Australia to Double Size of Naval Fleet With $11 Billion Boost

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles explained this would create the largest fleet since the end of World War II.

The Royal Australian Navy's Anzac-class frigate HMAS Arunta (FFH 151) participates in an International Fleet Review commemorating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force at Sagami Bay in Yokosuka, Japan on Nov. 6, 2022. Issei Kato - Pool/Getty Images

The Australian government has unveiled a major $11.1 billion (US$7.2 billion) upgrade of the Royal Australian Navy, including more than doubling the navy’s warship fleet.

The navy fleet will increase from 11 to 26 vessels by the late 2040’s under a plan that will equip Australia’s defence amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific.