The two LHDs combined will be capable of:
● Carrying an embarked force of approx 2,000 in addition to the ships' crew.
● Carrying around 100 armoured vehicles, including tanks, and 200 other vehicles.
● Providing hangar space and landing spots for at least 12 helicopters.
● 45 days endurance for crew and embarked force including support to these forces whilst ashore for 10 days.
● Command and control of all elements of a Joint Task Force.
● Conducting simultaneous helicopter and watercraft operations.
The hulls for the LHDs will be built and fitted out in Spain and transported to Australia where the ships' superstructure will be constructed, fitted out and integrated with the hulls by BAE Systems Australia Defence at its Williamstown shipyard in Melbourne. Steel was cut for the first ship in September 2008 and its "keel was laid" in September 2009. The first hull is expected to arrive in Australia in mid 2012 and the second in early 2014. Delivery and acceptance of the ships is forecast to occur in 2014 and 2015.
The project remains within its current approved budget with design reviews expected to be completed in 2009.