The Australian arm of naval architects Gibbs&Cox, a subsidiary of global systems integrator Leidos, has confirmed it will be proposing a new light frigate design as a possible alternative to the Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) now under construction for the RAN.
The so-called Australian Light Frigate (AUSLF) is based on a reference programme that is delivering two hulls to the Taiwan navy in 2026, with a further 10 on option, Gibbs&Cox Australia managing director Levi Catton confirmed to ADM.
This extremely fast delivery for what he described as a 'motivated customer' offered a production lead programme to mature the system ahead of Australian construction and delivery, he noted.
Many of the team that designed the US Navy’s Constellation-class frigate had subsequently moved to the light frigate design, which met US Navy technical requirements and would provide future benefits in commonality with the USN’s frigate supply chain, Catton said.
With a hull described as of similar size to the RAN’s 3,600-tonne Anzac-class frigates, the AUSLF will feature 32 strike length vertical launch missile cells, up to 24 Naval Strike Missile box cells, and a large towed array capability.
A model on display at the Indo-Pac maritime exposition was fitted with a stern-mounted RIM116 Rolling Airframe Missile system but Cotton said weapon selection was ultimately up to the customer.
The AUSLF also features a helicopter deck and hangar suitable for MH-60R Romeo operations, and combined diesel/electric/gas propulsion giving the vessel a top speed of more than 30 knots, as well as enabling a quiet anti-submarine warfare state using electric drive.
Contingent on operational concepts, crew size is aimed at less than 100, leveraging Leidos’ technical skills in autonomous and uncrewed systems.
Gibbs&Cox had held off engaging with the RAN on the AUSLF until a delivery strategy was determined, and planning for this was now nearing completion, Cotton said.