2016 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER

Capability 19
Modernising our maritime capabilities will be a key focus. The submarine force
will be increased from 6 to 12 regionally superior submarines with a high degree
of interoperability with the United States. The surface naval capability will include
three Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers and a new class of nine future frigates
supported by new replenishment vessels. Defence’s ability to contribute to
border protection will be enhanced with the introduction of more capable offshore
patrol vessels, new manned and unmanned aircraft and a new large-hulled
multi-purpose patrol vessel, the Australian Defence Vessel Ocean Protector.
The ADF will be equipped with a potent air combat and air strike capability
centred around the F-35A Lightning II and the E/A-18G Growler that builds
on its current fleet of F/A-18 Super Hornet, Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning
and Control and air-to-air refuelling aircraft. More air-to-air refuellers will be
acquired to support future combat, surveillance and transport aircraft.
The land force will be equipped with new personal equipment for soldiers and
a new generation of armoured combat reconnaissance and infantry fighting
vehicles, as well as new combat engineering equipment. A new long-range
rocket system will further enhance fire power, and armed medium-altitude
unmanned aircraft will enhance surveillance and protection for the land force.
The ADF’s capacity for amphibious operations will be strengthened by the
introduction of new weapons and equipment for our amphibious ships. New
light helicopters will be acquired to support Special Forces operations.
To ensure the ADF is able to perform at the highest level of effectiveness, the
Government will fix the underinvestment in the vital enabling capabilities that
bind military capabilities together. The Government will upgrade ADF bases
and logistics systems, including fuel and explosive ordnance facilities, and
upgrade training and testing facilities, health services and information and
communications technology.
The ADF’s air lift capability will be increased to comprise 8 heavy lift C-17A
Globemasters with additional heavy lift aircraft to be considered in the longer
term, 12 upgraded C-130J Hercules, 10 C-27J Spartans and 10 CH-47F
2016 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER