[tcrlaf]

Australia has 12 active surface combat warships, all frigates. They have deployed 1/4 of their entire fleet to match the Russians.

I’m sure Vlad is just terrified. (not)

[AppyPappy]

Yes but Russian is probably unable to muster up 12 ships in that region. That’s why they are sending such a small flotilla (plus a tug to get them home).

[albertabound]

you birds always think the size of your weapon dictates the action..Aussies have guts and will stand up for their National autonomy whomever the adversary...

[naturalman1975]

Believe me, I know the strength of the RAN, and I have no illusions about our ability to resist a concerted Russian attack in the (incredibly unlikely in the short term) event it happened. We'd be defeated, and all we could do is cause as much damage as possible before that happened.

So Putin isn't scared of us on military grounds.

But on diplomatic grounds, things are a little different. At the moment, Tony Abbott is one of the few national leaders willing to confront Putin to any extent even in the diplomatic field - because there are serious indications that the Russians were involved in killing 38 Australia. And the Russians don't like that.

The Russians like the world to think that "We're good guys now, Da!" They don't like that image being challenged and questioned, even when they act like thugs.

[ansel12]

The U.S, is a military ally of Australia, Australia is safe from this blustering Russia.