Yesterday
PM plays down AUKUS review but puffs up defence
The federal government will seek to reassure the US of its commitment to defence spending and has not ruled out bringing some projects forward.
This Month
Here comes Trump’s AUKUS shakedown
The president’s America First agenda means someone has to pay – in this case it could be Australian taxpayers.
Hanwha says it has the green light to buy all of Austal, if it wants
But the ASX-listed shipbuilder said the approval from US foreign investment officials claimed by the Korean conglomerate was “different to that claimed”.
Australian firms cash in on Europe’s security crisis
Europe and the UK are spending billions of dollars to rapidly re-arm because of the Ukraine war and demands from Donald Trump.
Military chief warns of war waged from home shores
The acting head of the Defence Department said he was not surprised the US was calling for Australia to lift defence spending.
‘It’s a matter of sovereignty’: PM not for turning on defence
Anthony Albanese has no intention of being dictated to on defence spending, by the US or anyone else.
Taylor widens divide on defence, as Albanese rebuffs $40b US demand
The Coalition has recommitted to boosting defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP, even as the PM pushes back on the Trump administration’s demands of a big boost.
Despite Trump’s chaos, Hegseth spoke an uncomfortable truth on defence
Australia’s defence spending choices are being distorted by the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.
May
Bradfield candidates separated by votes in single digits
Earlier the count was separated by just one vote; Magda Szubanski diagnosed with “nasty” cancer. How the day unfolded.
Ghost Bat military drone decision looms for minister
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy says this term will be one of delivery for major military projects, rebuffing complaints from industry.
Pilots’ disorientation behind fatal army helicopter crash
Defence investigators said mechanical failure did not cause the crash that prompted a decision to dispose of and scrap Taipan helicopters.
April
Election campaign leaves defence questions unanswered
The real leadership test for both sides of politics this Anzac Day is whether they can match remembrance for our military past with readiness for what’s coming.
Dutton’s $21b boost for defence
The Coalition will set targets to lift defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030, and 3 per cent within a decade.
Dutton plans two-step defence boost as Russia concerns linger
The Coalition is set to unveil its promised defence spending boost this week before Anzac Day, amid questions over Moscow’s bid for an airbase in Indonesia.
Indonesia rules out Russian military base
An audacious attempt by Russia to base long-range military aircraft in Indonesia just 1300 kilometres from Darwin has been rejected by Jakarta.
March
Ghost soldiers: 5000 ADF personnel disappear
Funding for thousands of troops has been wiped out to offset years of failures to meet recruitment targets, just as pressure rises to boost Australia’s defence capability.
Labor’s $1b fast-tracked defence spending falls short of target
Analysts and defence firms have questioned whether $1 billion in funding will make a difference to Australia’s military build-up.
The former MPs cashing in on Australia’s defence spending boom
Former defence ministers have ties to dozens of military companies, lobbying outfits, strategic advisory firms and think tanks.
Labor breaks cover to fast-track $50b defence spending
The government and opposition are trading barbs over who can best deliver an increase in defence spending.
Coalition weighs spending billions more on defence
A Dutton government may boost the military’s funding to 2.5 per cent of GDP, as US president Donald Trump demands allies spend more on defence.