Australia’s Navy is getting a $54 billion upgrade to double it’s surface fleet, following a review headed by retired US admiral William Hilarides.
The investment will add 11 general purpose frigates and 6 optionally-crewed ships with missile capabilities to accompany Australia’s most lethal warships.
Defence Minister Richard Marles has said the overhaul is estimated to create 3,700 jobs over the next decade.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The National Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:
“The building of this fleet will underpin continuous naval ship building in both Adelaide and Perth and we are paying for this fleet,” Marles said.
The plan is said to position Australia as a stronger pacific force.
Vice Admiral Mark Hammond said, “this is the most consequential investment in the surface combatant force [of] the Royal Australian Navy in generations.”
Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on LiSTNR today. The Briefing serves up the latest news and deep dives on topics affecting you, all in under 20 minutes.