Australian Government: Department of Defence
Defence Capability Plan 2009 December 2010 Update - Public Version
     
 
 

SEA 1000

Phase 1 Next Generation Combatant
Phase 2 Next Generation Combatant – Weapons
Phase 3 Next Generation Combatant – Strike Capability

Background

The 2009 White Paper stated that a Fleet of eight new Future Frigates, which will be larger than the ANZAC Class, designed and equipped with a strong emphasis on anti-submarine warfare (ASW), will be acquired. Incorporation of a land attack cruise missile (LACM) capability will be integral to the design and construction of the Future Frigate as stated in the 2009 White Paper.

Australian Industry Capability Considerations

An AIC Plan is required when the estimated project budget for an acquisition is equal to or greater than $50m or where the project identifies a specific need for local industry to deliver aspects of the capability, such as a Priority Industry Capability. The table below provides an indication of the likely AIC, PIC, SIC and GSC requirements for this project.

Phase AIC PIC SIC GSC
1 Yes1 Yes2 Yes Yes
2 Yes1 Yes2 Yes Yes
3 Yes1 Yes2 Yes Yes

Notes:
1. Where an FMS solution is likely, an AIC Deed will be used in place of an AIC Plan to identify Second Pass industry opportunities.
2. The project will fully explore and define the PIC requirements such that they can be recorded in the Acquisition Strategy.

Phase 1 Next Generation Combatant

Scope

This phase will focus on project definition, design and building of a multi-role Future Frigate. A number of funded studies will explore the ship platform, combat, and support system options to provide the ADF with an affordable replacement for the ANZAC Class. With a strong emphasis on ASW, scope will include an integrated sonar suite with a long-range active towed array, and an ability to embark and support a combination of Naval Combat Helicopters and maritime Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). The 2009 White Paper stated that a land attack cruise missile capability will be fitted to the Future Frigate in addition to the AWD and Future Submarines.

IMR will occur upon the completion and release of the supplies which are required to support the achievement of the IOC.

IOC will be defined later in the project development process.

FOC will occur when the full scope of the project, including the mission, support and training systems, and facilities, if required, have been delivered and accepted into operational service.

LOT for this capability will be determined later in the project development process.

Planned Schedule

First Pass Approval FY 2018-19 to FY 2020-21
Market Solicitation FY 2012-13 to FY 2023-24
Year-of-Decision FY 2021-22 to FY 2023-24
Initial Materiel Release FY 2026-27 to FY 2028-29
Initial Operational Capability FY 2027-28 to FY 2029-30

Australian Industry Opportunities

Acquisition

The Project and Acquisition Strategies have not been determined. However, it is expected that this project will place significant demands and commensurate opportunities upon Australian industry. This project will need a project management, industrial, research and support capability that is fully capable of constructing and sustaining the ANZAC Replacement capability over its entire life-cycle and which encompass all integrated logistics support elements.

The Acquisition Strategy will be developed to encourage an open and competitive environment, in which a range of options can be explored to identify the projected costs, schedules and risks involved.

Market solicitation may commence early in the project, prior to first pass, to obtain estimated cost, capability and schedule information for preliminary requirements. As the project progresses the market solicitation may include the release of an ITR, RFP or RFT to obtain more robust information.

As with previous acquisitions and in the interest of self-reliance, the PIC will focus on the capacity of Australian industry to maintain, repair and adapt the mission systems, and the ships on which they are embarked. These are primarily systems integration and ship repair capabilities. Noting that naval shipbuilding is a SIC, Defence may consider particular options to promote Australian industry’s capability to manage the design, integration, construction and testing of the ships.

Capabilities and related activities that may provide opportunities for Australian industry include:

Phase 1 Industry Capability
Industry Activity Acoustics Technologies & Systems Electronic Warfare Systems Integration High Frequency & Phased Array Radars Ship Dry Docking Facilities & Common User Facilities Signature Management Mission & Safety Critical Software Guided Weapons Naval Shipbuilding Secure Test Facilities & Test Ranges Systems assurance System Life Cycle Management Facilities & Infrastructure
Assemble / Install PREF PREF PREF     PREF   PREF PREF   PREF PREF  
Design     PREF         OPT DES   DES PREF OPT
Education / Training       PREF     PREF DES PREF   PREF PREF  
Logistics Support PREF PREF PREF PREF PREF PREF PREF PREF PREF PREF PREF PREF  
Manufacture / Construct     PREF   PREF     OPT PREF PREF DES PREF PREF
Modelling / Simulation PREF   PREF PREF       DES PREF   DES PREF  
Refurbish / Upgrade PREF PREF PREF PREF PREF     DES PREF   DES PREF PREF
Repair, Maintain, Sustain PREF PREF PREF PREF PREF PREF PREF PREF PREF   PREF PREF PREF
Research & Development PREF     PREF       OPT PREF   DES PREF  
Software Development / Support PREF     PREF       DES PREF   PREF PREF  
Systems Definition / Development PREF PREF PREF PREF   PREF PREF DES PREF   PREF PREF  
Test & Evaluate PREF PREF PREF PREF   PREF PREF PREF PREF PREF PREF PREF  
Facilities

Delivery of the Next Generation Combatant capability has the potential to require significant upgrade and changes to facilities and infrastructure. This requirement is yet to be fully understood, and will be further refined during project development.

Through-life Support

The TLS strategy is yet to be determined. However, it is expected that opportunities for Australian industry involvement will be significant, particularly as the ANZAC Replacement will be maintained and sustained in Australia.

TLS may take various forms, depending on the outcomes of further studies. An important consideration will be the support for Mission Systems, including an in-country capacity to maintain, repair and service any technologies acquired under this project. The Australian naval shipbuilding and repair industry is expected to play a significant role in the systems integration, construction and support of this capability.

Acquisition Category
ACAT Attribute Complexity Level Assessment
Acquisition Cost >$10b
Project Management Complexity Level 2: High
Schedule Level 2: High
Technical Difficulty Level 2: High
Operation and Support Level 2: High
Commercial Level 2: High

The ACAT Rating assessed for this Phase is ACAT I.

Points of Contact

Capability Staff:
Defence Materiel Organisation:
Deputy Director Surface Combatants
(02) 6265 5086		 Director Emerging Projects Maritime Systems Division
(02) 6265 7757

Phase 2 Next Generation Combatant – Weapons

Scope

This phase of the project will provide the reserve stockholding of the above and underwater weapons for the Next Generation Combatant including weapons required for Test and Evaluation, training and tactical development (Raise, Train, Sustain). This phase specifically excludes acquisition of a strike weapon capability which will be acquired through Phase 3.

IMR will occur upon the completion and release of the supplies which are required to support the achievement of the IOC.

IOC will be defined later in the project development process.

FOC will occur when the full scope of the project, including the mission, support and training systems, and facilities, if required, have been delivered and accepted into operational service.

LOT for this capability will be determined later in the project development process.

Planned Schedule

First Pass Approval FY 2018-19 to FY 2020-21
Market Solicitation FY 2016-17 to FY 2023-24
Year-of-Decision FY 2021-22 to FY 2023-24
Initial Materiel Release FY 2026-27 to FY 2028-29
Initial Operational Capability FY 2027-28 to FY 2029-30

Australian Industry Opportunities

Acquisition

The acquisition strategy is yet to be determined. If the selected weapon systems are predominantly of US origin, they are likely to be acquired through FMS. However, depending upon the selected source(s), direct commercial alternatives could be considered on their merits. Market solicitation may commence early in the project, prior to first pass, to obtain estimated cost, capability and schedule information for preliminary requirements. As the project progresses the market solicitation may include the release of an RFP or RFT to obtain more robust information.

Australian industry could be involved as sub-contractors to an overseas prime contractor for the manufacture of components and sub-assemblies. In addition, Australian industry will be involved in the integration of weapon systems in RAN platforms, including combat systems, launching systems and training/simulation systems.

Capabilities and related activities that may provide opportunities for Australian industry include:

Phase 2 Industry Capability
Industry Activity Systems Integration Selected Ballistic Munitions and Explosives Guided Weapons Facilities & Infrastructure
Assemble / Install PREF PREF OPT PREF
Design PREF     OPT
Education/Training   PREF OPT  
Logistics Support   PREF DES  
Manufacture/Construct PREF PREF   PREF
Repair, Maintain Sustain     OPT PREF
Modelling / Simulation PREF PREF OPT  
Research and Development PREF PREF DES  
Software Development/Support PREF   OPT  
System Definition / Development PREF PREF DES  
Test and Evaluate PREF PREF OPT  
Facilities

Delivery of the Next Generation Combatant capability has the potential to require significant upgrades and changes to facilities and infrastructure. This requirement is yet to be fully understood, and will be further refined during project development.

Through-life Support

Full TLS is required for the weapons delivered through this phase and more specific requirements will be determined during the capability requirements definition stage. Industry requirements will be based around developing and maintaining sufficient capability to undertake the necessary through-life maintenance and support activities within Australia.

Acquisition Category
ACAT Attribute Complexity Level Assessment
Acquisition Cost $1b-2b (Middle of band)
Project Management Complexity Level 2: High
Schedule Level 3: Moderate
Technical Difficulty Level 2: High
Operation and Support Level 3: Moderate
Commercial Level 2: High

The ACAT Rating assessed for this Phase is ACAT II.

Points of Contact

Capability Staff:
Defence Materiel Organisation:
Deputy Director Surface Combatants
(02) 6265 5086		 Explosive Ordnance Division
Director Emerging Projects
(02) 6144 1071

Phase 3 Next Generation Combatant – Strike Capability

Scope

This phase will provide for the acquisition of a maritime-based land-attack cruise missile, weapon control and mission planning sub-systems for the Next Generation Combatant, and an integrated logistics support system including documentation, training and support equipment. The systems will complement the common land strike weapons systems proposed for the Future Submarines (SEA 1000 Phase 4) and AWD (SEA 4000 Phase 4).

IMR and LOT will be defined later in the proposed development process.

IOC is defined as the RAN being able to forward deploy a long-range maritime strike weapon in a single Next Generation Combatant, supported by the necessary training and mission support system.

FOC will occur when the full scope of the project, including the mission, support and training systems, and facilities, if required, have been delivered and accepted into operational service.

Planned Schedule

First Pass Approval FY 2018-19 to FY 2020-21
Market Solicitation FY 2014-15 to FY 2021-22
Year-of-Decision FY 2021-22 to FY 2023-24
Initial Materiel Release FY 2026-27 to FY 2028-29
Initial Operational Capability FY 2027-28 to FY 2029-30

Australian Industry Opportunities

Acquisition

Market solicitation may commence early in the project, prior to first pass, to obtain estimated cost, capability and schedule information for preliminary requirements. As the project progresses the market solicitation may include the release of an RFP or RFT to obtain more robust information.

The likely acquisition strategy will be to procure a proven, in-service MOTS capability. Desirable outcomes for Australian industry include integration in RAN platforms and combat system, training and TLS systems.

Capabilities and related activities that may provide opportunities for Australian industry include:

Phase 3 Industry Capability
Industry Activity Systems Integration Guided Weapons Facilities & Infrastructure
Assemble / Install PREF OPT PREF
Design PREF   OPT
Education/Training PREF OPT  
Logistics Support   DES  
Manufacture/Construct PREF   PREF
Repair, Maintain Sustain PREF OPT PREF
Modelling / Simulation PREF OPT  
Research and Development PREF DES  
Software Development/Support PREF OPT  
System Definition / Development PREF DES  
Test and Evaluate PREF OPT  
Facilities

Delivery of the Next Generation Combatant strike capability has the potential to require significant upgrade and changes to facilities and infrastructure. This requirement is yet to be fully understood, and will be further refined during project development.

Through-life Support

Full TLS is required for the weapons delivered through this phase, more specific requirements will be determined during the capability requirements definition stage. Industry requirements will be based around developing and maintaining sufficient capability to undertake the necessary through-life maintenance and support activities within Australia.

Acquisition Category
ACAT Attribute Complexity Level Assessment
Acquisition Cost $300m-$500m (High end of band)
Project Management Complexity Level 2: High
Schedule Level 3: Moderate
Technical Difficulty Level 2: High
Operation and Support Level 3: Moderate
Commercial Level 2: High

The ACAT Rating assessed for this Phase is ACAT II.

Points of Contact

Capability Staff:
Defence Materiel Organisation:
Deputy Director Surface Combatants
(02) 6265 5086		 Director Emerging Projects
Explosive Ordnance Division
(02) 6144 1071

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Defence Capability Plan / December 2010 Update / Public Version