Exercise Kakadu 2008

HMAS Sirius

The RAN's afloat support capability is provided by the underway replenishment ships HMAS Sirius and HMAS Success. The Afloat Support Force provides operational support for the rest of the fleet by providing fuel, stores and ammunition, thus significantly extending the RAN's operational reach and endurance at sea. It can also provide limited support to deployed Army and Air Force units.

HMAS Sirius was built as a double-hulled commercial product tanker, MV Delos and purchased by the Commonwealth Government on 3 June 2004. Named Sirius, the ship underwent modification for underway replenishment. In addition, a flight deck was fitted for helicopter operations.

www.navy.gov.au/ships/sirius

HMAS Toowoomba

The ANZAC Class is based on the German Meko 200 frigate design with eight ships constructed in Australia as part of the overall plan to upgrade the RAN’s surface combatant capability.

HMAS Toowoomba is the fifth Australian ANZAC class frigate. ANZACs are long-range escorts with roles including air defence, anti submarine warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction. The ships are capable of countering simultaneous threats from the air, surface and sub-surface. Powered by a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion plant permits speeds in excess of 27 knots, with an operational range of more than 6000 nautical miles.

www.navy.gov.au/ships/toowoomba

HMAS Melbourne

HMAS Melbourne is an Adelaide Class Guided Missile Frigate (FFG). It is a long-range escort ship with roles including air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, interdiction and reconnaissance. The ship is capable of countering simultaneous threats from the air, surface and sub-surface.

www.navy.gov.au/ships/melbourne

HMAS Collins

HMAS Collins is the first of the Collins Class submarines. The characteristics and range of Collins Class submarines have been tailored specifically for its defence and two-ocean surveillance role in the Royal Australian Navy. Designed to be as quiet as advanced technology can achieve, Collins Class submarines have been developed from five generations of submarines designed and built by the Swedish Navy.

www.navy.gov.au/ships/collins

HMAS Diamantina, HMAS Gascoyne

A large mine hunter by world standards, the 720 tonne Mine Hunter Coastal (MHC) is propelled by a V8 diesel engine driving a controllable pitch propeller in transit, and three retractable thrusters whilst mine-hunting.

The Huon Class MHC features a unique hull design, outstanding shock resistance and an inherently low magnetic signature, allowing the ships to operate in hostile mine environments. Each single skin hull has been designed with no ribs, frames or stiffeners, avoiding local stress points that could separate under shock conditions associated with a mine explosion.

www.navy.gov.au/ships/diamantina
www.navy.gov.au/ships/gascoyne

HMAS Maitland, HMAS Maryborough

Armidale Class Patrol Boats (ACPBs) are highly capable and versatile warships which are able to conduct a wide variety of missions and tasks. HMAS Maitland, HMAS Maryborough and their 12 sister ACPBs are Navy's principal contribution to the nation's fisheries protection, immigration, customs and drug law enforcement operations. The vessels work hand-in-hand with other Government agencies and each year they provide up to 3000 patrol days as part of the Coastwatch-managed national surveillance effort. In the event of war they would be tasked to control the waters close to the Australian mainland.

www.navy.gov.au/ships/maitland

AP-3C Orion

The AP-3C Orion possesses advanced radar, electronics, electro-optic sensor and modern data management and communications suites.

While the Orion remains extremely capable in its traditional maritime roles of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, its Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities are now central to overland operations in the Middle East. RAAF Base Edinburgh has been the home to the Orion aircraft since 1968.

The AP-3C Orion aircraft is the workhorse of the Royal Australian Air Force maritime fraternity and is an extremely versatile. It performs in a range of roles including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, maritime surveillance, fleet support and search and survivor supply.

www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/orion

F/A-18 HORNET

The Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 Hornet is a multi-role fighter designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. It is capable of air interception, air combat, close air support of ground troops, and interdiction of enemy supply lines including shipping.

http://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/hornet.htm

HAWK 127

The Hawk 127 is the latest variant of the Hawk family of aircraft and incorporates a proven airframe and Adour MK871 engine. As well as other advanced systems, the Hawk 127 has an avionics package developed specifically to provide a mission system similar to that employed in the RAAF F/A 18 aircraft. These features will ease the transition from the Hawk to the F/A 18 and provide improved weapons system appreciation for aircrew progressing to the F-111. Moreover, the advanced capabilities of the Hawk 127 provides enhanced training for Navy in Fleet Support and for Army in co-operation roles.

http://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/hawk.htm