Navantia, Austal, and Civmec Propose 'Tasman Class' Corvettes for Australian Navy

Navantia Australia, in partnership with Australian shipyards Austal and Civmec, has proposed the design and construction of six corvettes for the Australian Navy.

The collaborative effort, known as the Tasman class, is based on Navantia's Avante class design and incorporates high-level anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine, electronic, and asymmetric warfare capabilities.

The proposal, developed since November 2022, was submitted in response to the 2023 Defense Strategic Review and an independent fleet analysis. It was publicly presented at the Indopacific fair, featuring the participation of Navantia's president, Ricardo Domínguez. The proposed corvettes would be entirely constructed in Henderson, Western Australia, with production ready to commence due to the advanced design based on an operational reference ship.

Avante vessels will integrate advanced systems, including the Saab 9LV combat management system, CEA FAR OPVR radar, naval attack missiles, and the MH60-R Seahawk helicopter.

With a crew size of less than 100 and alignment with Australian Navy standards, these corvettes reduce training and ACV risks, enabling Australia to swiftly enhance its naval capabilities.