【Global attention】Earth-shattering! The Global Times' exclusive ** Australian Navy Super Expansion Plan, costing more than $35 billion, will build "the largest navy since World War II". This is not only an expansion of the military, but also a huge change that has attracted international attention. It is reported that Australia** will increase the number of major surface ships to 26, including 20 destroyers, frigates, and 6 large "optional manned surface ships".
Australia** claims that the move is to adapt to the current complex strategic environment, but the West generally believes that it will further increase tensions between Australia and China in the Indo-Pacific region. Some Chinese experts pointed out in interviews that Australia is actually significantly strengthening its surface fleet and underwater nuclear submarine forces under the guise of the "China threat". However, Australia** stressed that this is to safeguard regional security and national interests.
The Australian Navy's plan for future capital ships will include 20 destroyers, frigates, and six large "optional manned surface ships". These surface fleets will operate in conjunction with the fleet of nuclear submarines built under the AUKUS agreement. The introduction of new ships will significantly improve the Australian Navy's long-range strike capabilities, including a 32-cell vertical launch system, which is considered a trend in future warfare.
However, there are some doubts about the Australian Navy's expansion plans. Australia** claims that the existing fleet is "obsolete", but in reality, new ships such as the Hobart-class air defense destroyers are just beginning to enter service. Some analysts believe that Australia may be following the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy more than really because of national security needs.
In addition, whether the Australian Navy can provide a sufficient number of trained professional crew members has also become a matter of great debate. Australia** has been facing cost overruns and policy changes on a range of defence programs, raising questions about the sustainability of its future military build-up plans.
Although Australia's military build-up has been interpreted by some international ** as a "warning" to China, there are also views that it does not pose a real threat. In fact, Chinese experts point out that China is more militarily powerful and that Australia's actions are not enough to change the balance of power in the region.
Eventually, Australia's naval expansion plan became the focus of global attention. Is this super-scale reform for the sake of *** or is there a deeper strategic consideration behind it? This is a matter of great concern, and we will continue to closely monitor the evolution of the situation. At this exciting time, let us witness the transformation of history together!