RESPONING TO THE THREAT: Heavily armed ‘optionally crewed’ ships to enter service under massive reshaping of Australia’s naval fleet. “Under the sweeping overhaul, Australia’s current fleet of combat-ready warships would rise from 11 to 26, consisting of nine ‘Tier 1’ frigates and destroyers and 11 smaller general-purpose frigates, as well as six optionally crewed vessels which will form a ‘Tier 2’ force.”