High budget allocation to modernise Navy and Maritime Forces: Australin Government

The Australian government approved the so-called Defense Strategic Update and the 2020 Force Structure Plan, which provide for Australia spending a total of AUD 270 billion in defense spending over the coming decade, announced The Australian PM Stock Morrison.

"The Strategic Update sets out the challenges in Australia’s strategic environment and its implications for Defence planning. It provides a new strategic policy framework to ensure Australia is able – and is understood as willing – to deploy military power to shape our environment, deter actions against our interests and, when required, respond with military force", he added.

HMAS Canberra, Anzac, Sirius, Paramatta and Melbourne during exercise Ocean Raider. Pic Source: Aus. Navy

Australia has taken the step against the Cyber Attacks and Economic indifferences which has arised in the area (Indo-Pacific region). Australia will emphasize on increase its presence with nations and to tackle the Cyber crimes in the region.

On the naval side, the Strategic Update covers both Naval Shipbuilding and Maritime capabilities:

Naval Shipbuilding

• The 2020 Force Structure Plan builds on Government’s commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding as set out in the 2016 Defence White Paper.
• The Force Structure Plan includes plans for the acquisition or upgrade of up to 23 different classes of Navy and Army maritime vessels with investment of approximately $50 billion over the decade 2020-30 and up to $137 billion over the period 2020-40. In total, this represents a plan to invest between $168 - $183 billion out to the completion of the Attack class submarine build in the 2050s.
• Australia will buy missiles and defense systems for all three services. New F-18 Super Hornets will be inducted and Carriers will be upgraded with long range anti-ship missiles. 
• Detail on opportunities for Australia’s shipbuilding industry arising from this plan will be included in an update to the Naval Shipbuilding Plan.

Maritime

• Australia is responsible for one of the world’s largest exclusive economic zones (Indo-Pacific region) and is highly dependent on maritime trade.
• The Indo-Pacific region has seen a rapid expansion and modernisation of maritime forces, potentially complicating Australia’s ability to protect its interests.
• The 2016 Defence White Paper laid the framework for the most ambitious plan to regenerate the Royal Australian Navy since the Second World War. The 2020 Force Structure Plan will enhance this even further.