Australia To Ramp Up Navy Fleet With $11 Billion Funding Increase
The Australian government has announced an $11.1 billion (US$7.2 billion) upgrade of the Royal Australian Navy, which includes more than doubling the navy’s warship fleet. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles explained that this plan would equip Australia’s defense amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, creating the largest fleet since the end of World War II.
The upgraded navy fleet will see an increase from 11 to 26 vessels by the late 2040s. This plan includes 11 new general purpose frigates, six new large optionally crewed surface vessels, six Hunter-class frigates, and three upgraded Hobart-class air warfare destroyers.
Marles stated, “Right now, the Royal Australian Navy has 11 warships. As a result of the government’s response to the surface fleet review, today we are committing to take that number to 26.” The fleet expansion will also include a new general-purpose frigate, of which 11 will be procured. The remaining six Anzac-class frigates with the two oldest ships will be decommissioned in line with their planned service life.
The government will allocate $1.7 billion in forward estimates and $11.1 billion in the next decade for defense to deliver the new fleet for the Navy. The announcement follows the government carefully considering recommendations from an independent analysis of the surface combatant fleet that was brought about in response to the Defense Strategic Review.
Australia’s chief of the navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, emphasized the importance of a strong navy to conduct diplomacy in the region, deter adversaries, and defend national interests. Marles concluded that the Royal Australian Navy must be able to ensure the safety and security of sea lines of communication and trade routes, as they are fundamental to the nation’s way of life and prosperity.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy stated that a strong, sovereign defense industry is needed to meet the significant advancement in navy capability, ensuring Navy’s future fleet can meet strategic circumstances.
