Royal Australian Navy: Every Warship Explained

We provide an analytical overview of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), examining its current order of battle and the major warship classes. As Australia transitions toward a more capable blue-water navy, the RAN is undergoing significant modernisation, driven by new surface combatants, enhanced amphibious warfare capability, and the long-term AUKUS submarine programme. This video breaks down each major platform in service today, including the Hobart class destroyers equipped with the Aegis Combat System, the ANZAC class frigates, and the Collins class diesel-electric submarines. It also examines Australia’s Canberra class landing helicopter dock ships and the strategic sealift ship HMAS Choules. Supporting vessels such as the Supply class replenishment oilers, Arafura class offshore patrol vessels, and mine countermeasure vessels are also assessed in terms of their operational roles within the wider fleet. Looking ahead, we explore key force development programmes shaping the future Royal Australian Navy, including the Hunter class frigates, Japan’s upgraded Mogami class frigates, and Australia’s planned transition to nuclear-powered attack submarines, including SSN-AUKUS.