Photo: One expert says Australia needs more than double the 72-strong Joint Strike Fighter aircraft fleet. (Australian Air Force)
ABC News Online: Australia warned to double fighter aircraft and submarine orders to counter China's dominance
One of Australia's leading defence analysts has warned the nation must dramatically increase military spending — including doubling orders for submarines and fighter aircraft — because the United States is no longer a reliable ally.
Former Defence Department official and intelligence analyst Professor Hugh White said he believes China's inevitable rise as this region's dominant power means Australia must urgently rethink its military posture.
"I think [a] really fundamental shift in Australia's strategic situation is taking place," Professor White told the ABC.
"For the first time really since European settlement of this continent we can no longer assume that we'll have a great and powerful friend [Britain first, then America] as the dominant power in Asia, as the strongest military power in Asia."
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WNU Editor: Everyone in Asia is increasing their defense budgets. Australia is becoming no different than everyone else.
