Australia said on February 20 it has allocated more than $35 billion for the decade-long defense project to strengthen its naval capabilities, marking its largest naval expansion since World War II.
The move, aimed to bolster the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet in response to escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly with China, will see Australia increasing its fleet of major surface warships to 26.
The decision followed an independent review led by a retired US Navy admiral, which emphasized the inadequacy of the current fleet in addressing evolving strategic challenges.
“A strong Australia relies on a strong navy, one that is equipped to conduct diplomacy in our region, deter potential adversaries, and defend our national interests when called,” Australian Chief of Navy Vice Adm. Mark Hammond said in the statement.
“The size, lethality and capabilities of the future surface combatant fleet ensures that our navy is equipped to meet the evolving strategic challenges of our region.”
Fleet expansion plan
The plan includes the addition of 20 destroyers and frigates, along with six Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels (LOSVs), capable of operating autonomously or with onboard personnel.
As part of the plan, Australia aims to equip the navy with state-of-the-art vessels, including upgraded Hobart-class destroyers, Hunter-class frigates, and new general-purpose frigates. Additionally, smaller vessels will be deployed for offshore patrol and maritime security operations.
This naval expansion complements Australia’s commitment to constructing nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact with the United States and the United Kingdom. The impending delivery of the first three submarines is anticipated by the early 2030s.
The urgency to modernize the navy stems from the pressing need to address the aging fleet, as highlighted by the independent review, which noted that Australia had “the oldest fleet Navy has operated in its history,” according to the government statement.
Analysts underscored the imperative for Australia to enhance its maritime capabilities amid China’s assertive behavior in the region.
“There are many saying that for the period of the latter 2020s, we are entering a period of risk in the Indo-Pacific and that’s generated by China’s increased aggression in both the South China Sea and Northeast Asia,” said Jennifer Parker, adjunct fellow in naval studies at UNSW Canberra.
However, the proposed timeline faced criticism from opposition lawmaker Andrew Hastie, who argued that it fails to address immediate strategic challenges.
“We won’t see a ship in the water until 2031, assuming this plan stays to timeline. It does not meet the urgent strategic challenges posed by this dangerous world,” Hastie told reporters.
Concerns were also raised about the availability of skilled personnel to operate the expanded fleet, despite assurances from the government regarding crew complement and technological advancements.
While the government emphasized the economic benefits of the naval buildup, including job creation and opportunities for the shipbuilding industry, the opposition Greens party denounced the plan as a costly endeavor driven by political motivations.