Defence spending
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- Russia-Ukraine war
Stalled Ukraine security pact could leave Australia ‘fighting with one hand behind its back’
Australia’s ability to tap Ukraine’s expertise in drones and other advanced technologies is being hampered by delays in striking a security pact.
- Matthew Knott
Latest
One Nation defence plan could blow out budget by $400b and require conscription
One Nation’s polling surge, which has pushed it above Labor and the Coalition, has focused attention on the right-wing populist party’s policy platform.
- Matthew Knott
Scott Morrison backs new AUKUS plan, urges Australia not to ‘surrender’ to doubt
The Defence Department boss, navy chief and senior ministers said it was always Australia’s preference to acquire second-hand submarines from the US.
- Matthew Knott
Defence boss says Australia always wanted only second-hand US submarines
Former cabinet minister Ed Husic said there was a “general disquiet” within the Labor movement about AUKUS as he called for a rethink of the pact.
- Matthew Knott
Hegseth praises Australia for ‘stepping up’ as he shifts tone on China
While the US defence secretary struck a more conciliatory tone on China, Defence Minister Richard Marles said the seabed was “becoming a battlefield”.
- Lisa Visentin
Saved by the bell: How the King charmed Trump and elevated Australia
Charles’ secret weapon was a one-off gift delivered during an important week for Australia’s relationship with the Trump administration, involving what might be best described as a mixed bag of developments.
- Michael Koziol
Hegseth notes Australia’s defence spending hike, says there’s more to do
The Pentagon welcomed Canberra’s plans to lift defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP by 2033 but was not prepared to name Australia as a “model ally” alongside South Korea.
- Michael Koziol
Coalition calls for government to consider fleet of ‘long-range bombers’
Opposition defence spokesman James Paterson also said he was an AUKUS “true believer” but that the submarine plan carried “enormous risks”.
- Matthew Knott and Brittany Busch
- Analysis
- Defence
Forget Trump. On AUKUS, it’s the next president we must worry about
Anyone reading the news and trying to assess the state of the AUKUS pact would be understandably confused.
- Matthew Knott
‘Star Wars in Australia’: This anti-drone laser system can hit targets the size of a 10-cent piece
The Australian-made laser system is being put on a fast track for use by the defence force as part of a $7 billion spend on drone-killing technology.
- Matthew Knott