Australian Navy to be ‘larger’ and more ‘lethal’ by 2040

Australia’s Navy should be much larger and “more lethal” by 2040 following the government’s $11.1 billion increase in Defence funding, according to Sky News host Peta Credlin. The Royal Australian Navy, after the completion of the additional vessels, will hold three Hobart class air warfare destroyers, six Hunter class frigates (reduced from nine), 11 new ‘off-the-shelf design’ general purpose frigates and six new large optionally crewed surface vessels to boost the long-range strike capacity, which also have autonomous capabilities. The last of the Hunter class frigates will be completed and fit for service by the end of 2043. Ms Credlin welcomed the announcement but said it has been “far too slow coming”. “Let's hope the communists in Beijing are prepared to wait that long for Australia to be ready,” she said.