Analysts warn a $1 billion fast tracking of defence funding is unlikely to make a major difference to Australia’s military build-up, despite pressure for a significant cash injection to rapidly buy new weapons.

Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed on Monday the government would bring forward $1 billion from the 2028-29 financial year, shared across 2026-27 and 2027-28, as Labor tries to shore up its national security credibility ahead of the election to be held in May. How that money is split will be revealed in the budget.