Recently, Australia outlined a decade-long plan to double the number of large warships and increase defense spending by $7.25 billion. This move was made by Australia in the context of the rapidly increasing arms race in the Asia-Pacific, posing many potential risks to the security of countries in the region.
According to the plan, Australia will have a navy of 26 large surface warships, up from the current number of 11 ships. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said this will be the country’s largest fleet of warships since the end of World War II. Among the newly built ships will be Hunter-class destroyers, multi-purpose destroyers and self-propelled surface warships. Some ships will be equipped with Tomahawk missiles. These ships could be put into operation within the next 10 years. It is expected that some ships will be built domestically and others will be designed in the US or possibly in some countries such as Spain, Germany, South Korea and Japan.
Reuters quoted Minister Marles as saying that the additional budget for the navy’s surface fleet will increase the total investment in purchasing and maintaining the fleet to 54.2 billion AUD in the next 10 years. Thus, Australia’s defense spending will also increase by 2.4% of gross domestic product (GDP), higher than the 2% target set by NATO allies. fabricate.
Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Toowoomba docked at Changi Port, Singapore, May 2023. Photo: Reuters
Mr. Marles emphasized that Australia’s society and economy rely on access to shipping routes as well as on undersea cables to connect data to global economies. The Royal Australian Navy needs to strengthen its ability to ensure safety and security for communication and trade routes at sea. A modernly equipped surface combat fleet will ensure the navy is optimized for operations in current and future environments.
According to Minister Marles, the world is witnessing great power competitions. Australia’s defense strategy review last year found that fierce competition between the US and China is shaping the Pacific region. Competition between great powers also poses potential risks of conflict. This context pushes Australia to strengthen its navy to create significant changes in the next 10 years. “That is what we plan and are building,” Mr. Marles affirmed.
BAO CHAU
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