Australia has outlined a 10-year plan to double its fleet of major warships and increase defense spending by an additional $7 billion. Under the plan, Australia would have a naval force of 26 surface combat ships, up from 11 currently.
A number of ships will be equipped with Tomahawk missiles capable of carrying out long-range strikes deep inside enemy territory. Australia has formed the OCOs military alliance with the United States and the United Kingdom, and it seeks in particular to confront China's influence in the South Pacific.