Australia unveils US$7 billion defence overhaul to more than double size of its naval fleet

Under the plan, Australia will get a navy of 26 major surface combatant ships, up from 11 today.

“It is the largest fleet that we will have since the end of the Second World War,” said Defence Minister Richard Marles.

Australia will build six Hunter-class frigates, 11 general-purpose frigates and six state-of-the-art surface warships that do not need to be crewed.

At least some of the fleet will be armed with Tomahawk missiles capable of carrying out long-range stand-off strikes on targets deep inside enemy territory – a major deterrent capability.

Australia, an open, trading island nation flanked by the Pacific and Indian oceans, relies on secure sea lanes to move goods in and out and the fleet overhaul reflects an increasingly contested region given China’s rise. The current fleet is the oldest Australia’s navy has ever operated and an analysis last year called for immediate action to boost the force’s air-defence, long-range strike, presence and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

As part of the government’s response to the findings, Marles announced a “short, sharp review” of Australia’s surface fleet led by former US Admiral William H. Hilarides and it was his findings and the government’s initial response released on Tuesday.

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Australia unveils biggest defence reform in decades, prioritising long-range missiles

The Hunter-class frigates provided by BAE Systems were a particular focus of the review, with Australian Broadcasting Corp. reporting repeated delays and design problems with the vessels had pushed the delivery of the first ship into the 2030s.

The 2023 defence review had recommended a greater emphasis on domestic manufacturing and Marles on Tuesday reinforced a continuous shipbuilding programme through the