Australia will fast-track A$1 billion in defense spending as part of its federal budget, Defense Minister Richard Marles announced on Monday. This move is part of a broader A$10.6 billion increase over four years to strengthen the country’s military capabilities. Key priorities include development of the AUKUS submarine base, expansion of the frigate program, and domestic missile manufacturing. Marles described the investment as the largest defense boost since World War II. Australia also received its first two High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) from Lockheed Martin and plans to begin producing GMLRS later this year.
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