While promoted by the government as a major investment—and on target to meet US expectations—in real terms, Australia’s defence budget is barely sufficient.
Guided weapons manufacturing, an AUKUS submarine base, and a frigate program are among the initiatives set to be announced by Richard Marles during the budget.
2 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) launcher vehicles arrive in Australia as the government orders $200 million missiles for AUKUS submarines.
Joe Courtney, former Chair and now ranking member of an influential Congressional subcommittee, says bipartisan support for AUKUS is ‘quite extraordinary.’