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The year 2024 was big for Australia’s Defence and national security debate and defence industry. In this top five, we will cover the most popular naval stories of the year.
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As Australia navigates an increasingly complex security environment in 2024, the future of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is at the forefront of its defence policy developments. The evolving geopolitical landscape, characterised by the rise of China, regional instability, and the intensifying US-China competition, has underscored the strategic importance of a capable and adaptable naval force.
Australia’s defence priorities are increasingly centred on enhancing the RAN’s ability to project power, ensure maritime security, and safeguard its national interests in the Indo-Pacific.
Key developments in 2024 focus on the modernisation and expansion of the RAN’s fleet, with a particular emphasis on advanced capabilities in surface warfare, conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, and unmanned systems.
The National Defence Strategy, released in early 2024, outlines a clear path for strengthening Australia’s defence posture, with a focus on deterrence by denial, enhancing sovereign defence capabilities, and expanding the RAN’s reach across the Indo-Pacific. The strategy highlights the need for a more resilient and self-reliant Defence Force, with the RAN playing a central role in protecting Australian and regional maritime interests.
In line with this, the Surface Fleet Review, commissioned as part of the broader defence policy refresh, is a critical initiative aimed at assessing the future composition and capabilities of the RAN’s surface fleet.
The review seeks to determine the optimal mix of warships and support vessels to meet contemporary and future maritime threats, including enhanced surface strike capabilities, amphibious operations, and naval deterrence. These initiatives signal a clear intent to ensure the RAN remains a critical component of Australia’s defence strategy, capable of confronting emerging threats and securing the nation’s maritime interests for decades to come.
In 2024, the Albanese government has prioritised naval power, emphasising urgency, distributed firepower, and fleet expansion to transform the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The Surface Fleet Review, a pivotal component of this strategy, aims to enhance the RAN’s capabilities to address emerging regional security challenges.
Recognising the escalating strategic threats in the Indo-Pacific, the government has underscored the need for rapid enhancement of naval capabilities. This urgency is reflected in accelerated procurement processes and increased defence budgets allocated to naval modernisation.
A key focus is the implementation of distributed firepower, enabling the RAN to project strength across vast maritime areas. This strategy involves deploying advanced weaponry and platforms that can operate independently or in coordinated groups, enhancing operational flexibility and deterrence.
The Surface Fleet Review advocates for a significant increase in the number of surface combatants. Proposals suggest expanding the fleet from 11 to 26 surface combatants, aiming to bolster Australia’s naval presence and readiness.
While the review outlines ambitious plans, the implementation faces challenges, including funding constraints and the need for skilled personnel. The government is addressing these issues through strategic investments and workforce development initiatives.
In summary, the Surface Fleet Review represents a comprehensive effort to modernise and expand the RAN, ensuring it is equipped to meet contemporary and future maritime security demands.
2. Fast-tracking Japan into AUKUS: ‘JAUKUS’ by frigate
In 2024, Australia is considering the acquisition of Japan’s Upgraded Mogami-class frigate, a move that could expedite Japan’s integration into the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, potentially leading to a “JAUKUS” arrangement. This initiative aims to enhance regional security and bolster defence capabilities.
Integrating Japan into AUKUS through the frigate acquisition would strengthen defence ties between Australia and Japan, promoting interoperability and shared strategic objectives. This collaboration is viewed as a strategic response to regional security challenges, particularly concerning China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.
The Upgraded Mogami-class frigate, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is equipped with advanced technologies and capabilities. Acquiring this vessel would not only modernise Australia’s naval fleet but also serve as a tangible symbol of enhanced defence cooperation between Australia and Japan.
While the acquisition offers significant strategic benefits, it also presents challenges. The Upgraded Mogami Class frigate is a new design, and some analysts have expressed concerns about its unproven status compared to established designs like Germany’s Meko A-200. Additionally, integrating Japan into AUKUS would require careful consideration of existing agreements and potential geopolitical ramifications.
In summary, Australia’s consideration of Japan’s Upgraded Mogami Class frigate acquisition represents a strategic move to enhance regional security and strengthen defence partnerships, with the potential to fast-track Japan’s integration into the AUKUS framework.
3. HMAS Sydney fires Standard Missile 6 in naval lethality milestone
In August 2024, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) achieved a significant milestone by successfully firing the Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) from HMAS Sydney during Exercise Pacific Dragon near Hawaii. This event marked the first time an Australian warship has launched the SM-6, underscoring the nation’s commitment to enhancing its naval capabilities.
The successful deployment of the SM-6 represents a substantial advancement in the RAN’s air and missile defence, as well as its long-range strike capabilities. The SM-6 is designed to counter a wide array of threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, thereby bolstering Australia’s strategic defence posture.
This development aligns with the Albanese government’s National Defence Strategy, which emphasises enhancing deterrence by rapidly boosting the Navy’s long-range strike capabilities. The integration of the SM-6 into the RAN’s arsenal is a critical component of this strategy, providing greater capacity to strike maritime, land, and air targets at extended distances.
The SM-6 will be progressively deployed across the Navy’s Hobart Class destroyers and, in the future, the Hunter Class frigates. This integration is expected to significantly enhance the lethality and versatility of Australia’s surface combatant fleet, ensuring it remains capable of addressing contemporary and emerging maritime threats.
In summary, the successful firing of the SM-6 from HMAS Sydney marks a pivotal moment in the RAN’s modernisation efforts, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to maintaining a robust and capable naval force in the Indo-Pacific region.
4. Strategic submarines ‘on plan and on schedule’, says Chief of Navy
In 2024, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is advancing its strategic submarine capabilities, with the Chief of Navy affirming that the acquisition and integration of new submarines are proceeding as planned and on schedule. This development is a critical component of Australia’s defence strategy, aiming to enhance deterrence and maintain a robust naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The RAN is set to acquire nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement, a trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This acquisition is intended to replace the aging Collins Class submarines, ensuring the Navy’s continued operational effectiveness. The Chief of Navy has confirmed that the procurement process is advancing without delays, aligning with the government’s defence objectives.
Plans are in place to integrate the new submarines into the RAN’s fleet, with a focus on operational readiness and strategic deployment. The Chief of Navy emphasised that the integration process is proceeding smoothly, with the submarines expected to enhance Australia’s naval capabilities significantly.
The successful acquisition and integration of these strategic submarines are vital for Australia’s defence posture, providing enhanced deterrence and the ability to project power in the Indo-Pacific region. The Chief of Navy’s affirmation underscores the commitment to strengthening Australia’s naval forces in line with evolving security challenges.
In summary, the RAN’s strategic submarine program is progressing as planned, with the Chief of Navy confirming that the acquisition and integration processes are on schedule, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to a robust, capable and strategically focused naval defence.
5. Experts warn UK needs a larger, more lethal Royal Navy in face of mounting global challenges
In June 2024, experts from the Council on Geostrategy emphasised the necessity for the United Kingdom to expand and enhance the lethality of its Royal Navy to effectively address escalating global challenges. They argue that the current naval posture, established over a decade ago, is insufficient to meet the demands of contemporary security threats.
The experts advocate for a strategic shift towards sea control in the Euro-Atlantic region and sea denial in the Indo-Pacific. This approach aims to bolster the UK’s naval presence and deterrence capabilities in these critical areas.
Australia, sharing strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific, can draw parallels from the UK’s assessment. The emphasis on sea denial in the Indo-Pacific underscores the importance of robust naval capabilities in the region. Australia’s ongoing efforts to enhance its naval power, including the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement, align with these strategic considerations.
In summary, the Council on Geostrategy’s report underscores the need for the UK to augment its naval forces to effectively navigate the evolving global security landscape. This perspective offers valuable insights for Australia as it continues to strengthen its naval capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
Get involved with the discussion and let us know your thoughts on Australia’s future role and position in the Indo-Pacific region and what you would like to see from Australia’s political leaders in terms of partisan and bipartisan agenda setting in the comments section below, or get in touch at
