Australian Shipbuilder Expands Naval Capabilities With New Vessels

Austal Defence Australia has been awarded a contract worth approximately $2.82 billion to build eight Landing Craft Heavy vessels for the Australian military. The vessels, based on the Dutch Damen LST100 designs, will be constructed at Henderson’s Common User Facility in western Australia, with construction due to commence later this year. The contract is part of Australia’s Project Land 8710 Phase 2 program and will enhance the country’s amphibious capability and humanitarian and disaster relief efforts. The announcement was made by Austal Limited CEO Paddy Gregg, as reported by Breaking Defense.