News
Australian Navy enhances surface combat fleet
The Albanese Government has unveiled plans for a significantly larger and more potent surface combatant fleet for the Royal Australian Navy.
This ambitious blueprint, surpassing the previous government’s proposals, aims to more than double the size of the surface combatant fleet, in response to the findings of an independent analysis commissioned following the Defence Strategic Review.
Highlighting the imperative of adapting to evolving strategic circumstances, the government emphasised the need for a robust surface combatant fleet to safeguard crucial sea lines of communication and maritime trade routes.
This proposed fleet, the largest since World War II, underscores a pivotal shift in Australia’s maritime defense strategy.
Australia to prioritise long-range strike capability in defence …
Immediate action
The independent analysis underscored the pressing need for immediate action to address the aging surface combatant fleet, stressing enhancements in air defense, long-range strike capabilities, and anti-submarine warfare.
In accordance with these recommendations, the future fleet is slated to comprise:
– 26 major surface combatants, including upgraded Hobart class air warfare destroyers, Hunter class frigates geared towards undersea warfare and strike capabilities, and new general purpose frigates equipped for maritime and land strike, air defense, and escort roles.
– Additionally, the fleet will feature six new Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels to significantly bolster long-range strike capabilities.
– To complement these major vessels, the fleet will also include 25 minor war vessels, including six Offshore Patrol Vessels, contributing to civil maritime security operations.
Significantly, the Hunter class frigates will be constructed in South Australia, with subsequent upgrades planned for the Hobart class destroyers.
“There will inevitably be a lot of scepticism about follow-through, unless funding and timescales are made explicit”, @graham_euan tells the @FinancialReview ahead of the release of Australia’s surface fleet review.
Read the full article ⬇️https://t.co/P2rAqwdTBY
— ASPI (@ASPI_org) February 18, 2024
The accelerated rollout of new general-purpose frigates will obviate the need for Transition Capability Assurance upgrades, ensuring a more streamlined and efficient modernization process.
The consolidation of naval infrastructure at the Henderson precinct, as recommended by the Defence Strategic Review, is currently underway.
Successful completion of this consolidation will not only facilitate the construction of eight new general-purpose frigates but also pave the way for the manufacture of six new Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels in Western Australia.
News
Boeing 787 crashes in India, 242 on board
Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashes in India en route to London, injuring passengers amidst safety and production challenges for Boeing.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashes in India en route to London, injuring passengers amidst safety and production challenges for Boeing.
An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, while flying to London, injuring many passengers. This incident poses significant issues for Boeing, which is already dealing with safety concerns, and has prompted condolences from both Indian and U.K. leaders.
A Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operated by Air India, crashed in Ahmedabad, India, on June 12, 2025, while en route to London’s Gatwick Airport.
The aircraft departed at 1:38 p.m. local time with 230 passengers, including 169 Indians, 53 British, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals.
Air India confirmed that injured passengers are being taken to nearby hospitals.
The 787 Dreamliner had operated for 14 years without a fatal incident before this crash.
Boeing response
Boeing expressed awareness of the situation and is gathering more information, although shares dropped drastically following the news.
This incident presents a significant challenge for Boeing, which has faced safety and production issues recently.
Local media reported smoke emanating from the crash site, and emergency responders were seen transporting individuals on stretchers.
The plane lost location data at 625 feet altitude and descending at 475 feet per minute before the crash.
The incident occurred in a residential area, prompting condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who stated his government will assist local authorities.
Air India, recently acquired by Tata Sons, has been navigating difficulties as the former state-run carrier.
The jet crash is part of a troubling year for aviation, following other serious incidents, including a 2018-2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash that resulted in over 300 fatalities.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed concern for affected families as the situation unfolds.
News
Pentagon reviews AUKUS deal to align with Trump’s agenda
Pentagon reassesses AUKUS deal to align with Trump’s America First policy amid concerns over alliance readiness and U.S. delivery capacity.
News
Markets react as inflation cools and the Fed watches on
New US-China trade pact raises questions; cooler inflation hints at possible Fed rate cuts, while markets react to rising crude oil and a strong ASX outlook.
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