Australian Surface Fleet Review
| Surface Fleet Review Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Review | |
|---|---|
New FFM – the frigate chosen for the general purpose frigate program | |
| Presented | 20 February 2024 |
| Commissioned by | Albanese government |
| Signatories | Richard Marles Pat Conroy |
| Subject | Royal Australian Navy |
| Purpose | To determine the future of the Royal Australian Navy surface fleet |
The Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Review (or the Surface Fleet Review) was a 2024 independent review of the surface fleet of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), that was authorised as a result of the larger Defence Strategic Review. It considered and recommended actions the RAN needed to take to solidify Australia's war-fighting capabilities on the maritime front. The review aims to counteract China and 'Chinese coercion' in the region. It was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy on 20 February 2024.
Upon governmental approval, the review established several programs, including a General Purpose Frigate Program, an optionally-crewed arsenal ship program, as well as various programs to improve the capability of existing ship classes. These programs were divided into three tiers, each corresponding to different levels of ship capability. The review also focused on shipbuilding programs and infrastructure, and on the procurement of missiles.