The Albanese government is embarking on a significant overhaul of the Australian Navy, introducing a new fleet of small, well-armed warships, including six missile-laden 'drone' warships capable of operating without crew, as a response to the perceived threat from China. This restructure includes the cancellation of three frigates from Adelaide's Hunter warship build and a considerable increase in the navy's surface ship count, making it 30% larger than the Royal Navy, with 26 versus 19 ships. The expansion, described as the biggest since the Second World War, is aimed at bolstering Australia's defence capabilities amidst growing geopolitical tensions. However, this move has sparked skepticism and calls for increased defence spending, with the cost of the Hunter-class frigate project alone jumping from $45 billion to nearly $65 billion.
Six 'drone' warships, packed with missiles but capable of operating without crew, are to be the centrepiece of a new Australian Navy. The Albanese government vowing to more than double the fleets. https://t.co/b3nAU1JF34 @ChrisReason7 #7NEWS https://t.co/tZsP0ps0JJ
The Australian Navy will grow to have 30% more surface ships than the Royal Navy (26 vs 19) - this is a serious expansion of defence capabilities to meet real threats. https://t.co/jh3PNLMzgG
A fleet of missile-laden "optionally crewed" ships will accompany Australia's most lethal warships. #9News https://t.co/rsE2WzQpVu
Australia to build biggest navy since second world war to meet China threat https://t.co/ve92MazX2f
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