Six New Patrol Boats to Boost Australian Navy Capability

The Morrison Government is investing around $350 million for the build program of six new Cape Class Patrol Boats for the Royal Australian Navy.

The vessels will be built by Western Australian company Austal, securing Australian shipbuilding jobs and maintaining strong border protection.

The Australian Border Force currently operates eight Cape Class Patrol Boats, while the Navy operates two leased Cape Class.

The six new Cape Class Patrol Boats will grow the patrol boat force to 16 vessels, while the new larger Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels are introduced into service.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the new vessels will play an important role in keeping Australia’s borders safe, while Navy’s new capability is brought online.

“These vessels will not only enhance national security, but will provide important economic stimulus and employment continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Reynolds said.

“The ability to build more of these vessels in Australia will deliver Australian Industry Content of more than 65 per cent, providing significant opportunities for Australian industry and Defence, as well as more than 1,200 workers in the broader Australian supply chain.”

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP said the six new patrol boats will be built at Austal’s shipyard in Henderson, Perth.

“This will help to ensure continued employment opportunities for 400 of Austal’s commercial shipbuilders in WA, with flow down benefits to Austal’s supply chain,” Minister Price said.

“Austal is an Australian industry success story with the company already building variants of the Cape Class Patrol Boat for international customers including the government of Trinidad and Tobago.

“They are also building the Guardian Class Patrol Boats in support of the Morrison Government’s Pacific Patrol Boat program.”

USAF Thunderbirds Launch During COVID-19 Crisis May 2020

CH-53E Super Stallion Aerial Refueling

Pentagon orders LHA 9

The Pentagon has awarded Huntington Ingalls Industries a contract for LHA 9, the fourth American-class amphibious assault ship and the second LHA(R) Flight 1 ship.

Four B-1Bs arrived at Guam

Four B-1B bombers have arrived at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam in support of Bomber Task Force.

Watch the 360° video from the lead F-35A during #UtahStrong flyover

US Navy Awards Guided Missile Frigate FFG(X) Contract

Navy awarded a contract to design and produce the next generation small surface combatant, the Guided Missile Frigate (FFG(X)) today.  The contract for detail design and construction (DD&C) of up to 10 Guided Missile Frigates (consisting of one base ship and nine option ships) was awarded to Marinette Marine Corporation (MMC) of Marinette, Wisconsin, officials announced.

The FFG(X) will have multi-mission capability to conduct air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, electronic warfare, and information operations. Specifically FFG(X) will include an Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar (EASR) radar, Baseline Ten (BL10) AEGIS Combat System, a Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS), communications systems, MK 57 Gun Weapon System (GWS) countermeasures and added capability in the EW/IO area with design flexibility for future growth. 

“I am very proud of the hard work from the requirements, acquisition, and shipbuilder teams that participated in the full and open competition, enabling the Navy to make this important decision today,” said James Geurts, assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition.  “Throughout this process, the government team and our industry partners have all executed with a sense of urgency and discipline, delivering this contract award three months ahead of schedule.  The team’s intense focus on cost, acquisition, and technical rigor, enabled the government to deliver the best value for our taxpayers as we deliver a highly capable next generation Frigate to our Warfighters.”

The acquisition process for FFG(X) began in 2017.  Since then the Navy has worked closely with Industry to balance cost and capability.  This approach was successful in achieving an Average Follow ship cost across ships 2 – 20 that is below the objective set in the CDD and aligns to the National Defense Strategy’s stated goal of achieving a more lethal, resilient, and agile force by pursuing acquisition strategies to build ships more quickly and affordably.  For example, because the Frigate acquisition program promoted shipbuilding competition, included early industry involvement, and open communication between all stakeholders the program was able to accelerate almost 6 years as compared to normal shipbuilding programs.

The Navy released the FFG(X) DD&C Request for Proposals to industry on June 20, 2019. Technical proposals were received in August 2019 and cost proposals were received in September 2019.  This was a full and open competition with multiple offers received.

Notice to Proceed for Acquisition of Self-Propelled Howitzers from Israel Released

The Department of National Defense (DND) has released the Notice to Proceed (NTP) for the acquisition of self-propelled artillery from Israeli company Elbit Systems Land & C4I, according to MaxDefense Philippines.

“The NTP is the basis of the winning bidder, Elbit Systems Land & C4I, to proceed with producing the artillery systems, and is the basis of the delivery schedule,” MaxDefense Philippines added.

“Since the contract states that Elbit Systems should deliver all the products in 24 months, that means the Philippine Army should expect delivery of the ATMOS artillery systems before April 2022. And it is highly possible that Elbit may be able to deliver the first batch way ahead of April 2022,” MaxDefense added.

This acquisition will provide the Philippine Army with Elbit Soltam ATMOS 155mm/52cal self-propelled howitzers.

In preparation for the arrival of self-propelled artillery, the Philippine Army has activated 2 field artillery batteries under the Army Artillery Regiment (AAR).

The Army said field artillery batteries will help in troop maneuver to destroy, neutralize, and suppress the enemies through its fire support to maneuver units.