Source: www.spacewar.com --- Friday, February 26, 2016
Sydney (AFP) Feb 25, 2016 - Australia unveiled a massive new investment in the nation's defence capabilities on Thursday to address what Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called "high stakes" and "momentous times" in Asia. Citing increased defence 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 Defence White Paper in Canberra. "A stronger Australia supports a safer Australia, a safer region and a safer world." The government said it would spend Aus$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 defence 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 armoured vehicle fleet will be upgraded. Some 2,500 new military roles will be created to expand the total defence force to 62,400 personnel, with 900 jobs focused on improved cyber, intelligence and space secu ...
from Australia http://ift.tt/1KRdNUi
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