In 2016, the Commonwealth released a third Defence White Paper in seven years, doubling the call to build a fleet of 12 conventionally powered submarines and nine future frigates. #AUSTRALIA #AUSNAVY
Fast forward to 2024, and much has changed, particularly since the AUKUS agreement was struck. AUKUS also helped spark a re-think about the frigate program. In 2023, the surface fleet review offers 18 recommendations and is in response to an independent analysis of the navy’s surface combatant fleet last year by former Us Admiral William Hilarides.
