Australia wants to build its largest navy since World War II. Under the plan, Canberra will increase its defense spending by more than €6.5 billion, and will have 26 large surface combatants, up from 11 at present.
Australia, which formed the Aukus military alliance with the United States and the United Kingdom, seeks in particular to counter China's influence in the South Pacific. Several ships will be armed with Tomahawk missiles capable of carrying out long-range strikes deep inside enemy territory.