Australia is set to accelerate A$1 billion in defence expenditure in Tuesday’s federal budget, as part of a broader effort to enhance its military capabilities, Defence Minister Richard Marles announced on Monday.
Marles outlined that the federal budget would include an increase of A$10.6 billion (US$6.66 billion) for defence over the next four years—a key component of a previously announced A$50 billion boost over a decade. He described this package as the most significant surge in defence spending since the end of World War II.
Speaking at the Avalon Air Show in Victoria, Marles emphasized that the accelerated spending would enable Australia to fast-track critical projects, including the development of guided weapons manufacturing capabilities, the establishment of an AUKUS submarine base at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, and the procurement of a new frigate into the service fleet within the decade.
“This additional A$1 billion is necessary to accelerate our capability and development,” Marles said, highlighting that the funds will facilitate readying HMAS Stirling and launching the Henderson Defence Precinct as the base for the Submarine Rotational Force West. He also noted that the move will help advance the Guided Weapons and Explosives Enterprise at a faster pace.
Under the AUKUS pact, up to four U.S.-commanded and one British-commanded nuclear-powered submarines are expected to rotate through Australia’s largest naval base from 2027. The early injection of funds will also support the broader strategy of enhancing long-range strike capabilities.
In related developments, Australia has already received the first two of 42 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) launcher vehicles ordered from Lockheed Martin. Brigadier Nick Wilson explained that the mobile, truck-mounted system—used in the war in Ukraine—will significantly enhance the nation's ability to deploy coastal operations, as it can be easily transported by ship or via C-17 and C-130 aircraft.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy added that the Precision Strike Missile, with a 500-kilometre range, is slated for delivery this year to integrate with the HIMARS, further bolstering Australia’s regional strike capabilities.
The move comes amid ongoing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump and other security allies for Australia to increase its defence spending, reflecting heightened regional security challenges and the need for a modernised military infrastructure.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met in Baghdad on Tuesday with Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), to review sec...
U.S. forces carried out a precision strike on a suspected transnational drug vessel in the southern Caribbean, killing all 11 people aboard, President...
Moscow maintains that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine should continue, but stresses that progress is only possible if what it calls the “new...
Israel’s Defence Ministry announced late Tuesday that it had successfully launched the “Ofek-19” satellite into orbit at 10:30 p.m. using a “S...
The New York Stock Exchange opened sharply lower on 2 September as investors weighed the legality of Donald Trump’s tariffs – a federal appeals co...
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday that migration has brought “a great deal of benefit” to the country, amid nationwide anti-immigration rallies over the weekend.
A man was arrested after allegedly driving a car onto the grounds of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Woollahra, eastern Sydney.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 26th of August, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Australia said on Tuesday (August 26) it would expel Iran's ambassador to Canberra, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Tehran of executing two antisemitic attacks in the key cities of Sydney and Melbourne.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
The price of gold surged sharply on Wednesday, reaching a new record of $3,530.08 per ounce. Analysts say the rise is driven by expectations of a U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cut in September and concerns over the central bank’s independence.
The New York Stock Exchange opened sharply lower on 2 September as investors weighed the legality of Donald Trump’s tariffs – a federal appeals court has ruled most of them illegal.
Eurozone annual inflation reached 2.1% in August, up from 2% in July, Eurostat announced on Wednesday.
Kraft Heinz is breaking up into two separate companies a decade after its high-profile merger, aiming to unlock greater shareholder value.
Tesla’s European sales have plunged for an eighth straight month, with sharp declines in France, Denmark and Sweden highlighting growing competition, consumer backlash against Elon Musk, and the company’s ageing product line.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment