Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates 2.0

[SammyC]

Does the ADF have satellites covering the northern approach choke points watching all transiting seaborne traffic?

To the best of my knowledge Australia does not have any recon capable satellites of its own. It relies on Allied satellites, primarily US assets for this capability. If we want these areas surveyed we need to ask for it. Thankfully I suspect these are regions the US regularly looks at as it monitors the Chinese fleet closely.

Otherwise we use Tritons and P8s to monitor sea traffic around our coast.

Australian Defence doesn't even have its own comms satellites.

 

[Catalina]

To the best of my knowledge Australia does not have any recon capable satellites of its own. It relies on Allied satellites, primarily US assets for this capability. If we want these areas surveyed we need to ask for it. Thankfully I suspect these are regions the US regularly looks at as it monitors the Chinese fleet closely.

Otherwise we use Tritons and P8s to monitor sea traffic around our coast.

Australian Defence doesn't even have its own comms satellites.

Thanks for your reply Sammy.

That was my understanding too.

Seems slightly weird with the ADFs recent buy up of billions not to purchase military satellites, afterall even the NZG has been talking of purchasing satellites for the NZDF.

We could launch yours from Rocket Lab's New Zealand launch sites at Launch Complex 1 on the Māhia Peninsula, on the East Coast of the North Island...

 

[Reptilia]

I have an update in relation to HMAS Supply. She was supposed to sail last Wednesday but she had engine trouble with a fuel issue. Apparently they are working all weekend to rectify the defect and they are aiming to sale next Tuesday.

Update on HMAS Stalwart?

 

[spoz]

Does the ADF have satellites covering the northern approach choke points watching all transiting seaborne traffic?

That is, after all, the purpose of JORN. There are other surveillance methods available.

 

[AndyinOz]

It's definitely a nice capability to have I think though for the moment Electron, Rocket Labs current vehicle has a lift capacity of about 300kg to LEO(low Earth orbit) which might be restrictive. That being said they have done launches apparently for the US's NRO of what though who knows. From what I gather it's next vehicle Neutron (I'm a space and science nerd in my spare time so I love the naming scheme at the moment) apparently will have a payload to orbit capacity of 13,000kg though I think launches of Neutron will happen at least at first from Virginia. 13 metric tonnes is a lot of satellite for sure though.