JP2048 PHASE 3 AMPHIBIOUS WATERCRAFT REPLACEMENT

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, today announced first pass approval for a number of landing craft to complement the two new CANBERRA class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) amphibious assault ships currently under construction for the Royal Australian Navy.

These landing craft - to be acquired under Phase 3 Joint Project 2048 - will enable the CANBERRA class LHD ships to conduct operations ‘over the shore’, where there are no fixed port facilities.

Mr Fitzgibbon said the landing craft will be able to lift heavy equipment which may be embarked on the ships, including the new M1A1 Abrams tank in service with the Australian Army and transport it to shore. The Minister was visiting Robertson Barracks to discuss the 2009 Defence White Paper with the women and men of 1 Brigade, including the benefits that will follow for the Defence community in Darwin.

“During the next stage of the project, Defence will seek offers from Navantia for the construction and delivery of the LCM-1E landing craft. This landing craft is designed for inter-operability with the CANBERRA class LHD and is in service with the Spanish Navy,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

A final decision on the LCM-1E will be made by Government in 2010, once Defence has developed more accurate cost information and can consider offers to be sought from Navantia. Options to build the LCM-1E in Australia will also be considered.

Mr Fitzgibbon said once delivered, the LHDs and landing craft will form part of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) broader amphibious deployment and sustainment system.

“An effective amphibious capability will form a critical component of the ADF’s ability to operate in our region.  Improving the facilities of the port to accommodate the new large troop carrying vessels identified in the White Paper is a key priority,” said Mr Fitzgibbon.

The Minister also met with the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, the Hon. Paul Henderson MLA, and discussed the way forward on greater collaboration between Defence and the Northern Territory Government.

“Defence's planned investment in these port facilities reinforces the Government's commitment to Darwin as a strategic location for future Defence planning,” Mr Fitzgibbon concluded.

Media contacts:

Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):         02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567

Defence Media Liaison:                                       02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664