I’m surprised Ardern hasn’t disbanded the NZDF altogether

Being ex RNZ-Navy I found your thoughts interesting... The Freedom Class LCS has had a multitude of problems over the years. which is one of the reasons the USN has cut back on the original numbers. And now only plan on 16 I believe. And there are better vessels out there. The thing is we need general-purpose frigates that can do a wide range of tasks from patrolling the Southern Ocean, and EEZ, as well as the S&R zone and HADR to slotting in as part of an international task group, to be able to handle ASW threats, Anti-air threats and anti-ship... and that last one we currently lack, to being anywhere in the world and handle the situation. We would be better going for an up-gunned and up specked Type 31. Although I would prefer going for the Type 26. or even 2 of each. Yes I want us to go back to a four frigate Navy. Personally, 2 of each would be a good compromise as we still need a general-purpose frigate. The problem with the NZDF is the politicians don't have the balls to arm them. They need more than the AGM-119 Penguin. And need a long-range ship born and launched Anti-ship missile. But Things that go bang and real firepower our politicians don't like as it becomes a hard sell to the general public. The DCP 2019 stated the need for an enhanced sealift vessel not to replace HMNZS Canterbury but to supplement it. They usually use climate change and HADR so they can sell it to the public and the greens when in essence it is still a warship designed to land a lot of troops and equipment on to a beach. That said, HMNZS Canterbury had a rough start but has shown her worth to the Navy and was a good stepping stop now we need a proper LPD or smaller LHD. But it is all very well saying we should get these ships, ie like you suggest the DoKdo class, and yes it would match and exceed the requirements of the DCP2019. But there is more to it than that. (BTW I am not saying this a bad idea I personally would prefer the Singaporean Endurance 170 as it would meet all needs of the DCP2019.) However you have to remember * Wharf space a Davenport Naval Base * Manpower ie; 330 crew.(Currently Canterbury is crewed by 60 - 70 personal, and remember the DCP 2019 stats the replacement of Canterbury with a 2nd Enhanced Sealift vessel) * To make it actually work and be a true "amphibious assault ship", we would need more NH-90's and a few more general utility helo's a couple of sub hunters and to have air cover during landing operations a few attack helo's * On certain missions she would need escorts, and NZ would need to make a task force. While our Allies can help as well, like we help them. But Back to 4 frigate Navy (Other missions she can operate alone) * Time and training of flight deck crew with multiple helos operating etc (which would take a few years etc) * Does the army then need a Marine Corp, Doctrine and the list goes on... On the plus side though * The ship would lift the spirits and overall morale of the RNZN. And there would be young ones want to join just to serve on a LHD * She would meet the needs laid out in the DCP2019 * You are correct not overly expensive compared to others in her class. However that is just for the ship, there is also other equipment on the ship that is extra while no expensive on their own they add up when put all together. Why do I think the Endurance 170 LHD is a good choice for the RNZN. nighthawk.nz/index.php/news/defence/1699-why-do-i-think-the-endurance-170-lhd-is-a-good-choice-for-the-rnzn Options for the NZDF and RNZN 2nd enhanced Sealift vessel nighthawk.nz/index.php/news/defence/89-options-for-the-nzdf-and-rnzn-2nd-enhanced-sealift-vessel How much for a sealift vessel nighthawk.nz/index.php/news/defence/2122-how-much-for-an-enhanced-sealift-vessel And like many others have said we need to overall increase our Defence Budget to 2% I could keep writing but it is bourbon time and that has priority...

Good video, and I agree, we need to up our capability. We have a huge EEZ - potentially getting bigger with the discovery of Zelandia as a continent - which needs protecting from all kinds of threats, illegal fishing being one. Plus we have a duty to look after our island neighbours and have a stake in what happens in the South China Sea. I think having two blue water capable units, perhaps consisting of a VTOL amphibious assault ship and protecting frigates, corvettes and other support ships capable of projecting power/ providing real assistance in the pacific when needed, would be ideal.

NZ needs 3 Frigates, , 3 Submarines, 6 Petrol Boats, 2 Mine Hunters, 3 Amphibian Ships, 1 Transport Ship, 1 Oiler, 3 Supply Ship and 3 Ice Breakers. Plus 36 F/A 18F War Playns, 6 S-70 B Navy Attack Helicopters, 6 C-130F Transport Playns, 3 C-130C/RF Playns, 3 AWACs. Also 65 Leopard 2A7 MBTanks, 185 IFV, 65 APC, 65 155 mm SP/ Guns, 25 Helicopters and 1250 Vehicles. An Army of 12 500 men. Plus 6 Patriot Units 6x6).

Everyone knows the LCS sucks - replace it for the UK Type 31 frigate. It is a bigger haul with more growth potential and can carry more weapons of different types and is a more capable platform.

Fun fact New Zealand was actually considering buying a Heli-Carrier instead of the Oil Ship HMNZS Aotearoa.

You left out the 4 Leander class that went everywhere, usually as a combined task group with RAN

NZ needs to look at the French Expeditionary model observable during Operation Cerval with the added focus lens of litoral combat space inside Oceania. A small mobile, amphibious group with the support of light turboprop CAS capable of utilizing short improvised airstrips, a light destroyer and possibly Naval helicopter troop lift. Combine this with a reformed Reserves who are all amphib trained light infantry. This leads to a 1 Light Infantry company with organic support capable of augmenting Australia's Defence Force while still maintaining a certain amount of independent operational range and capability.

I wonder if the New Zealand and Australian militaries train together? The two countries teaming up and training or strategizing wouldn't hurt them. Maybe they could collectively purchase an air craft carrier from the US or Great Britain.

Two or three Type31 frigates, one sealift and replenishment ship like the ones Australia is planning on getting.

Can we get an updated version please

Interesting. But if you want to put too many eggs in one basket, you end up with a small force not capable in any kind of scenario. I'd start by recognizing that NZ lies pretty far away from any allied nation and that its supply lines could easily be cut off by a naval blockade. First order of business should be to fend off a blockade long enough for allies to come to New Zealand's aid and NZ forces to mobilize imho. Submarines are a great asset in that regard. They can operate reasonably autonomously and far away from home, to make life for a potential naval formation miserable. They could act as a delaying force and as an early warning force. A squadron of 4 would suffice, as this would enable the RNZN to be capable of deploying 2 simultaneously for the time required. I'd propose a version of the German type 212. It's sufficient to do the job as described and could become an asset later on in a potential conflict in littoral waters near the first and second island chain (as viewed from China's perspective). Second, amphibious forces are a great asset, but... it's a pretty difficult and expensive trade to master and it requires a number of specialized, relatively slow and vulnerable ships that require escorting by surface warfare ships and submarines. Besides, with space stuffed with potential adversary satellites, the element of suprise required to make succesful landings is as good as gone. NZ is not likely to be fielding rotary aviation that could conduct long distance, over the horizon insertions like the US or operate near the Indonesian archipelago like Australia, so that increases the problem. And NZ is not likely to be able to have a force sufficient to substantially strengthen allied forces either. I'd say: a small force of multi purpose vessels that could facilitate small (company size) raids or provide humanitarian aid at home or abroad. But frigates - or rather destroyer size warships - would be a necessity. Considering the ranges from which surface combattants will have to operate from their home bases, autonomy will be a thing. Size does matter in that regard. Hence DDG size. And should a shooting war ensue, then volumes in fire power matter a lot considering the competition. The LCS is short ranged and hardly can field substantial firepower to the mix. Besides that, the LCS would drain whatever replenishment capability is there due to its short leggedness and high fuel consumption. 4- 5 DDs - preferably similar to the Australian Hunter-class FFGs would be the right choice here. Especially since these ships are also built for modularity and can potentially serve as landing platforms for small amphibious units, while packing a substantial punch in case that's required. Patrol ships with icebreaker capability definately is required. I'd make them equally versatile (enabling small amphibious operations, humanitarian aid or utilty ops) while having a sufficient self defence capability should things turn south. And then naval aviation. A must in today's strategic surrounding. Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) would be the first capability required, but not as costly and infrastructure itensive as the MQ-4C Triton. Since P-8A Poseidon's are there, I'd like to suggest 3 or 4 manned aircraft with a similar or even more versatile sensor suite. The Swedish E-70 Globaleye might be an option or a variant of the P-8A with a BAMS capable sensor suite. A small multirole fighter capability capable of Tactical Support of Maritime Operations (TASMO) or Defensive Counter Air (DCA) would be desirable as well, since the competition does have carriers. I'm thinking of the JAS-39C/D in a modernized version (Gripen NG technology inserted) or a version of the F-16 block 70 - whichever comes cheapest and most capable. 28 should do (including 4 for training/conversion). Helicopters - depending on how satisfactory the NFH-90 performs (looking at the Australian experience) I'd like to suggest either sustaining that helicopter fleet or replacing it with SH-60R Seahawks.

that korean LHD ship is perfect, its a smaller but far more cheaper version of the Canberra class Australia has with 2/3 capability. The canberra was 2/3 of the America class so it would be 3 of the korean ships to 1 America class perfect size and a huge upgrade for new zealand. You could replace the NZ logistics ship with this its a good idea as its real cheap and fits there requirepment... New zealand cant do everything they really should stick to patrol and logistics support helping the US and Aus navy, just 2 fighting ships what they have now is enough thats all they need for escort missions and the anzac replacement should be as cheap and long range and large as possible like the type 32.

Lockheed Martin. Not Lockheed & martin. And yeah 9 of them coming up for early retirement soon. But no combining gear fix, crews have been massively overworked, modules cancelled or not up to full capability abd no vls or torpedo tubes. BUT they could be available way sooner than anything if we made a plan and acted. LM. Has a nz presence but would still need time scale up to support them. And given the last 3 months we probably dont have time. If there was time i would go 6 stretched absalons as we will need to do convoy escort in the years to come. If need be i would conscipt.

another idea is new zealand increase military spending to 2 percent put most in the Navy where its needed the most more usefull. Get Australia to cancell there Hunter class and go back to the spainish f110 frigate that is almost the same as the hobart class and will save a huge amount of money and New zealand can help BAE out by buying 2-3 of the Uk ship that will not have to be modified as new zealand uses the same fit out as canada and Uk instead of the USA... that will push the budget to the limit but you will have a great high end capability and even 110km plus anti air cover so you wont need anything more than manpads for the army, you can go all cost cutting on more offshore patrol ships and just have a 25mm bushmaster and landing spot and that would do

If we had built an extra 3 or 4 hobarts you could have had a couple of our later anzacs complete with the ceafar 2 radar and all the bells and whistles they have. The other solution could be an arafura with 8-16 vls and a 5 inch gun on the front. You won't want a freedom class as the US doesn't want it any more. So your only solution is to buy a Hunter or an upspecced arafura.

The US Navy may be practically giving away their LCS ships. The issue for NZ would be keeping it in service. They’ve been unreliable undeployable money pits in US service

I like vids like this. A person with an obvious deep interest in matters defence in general, and naval [surface] fleets in particular is always welcome. I come from a DoD [Australian-Russell] and DLO staffer, DFaT Officer and another 'relevant organ' of the Commonwealth and have worked for-with and audited DoD working for the ANAO. My background, my under grad and MA are both in defence/strat studies/in relations, so having been at the level I've worked at and been privy to ADFG defence/kit policy/purchasing decisions I find these vids a seriously interesting reference point. If only MORE NZ's demonstrated your interest and ideas/debating points. If only. The appalling disastrous premiership of the extreme left Helen Clarke left NZ's defence in a parlous state just did the British PM Gordon Brown/Tony Blair, and Australian PM Gillard who cut Defence outlays/appropriations to levels not seen since 1938. RAN should have a 4th Hobart Class. These ships are different from the Spanish Bazan Class and were modded from the F105 design, tonnage is maxed out at x7000 tonnes, and although these ships have CEC [a must], x48 VLS [even with quad packed ESSM this is a paltry umber compared to the asian navies like the SK KDX111 and the PLAN Type 55]. RAN has ZERO naval real offensive capability nor anti ballistic options with the government refusing to arm the DDGs with the SM3/76 and TLaM. This is simply put cos the pissweak Australian in name only conservative Morrison government do not want to upset the murderous ever aggressive/expanding PLAN and the communist regime. By not having ANY offensive capability the RAN is a defensive platform. Yes it will receive a [real Destroyer] in the Type 26 schematically cutting edge Hunter Class but again the AEGIS/Saab combat systems with CEC are wasted by not arming these ships with offensive capability. The RNZN should imo buy into the Type 26 continuous construction run. The economy of scale production costs would be extremely attractive to any NZ MinDef and PM with an IQ over 10 but the rumour mill says the government is looking at the Dutch option. Why on God's green earth they would opt for what is a small run is insane, the Type 26 has been down selected by Canada, the 'Five Eyes' reference point and advantages would be massive. The tech transfer, the ability for NZ SMEs/Defence SMEs and jobs are a serious upside. But again politicians, especially NZ one's when it comes to defence have a tragic record. NZ's loss of their air arm by Clarke saw NZ sponge off RAAF. This is a fact. No use beating e up for stating what is a face. Speak to any serious and objective member of the NZDF and they will agree it was an insane disgraceful negligent decisions, and it was also embarrassing for a proud nation who are fully reliance on RAAF. The prospect of the NZ navy acquiring any kind of STOVL/F35 'and' LPD/LHD with the tonnage required is fairyland stuff. It aint NEVER going to happen. The entire Defence Budget would nearly be consumed. It has taken NZ too long to opt for the C130 'stretched' version, while the APCs should've been acted on 5 years ago. Even Australia's pathetic civil Defence service's 'acquisition' mechanisms and processes make NZ look good. Same goes for the littoral class USN option. Never going to happen. If NZ was smart they'd look at the USN's new frigate decision vs the RAN-RN-RCN Type 26 Frigate [again it is for RAN a Destroyer with a max tonnage of a whopping 9000 tonnes]. The antarctic ships are easier to settle on. NZ has made imo solid decisions in this area. It always comes down to money. And the ONLY way the RNZN will get serious surface platforms is by being smart and by selecting platforms that are selected by several navies so costs can be kept to the lowest point possible. Political leadership in the end decides these issues. In Australia the National Security Committee of Cabinet [NSCC] makes these decisions, with the ALL powerful Treasurer and the blokes in those decades old 'brown suits' being the arbiter on 'costs' to the Budget, and to the Defence Budget. NZ needs to get this 'right'. Time will tell is she can and will. Thanks for a good video. Maybe next one of the RNZAF?

I didnt know we still had a navy. I thought the chinese looked after us.

What are you going to protect the amphibious assault ship with? Anzac class frigates?? I don’t think nz will get one of those big boys for a long time, the defence budget couldn’t handle the maintenance required, the current fleet Isn’t even up to date with most Chinese ships or American

Interesting vid👍like proposal ships but believe T26 would be right choice 2 at least maybe 4?, RCN version, these frigates has large flight deck CH47 n mission bay that help out in humanitarian situations. I also believe RNZN should buy MH60 R Seahawks, the cost savings are there n share availability of parts with Australian fleet of Seahawks. Both countries can still independent but need share commonality to get best out patrolling the seas. RAN is looking at heavy sealift ship different to Canberra class, maybe both should put proposal together for same class ship or maybe joint 3rd Canberra class this would help fleet maintain rotation one at sea, one at dry period n one at refit/maintenance.

Have a look at a similar sized corvette to the ANZAC class, not LCS as they are by and large technology demonstrators. A Surface Combat replacement requirement for the RNZN, should reflect the capability needed as a Capable, Affordable, Reliable and Agile 'light' frigate squadron for NZ; able to fire a good amount of modern weaponry; able to slot into a multi-national task force with ease, as well as be data-linked to higher capability sensor platforms (ie; Aegis); able to perform national defence of NZ (combat and eez) without allied naval support, as well as able to deploy within the south pacific, rather than further afield; able to be quickly built to an existing, high technology, modern design and affordably purchased from existing suppliers; reliable enough to last 25 years with the RNZN without machinery becoming obsolescent, whilst being agile enough to keep pace with said multi-national task forces. A good sized handy affordable ship. One of the leading options here which fits the CARA premise is the 2800t.light/3500t.fullload Daegu class heavy corvette/light frigate, currently being built by the same shipyard as the Aotearoa. Its a capable ship (For New Zealand); Mk.45 5" gun (possibility of mounting longer calibre for more versatility), Phalanx CIWS (which already is in RNZN inventory), 16 vls cells (Mk.41 or Mk.57 should be ordered here instead of K-VLS) and Helicopter facilities that are designed for handling a 10t class helicopter. Projected costing for platforms $250mn nzd per platform/$1bn for 4 platforms. (Adding extra dollars on, from the Jose Rizal sub-class costings of $140mn usd per platform). That's all I have for now. Not a bad presentation from a young person.

We need the Dokdo Class Amphibious Assault Ship

Wouldn't it be a little bit more common sense for the RNZN to get more Anzac frigates that Australia will be replaced especially since the NZN already use the vessel. They have decent OPV just need to put better armaments and sensors on them and purchase a few more of them,also they can get some Armidale Patrol boats to boost their IPO . Acquiring 2 more Canterbury vessels in a Mark 2 configuration (built to better standards as the original) which would give them a better amphibious force structure. In terms of a Carrier a light Carrier would be better suited for them something along the lines of the Italian Garibaldi 2 would be ideal if the budget could afford and support them, aircraft that can operate from them,AV8b's (a lot of them will be on the market USMC in particular) a joint purchase with the Airforce similar to how Britain does it with the RN and RAF, also more Sea Sprite Helos they serve their purpose effectively more MR 90's even get some ex American UH1n's or new UH1z's (depends on Canterbury Class ability to operate larger helos like the CH146 sea knight) No need to be fancy (F35's and such) stick with what you have get more of them upgrade them and use them, improve your naval capability by investing in vessels that fit your operational needs( i.e. the RAN Anzacs) and other countries like the United States who have a large surplus of equipment, pay for what you can take what's given (if they fit your needs) and create a legitimate Naval force and defense force. The Navantia JSS is a great Idea, I would add 2 to the mix to complement the Canterbury Class. An effective fighting force is not made from the high tech and flashy, but rather from the common sense competent ( from soldier to equipment)

Don't forget, New Zealand also have commitment to peace keeping roles and roles outside of NZ service like humanitarian missions and the Dokdo class ship will be more in line. What we need is more P8A Poseidon and traditional frigates and Auxiliary ship to support it. It would also help to have at least a squadron of Hornets to defend the sky and sea. Case in point, in the 70's a Skyhawk open fire across the bow of a trawler caught illegally catching fish inside NZ waters and making a run for it and not stopping. Politics and in turn military and economic trade (favors) have a lot to play here, you scratch my back I scratch yours. Look too inward and you'll definitely have very little support of others who will help you in need. Look too outward and you''ll be bankrupting yourself and make no friends either. Case in point, the non nuclear ship docking deal while great as idea and peace practice had a massive cost on New Zealand from the 80's onwards as the Americans favored more on Allies economically like Australia and Singapore who said sure OK. Ice breakers and so forth can be hired.

Myself I would love us to have a air fighter force again and a good way to start that would be the F-16 V Block 72 and above. If the government coopers opened up a little would love us to have 6 F-35 or F-35B. Ships wise two Type 32 frigates with custom lvl 6 ice break standards and a ship like that Dokdo Class as that should be able to to handle the F35B if needed.

Does nz have a navy? No aircraft?

Nz should rely on large corvettes (something like a pohang class but with millenium gun instead of dardo, 76mm super rapid and a ram for missile point defence for offshore patrol kinds of jobs that the two anzacs are doing and focus on a genuine (single vessel if they have to or try and match the western Europea/nato benchmark of 2% like the Australians so they can replace both anzacs ) large surface combatant that can offer meaningful anti submarine, anti surface shipping and anti aircraft cabilities against an adversary and therefore be a useful asset to deploy in assistance of allies rather than just to defend new Zealands own shores

NZ should think about a navy comprised mainly of XLUUV's and UAV's based on the population and economy of the country. There is no way NZ could ever contribute meaningfully to a naval taskforce.

Vessels that can handle our surrounding coastal seas and require minimal crew sizes, and can police our territorial waters, mainly to control our fisheries, and intercept any smugglers of contraband, in co-ordination with our airforce, who should be their eyes and ears .... our defence forces, including the army should be three parts of one entity .... the army should have the ability to board ships or air transport to reinforce our patrol ships when necessary ... we do not need an aggressive force ... neutrality should be our objective ... that would have kept us out of Afghanistan, as one example, and Aussie is going to purchase nuke powered vessels soon too ... we don't want them in our waters .... they are just a mini USA, and their scraps don't need to be ours ... why can't we be the Switzerland/Denmark/Sweden of the south seas? .... supporting our Pacific neighbours as humanitarian "big brothers" is what our role should be ... period!

Some very off-colour opinions below - lol. NZ is a sovereign nation with an inherent right to self-defence, it is also a longstanding member of the ANZUS alliance. As an alliance partner it has an obligation to contribute to mutual defence, how it wishes to fulfill that requirement effectively is the responsibility of the NZ government. NZ has a long history of providing military forces of significant quality and in my experience they are sought after in any allied coalition. Unlike a superpower, most countries recognize you can't afford every possible military capability, you need to spend your national treasure ($ & people) where you gain best effect. So like many, self-defence comes first followed by forces that may seamlessly integrate into a larger coalition. When your a NZ frigate sailing in company with a US Carrier Battle Group, in my judgement the essential ingredients are: 1. Can I maintain station (seakeeping and endurance). 2. What do I bring to the fight that contributes to the force (radar, ASW, ect). 3. Am I interoperable with my partners (procedures, sharing data etc). So in short, concentrate on quality not quantity for your NZDF maritime, land and air components. Tip: you can buy cheap military stuff anywhere, for the military they key question has always been - can you sustain what you bought far from home (when it breaks in the south china sea - where's the spare?).

We are in the age of the missile and drone. Why not have drobes carrying ship killing missiles and plenty of small ships carrying ship killing an anti air missiles. Small tonnage but have numbers with a sizeable stockpile of missiles.

The US coast guards legend class cutter. Swap out the 57mm for a 127mm gun (Which the cutter should have got in the first place).

NZ has a navy?

Shit I hope this is true I was thinking of joining the RNZN but at the moment I’m more keen on the RNZIR

my wishlist if i was NZ defence minister - 2 type 32 UK frigates in 2031 to 2035 with the UK building them after there order. 1 korean LHD ship to replace canterburry ( around 2030). 4 long range offshore patrol boats with bare min fit out to save money add it to the AUS order by 2025. At least 4 of that canada artic patrol ship with 2 always available. That area russia and china will try to steal no doubt and then claim they found a map best to patrol early if they see any bases there call the US and AUS navy to delete them early this time before they get any bigger and start claiming the worlds orcean

3 million dollars, wow bargain, oh, 300 million, bugger...

The U.S isn't technically an ally, we are friends.

I reckon: Combat Force: 3x Iver Huitfeldt class frigates (Denmark) Patrol Force: 3x Absalon Frigates (upgraded) (Denmark) 2x Inshore Patrol Vessels Support: 2x Tarlac class Landing Ship Dock (Philippines) OR 2x Damen Enforcer Multirole Vessel Re: Climate Change Climate change causes scarce resources and therefore political instability which leads to humanitarian crises, civil wars, and piracy in international waters. Climate change is a direct security risk to regional stability and international trade - things which NZ's Navy is tasked with protecting NZ's national interests over.

I think that the navy would be best suited by some high speed inshore patrol craft around the size of the current Lake-class, with an added quick firing gun, like the Oerlekon Millenium 35 mm, and a bunch of fast patrol craft, like the Mark VI patrol boat. I don't think that the LCS would be a good idea, with all of their issues, and New Zealand can't really afford many VTOL aircraft for the Dokdo or similar. We also aren't going to be doing much good if we are worried about climate change.

So you’re proposing that the RNZN purchase an amphibious assault ship but no destroyers or larger frigates? What’s going to escort the assault ship? And what’s the point of an assault ship for NZ anyway? We’re not going to invade anyone else, we can barely defend our own country.

I know we should get an aircraft carrier for our airforce.

Go TBC

As ex RNZN and New Zealand Army you lost me when you alluded to Climate change and yes i am a Climate Denier and proud of it.

Freedom class an upgrade over the anzacs NO way its a downgrade... why do you think America is buying frigates instead of more LCS ships? The LCS ship is the same price as a chinese destroyer with the fire power of a light corvette, its actually weaker than most chinese corvettes, using hellfire 12km range for anti ship give me a break. The modular stuff is nothing new and a complete waste of money and time and the huge extra cost to go 80km hour has no real use when it burns up your limited fuel and limited range anyway... something new zealand needs RANGE and economy. New zealand would be best off with the type 32 that will follow on from the type 31 from BAE, perfect size and capability and price and range for NZ. The timing is good too , New zealand wont need a new ship in the water to 2035 so after the Uk builds all theres they can build more for NZ. Another option is just forget high capability ships and get far more patrol ships as your EEZ is far too big.. Get the long range artic patrol ship from canada, get some long range offshore patrol boats Australia is building and just build 2 anzac replacements the type 32. Use the extra money in the navy 2 percent GDP to build more drones and long range patrol ships is better along with more logistics ships like the one singapore has with a low crew size

U.S LCS are junk.