Australia to Increase Defense Spending by $32 Billion to Address Emerging Threats | Global News

Australia has pledged to increase spending on its military forces by A$50.3 billion over the next decade, with Defence Minister Richard Marles warning the country faces its “most complex strategic circumstances” since World War II.

In a speech to the National Press Club in Canberra, Marles emphasized that Australia no longer has the luxury of a 10-year window of strategic warning time for conflict. This announcement comes as China expands its military footprint in the Asia-Pacific and the US strengthens traditional regional alliances to counter Beijing.

The government in Canberra aims to pivot the nation’s military posture to deterrence, including through drones and missiles, to complement a planned fleet of nuclear-powered submarines under the Aukus agreement. The funding increase will take Australia’s defense spending to 2.4% of gross domestic product by 2033-34, in line with global peers such as France and the UK.

However, concerns remain over whether Australia’s armed forces will be adequately prepared for conflict in an increasingly disputed region. Despite the increased spending, questions linger about addressing gaps in military capabilities, according to Bec Shrimpton, director of Defence Strategy and National Security at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

The government plans to re-prioritize military spending over the next decade and explore recruiting non-citizens to serve in the military. A report released a year ago found that Australia’s military was not “fit for purpose” in the current strategic environment, highlighting the need for strategic readiness and capability development in the face of evolving security challenges.