Australian Foreign Editor Greg Sheridan has condemned a $27 billion [1] plan to build three [2] new frigates for the Royal Australian Navy.
The criticism highlights growing concerns over the efficiency of Australia's naval procurement and whether the vessels will meet operational needs in a changing security environment.
Speaking on Sky News Australia, Sheridan said the cost of the program makes these the most expensive frigates in the history of the world. He said the initiative is a ridiculous project, citing the $27 billion [1] price tag for only three [2] ships.
Sheridan said the design of the warships has evolved into something ineffective. He said the resulting vessels will be slow and fat frigates, ships that are too heavy for their intended purpose.
According to Sheridan, the project has become overly costly and heavy. He said the ships may not meet the necessary operational requirements for the navy, rendering the massive investment inefficient.
The Royal Australian Navy is the intended recipient of the three [2] vessels. The project continues to face scrutiny over its budget and the physical specifications of the ships being developed.
“"This is a ridiculous project, $27 billion for three frigates."”
This critique reflects a broader debate regarding the balance between domestic shipbuilding ambitions and the practical requirements of naval warfare. If the vessels are indeed too heavy or slow, the Royal Australian Navy may face a gap in capability despite a significant financial investment, potentially affecting regional deterrence strategies.
