The Albanese government has announced a major overhaul of the navy’s surface combatant fleet, saying it would more than double the number of warships, including the intention to acquire six new large optionally crewed surface vessels (LOSVs) that can be operated remotely by a support vessel during wartime.
The plan will mean Australia reduces its order of Hunter-class frigates from nine to six. The new surface combatant fleet will also consist of three upgraded Hobart-class destroyers, 11 new general-purpose frigates to progressively replace the six remaining Anzac-class frigates, the six new LOSVs and 25 minor war vessels.
