In the latest episode of the Command and Control podcast, Commodore Ray Leggett of the Royal Australian Navy offers a candid and comprehensive account of building Australia’s amphibious warfare capability from the ground up. For military professionals, planners, and strategists, this is a masterclass in joint force integration, doctrinal adaptation, and operational complexity.
Why amphibious warfare still matters
Despite its historical significance and recent operational relevance – from Crimea to Yemen – amphibious warfare has seen declining interest in Europe. In contrast, Indo-Pacific nations are investing heavily in amphibious capabilities to counter regional threats, support humanitarian operations, and maintain strategic flexibility.
Australia’s amphibious awakening
- Capability acquisition: Australia’s journey began with the procurement of two large helicopter-capable landing ships (LHDs) and the former British RFA Largs Bay. These platforms provided the hardware—but not the doctrine or experience.
- Doctrine development: With no amphibious tradition since WWII, the ADF leaned heavily on U.S. Marine Corps and UK Royal Marines doctrine, adapting it to suit Australian operational realities.
- Joint force integration: Australia’s amphibious command capabilities has evolved from an eight-person staff to a fully integrated joint task force of over 100 personnel, including Army, Navy, Air Force, and allied partners.
Command and Control: Lessons from the frontline
- C2 complexity: Amphibious operations demand coordination across maritime, land, air, cyber, and space domains. As a result, there can be cultural and procedural challenges in integrating land forces with naval command structures.
- Supported vs. supporting relationships: The dynamic shift between Commander Amphibious Task Force (CATF) and Commander Landing Force (CLF) roles is critical. Trust, clarity, and pre-agreed conditions for transition are essential to mission success.
- Planning and logistics: From embarkation sequencing to sustainment ashore, amphibious logistics are uniquely complex. As a result, meticulous planning, rehearsals, and understanding the limitations of platforms and vehicles is vital.
Technology, interoperability, and the future
- Bandwidth and communications challenges: Interoperability remains a persistent issue. Legacy systems, incompatible radios, and cryptography limitations continue to hinder seamless joint operations.
- Autonomy and AI: The rise of unmanned systems, loitering munitions, and AI-driven decision support is reshaping amphibious warfare. Leggett questions whether large amphibious ships remain viable in future contested environments.
- Certification and drills: Success depends on rigorous certification processes, battle rhythm discipline, and crisis action planning. Leggett advocates for continuous training and international collaboration to build resilient amphibious forces.
- The logistical weakpoint: Logistics remains the critical weak point in an amphibious operation. Sustaining forces ashore under contested conditions remains the Achilles’ heel for forces ashore.
- Operational flexibility: Amphibious platforms offer unmatched versatility – from high-end warfighting to humanitarian assistance. Their value lies not just in the ships, but in the embarked force and its ability to adapt to mission requirements.
🎙️ Don’t miss this episode. Whether you're shaping doctrine, commanding joint forces, or planning future operations, this conversation offers invaluable insights into the realities of modern amphibious warfare.
