RSL Welcomes Australia’s Surface Fleet Review, But Questions Overall Defence Commitment

MEDIA RELEASE

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of February 20 to more than double the Navy’s combat fleet, following the release of the much-anticipated Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet review. 

However, the RSL has questioned the commitment to wider Defence readiness and is concerned that the Army has been neglected in the overall strategic upgrade. 

RSL Australia National President Greg Melick said while there had been much recent focus on the planned AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program, this latest announcement was important, as the surface combatant force was the backbone of the fleet and carried out the bulk of the Navy’s missions. 

Greg Melick said the public version of the review appeared a sensible and well-considered approach to deliver a more capable surface fleet for the Royal Australian Navy.  

“The RSL particularly welcomes the decision to introduce up to 11 general purpose frigates that will be able to be employed in a range of open ocean and coastal operations. The introduction of optionally uncrewed ships is also welcome and timely as we watch the increasing war-time use of uncrewed ships in the Black Sea during the Ukraine conflict.” 

The review will take decades to deliver and the RSL believes that it will be vital for successive governments to remain committed to the broad plan. It will also be important to encourage and support Australian industry in its efforts in delivering and sustaining the future fleet. 

Greg Melick says a key element of the success of the Government’s plan is the recruitment, training and retention of the officers and sailors for the Navy.  

“The RSL, like many observers, is very concerned about the difficulties the Australian Defence Force has in recruitment. This must be a matter of utmost priority to address. The RSL stands ready to assist in initiatives to support more young people serving our nation. 

“While we welcome the increased Navy spending, we remain concerned at the impact this may have on Army expenditure. Land forces historically have played and continue to play, a major role in conflicts and this capital spending on frigates and submarines must not be at the expense of the Australian Army which also needs the equipment, technology and troops to meet the nation’s needs. 

“We must ensure that we’re not ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul’ by removing needed funding from the Army to pay for the Navy upgrade. Both service arms require additional resources. 

“Australia also needs to quickly upgrade its nuclear industry and capabilities to support and enhance the AUKUS submarine program and urgently redevelop local industries to provide the ADF with the necessary logistic reserves including ammunition, spare parts, and strategic fuel reserves to overcome supply chain issues. 

“All this requires an ongoing commitment to lift Australia’s defence spending to take account of the increasingly unstable security environment now prevailing in our region and the world.” Greg Melick said.