The South Australian State Emergency Service (SASES) recently placed a new locally built search and rescue (SAR) boat into service. Built by Lonsdale-based manufacturer Nautic Star, the purpose-designed and built vessel has been named Yaragada. The new vessel replaces another that was deemed to...
Ausmarine – Maritime Security
Australian government approves next phase of Collins-class submarines’ life-of-type extension
HMAS Farncomb will be the first of the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) six Collins-class submarines to undergo sustainment and capability enhancement under a life-of-type extension program being implemented by the Australian government, the Australian Department of Defence (DOD) confirmed earlier this week. The life-of-type extension program is part of the government’s commitment to invest AU$4 […]
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OPINION | Australia sees the West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea
In the “differ where we must” dimension of dealing with China, Australia is wielding a new nomenclature stick (or schtick?). Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles talks about the “West Philippine Sea”, not just the “South China Sea”. Kicking away some of the dashes in China’s...
OPINION | Clarity needed on a “capability gap”
As part of the original crew of HMAS Anzac, I was sad to see the ship decommissioned last month after almost 30 years’ service. The retirement of this warship inevitably sparked discussions about a potential “capability gap” in the Royal Australian Navy’s surface combatant fleet, especially in...
OPINION | Hanwha Ocean buying Austal would probably suit the United States
It looks like the United States has changed Australia’s mind. In April, the Australians doubted private shipbuilder Austal could be sold to South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, but now they have no concerns. The most likely explanation is that Australia at first worried about what the US would think but...
OPINION | The facts about Australia’s nuclear submarine program
Australia’s planned acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines is undoubtedly ambitious and risky, but the frequent negativity among Australian commentators is detached from the reality of the success to date of the plan’s progress and the wider strategic reasons for the project. More than a year...
OPINION | How the Collins submarine fleet went from near zero to hero
For most of the past decade, Australia’s six Collins-class submarines have provided the nation with a fine underwater warfare capability. As the Collins-class is designed to meet operational requirements beyond the capabilities of other conventional submarines, the government of the day has been...
Australian rescue organisation’s newest boats complete sea trials
Australian volunteer search and rescue (SAR) organisation Marine Rescue NSW has completed conducting sea trials of two recently acquired rigid inflatable boats (RIBs). Brunswick 30 and Trial Bay 30 belong to the same series of RIBs built by Yamba Welding and Engineering (YWE). Design work on the...
VESSEL REVIEW | Deutrom – Versatile response RIB for Australia’s Northern Territory Police
Australia’s Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services recently took delivery of a new fast patrol RIB designed by Southerly Designs. Deutrom was purpose designed, built, and equipped for police operations requiring very high speed and the ability to carry multiple personnel. Registered to category 2C survey, the vessel will operate within coastal areas of […]
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US Navy christens littoral combat ship Pierre
The US Navy christened its newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) in a ceremony at Austal USA’s Mobile, Alabama facilities on Saturday, May 18. The future USS Pierre is the second US Navy ship named in honour of the capital city of South Dakota. Following delivery, it will join its...