Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates 2.0

[Morgo]

While the Labor party make all the right public statements about the importance of AUKUS you just know that behind the scenes the rank and file doesn’t have the same level of enthusiasm.

I think that’s a generalisation. There are parts of the Labor Left (the “social” Left) that are like that (and are probably closer to the Greens) but then Pat Conroy and others like him seem to be big fans of the industrial and employment benefits of Defence spending.

The Labor Right (including the Deputy PM/Defence Minister and the Treasurer) I think are right behind it.

This upcoming tax review is going to be quite interesting in terms of coming up with a way to raise more revenue and pay for the needed / promised expenditures across Medicare / NDIS / Welfare / Defence. The pips are already squeaking.

 

[MARKMILES77]

Information out of the Paris Airshow reported in Flight Global.
MH-60Rs are becoming an important weapon in defending against UAVs.
Also mentioned in the same article, that the Royal Australian Navy is getting a Magnetic Anomaly Detector for it's MH-60Rs.
Have not seen this previously reported?

US Navy MH-60Rs get serious about counter-UAS mission

The Sikorsky MH-60R naval warfare helicopter has emerged as a key platform for defending US Navy warships from small, cheap unmanned air systems.

www.flightglobal.com

Flight Global
18 June 2025

 

[Sender]

Information out of the Paris Airshow reported in Flight Global.
MH-60Rs are becoming an important weapon in defending against UAVs.
Also mentioned in the same article, that the Royal Australian Navy is getting a Magnetic Anomaly Detector for it's MH-60Rs.
Have not seen this previously reported?

US Navy MH-60Rs get serious about counter-UAS mission

The Sikorsky MH-60R naval warfare helicopter has emerged as a key platform for defending US Navy warships from small, cheap unmanned air systems.

www.flightglobal.com

Flight Global
18 June 2025
View attachment 53049

Information on the MAD here: Sikorsky and CAE bring digital Magnetic Anomaly Detection capability to MH-60R maritime helicopters | CAE

 

[I hv I on U]

Hi everyone, first time contributor

Noticed recent announcement from Spanish MOD regarding the contract award for the construction of a new combat supply ship (BAC) for the Spanish Navy to Navantia (delivery 2030).

Spanish MoD green-lights construction of new combat supply ship for navy (janes.com)

Sea 1654 - Maritime Operational Support Capability originally mentioned the option for a third vessel
With the future enlargement of the RAN combat fleet, would it not be the right time now to order a third AOR from a hot production line. I realize there are current issues with the Supply class, which may put people off a third vessel of this class, but hopefully that will shortly be a thing of the past. Is there any update on their return to normal duties?
Or maybe the RAN dusts off the plans for the two multi-role sealift and support ships - Project Sea2200 Interested to hear members views

 

[Antipode]

Hi everyone, first time contributor

Noticed recent announcement from Spanish MOD regarding the contract award for the construction of a new combat supply ship (BAC) for the Spanish Navy to Navantia (delivery 2030).

Spanish MoD green-lights construction of new combat supply ship for navy (janes.com)

Sea 1654 - Maritime Operational Support Capability originally mentioned the option for a third vessel
With the future enlargement of the RAN combat fleet, would it not be the right time now to order a third AOR from a hot production line. I realize there are current issues with the Supply class, which may put people off a third vessel of this class, but hopefully that will shortly be a thing of the past. Is there any update on their return to normal duties?
Or maybe the RAN dusts off the plans for the two multi-role sealift and support ships - Project Sea2200 Interested to hear members views

The new Cantabria class will introduce some improvements such as CIWS system, a counter-UAS system (INDRA's Crow system) and installations for the support of air, sea and submarine drones.

Reference and some data here (with in built translator)

Firma del contrato de construcción del nuevo BAC para la Armada

La SEDEF y el presidente de Navantia firmarán el contrato del nuevo Buque de Aprovisionamiento de Combate para la Armada

www.defensa.com

While no specifics on the CIWS have been given, there are references to "implementation of improvements developed for the Supply class."

Plan is for the Armada to operate the Cantabria plus this evolution, alongside a dedicated oil tanker.