The Royal Australian Navy, although a significant force in the Asia-Pacific region, is nonetheless classed as a medium-sized navy. Its fleet is based around two main types of surface combatant, with limited global deployment and air power capability. However, in 2009, a white paper, Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030, was produced by the Australian government which set out a programme of defence spending that will see significant improvements to the RAN's fleet and capabilities.

In February 2024, the Australian Government announced a program to acquire eleven general purpose frigates for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). These warships form part of a plan to expand the RAN and will, along with the larger Hunter-class frigates, replace its Anzac-class frigates.