On Tuesday, February 20th, Australia unveiled a comprehensive 10-year strategy to significantly expand its naval capabilities, including a notable increase in the fleet size of surface combatants.
The plan involves an $11 billion investment to more than double the current fleet, introducing six new large, optionally manned vessels equipped with an array of missiles.
This initiative is part of the Australian government’s effort, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, to modernize and enhance the navy’s capabilities. The new fleet will consist of 26 combat-ready ships, marking the largest Australian fleet since World War II, as stated by Defence Minister Richard Marles.
This expansion is in response to the growing geopolitical challenges in the Asia-Pacific, particularly concerning the strategic competition involving the United States, its allies, and China.
As part of this overhaul, the order for Hunter-class frigates has been reduced from nine to six, with the fleet also incorporating three upgraded Hobart-class destroyers, 11 new frigates to replace the Anzac-class ships, six new optionally manned vessels, and an additional 25 smaller warships, including Offshore Patrol Vessels.
The Hunter-class frigates are to be constructed at South Australia’s Osborne shipyard.
This announcement follows an independent review by retired US Navy Vice-Admiral William Hilarides, which highlighted the inadequacy of the current and planned surface combatant fleet for the contemporary strategic landscape, describing it as the oldest in the navy’s history and calling for an urgent overhaul to safeguard Australia’s national security.
