An Australian Defence amphibious force is taking shape, capable of landing troops and tanks on coasts and islands across the region.
The Australian Army now has a new amphibious group based in Brisbane to oversee the deployment of ships and troops.
Army chief, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart says the group is part of a force that will be able to operate effectively across the region.
“This capability strengthens our ability to hold adversaries at risk, control strategic land positions and deny access through Australia’s northern approaches,” he says.
The Littoral Manoeuvre Group (LMG) headquarters and 1st Landing Craft Battalion are the heart of this force, the Defence Department says.
AMPHIBIOUS FLEET
The Army’s current 35th Water Transport Squadron and Littoral Riverine Survey Squadron are joining the group.
Two landing craft battalions will be based in the Northern Territory and north Queensland alongside combat brigades to safeguard strategic corridors, the Department of Defence says.
Lt-Gen. Stuart says Defence is accelerating the purchase or building of medium and heavy landing craft, upgraded amphibious vessels and modern facilities for the group.
He says the group will “give Army the ability to rapidly deploy and sustain” its land force (Abrams tanks and strike weapons to infantry fighting vehicles) in demanding terrain.
LMG commander Colonel Rory Hale says the transfer of the existing units and training of a new workforce is making progress.
“… we are building a skilled workforce of confident littoral fighters that will lead this capability into the future,” he says.
AUSTAL DEAL
Canberra signed a $4 billion order with Austal Defence to build eight 100-metre long heavy landing crafts in WA and another $1 billion to building 18 medium landing crafts.
Construction of the heavy landing craft vessels is due to start this year with final delivery happening by 2038, the company says.
Each heavy craft will be able to carry 200 soldiers and six Abram tanks or nine fighting vehicles, the company says.
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