Australia pushes back on U.S. request to raise defence budget, saying strategic needs must come first.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that his government will prioritize determining the country’s defence needs before adjusting defence spending, after U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Australia to boost its military budget to 3.5% of GDP. Albanese noted that Australia has already committed to increasing defence spending, with A$10 billion accelerated over the next four years and a longer-term goal of reaching 2.3% of GDP by 2033.
He emphasized that defence decisions should be sovereign and need-based, especially ahead of a likely meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Australia is currently investing heavily in defence, including a A$368 billion commitment to the AUKUS submarine program, while also enhancing its missile capabilities.
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