PoliticsFederalFederal electionPrint articleExclusiveDutton plans two-step defence boost as Russia concerns lingerAndrew TillettForeign affairs, defence correspondentUpdated Apr 20, 2025 – 3.12pm, first published at 2.56pmSaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginFollow our live coverage of the 2025 federal election.The Coalition will opt for a two-stage approach to increasing defence spending, setting a target above Labor’s trajectory over the forward estimates and a higher goal of reaching at least 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product in the early 2030s.Loading...Andrew Tillett writes on politics, foreign affairs, defence and security from the Canberra press gallery. Connect with Andrew on Facebook and Twitter. Email Andrew at andrew.tillett@afr.comSaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleIntroducing your NewsfeedFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreFederal electionPeter DuttonMurray WattDefenceDefence spendingLiberal PartyALPLatest In FederalFetching latest articlesMost Viewed In PoliticsThe Australian Financial Review MagazineAFR Magazine celebrates The Art of MovementLauren Sams‘We don’t want to die wondering’: Jo Horgan on Mecca’s biggest bet yetThis Brisbane restaurant deserves a Michelin starBOSS Financial ReviewWhy Grant Hackett enjoys being a CEO more than winning Olympic goldSally Patten and Lap PhanThis CEO thought he was healthy. Then he went for a checkHow the Macquarie CEO played a role in setting me up to lead MagellanLife & LeisureRum aged on a ship plus other distilled oddities for your drinks cabinetMax AllenThis electric Benz is better than any petrol-powered off-roaderWashington DC’s antidote to the Trump slumpRich ListWhy cashing out won’t be easy for Australia’s gambling billionairesPrimrose RiordanSpotlight’s new Anaconda will teach shoppers to fishPortelli hits fast lane on mooted LMCT+ sale, MacCap takes the wheel