The Australian government has announced the release of the 2024 Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan, which sets out the national program of activities required to deliver maritime capability to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as well as the uplift of the maritime industrial base that underpins national defence.
The plan details the Australian Department of Defence’s (DOD) current and future capability projects, through a planned investment of AU$123 billion to AU$159 billion (US$76.4 billion to US$98.8 billion) in maritime capability.
Through a 30-year forecast, the plan signals a long-term demand for shipbuilding and sustainment activities including:
Conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarines
Enhanced lethality surface combatants
Minor war vessels and Army landing craft
The Australian government’s investment in continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment (CNSS) establishes a strong foundation for evolving the maritime industrial base, the DOD said in a recent press release.
The release of the plan signifies enhanced collaboration and communication between the DOD and enterprise partners to ensure the ADF succeeds in its mission to defend Australia and its national interests.