Australia unveils increased defense spending, upgrade plans over next 10 years

The Hunter-class frigates which will be armed with the LRASM. Photo c/o Australia DOD.

The Australian Government has released a new white paper called the Defence Strategic Update 2020 on 1 July 2020, which unveils plans to increase defense spending over the next 10 years.

The plan involved spending A$270 billion (US$187 billion) until 2030, aims for an aggressive defense strategy in anticipation of “a poorer, more dangerous, and more disorderly world” and countering China’s increasing rise and presence in the Western Pacific.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison believes that Australia is facing a security threat not seen since World War II, as the risk of miscalculation and conflict has become heightened. 

Among those being proposed for improving the Australian Defence Force (ADF) are on cyber and information warfare and security, long range strike capabilities, and high-tech underwater surveillance capabilities.

Defense budget is also expected to rise to an average of 2% of Gross Domestic Product by 2020-2021.

Among the first in line to improve long range striking capabilities is the purchase of 200 AGM-158C Long Rang Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) worth A$800 million (US$553 million), which has a maximum range of more than 370 kilometers.

Other programs planned are research and development of a new hypersonic long range weapons, deployment of a comprehensive underwater surveillance system to counter submarine threats, and plans to acquire unmanned submarines.


[1] ABC News
[2] Jane’s
[3] BBC