![]() It says the navy should have “a larger number of smaller surface vessels”, which has put the troubled $45 billion Hunter-class frigates in the frame for cuts.Ĭurrent plans call for nine of Britain’s BAE Systems’ anti-submarine warfare frigates, which are nearing 10,000 tonnes in weight, but there is widespread industry expectation the number could be reduced to six or even as few as three to free up cash for smaller warships or additional destroyers. ![]() The review, which originated from the Defence Strategic Review, is due to hand its findings to the government next month on the long-term composition of the navy’s warship fleet in light of the decision to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. The Australian Financial Review has been told Kiwi naval chiefs have spoken with Australian counterparts about their interest in working together on a joint replacement for ageing ANZAC-class frigates.Īrtists’ rendering of Babcock’s Arrowhead frigate.Ī potential tie up would replicate the deal that delivered the German-designed ANZACs, under which 10 3600-tonne ships were built in Australia in the 1990s and early 2000s, with eight delivered to the Royal Australian Navy and two to New Zealand.īabcock’s confirmation it has put forward its Arrowhead design to the Defence Department comes amid jockeying among shipbuilders to influence the Albanese government’s surface fleet review. Australia and New Zealand could team up on building a new fleet of light frigates, with British shipbuilding giant Babcock pitching the proposal for its Arrowhead frigate to Defence amid a major naval review. ![]()
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