigate that I had not heard before. On the surface, you would think the Spanish have a good shot at it. I've said that before, however...

https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/all-female-royal-australian-air-force-team-join-in-air-to-air-refueling-mission The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) celebrated International Women’s Day by deploying an all-female team to undertake an air-to-air refueling mission at the RAAF Base Amberley in Quee...

HMAS Choules fitted with CEAFAR radar https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/hmas-choules-fitted-with-ceafar-radar While Choules’ current armament of a single Phalanx Close-In Weapons Systems (CIWS) is able to engage targets independently using its own integrated radar, that radar has limite...

A few of these in the ORBAT now, all civilian crew.

Tully, North Queensland. Annual rainfall over 4000 mm.

Henderson-based Austal to build two more Evolved Cape-Class Patrol Boats for Navy https://psnews.com.au/henderson-based-austal-to-build-two-more-evolved-cape-class-patrol-boats-for-navy/128416/ One of the key elements of the government’s new plan is to grow its fleet of patrol vessels to 25 to cond...

Australian Defence Force news article: Working with partners to control the skies 21 February 24 https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2024-02-21/working-partners-control-skies For the first time, air force experts have gathered in Australia to share solutions on Airborne Early Warning and Con...

The follow-on to the Hunter class (the DDG replacement) might be a Hunter class variant (like that 96 cell 'FFG' BAE was touting).

https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2024-02-20/navys-enhanced-lethality-surface-combatant-fleet In line with independent analysis’ recommendations, Navy’s future surface combatant fleet will comprise: 26 major surface combatants consisting of: Three Hobart class air warfare destroyers...

Under the sweeping overhaul, Australia's current fleet of combat-ready warships would rise from 11 to 26, consisting of nine "Tier 1" frigates and destroyers and 11 smaller general-purpose frigates, as well as six optionally crewed vessels which will form a "Tier 2" force. https...