Government’s latest defence acquisition – ‘landing craft heavy’

The federal government has continued a run of announcements of major defence acquisitions, selecting a design by Damen Shipyards Group as the preferred option for the Australian Defence Force’s Landing Craft Heavy vessel (pictured).

The announcement is a step in the establishment of a littoral fleet which is expected to create 1,100 direct jobs and more than 2,000 indirect jobs through continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia, where the ships will be built by Austal.

The National Defence Strategy emphasised a transformation of the Australian Army to one focused on littoral or inshore manoeuvre and long-range strike.

The LST100 are being acquired alongside Landing Craft Medium and amphibious vehicles.

The Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy said: “Importantly, these vessels will be built in Australia, from Australian steel.

“This not only underscores the Albanese Government’s commitment to keep Australians safe but also to a safer future made in Australia.

“This project is an important part of our plans for continuous naval shipbuilding in both South Australia and Western Australia, which is creating thousands of well-paid and high-skilled jobs.”

Eight Landing Craft Heavy vessels, based on the LST100, will be built by shipbuilder Austal at the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia

The LST100 vessel design has a 3,900-tonne displacement, is 100 meters long and 16 meters wide, and will be capable of carrying more than 500 tonnes of military vehicles and equipment – it is intended to carry six Abrams Tanks,11 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles or 26 HIMARS.

Construction of the first Landing Craft Heavy is expected to start in 2026.

Further reading:
Redback 60% Australian ‘content’ – Conroy
Australia will make its own missiles in 2025 – Conroy
Yes we are picking defence industry winners – Pat Conroy

Picture: Defence/Landing Ship Transport 100 (LST100) concept by Damen Shipyards Group