The Albanese government will bring forward some of its $50 billion increase in defence spending in next week’s budget in a bid to avoid being outflanked by the Coalition over support for the military as Australia heads towards a khaki-tinged election.

Defence industry sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there had been indications from the government that it planned to accelerate spending, amid calls from the Trump administration and national security experts to boost resources in response to a deteriorating strategic outlook.