Australia Bets $68 Billion Navy Spend on Global Export Industry

  • Frigate building contract winner to be declared next year
  • Minister Pyne sees naval exports ‘worth billions of dollars’

The Royal Australian Navy landing helicopter dock ship HMAS Canberra moored at Sydney's Garden Island naval base.

Photographer: William West/AFP via Getty Images
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Australia wants more from its $68 billion investment in new ships and submarines than just a more capable navy.

With final bids due this month on a A$35 billion ($27 billion) contract for nine anti-submarine frigates, Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said Australia is seeking a bigger role in naval shipbuilding.