Aussie Anti-Air Umbrella: The Hobart Class Ships 13-May-2008 16:39 EDT
The Royal Australian Navy took a pair of giant steps toward its future force in June of 2007, when it selected winning designs for 2 new Canberra Class LHD amphibious operations vessels, and 3 new Hobart Class air warfare destroyers.
Last year the possibility of adding a fourth destroyer along with a third LHD looked promising, this year Australia will be lucky to get what has been ordered. Funny how a year changes perceptions, especially this year of doubled oil prices affecting the economy. Both ships are probably dead at the moment.
After six months in office, the new ALP hasn't bought anything, promising a white paper. Unfortunately, they have cut the Sea Sprites, and the new lightweight torpedo without any replacements.
