Naval Gary Davies

摘要

The Australian government has published a Defence White Paper that places significant emphasis on improving the country's long-range maritime capabilities, citing China's policies in the region as a factor in adopting a stronger defensive posture. The document outlined an A$30 billion increase in defence spending over the next ten years. It also confirmed that Australia will proceed with doubling the size of its submarine fleet, acquiring 12 'regionally superior submarines with a high degree of interoperability with the United States' by the 2030s. Three diesel-electric submarine designs are currently being assessed, with the preferred one to be announced later this year. There will also be new investment in nine anti-submarine warfare frigates to replace the existing fleet of eight Anzac class frigates, and a new class of 12 large-hulled 'Ocean Protector' multi-purpose patrol vessels to supplement border protection and security-related tasks with the Australian Border Force. A third replenishment ship or additional logistics support ship will also be considered in the late 2020s.