Australia Rearms

Australia's recent military operations, and changes in the size and composition of its armed forces, leads to the question: what sort of power is Australia? In the last century, Australian forces have fought across the globe – from Gallipoli to Iraq. Australia has also been carrying out a major upgrade in its air and naval forces. And its done all this with a rather small population (currently about 21 million).

Australia is in the midst of upgrading its air force and navy. Two large amphibious ships are going to be built, either to the French Mistral-class design or to a Spanish design. Displacing anywhere from 24,000 to 27,000 tons, they will each be able to carry 1,000 troops and 150 vehicles, including M1 Abrams tanks that Australia is purchasing to replace the Leopard. These amphibious ships could also carry the V/STOL variant of the F-35.

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