Navy needs more ships faster to meet China threat: review

The review also backed the government that a program of continuous naval shipbuilding was essential for Australia's sovereign capability and avoiding a so-called 'valley of death' of job losses when projects finish without new ones being ready to replace them. It is understood the government will agree to boost the number of surface combatants the navy now has - currently the eight ANZAC class frigates and three Hobart class Air Warfare Destroyers - while the new warships will have greater capability and be delivered soon. However, with the military undermanned across the services, the biggest challenge remains recruiting the extra…