sydney australian prime minister malcolm turnbull say tuesday nine war ship set construction 2020 fit long-range anti-missile defense systems counter threat rogue nations australia propose frigates use aegis combat systems produce lockheed martin conjunction saab australia technology turnbull say tensions region spike considerably recent months north korea conduct series test medium- long-range ballistic missiles fly japan well sixth nuclear test sept. 3. pyongyang ultimately want target u.s. mainland nuclear-tipped ballistic missile say missiles could strike australia recent events region prove australia future frigates must equip defend australia threat medium- long-range missile attack turnbull say speech sydney work frigates set begin 2020 bae systems navantia fincantieri compete 35 billion 27.39 billion contract turnbull say decision award missile defense system contract allow three bidders enough time incorporate aegis technology bid australia expect announce winner frigate contract early 2018. decision fit frigates also cornerstone australia plan counter expect rise submarine activity region suggest canberra use ship dual capacity missile defense protect australia forward base force coalition scenario say euan graham director national security program lowy institute australian think-tank counter submarine require vessels move freely region contrast static vessels use detect missiles decision use aegis ballistic missile defense systems bring australia line u.s. japanese korean vessels allow international cooperation vice admiral tim barrett australia navy chief tell reporters sydney choice aegis system allow australia plug u.s. alliance able share data vessels potentially aircraft say graham frigates next major component australia plan increase defense spend 30 billion worth 195 billion percent gdp 2021-2022 canberra seek protect strategic trade interest asia-pacific australia select french naval contractor dcns last year build fleet 12 submarine ahead offer japan germany one world lucrative defense contract australia fit warships anti-missile defense systems