The Albanese government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to overhaul the Australian Navy, introducing a new fleet of small, well-armed warships as part of a broader restructuring aimed at addressing the strategic challenges posed by China. This move, seen as a critical test for the government's credibility on defense and national security, involves significant investment in new equipment and the reduction of the Hunter-class frigate project from nine to six ships, favoring the addition of 11 new general-purpose frigates and six large optionally-crewed vessels (LSOVs). The cost of the Hunter-class frigate project has escalated from $45 billion to almost $65 billion, prompting warnings from experts that increased defense spending is essential. Strategic Analysis Australia Director Michael Shoebridge expressed skepticism about the review, while Sky News host Sharri Markson noted plans for further investment. The Shadow Defence Minister, Andrew Hastie, highlighted delays, with new ships not expected until 2031. The restructuring also includes the removal of three frigates from Adelaide's Hunter warship build. The Independent Analysis of the surface combatant fleet, announced by Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, provides a blueprint for a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet.
The Albanese Government has announced a multi-billion-dollar overhaul of the Australian Navy. @FergusonNews interviews @RichardMarlesMP, the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister. #ABC730 https://t.co/XKaKFtj2dO
BREAKING: 🇦🇺@Australian_Navy surface combatants review has concluded. Type 26 Hunter class order will be reduced from 9 to 6 frigates in favour of more "tier 2" vessels comprising 11 new general purpose frigates and 6 'large optionally-crewed vessels' (LSOVs).… https://t.co/VNvvB7Qm7p
A fleet of missile-laden "optionally crewed" ships will accompany Australia's most lethal warships. #9News https://t.co/rsE2WzQpVu
The recommendations of the Independent Analysis of the surface combatant fleet announced today provides the blueprint for a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet for the #AusNavy. 🎥 Hear from the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO https://t.co/CWdg10pIxh
Shadow Defence Minister Andrew Hastie says the main concern he has about the government’s new surface fleet strategy is we won’t see a new ship in the water until 2031. https://t.co/WNjYtvq84W
Labor reveals the cost of the massive Hunter-class frigate project has leapt from $45 billion to almost $65 billion, as it prepares to trim the program while unveiling other shipbuilding plans. https://t.co/QyIwJL5OgU
The Albanese government must boost defence spending significantly if it is to afford new warships, as part of a sweeping shake-up of the navy’s fleet, experts warn. Have your say: https://t.co/XuKORgYJ6T https://t.co/0vUdbbq2Zt
Three frigates are set to be axed from Adelaide’s Hunter warship build as part of a major restructuring of the Australian Navy. https://t.co/scPDr048zb
Sky News host Sharri Markson says there are plans for the Australian Navy to “invest in more equipment”. https://t.co/ckPScqOGU0
Strategic Analysis Australia Director Michael Shoebridge says he’s “sceptical” ahead of the release of a review into Australia’s navy surface fleet. https://t.co/r28Ka4Plfj
The shake-up of the navy’s surface ship fleet looms as a critical test for the Albanese government, which is struggling to retain its credibility on defence and national security. What's your view? https://t.co/uXcAGT1z45 https://t.co/13Od8D0UhV
A new fleet of small, well-armed warships will form the centrepiece of a sweeping restructure of the navy as the Albanese government seeks to rebut claims that it has been too slow to respond to the threat posed by China. https://t.co/83tpPclULf