Austal Teams Up with Damen to Build LST 100 Vessels for Australia’s Defence Forces
Austal and Damen Set to Strengthen Australian Defence with New Shipbuilding Agreement
On February 20, Austal Defence Australia and Damen Shipyards Group officially sealed a contract to facilitate the construction of Landing Ship Transport (LST) 100 vessels for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). This agreement paves the way for Austal to manufacture these vital ships at its shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia, supported by Damen’s design expertise and associated licenses.
The signing ceremony, which took place at the Australian Marine Complex Common User Facility (AMC CUF) in Henderson, was attended by industry and government representatives. The gathering underscored the significance of this programme for both Australia’s defence capabilities and its industrial framework.
This contract follows the Commonwealth of Australia’s selection of the LST 100 as the preferred design for the ADF’s Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) programme, announced in November 2024 after a competitive tendering process.
A Proven Design for Operational Success
The LST 100 design was chosen due to its established operational success and its prior service history. An earlier model has been constructed and delivered, enhancing its reputation and leading to further international interest, including its selection by NAVSEA for the United States Navy.
In recent years, defence agencies have increasingly prioritised proven vessel designs to mitigate risks in defence programmes and expedite delivery timelines. By leveraging established platforms with extensive operational backgrounds, these organisations can effectively reduce technical uncertainties and accelerate capability deployment.
For the Australian Defence Force, Austal will build these vessels as part of a fifteen-year Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement with the Commonwealth. In total, eight Landing Craft Heavy vessels are set to be delivered over twelve years, with construction slated to start later this year.
The construction will occur at the Henderson facility, utilizing the AMC CUF, which is located just 23 kilometres south of Perth. This complex is already pivotal to the local economy and is undergoing significant upgrades to accommodate large-scale defence shipbuilding in future years.
Enhancing Littoral Military Capabilities
The Landing Craft Heavy programme aligns with the Australian Army’s objectives outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy, which focuses on enhancing the Army’s capacity for agile and distributed operations. The new vessels will empower the Army to project, sustain, and support land forces across Australia’s northern approaches and beyond, reinforcing a more responsive national defence framework.
Damen is honored to contribute its expertise to this Australian shipbuilding initiative, which aims to uplift capability, support sustainability, stimulate regional development, and enhance the Australian Defence Force’s littoral operations.
Versatile Operational Features
Each LST 100 vessel, measuring 100 metres in length and 16 metres in width, is designed to transport over 500 tonnes of military vehicles and equipment. Beyond supporting amphibious operations, these ships will play vital roles in logistics, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief efforts.
A Commitment to Collaboration
Damen Regional Director Oceania Rabien Bahadoer stated, “Working closely with Austal has been a rewarding experience. Our transparent and constructive partnership lays a strong foundation for a programme that promises enduring value for both Western Australia and Australia’s defence capabilities.”
At the signing ceremony, Damen Area Director Asia Pacific Michiel Hendrikx highlighted, “It’s a privilege to collaborate with Austal and our Australian partners on this significant programme. Globally, we seek long-term relationships with local shipbuilders, merging our expertise and dedication to quality. This collaboration is designed to bolster sustainable national shipbuilding capabilities while learning and growing together. We are confident that our joint efforts will meet the Australian Army’s operational demands for years to come.”
