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Australia on Tuesday announced plans to build its largest navy since World War II and allocate more than $35 billion to defense projects over the next decade, a move that points to rising tensions with China in the Indo-Pacific. Analysts pointed out that.
A government statement said the Royal Australian Navy has announced that its major surface combatant fleet will be replaced after an independent review led by a retired US Navy admiral found that “current and planned surface combatant fleets are not appropriate for the Navy.” The plan is to expand the fleet to a total of 26 ships. the strategic environment we face; ”
In a statement, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of the Australian Navy, said: “A strong Australia is a strong Australia, equipped to conduct diplomacy in the region, deter potential adversaries and protect national interests when called upon.” We depend on the Navy.”
“The size, lethality, and capabilities of our future surface combatant fleet ensure our Navy is equipped to meet the region’s evolving strategic challenges.”
Plans to strengthen the fleet include 20 destroyers and frigates and six large manned surface vessels (LOSVs), which can operate independently with sailors on board or as drones. Can be done.
These surface vessels will join a fleet of nuclear submarines that Australia plans to build under the AUKUS agreement with the US and UK, the first three of which are expected to be delivered early next year.
An independent review found Australia has “the oldest fleet in naval history”, a government statement said.
10:50 – Source: CNN
Australia’s top diplomat says China is at greatest risk of conflict for many years
And analysts say the region’s security environment, where rival China is building up the world’s largest navy and laying claim to disputed waters, means Australia must act. He said there was.
Colin Koh, a research fellow at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Relations, said increasing the size of the Australian fleet would be a challenge given “a growing set of mission requirements, particularly the need for capabilities to match the presence across the Indo-Pacific.” It is essential.” ”
Although there is no mention of China in the expansion plan, the review committee said a future surface fleet must have the ability to “support critical activities such as northern approach patrols, close escort, and theater maritime transport missions.” said.
And analysts pointed to a possible threat from China.
Jennifer Parker, a part-time research fellow in naval studies at UNSW Canberra, said in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC): “This probably shows how concerned both government and defense are about our strategic situation. “There is,” he said.
“Many say the Indo-Pacific is entering a dangerous period in the late 2020s, driven by China’s increasing aggression in both the South China Sea and Northeast Asia,” he said. Stated.
When completed in the mid-2040s, this naval expansion will create a fleet that includes the current three Hobart-class guided missile destroyers and upgrades to air defense and attack systems. Six new Hunter-class frigates with anti-submarine warfare and attack capabilities. 11 new general purpose frigates for air defense, attack and escort missions. Each of the six new LOSVs will carry 32 vertical launch system (VLS) cells for missiles.
An additional 25 small vessels will be used for offshore patrols and maritime security missions, the government said.
Noting the urgent need to improve the surface fleet, the government said the first of 11 general-purpose frigates would be built based on existing designs imported from Japan, South Korea, Germany and Spain, and then put into operation. said it would be transferred to an Australian shipyard.
In an interview with the ABC, Mr Parker said the plan would involve a “period of risk” for Australia, with some older ships being retired before new ones could enter service.
John Bradford, a fellow in international affairs at the Council on Foreign Relations, said Australia needed to stick resolutely to its plans.
“As long as the Australian Government remains committed to this initiative, this plan is realistic,” Mr Bradford said, adding that the first Hunter-class frigate, which he called a “premier system” in the plan, would participate. He added that he would not. Fleet until 2032.
Opposition MP Andrew Hastie, the shadow defense minister, criticized the build-up schedule.
“Assuming this plan goes as planned, we won’t see the ship sailing until 2031. It doesn’t address the urgent strategic challenges posed by this dangerous world,” Hastie said. told reporters.
Analysts said that if the ships actually operate, they will need seafarers on board, but that is not guaranteed.
“Planned new ships have a high degree of automation, but what will happen to crewing? (The Navy) faces staffing challenges in staffing this expanded fleet. “Is that so?” asked Kor.
However, the government said that “rationalization of crew sizes and increased reliance on technology and automation will result in minimal increases in personnel.”
In Tuesday’s announcement, the government also touted the economic benefits of construction.
“This investment provides a clear pathway for the shipbuilding industry and workforce in South Australia and Western Australia,” the release said.
Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy said shipbuilding would create 3,700 jobs over the next 10 years and thousands more in the future.
But the opposition Green Party criticized the plan as a “multi-billion dollar mistake” caused by local political concerns about protecting the shipbuilding industry and political jobs.
Green Party defense spokesman Senator David Shoebridge said in a statement: “No matter how many times defense leaders fail, both by overcharging and underdelivering, they keep their jobs and deliver billions of dollars more. “They are being compensated with public funds.”
CNN’s Angus Watson and Hilary Whiteman contributed to this report.