Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates 2.0

[iambuzzard]

JMSDF launch of 1st 2 OPVs Sakura and Tachibana.

Launch via ‘Japanese journalist Kosuke Takahashi's YouTube‘ channel

Yahoo

ついに艦名が明らかに！ 自衛隊初の新ジャンル「哨戒艦」2隻同時は極めて異例 詳細も判明（乗りものニュース） - Yahoo!ニュース

　防衛省は2025年11月13日（木）、JMU（ジャパンマリンユナイテッド）横浜事業所磯子工場（神奈川県横浜市）にて、新規建造された哨戒艦2隻の命名・進水式を実施しました。 　これらは、従来「05

news.yahoo.co.jp

‘95m long, 12m wide, 7.7m deep, with a draft of 4.2m, a standard displacement of 1,900 tons, and a crew of approximately 30. They are powered by a combined propulsion (CODLAD) system consisting of two diesel engines and two propulsion transmissions, and can reach a speed of over 25 knots (approximately 46.3km/h). On the other hand, the ship is only armed with a single 30mm cannon mounted on the bow. However, the stern is equipped with a multi-purpose deck that can accommodate the landing of MCH-101 minesweeping and transport helicopters, as well as carrying UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles: to be equipped at a later date) and electromagnetic intelligence gathering equipment (to be equipped at a later date). Other features include a multi-purpose hangar (not suitable for helicopters) and a multi-purpose crane, and the ship is characterized by its emphasis on versatility and manpower saving. In addition, a bow thruster is installed below the bow waterline, which allows the ship to enter and leave port without the aid of a tugboat, making it suitable for use in ports that do not have sufficient facilities.Of course, since the ship is designed to operate in rough ocean waters, it is also equipped with anti-roll tanks to reduce rolling.

Well, they are OPVs, and Japan does have a sizeable fleet of destroyers and frigates. Us, well!!!

 

[Reptilia]

Well, they are OPVs, and Japan does have a sizeable fleet of destroyers and frigates. Us, well!!!

These are a good fit for Cairns + Darwin if Aus or ABF ever decided to get more patrol boats, at 95m they can be lifted and maintained at those precincts. $65 million usd each to build so I wonder what the export cost is once fully kitted out. Main Gun can be swapped apparently for 57mm or 76mm. 25+ knt speed is also better than listed. Future autonomy may decrease the ships crew even more(less than 30).
Looks like a nice versatile OPV.

 

[iambuzzard]

These are a good fit for Cairns + Darwin if Aus or ABF ever decided to get more patrol boats, at 95m they can be lifted and maintained at those precincts. $65 million usd each to build so I wonder what the export cost is once fully kitted out. Main Gun can be swapped apparently for 57mm or 76mm. 25+ knt speed is also better than listed. Future autonomy may decrease the ships crew even more(less than 30).
Looks like a nice versatile OPV.

Look to them once the Evolved Capes finish their production run. Patrol boats have a finite life and are limited in heavy sea conditions. We need to look ahead now, not when hulls start cracking. Plan for the future. I like the fact that a 57mm or 76mm can be swapped in.

 

[Reptilia]

Look to them once the Evolved Capes finish their production run. Patrol boats have a finite life and are limited in heavy sea conditions. We need to look ahead now, not when hulls start cracking. Plan for the future. I like the fact that a 57mm or 76mm can be swapped in.

Another ECape order is expected soon, may be better for the Austal team to focus on LCM+LCH+LOSV , cancel anymore ECapes orders to 2030 (9 planned) and order opvs off the shelf.
End 2026 we will have 12 ECapes, 10 Capes and 3 Arafura class in service + 3 under construction. All capes to ABF and all opvs current and future to RAN?
Other possibilities could see ECapes become future Pacific patrol boats and Arafuras go to ABF or become PNG Navy, leaving RAN with the more capable opvs.

 

[iambuzzard]

Another ECape order is expected soon, may be better for the Austal team to focus on LCM+LCH+LOSV , cancel anymore ECapes orders to 2030 (9 planned) and order opvs off the shelf.
End 2026 we will have 12 ECapes, 10 Capes and 3 Arafura class in service + 3 under construction. All capes to ABF and all opvs current and future to RAN?
Other possibilities could see ECapes become future Pacific patrol boats and Arafuras go to ABF or become PNG Navy, leaving RAN with the more capable opvs.

When do we get to start planning defence? Some of the powers that be in Canberra don't have a clue.

 

[Reptilia]

When do we get to start planning defence? Some of the powers that be in Canberra don't have a clue.

Got no issue with…
1st Upgraded Mogami by 2030, 3 by 2035.
1st Hunter by 2034, 3 by 2038.

I think more can be done in the short term, more ECapes and a few more Arafura ain’t gonna cut it.

MIA in the short-medium term…
-Hobarts going through long term upgrades, 1 after the other.
-Arunta to be decommissioned next year + potentially 2 more by 2030.
-10 Original Capes decommissioned early-mid 2030s.
-Choules another that may have to be replaced.

Capable off the shelf purchases would help.