Australian navy overhaul to double surface fleet and add ‘optionally crewed’ warships

Six large, heavily armed warships capable of being operated remotely, will be added to fleet under $11bn shake up which comes after damning review

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The government has announced a major overhaul of the Navy's surface combatant fleet, saying it would more than double the number of warships, including the intention to acquire six new large optionally-crewed surface vessels (LOSVs) that can be operated remotely by a support vessel during wartime.

The plan will see Australia reduce its order of Hunter-class frigates from nine to six. The new surface combatant fleet will also consist of three upgraded Hobart class destroyers, 11 new general purpose frigates, to progressively replace the six remaining Anzac class frigates, the six new LOSVs and 25 minor war vessels.