By CMDR Paul D Pelczar, RAN
Since the release of last year’s Defence Strategic Review, discussions regarding the composition of the current and future Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Fleet have elicited a broad spectrum of opinions, ranging from discerning maritime analysts to less credentialed commentators. This discourse has expanded to encompass critiques of the lack of progress in the Hunter-class frigate program, the delay in the public disclosure of the Surface Combatant Fleet Review including confusion surrounding Tier 1 and 2 definitions; as well as the desired usage of the Arafura-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV).
