Royal Australian Navy Ships List

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is the naval branch of the Australian Defence Force, and it has a long and storied history dating back to 1901. Over the years, the RAN has operated a wide range of ships, from small patrol boats to large aircraft carriers. In this article, we will take a look at the current and past ships of the Royal Australian Navy, including their classes, roles, and notable deployments.

The RAN has played a significant role in Australian history, from the early days of World War I to the present day. The navy has been involved in numerous conflicts, including both World Wars, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, as well as more recent operations in the Middle East and Asia. The RAN has also been involved in a number of humanitarian and disaster relief operations, both at home and abroad.

One of the key roles of the RAN is to protect Australia's interests and sovereignty, both at home and in the region. This includes patrolling Australia's extensive coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), as well as participating in international operations and exercises. The RAN also plays a key role in supporting the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) overall mission, which includes defending Australia and its interests, and contributing to regional and global security.

Royal Australian Navy Ship Classes

The RAN operates a number of different ship classes, each with its own unique role and capabilities. These include:

Collins-class submarines: These are the RAN's current submarine fleet, and are used for a range of tasks including surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations.
Anzac-class frigates: These ships are the RAN's primary surface combatants, and are used for tasks such as patrol duties, escort duties, and combat operations.
Hobart-class destroyers: These ships are the RAN's most advanced surface combatants, and are equipped with state-of-the-art air defense systems and other capabilities.
Canberra-class landing helicopter docks: These ships are the RAN's largest and most capable amphibious ships, and are used for tasks such as amphibious landings, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.

Royal Australian Navy Ship Types

The RAN operates a number of different ship types, each with its own unique role and capabilities. These include:

Aircraft carriers: The RAN has operated a number of aircraft carriers over the years, including the HMAS Melbourne and the HMAS Sydney.
Submarines: The RAN has operated a number of submarines over the years, including the Collins-class and the Oberon-class.
Frigates: The RAN has operated a number of frigates over the years, including the Anzac-class and the Adelaide-class.
Destroyers: The RAN has operated a number of destroyers over the years, including the Hobart-class and the Perth-class.
Patrol boats: The RAN operates a number of patrol boats, which are used for tasks such as coastal surveillance and fisheries protection.

Royal Australian Navy Current Ships

The RAN currently operates a fleet of around 50 ships, including:

6 Collins-class submarines
8 Anzac-class frigates
3 Hobart-class destroyers
2 Canberra-class landing helicopter docks
14 Armidale-class patrol boats
6 Huon-class minehunters

Royal Australian Navy Past Ships

The RAN has operated a number of ships over the years, including:

HMAS Melbourne (R21): This was an aircraft carrier that served in the RAN from 1947 to 1982.
HMAS Sydney (R17): This was an aircraft carrier that served in the RAN from 1948 to 1973.
HMAS Perth (D 38): This was a guided missile destroyer that served in the RAN from 1965 to 1999.
HMAS Brisbane (D 41): This was a guided missile destroyer that served in the RAN from 1967 to 2001.
HMAS Adelaide (FFG 01): This was an Adelaide-class frigate that served in the RAN from 1980 to 2008.

Royal Australian Navy Ship Names

The RAN has a tradition of naming its ships after Australian cities, towns, and geographical features. Some examples of RAN ship names include:

HMAS Sydney: This name has been used for a number of RAN ships, including the current Hobart-class destroyer.
HMAS Melbourne: This name has been used for a number of RAN ships, including the current Adelaide-class frigate.
HMAS Brisbane: This name has been used for a number of RAN ships, including the current Collins-class submarine.
HMAS Perth: This name has been used for a number of RAN ships, including the current Anzac-class frigate.

Royal Australian Navy Ship Roles

The RAN's ships play a number of different roles, including:

Patrol duties: The RAN's patrol boats and frigates are used to patrol Australia's coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Combat operations: The RAN's submarines, frigates, and destroyers are used for combat operations, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and attack missions.
Humanitarian assistance: The RAN's ships are often used for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, both at home and abroad.
Amphibious landings: The RAN's Canberra-class landing helicopter docks are used for amphibious landings, including the deployment of troops and equipment.

Royal Australian Navy Ship Capabilities

The RAN's ships have a number of different capabilities, including:

Surveillance and reconnaissance: The RAN's ships are equipped with advanced sensors and surveillance systems, including radar, sonar, and electronic warfare systems.
Combat systems: The RAN's ships are equipped with a range of combat systems, including guns, missiles, and torpedoes.
Air defense: The RAN's ships are equipped with advanced air defense systems, including the Aegis combat system.
Amphibious capabilities: The RAN's Canberra-class landing helicopter docks are equipped with advanced amphibious capabilities, including the ability to deploy troops and equipment.

Gallery of Royal Australian Navy Ships

Royal Australian Navy Ship Gallery

What is the role of the Royal Australian Navy?

The Royal Australian Navy is the naval branch of the Australian Defence Force, and its role is to protect Australia's interests and sovereignty, both at home and in the region.

What types of ships does the Royal Australian Navy operate?

The Royal Australian Navy operates a range of ships, including submarines, frigates, destroyers, patrol boats, and amphibious ships.

What is the largest ship in the Royal Australian Navy?

The largest ship in the Royal Australian Navy is the Canberra-class landing helicopter dock, which is used for amphibious landings and other operations.

What is the most advanced ship in the Royal Australian Navy?

The most advanced ship in the Royal Australian Navy is the Hobart-class destroyer, which is equipped with state-of-the-art air defense systems and other capabilities.

How many ships does the Royal Australian Navy have?

The Royal Australian Navy has a fleet of around 50 ships, including submarines, frigates, destroyers, patrol boats, and amphibious ships.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the Royal Australian Navy's ships, including their classes, roles, and capabilities. The RAN plays a vital role in protecting Australia's interests and sovereignty, and its ships are an important part of this effort. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about the RAN, please don't hesitate to comment or share this article with others.