Australia unveils massive increase in defense spending

Good move Australia

The increase in Submarines is from the current 6 Collins class to 12 of a new as yet unstated class. It is not 24 submarines as stated in your article.

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”.

If this is the "most challenging strategic environment" they have ever faced in peacetime then either Australia is very laid back or they are in serious trouble. I can understand the ships to patrol Australia's sea interests, but the build up for war rhetoric should stop and benefits nobody and is pure foolishness much like an island like Japan.

badsey3 - I can understand the ships to patrol Australia's sea interests, but the build up for war rhetoric should stop and benefits nobody and is pure foolishness much like an island like Japan.

It seems that the military build up, along with the angry rhetoric, coming from China and North Korea is making other nations nervous.

Reply to Badsey3:-

Australia is hardly engaging in "war rhetoric" as you put it, when they state the obvious. Consider a comment from a Chinese official, on the recent freedom of navigation flight conducted by the RAAF in the South China Sea, over international waters and in international airspace. The comment was " it would be a shame if an Australian plane should fall from the sky". Not helpful for China or anyone else. But certainly can be considered more as "war rhetoric" Than The Australian comment on flash points in the South China Sea and on the Korean Peninsula.

Australia's modernization of its fleet and other elements is hardly a buildup for War. With a Defense force of only 60 thousand they would be hard pressed to beat up New Zealand. While Australia has always managed to "punch above its weight", It is nice to know that anyone who picks on Australia would get a very bloody nose thanks to modern equipment and a determined attitude. We dont start wars but we do help others finish them when called upon to do so.