Spain could build 3 AWD destroyers and 6 corvettes for Australia due to cost overruns in its current frigate manufacturing program

The Australian government is considering a plan that would significantly bolster the Navy's firepower with the addition of three heavily armed air warfare destroyers based in the 'Hobart' class destroyers currently in service with the RAN. At the same time, the 'Hobart' class destroyers are based on the Álvaro de Bazán class, currently in service with the Spanish Navy. The development of the Álvaro de Bazán class is the F-110 Bonifaz type. Spain plans to receive 5 units of this type to replace the F-80 class Santa María, which were built in Spain following the design of the 'Oliver Hazard Perry' class.

A review of the Navy's surface fleet recommends reducing the number of Hunter-class frigates from nine to six due to cost overruns of up to $20 billion. Critics argue that the Hunter-class frigates lack sufficient missile cells and are inadequate in a conflict. The review suggests replacing the remaining three frigates with air warfare destroyers, which can carry up to five times more missiles than the Hunter-class ships. Additionally, acquiring between three to six corvette-style ships is recommended to align with the defense strategic review's goal of having a mix of larger and smaller navy combatants. These 

(F-101 Álvaro de Bazán)

corvettes could be built in Spain according Avante class Type, of which six are currently being built in Spain for the Saudi Arabian Navy ('Al Jubail class). The government has not yet made a decision on the review and will not announce until next year. Various approaches are under consideration, including a plan by Navantia to build three air warfare destroyers similar to the current Hobart-class destroyers, which can carry up to 150 missile cells.  

A review of the Navy's surface fleet recommends reducing the number of Hunter-class frigates from nine to six due to cost overruns of up to $20 billion. Critics argue that the Hunter-class frigates lack sufficient missile cells and are inadequate in a conflict. The review suggests replacing the remaining three frigates with air warfare destroyers, which can carry up to five times more missiles than the Hunter-class ships. Additionally, acquiring between three to six corvette-style ships is recommended to align with the defense strategic review's goal of having a mix of larger and smaller navy combatants. These corvettes could be built in Spain according Avante class Type, of which six are currently being built in Spain for the Saudi Arabian Navy ('Al Jubail class). The government has not yet made a decision on the review and will not announce until next year. Various approaches are under consideration, including a plan by Navantia to build three air warfare destroyers similar to the current Hobart-class destroyers, which can carry up to 150 missile cells. 

(Avante/ Al-Jubail Corvette)