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.
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to counter the "damaging" notion that democratic systems are failing, especially during a time of widespread global instability.
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China has rejected accusations made by the defense chiefs of the US, Japan, Australia and the Philippines, who last week raised concerns over Beijing’s actions in the East and South China Seas.
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Following U.S. military strikes on Iran, at least two supertankers reversed course near the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting heightened fears of disruption in one of the world’s most vital oil shipping lanes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday told Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in talks in Moscow that aggression against Iran was groundless.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has advised American citizens to shelter in place amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, as part of a broader global security alert issued by Washington.
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a state visit to Mongolia on 24-25 June at the invitation of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
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Japan’s core inflation rose to a more than two-year high in May, exceeding the central bank’s 2% target for over three years and increasing pressure on the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to resume rate hikes.
Two Nigerian communities will take Shell to trial in the UK in 2027 after winning a court ruling over Niger Delta oil pollution.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned that the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Iran, and Israel could dismantle the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, calling for an urgent return to diplomacy and inspections.
Following U.S. military strikes on Iran, at least two supertankers reversed course near the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting heightened fears of disruption in one of the world’s most vital oil shipping lanes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday told Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in talks in Moscow that aggression against Iran was groundless.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has advised American citizens to shelter in place amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, as part of a broader global security alert issued by Washington.
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a state visit to Mongolia on 24-25 June at the invitation of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation.
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