Australia on Tuesday outlined a 10-year plan to double its fleet of major warships and increase defense spending by an additional $7 billion, in the face of an accelerating arms race in the Asia-Pacific.
Under the plan, Australia will have a naval force of 26 surface combat ships, up from 11 currently.
Defense Secretary Richard Marles said: “This is the largest fleet we will have since the end of World War II.”
He added: “The Royal Australian Navy must be able to ensure the safety and security of our shipping routes (…) because they are essential to our way of life and prosperity.”
Australia will build 6 Hunter-class frigates, 11 multi-role frigates, and 6 modern warships that do not require a crew.
A number of ships will be equipped with Tomahawk missiles capable of carrying out long-range strikes deep inside enemy territory, which is an important tool for deterrence.
This announcement comes after a massive increase in the firepower of China and Russia, and amid a growing confrontation between Washington’s allies and authoritarian governments.
Australia has formed the OCOs military alliance with the United States and the United Kingdom, and is particularly seeking to counter China’s influence in the South Pacific.
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