Australia to strengthen its navy to a level not seen since the Second World War. Canberra plans to increase its defense spending by more than €6.5 billion.
Australia, which formed the Aukus military alliance with the United States and the United Kingdom, seeks in particular to counter China's influence in the South Pacific. Some of the ships will be built in Australia's Adelaide shipyards, enough to employ more than 3,700 people. In 2021, Australia announced plans to acquire at least three US-designed nuclear-powered submarines.