Australian Government Selects Austal for Strategic Shipbuilding Program

Austal Defence Australia has secured a $681 million contract from the Australian government to design and build 18 Landing Craft Medium vessels. The deal, part of the Strategic Shipbuilding pilot program, will see Austal complete detailed designs and construction at its Henderson shipyard in Western Australia. Work on the first LCM is set to begin next year, with delivery expected by 2032. Breaking Defense reports that the project has faced delays and design risks, but Austal’s involvement suggests a focus on sovereign shipbuilding capability for Australia.