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Australian naval ship in harbor on Garden Island in Sydney: "This will be the largest surface force we have deployed in generations"
Photo: Bianca De Marchi/dpa
Australia is strengthening its deterrent force in the Indo-Pacific. In the coming years, the country wants to significantly increase its defense spending and strengthen its navy. To this end, the government will invest an additional 11.1 billion Australian dollars (6.7 billion euros) in the combat fleet within the next decade, reported the ABC broadcaster, citing the Ministry of Defense in the capital Canberra.
Among other things, six large and "optionally manned" naval ships armed with missiles will support the country's surface fleet. Eleven new multi-purpose frigates will also be purchased, some of which will be built abroad.
Under the plan, Australia's current fleet of combat-ready warships will grow from 11 to 26, it said. The oldest warship still in service, the "HMAS Anzac", is to be decommissioned immediately before the entire aging fleet of the "Anzac" class is gradually replaced by new frigates. According to the authorities, these could be built in Germany, South Korea, Japan or Spain.
“Largest and deadliest surface force in generations”
The Australian Navy plays an important role throughout the Indo-Pacific, said its chief, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond. “This will be the largest surface force we have fielded in generations. In time it will also be the deadliest.”
The USA, Great Britain and Australia had already announced a new “security alliance” called Aukus in 2021. The US government under President Joe Biden announced that it would allow Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines to strengthen security and military deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. According to security experts, the alliance was clearly aimed at countering the military threat from China in the Indo-Pacific.
col/dpa