Page 8 - Australian Defence Magazine Sep-Oct 2022

8 NEWS REVIEW INDUSTRY UPDATE
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 | WWW.AUSTRALIANDEFENCE.COM.AU
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON HMAS CARPENTARIA
CONSTRUCTION has officially started on OPV 6.
The first piece of steel has been cut in Henderson, WA, for what will be known as HMAS Carpentaria. Luerssen Austra- lia now has six vessels under construction in South Australia and Western Australia, and will deliver 12 OPVs to the Royal Aus- tralian Navy.
Luerssen Australia Chief Executive Of- ficer, Jens Nielsen, said this represented another significant achievement in the program.
“The commencement of construction on OPV 6, is another pivotal point in the Ara- fura-class OPV program,” Nielsen said. “It is a testament to the efforts of everyone in- volved in the program that construction is underway on vessel number six, as we con- tinue to work on five other vessels across two sites in Osborne and Henderson.
“We are extremely proud of the progress we have made on the program, and there
is no doubt the strength of our sovereign supply chain has been critical in helping us achieve this milestone.”
Crew training for the OPVs began in late July. The training will be delivered at the OPV Training Centre at HMAS Stirling on
LEFT: The first piece of steel has been cut for OPV 6
Garden Island and it is expected to take ap- proximately six months for each crew.
All crew posted to an OPV will under- take the familiarisation course, as well as a variety of operator and maintainer courses depending on their role.
“Exploring how our capabilities can bet- ter integrate and operate with the United States, the United Kingdom and other key partners will also be an important ele- ment of the Review.”
The government has appointed former Minister for Defence, Professor Stephen Smith and former Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal (Ret’d) Sir An- gus Houston to conduct the Review.
“This work will help ensure that the ADF is well positioned to meet the nation’s secu- rity challenges over the next decade and be-
yond,” Albanese said. “Profes- sor Smith and Sir Angus bring a unique blend of knowledge and experience to their role as independent leads. Their depth of expertise will be invaluable in informing the review.”
Professor Smith and ACM (Ret’d) Houston will deliver the review and its recommendations to government in early 2023.
LEFT: Minister for Defence Richard Marles is seen here announcing new ADF leadership appointments in June
DEFENCE STRATEGIC REVIEW DETAILS ANNOUNCED
THE Government has announced details of the Defence Strategic Review, including the Terms of Reference and the indepen- dent leads who will conduct the review.
“In 2020, the Defence Strategic Update identified that changes in Australia’s stra- tegic environment are accelerating more rapidly than predicted in the 2012 Force
Posture Review,” Deputy PM and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said. “This ne- cessitates an immediate analysis of where and how Defence assets and personnel are best positioned to protect Australia and its national interests. It also requires an as- sessment of Defence’s force structure and Integrated Investment Program.
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LUERSSEN AUSTRALIA