Australia plans big boost to defence budget

Australia will increase defence spending by nearly A$30 billion ($21.6 billion) over the next 10 years, amid concerns over increasing military expansion in the Asia-Pacific region

Submarines: Construction of 12 “regionally superior” vessels from 2018-2057, at cost of more than A$50bn – Australia’s largest ever defence procurement

Ten-year division of investment to FY 2025-26

Land combat and amphibious warfare 18%

Key enablers (including infrastructure, technology, logistics and health services) 25%

Maritime and anti-submarine warfare 25%

ISR*, electronic warfare, space and cyber security* 9%

Air and sea lift 6%

Strike and air combat 17%

Surface ships: Three Hobart-class destroyers already scheduled to enter service in early 2020s.Navy also planning to build nine new anti-submarine warfare frigates and 12 patrol vessels

Total spend 2% of GDP by 2021

Personnel: Increase of around 2,500 to total of 62,400

Land forces: Purchase of armed surveillance drones, new armoured vehicles for troop transport,long-range rocket system and light helicopters for special forces operations

Air force: Two fleets of drones, plus existing plans to buy 72 F-35 stealth jets and 12 Growler electronic warfare aircraft. More aerial refuelling planes

Airlift capability: Increased to includeeight C-17 Globemaster heavy-lifters,12 upgraded Hercules transport planesand 10 Chinook helicopters

Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance 

Sources: Australian Government, wire agencies

Pictures: AP, Kockums AB*