In a strategic move to bolster its maritime capabilities amidst rising regional tensions, Australia has unveiled plans to more than double the size of its naval fleet with an additional investment of A$11.1 billion ($7.2 billion). The decision comes in response to China’s military build-up in the Pacific region, signaling a significant shift in Australia’s military posture.
Under the ambitious plan outlined on Tuesday, Australia aims to expand its navy to 26 warships, including 11 new frigates and six large vessels equipped with long-range missile capabilities. This substantial investment, the largest since World War II, addresses concerns within the defense community about the government’s commitment to upgrading the fleet, following a review last year deeming it inadequate for its intended purpose.
The primary objective of the naval expansion is to rapidly deploy new warships while upholding a commitment to enhancing shipbuilding capabilities within Australia. The move reflects a proactive stance by Canberra to deter potential adversaries and safeguard national interests in the face of evolving strategic challenges in the Pacific region.
As part of the revised plan, Australia has made adjustments to its acquisition of Hunter frigates from BAE Systems, a British defense contractor. The original A$35 billion contract for nine vessels faced potential cancellation due to delays and rising costs, with the National Audit Office criticizing the procurement process. The revised plan now sees the navy receiving six of the initially planned nine Hunter frigates, alongside the acquisition of 11 additional frigates that can be delivered more expeditiously.
This significant naval overhaul follows Australia’s Defense Spending Review from a year ago, which marked the most substantial strategic shift in its military posture in nearly 80 years. The review emphasized the escalating competition between China and the United States as the defining feature of the Pacific region, citing China’s military build-up as unprecedented since the end of World War II.
The announcement also coincides with the implementation of the Aukus agreement, a trilateral partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The agreement involves the delivery of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, further underlining the country’s commitment to strengthening its maritime capabilities.
Acknowledging the pressing need for modernization, Mark Hammond, Chief of the Navy, emphasized that the navy must be equipped to deter potential adversaries and effectively respond to evolving strategic challenges in the region. The investment of A$54.2 billion over the next decade underscores Australia’s commitment to enhancing its naval capabilities and addressing the urgent requirement for missile power and faster deployment capabilities.
Euan Graham, a senior analyst with the think-tank ASPI, commended the plan as “a bold move in the right direction.” He highlighted the unprecedented step-up in fleet capability outside of wartime, praising the pragmatic approach of acquiring new frigates from international suppliers to meet the navy’s immediate needs.
Sam Roggeveen, Director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program, noted that the addition of six large optionally crewed surface vessels reflects the lessons learned from recent conflicts. Emphasizing the importance of missile capability, Roggeveen pointed to the Ukraine war and the Houthi conflagration as illustrations of the vital role played by the depth of missile magazines in ensuring naval survival.
Despite the ambitious naval expansion, Roggeveen cautioned against expectations that it might significantly alter the balance in the region, particularly concerning China. He noted that China already possesses an extensive arsenal of weapons designed to target surface ships and suggested that the notion of tilting the balance in Australia’s favor might be mistaken.
In summary, Australia’s substantial investment in expanding its naval fleet underscores a proactive approach to safeguarding its strategic interests in the face of increasing regional tensions. The decision reflects a commitment to modernization and enhanced capabilities, positioning Australia for a more assertive role in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Pacific region.
