Australia is preparing for new challenges: the country is building the largest fleet since World War II
Australia has announced a plan to build its largest navy since World War II, allocating more than $35 billion to the defense project over the next 10 years. This was reported by CNN.
The plan to strengthen the fleet envisages that the Australians will have 20 destroyers and frigates, as well as six large surface ships with an optional crew that can work with sailors or independently as drones. Another 25 small vessels will be used for patrolling and ensuring maritime security.
The decision to build up the fleet was made after an independent review showed that “the current and planned fleet of surface combatants is not suitable for the strategic environment we face.”
This refers to the growing threat from the PRC bloc. As a reminder, back in 2019, China reached the “psychological mark” of 300 ships for various purposes, surpassing the US Navy by 13 combat units.
And although the Chinese fleet is still inferior to the most powerful Western fleets in terms of quality, the distance between them is decreasing every year. This is particularly true of aircraft carriers, which could play a key role in a possible invasion of Taiwan. The CIA believes it could happen in 2027.
Other experts say that despite its numerical superiority, the operation will not be a “cakewalk” for China, as Taiwan has many modern weapons and counts on support from the United States.
