The Future of The RAN
In 2000, a major white paper was produced by the Australian Government, which set out a program of defence spending that will see significant improvements to the RAN's fleet and capabilities.
The most significant current project is Sea4000 the procurement of three Hobart class destroyers, which will replace the Adelaide class. These ships will be fitted with the AEGIS combat system, and will be based on the Spanish F100 design. The class has a planned in service date of 2013, with the three units to be named Hobart, Brisbane, and Sydney.
In August 2005 the Australian Government passed approval for the acquisition of two Canberra class large amphibious ships; these will displace over 20,000 tonnes, can carry over 1,000 troops, and will potentially be able to operate fixed wing aircraft. The project is expected to cost between A$1.5 and A$2 billion, and be completed by around 2014. The new ships will be named Canberra and Adelaide.
Read more about this topic: History Of The Royal Australian Navy
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