Australia plans to build biggest navy since World War II

Australia has unveiled a ten-year initiative to double its warship fleet and augment defence expenditures by an additional 11.1 billion Australian dollars ($7.25 billion).

The Australian navy will double in size

Defence Minister Richard Marles asserted that this government initiative would ultimately elevate the navy’s surface combatant fleet from 11 to 26, marking the largest expansion since the conclusion of World War II. Marles cited growing concerns about escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly as competition intensifies among the United States, its allies, and China in the Asia Pacific region.

According to the new plan outlined by Marles, Australia is set to acquire six Hunter class frigates, eleven general-purpose frigates, three air warfare destroyers, and six cutting-edge surface warships designed to operate without a crew. Some vessels within the fleet will be equipped with Tomahawk missiles capable of executing long-range strikes on targets deep within enemy territory, thereby establishing a significant deterrent capability.

Marles emphasized that this initiative represents the largest fleet Australia will possess since the conclusion of the Second World War. He said that, looking ahead, the nation is preparing for a substantially different capability by the mid-2030s, acknowledging the uncertainties in the global landscape, especially in terms of great power competition. The objective, he added, is to build and plan for a more robust defence capability.

Defence spending will increase to 2.4% of the GDP

The minister highlighted that the introduction of large optionally crewed surface vessels (LSOV), designed for remote operation and currently under development by the US, will markedly enhance the navy’s capacity for long-range strikes. These vessels are anticipated to be commissioned by the mid-2030s.

In addition to this, Australia is set to expedite the procurement of 11 general-purpose frigates to replace the aging ANZAC-class ships. The initial three frigates will be constructed overseas, with plans for them to be operational before 2030.

This move, occurring concurrently with Australia’s intention to acquire a minimum of three US-designed nuclear-powered submarines, will elevate Canberra’s defence spending to 2.4% of its gross domestic product (GDP), surpassing the 2% target set by its NATO allies.

Australia will become a naval power

According to experts, Australia is on the brink of developing a substantial naval capability. However, the country has a history of grappling with challenges such as cost overruns, policy shifts, government reversals, and project plans that seem more geared towards local job creation than defence objectives. The experts stressed the need for the government to rectify past mistakes and say that there is no time to squander, especially as regional competition intensifies.