From the Magazine: AEGIS RADAR AND FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM CENTRAL TO NAVY’S FUTURE

In a big surprise, the Defence Strategic Review has deferred all decisions regarding the future of the RAN’s surface fleet until later this year. The logic is that the planned – or rather, hoped for – acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines will probably have consequences for the surface fleet. The argument goes that since SSNs are themselves good anti-submarine warfare (ASW) platforms, perhaps fewer surface ships dedicated to this role are necessary. This could be code for reducing the number of Hunter class frigates from the current plan of nine to something less. Dispiritingly, this extra review will be led by Retired US Vice Admiral William H Hilarides – as if somehow Australia is lacking the necessary talent to examine the structure of our own navy and needs the guidance of someone from another country about what we should do. As a distinguished ex-submariner, Admiral Hilarides probably comes from the above school of thought that says the best ASW asset is another submarine. This is in line with USN doctrine, which takes a different approach to ASW operations than many other navies. Much of this is in the detail – such as the USN has never seemed particularly interested in the use of active-passive towed sonar arrays deployed by surface ships. It also has the luxury of two embarked ASW helicopters per ship, while most other navies – including the RAN – can only afford one. Also, as Defence Minister Marles remarked, there seems to be a broad trend underway for many navies to move from small numbers of large ships to the opposite. This is an excerpt from APDR. To read the full story, click here. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]