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Draft:Tasman-class Corvette

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Tasman-class Corvette

The Tasman-class corvette is a proposed multi-role combat vessel being developed for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) by Navantia in collaboration with Austal and Civmec. Designed to meet the RAN’s Tier 2 surface fleet requirement, the Tasman-class is intended to complement larger ships such as frigates and destroyers by providing a cost-effective, versatile, and capable platform for a wide range of missions, including maritime security, coastal patrols, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and regional deterrence.

Development

The concept of the Tasman-class corvette emerged as part of Navantia’s efforts to offer a suitable vessel for the RAN’s Tier 2 fleet expansion. The design is based on the Alpha 3000 model, which has seen service in other navies, notably in Saudi Arabia under the Avante-class. The Tasman-class has been optimized for Australian operational conditions, including high sea temperatures and extreme weather environments.

The project began in collaboration with Austal and Civmec in 2022, with plans to construct the vessels at Austal’s shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia. This cooperation aims to bolster Australia’s sovereign defence capability by leveraging local expertise and creating jobs within the domestic defence industry.[1]

Design and Features

The Tasman-class corvette measures 109.6 meters in length, with a beam of 15.35 meters and a displacement of up to 3,600 tons. The vessel is designed for a wide range of naval missions, offering a balance between affordability and firepower.

Combat Systems

The corvette is equipped with:

1 x 57mm Bofors main gun

16 x MK-41 strike-length vertical launch system (VLS) cells, capable of carrying a mix of Tomahawk land-attack missiles and ESSM (Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles).

2 x Triple torpedo launchers, optimized for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations.

1 x 35mm Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) or Phalanx for close-range defence.

2 x 20mm Remote-Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS) for smaller surface threats.

Additionally, the vessel is equipped with advanced radar and sensor systems, including the CEAFAR 2L radar and SAAB AusCMS combat management system, ensuring commonality with existing RAN assets such as the ANZAC-class frigates.[2]

Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Capability

The Tasman-class features robust ASW capabilities, including a towed array sonar system (CAPTAS 2), a hull-mounted sonar, and integration with the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter for torpedo and Hellfire missile operations. These features allow the vessel to conduct effective submarine detection and engagement in both coastal and open-ocean environments.[3]

Propulsion and Endurance

The corvette is powered by a CODAD (Combined Diesel and Diesel) propulsion system, comprising four diesel engines and two reduction gearboxes. This configuration provides the vessel with a top speed of 27+ knots, a range of 5,000 nautical miles, and an endurance of up to 30 days without resupply, making it ideal for extended deployments.[4]

Mission Flexibility

The Tasman-class corvette offers excellent flexibility for a wide range of missions. Its mission bay can accommodate 7.2-meter RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats) or unmanned surface vessels (USVs), and it features a hangar and helipad for a Seahawk-class helicopter, enhancing its multi-role capability in surveillance, interdiction, and humanitarian missions.[5]

Construction and Local Industry Involvement

Navantia has partnered with Australian companies Austal and Civmec to propose the construction of the Tasman-class corvettes in Henderson, Western Australia. This collaboration aligns with Australia’s focus on building and maintaining a sovereign defence industry. By utilizing local shipyards, the project aims to create jobs and foster Australian expertise in naval shipbuilding.[6]

Strategic Importance

The Tasman-class corvette is designed to address the RAN’s need for a versatile Tier 2 combat vessel, complementing Australia’s larger surface combatants like the Hobart-class destroyers and future Hunter-class frigates. The corvette’s multi-role capabilities make it ideal for operations in Australia’s vast maritime domains, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.[7]

See Also

Royal Australian Navy

Navantia

Austal

Avante-class corvette

ANZAC-class frigate

References

[8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13]

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