The Flight Deck

New defence ships crucial, says Rudd
January 21, 2010 – 5:34PM

AAP

Australia’s air warfare destroyer (AWD) project is critical to the nation’s standing as a maritime power, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says.

Mr Rudd on Thursday officially opened the $120 million ASC shipyard at Osborne in Adelaide, the site of the AWD project.

The $8 billion program to build three Hobart Class ships was crucial to the nation’s future, Mr Rudd said.

“There is no higher responsibility for the Australian government than to ensure this nation’s long-term national security,” he told reporters.

“We have a vast coastline, we have a vast maritime space, we have a vast maritime trade, therefore it’s of fundamental importance that we are investing in our long-term defence capabilities.

“We need to make sure that we are building the defence force we need for the long-term future.

“This will be an important part of our navy’s fighting kit.

“It’s critical that it is done right, that it is done on budget and that it is done on time.”

Mr Rudd earlier told guests at the official opening that the AWD project was befitting Australia’s rightful standing as a maritime power.

“We in Australia have a vast coastline, one of the three longest coastlines in the world,” he told guests.

“We have a vast maritime range, we have the third largest maritime jurisdiction in the world.

“We are by definition therefore a maritime power and must have the capability to articulate that power.”

The Osborne shipyard includes dedicated AWD production facilities and new offices for 400 employees.

The shipyard is ASC’s biggest infrastructure program since the 1987 establishment of the Collins Class submarine facility at Osborne.

Add to this the plans to build 12 new subs and the incoming LHD’s and now we just need people to crew them.

Any Yanks want a change of pace?