Of all the vessels outlined in the continuous shipbuilding plan, the OPVs have received relatively little attention compared to the Future Frigate and Future Submarine. With the build split between Adelaide and WA for political reasons, much of the capability discussion has been lost.

In February this year Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne revealed that a second pass decision on the $35 billion Project Sea 5000 (Future Frigates) would likely occur earlier than the originally anticipated date of 2018.

As the RAN looks forward to trials with an embarked unmanned aerial system (UAS) under operational conditions in the middle of the year, further evaluation of both fixed and rotary wing platforms will continue to inform Project Sea 129 Phase 5, the service’s tactical maritime UAS program for both minor and major surface combatants.

Behind every RAN ship at sea there’s a team of shore-based support specialists who are dedicated to its well-being, none more so than those responsible for the sustainment of Navy’s newest and largest assets.

The RAN’s Mine Counter Measures (MCM) capability, important as it is, often appears to be the poor relation to larger, more visible programs for larger, more visible assets.

Submarine periscopes and masts call on a wide variety of sensors, whether optical, optronic (electro-optical), or using electronic warfare technologies. They span the operational spectrum, from intelligence to engagement. Worldwide, only a handful of manufacturers have developed real end-to-end expertise in submarine masts and periscopes – and there’s only one in France: Safran.

The critical design review for the upgrade of the Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM) that currently provides the RAN’s primary anti-ship missile defence capability will be completed by the end of this year; one of several ongoing weapon developments that in due course will enhance the surface fleet’s anti-air and strike capabilities.

Fincantieri's proposal for the Sea 5000 Future Frigate is based upon the Italian version of the European FREMM.

DCNS Australia might be a new entity on the Australian Defence Industry landscape but they have big plans for the local market. ADM Editor Katherine Ziesing explored two of their upcoming offerings into the ADF on a recent trip to France; the Shortfin Barracuda for Sea 1000 and the FREMM for Sea 5000.

With the RAN on the cusp of recapitalising its fleet at a greater tempo than at any time since WWII, major maritime capability programs are inevitably focusing on naval shipbuilding.

Of all the complex military electronics systems out there, nothing will be more complex than the combat system aboard one of our new submarines. Yet in all the heated politics about just who will build them and where, next to nothing has been said of the electronics.

Lockheed Martin has been the US Navy’s Aegis combat system engineering agent for the past 40 years. During this time, they have managed the entire Aegis lifecycle from concept through lifetime support and sustainment; everything from cradle to grave.

From the small tactical end of the market to the larger helicopter based platforms, the Navy has a range of options available based on their requirements.

With the upcoming replacement of HMA Ships Sirius and Success, it is important to consider the previous issues and challenges encountered in Defence acquisition and sustainment projects.

The Navy and the Australian naval shipbuilding industry look like being big winners in the Defence White Paper. The government has already announced a continuous build of major and minor surface ships which, among other things, almost guarantees an increase in the number of hulls – and not just this time around, but in perpetuity.

In considering the future shape of Australian naval shipbuilding it’s worthwhile to recall the adage that those who ignore the past are condemned to repeat it.