Australia increases defense budget.

The Australian government will increase military spending by AUD 53 billion (approximately USD 10 billion) over the next 10 years, aiming for a defense budget of 3% of GDP by 2033.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles. (Photo: news.com.au)

According to Xinhua News Agency, speaking on April 16th when announcing the 2026 National Defence Strategy (NDS), Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said this represents Australia's "largest peacetime increase in defence spending." The new NDS also includes an additional A$14 billion in defence budget allocations from now until 2030.

According to the NDS 2026, the majority of the new funding will be allocated to strengthening capabilities to respond to emerging threats, such as low-cost airborne and maritime drones, cyber threats, hypersonic missiles, and ballistic missiles.

The additional investment also aims to enhance the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) self-reliance in the event of conflict, while improving its resilience and preparedness, ensuring the force remains ready to address future security threats.

The NDS 2026 assesses that Australia is facing “the most complex and challenging strategic environment since World War II,” as international norms that once limited the use of force erode, traditional alliances show signs of fragility, while the rapid development of asymmetric warfare makes risk prediction and mitigation increasingly difficult.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/australia-tang-ngan-sach-quoc-phong-post956221.html