AP the aussies have real concerns in their part of the IO as the expansion of the Royal malaysian and Indonasian forces have many in cannbara sleepless nights and add to that the dragon dropping all pretense of its "peaceful rise" the assuies have been boosting their defenses For example the RAAF Has the following purchases in the pipeline
Up to 100 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II (CTOL variant) — are scheduled to be delivered from 2014. In a first stage not fewer than 72 aircraft will be acquired to equip three operational squadrons. The remaining aircraft will be acquired in conjunction with the withdrawal of the F/A-18F Super Hornets after 2020 to ensure no gap in Australia's overall air combat capability occurs. On 25 November 2009, Australia committed to placing a first order for 14 aircraft at a cost of A$3.2 billion with deliveries to begin in 2014
24 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets of which half will be wired to allow possible later conversion to the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft. The 24 F/A-18F aircraft will help avoid a gap in the Australian Air Force strike capability, between the retirement of the F-111 in 2010 and delivery of the F-35A. The F/A-18F Super Hornets will enter service from the end of 2010.
Eight Maritime patrol aircraft to replace Lockheed AP-3C Orions. Australia is participating in the development of the Boeing P-8 Poseidon to fill this role, but has not committed to purchase the aircraft.
Seven large HALE (high-altitude, long-endurance) UAVs to expand the surveillance of Australia's maritime approaches.
Six Boeing Project Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft, including another single aircraft optioned, entering service in 2011.
Five Airbus KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transports — to replace the dated Boeing 707s in aerial refuelling and strategic transport roles entering service in 2010.
10 light tactical fixed-wing aircraft to replace the DHC-4 Caribou aircraft
A fifth C-17 Globemaster airlifter is being sought instead of the earlier planned purchase of two additional C-130J Super Hercules that were intended to replace retiring C-130Hs.
Replacement aircraft for PC-9 training aircraft under Project AIR 5428, with a decision due between 2012–2015. Contenders include the Pilatus PC-21
the Aussies have also been pushing their Naval capabilites also
Procurement programme of the Royal Australian Navy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia