This analysis of warship service life options comes at a time when Australia is planning to embark upon a substantial naval shipbuilding venture.

It looks at the implications of warship service life for the overall cost-of-ownership and the operation of the RAN as an enterprise, and proposes options for consideration in the development of the future submarine and frigate programs.

The most important conclusion to be drawn from this analysis is that Australia has a choice about how it produces its future warships.