Australia is reconsidering several costly defence purchases, as it reveals it has A$23bn of ‘risky’ defence projects underway.

Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon, whose government came to power in November 2007, may dump several projects, including a A$6.5bn purchase of Super Hornet fighter planes, a A$1.5bn fleet of naval Seasprite helicopters and a A$1.4bn upgrade of guided missile frigates, Reuters reports.

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“This is a list of projects that are under real risk, real risk in terms of capability and real risk for the Australian taxpayer,” Fitzgibbon says.

He has ordered a review of Australia’s military needs, as it embarks on a A$61bn military upgrade.

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