Australia in massive military investment
Print Edition
AUSTRALIA unveiled a massive new investment in its defense capabilities yesterday to address what Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called “high stakes” and “momentous times” in Asia.
Citing increased defense spending around the region and potential flashpoints in the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula, he said the government was committed to combating the most challenging strategic environment “we have faced in peacetime.”
“These are momentous times. The stakes are high. And as the opportunities expand, so does the cost of losing them,” Turnbull said in launching a new Defense White Paper in Canberra.
“A stronger Australia supports a safer Australia, a safer region and a safer world.”
The government said it would spend A$195 billion (US$139 billion) over the next decade, including a doubling of its submarine fleet to 24, three additional destroyers, nine new frigates and 12 offshore patrol boats.
Maritime surveillance would also be boosted by the purchase of seven US-made MQ-4C Triton drones and eight P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
New air defense weapons would boost the force’s capabilities with 72 F-35s, known as Joint Strike Fighters, added from 2020, while the army’s equipment and armored vehicle fleet will be upgraded.
Some 2,500 new military roles will be created to expand the total defense force to 62,400 personnel, with 900 jobs focused on improved cyber, intelligence and space security.
The cash injection would take Australia’s defense spending to 2 percent of GDP by 2020-21, three years earlier than previously outlined, Turnbull said.
The 2016-17 defense budget is A$32.4 billion, with the additional investment boosting the annual funding to A$58.7 billion in 2025-26.
Turnbull said that in the next two decades, there would be increased military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, including “half the world’s submarines and half the world’s combat aircraft.”
At a regular press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China was “dissatisfied” with statements it found “negative” in the white paper about its South China Sea policy.
“In the hopes of relieving tensions and the possibility of an arms race, we hope that relevant countries can give up joint drills and stop increasing their military presence in the region,” she said.
Hua called on Australia to take a correct and positive view of China’s development and strategic intentions and take concrete actions to work with China to maintain regional peace and stability.
China also noted the positive remarks on the Chinese economy and China-Australia cooperation in the white paper, Hua said, stressing that China hoped Australia would match its deeds to its words.
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