Defence Update

Such work could undoubtedly be carried out by ADI (Australian Defence Industries Pty Ltd) through its Naval Engineering Division at Garden Island, Sydney, adjacent to the Navy’s Fleet Base. It is a world class naval modification and refit facility.

However other sources warn that it is by no means certain that the current Force Structure Review which was due to be examined by the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) will opt for the elevation of some form of helicopter/troop/command carrier as an urgent priority.

Some suggest that if the Force Structure Review recommendations (if and when accepted by the Defence Minister, Senator Robert Ray, and then Cabinet-possibly in April or early May if the schedule is maintained) remain intact, the timetable is still some time away. It may not be accorded a higher priority than say Year Four in the FYDP (Five Year Defence Program). A figure of $300m is being suggested as the cost of a new vessel from overseas. German and Italian companies are said to be already advancing their interests and options.

Those advocating a new vessel contend that conversion of a merchant ship to fulfill military roles is not necessarily the way to go. Many such ships have deep draughts and are not particularly manoeuvrable. Still it appears there is a strong push to acquire a ship such as the Australian Venture.

However, although the Navy and Army have for some time- especially since the Fiji coups – been arguing for a hélicopter carrier capability, it is by no means certain that greatly increased capabilities will be added for the Australian Defence Force. For instance, there are suggestions that some capabilities could be cut. The Army, for example, remains fearful that its regular forces will be cut by several thousand troops.

In Defence Update in AA in July last year, we noted that the RAN and the Australian Army appear to share the view that there is a fairly urgent requirement for some type of helicopter/troop carrier. In fact there seemed a preference for such a ship ahead of ordering two additional Collins Class submarines for the RAN on top of the six already ordered.

In a briefing less than a year ago, the then Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Michael Hudson, spoke of the requirement for a ship that could operate six to eight helicopters and carry up to a battalion of soldiers. Army Black Hawk helicopters most likely would be the preferred type.

Hudson said a case would have to be made that such a carrier was primarily of importance in the defence of Australia rather than for other missions. He suggested it was not always possible to insert Australian troops at various points around the often inhospitable Australian coastline.

Another source suggested the ADF was concerned about its ability to move Army units from one point to another over long distances. In any case the ADF has undertaken a study of the possibilities.

As we wrote last year, strong advocates for a helicopter/troop carrier have Included the former Liberal Party/Opposition Defence spokesman, Mr Peter White, and the former Deputy Head of the Australian National University’s Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Dr Ross Babbage. In his most recent book, A Coast Too Long, Babbage wrote: “The first potentially important capability not presently supported in the Defence program is a basic helicopter support ship. The need is not for an aircraft carrier in the traditional sense but rather for a simple (possibly converted commercial) ship with a large flight deck and substantial hangar space. The primary role for such a vessel would be to carry at least a dozen Army Black Hawk helicopters, and up to several thousand troops. . . ”

Australian Defence Force personnel have been placed on alert three times due to strife in the south-west Pacific in recent years and only recently there was a warning that ADF personnel still could be required for peacekeeping duties (particularly under the United Nations) in the Sahara, Bougainville, Cambodia and in the Persian Gulf region after the war there.

Original RAN thinking was towards buying or leasing a merchant ship that could be converted to operate the now land based Sea King anti-submarine warfare helicopters. Plans in the 1970s to give the Navy two amphibious heavy lift ships resulted in only one – HMAS Tobruk-being ordered. It displaces 5,800 tonnes. The Navy now has two replenishment/supply ships, the Australian built HMAS Success and the British acquired HMAS Westralia. But they are of little use for helicopter troop carrying operations.

If there is a decision to acquire a purpose built helicopter support carrier, some variation of Bremer Vulkan’s offshore patrol helicopter carrier (OPHC) could be an option, though it would cost up to $300m. The Royal Thai Navy is reported to have signed for one of these ships which will be capable of operating 6-10 EH101/Sea King/Black Hawk helicopters.