Australia unveils ‘historic’ defense boost to 2.4% of GDP in decade, but critics say too little, too late

Australia unveils ‘historic’ defense boost to 2.4% of GDP in decade, but critics say too little, too late
Australia unveils ‘historic’ defense boost to 2.4% of GDP in decade, but critics say too little, too late

Part of the shakeup includes tens of billions for nuclear-powered subs, and halting the pricey procurement of an additional F-35 fighter jet squadron.

EXCLUSIVE: Australia’s shadow defense minister against Japan, New Zealand joining AUKUS

EXCLUSIVE: Australia’s shadow defense minister against Japan, New Zealand joining AUKUS
EXCLUSIVE: Australia’s shadow defense minister against Japan, New Zealand joining AUKUS

In an interview with Breaking Defense, Andrew Hastie discussed keeping AUKUS a three-party arrangement, the housing issue it could create and the need for a new joint defense committee.

‘Really concerned’: Former Aussie Army chief wades into battle over defense spending

‘Really concerned’: Former Aussie Army chief wades into battle over defense spending
‘Really concerned’: Former Aussie Army chief wades into battle over defense spending

The retired lieutenant general, Peter Leahy, said he doesn’t see “much of a future for defense industry here in Australia, so we’ve got to pick up our game. I don’t think we can be taken seriously in the halls of Washington.”

Despite AUKUS pledges, Aussie defense spending drops $1.5B, report says

Despite AUKUS pledges, Aussie defense spending drops $1.5B, report says
Despite AUKUS pledges, Aussie defense spending drops $1.5B, report says

A new report from a leading Australian thinktank says there’s a “disconnect” between Australia’s strategic priorities and the money to fund capabilities to tackle them.

China knocks AUKUS deal as destabilizing, while Albanese pledges defense boost for subs

China knocks AUKUS deal as destabilizing, while Albanese pledges defense boost for subs
China knocks AUKUS deal as destabilizing, while Albanese pledges defense boost for subs

“Well, there’s one country in the region that’s undergone the biggest peacetime militarization since the Second World War and that’s the People’s Republic of China,” said Australian Shadow Defense Minister Andrew Hastie. “So they can make comments like they have, but it’s kind of ironic given what they’re doing with their military.”