Defence treading water as costs soar
A new budget analysis reveals Labor’s claims to have massively increased defence spending are wildly overblown.
Defence
Indonesia a master of strategic ambiguity
Has Russia fallen for the subtle Indonesian art of strategic ambiguity in believing it might be in with a shot to base long-range aircraft in Southwest Papua’s Manuhua Air Force Base?
Coalition to put a rocket under defence spending with ‘significant’ boost
Peter Dutton says a Coalition government would spend more than Labor on defence and provide the money earlier.
Australia viewed as a ‘weak nation’ under Albanese: Dutton
The Opposition Leader has attacked the Prime Minister for his ‘lack of interest’ and inexperience in dealing with matters of national security.
Provocative Russian base request tests Indonesian ties
Any move by Indonesia would trash its cherished reputation as a non-aligned state, alienate close partners Australia and Japan, upset its ASEAN neighbours and open the floodgates to similar arrangements.
Political ‘clowns’ all talk on defence: former commander
Two of Australia’s most respected former military commanders have accused both sides of politics of failing to back their own warnings of urgent military threats with sufficient defence funding.
Russia’s base instinct: Shadow of Putin hangs over election
Indonesia has told the Albanese government that reports Russian aircraft would be allowed to operate from its soil were ‘simply not true’, after Moscow’s apparent bid thrust national security firmly back onto the election campaign.
Defence deficit: Coalition’s military pledge years away
Significant election pledges are threatening a substantial boost to the defence budget, amid warnings it could take a Dutton government until the early 2030s to drive military spending above 2.5 per cent of GDP.
Dutton fears for AUKUS under ALP
Peter Dutton says he holds ‘huge concern’ about the AUKUS pact under Labor, claiming former US president Joe Biden had initially been hesitant to enter the trilateral security agreement.
Ex-soldier ‘can’t recall’ day farmer shot
A senior ADF member has told a court there were few cases where photographs of an enemy killed in action would have been taken ‘in situ’.
Tariffs ‘risk damaging AUKUS with more expensive subs’
With 35 per cent of the aluminium and steel needed for the submarines coming from Canada and the EU, Australia is warned the US could face difficulties bringing them in on time and on budget.
Court draws blank on alleged SAS killing
A military veteran deployed to Afghanistan has been quizzed about his recollection of the day the crown alleges former SAS soldier Oliver Schulz unlawfully killed a local farmer, including whether he saw, or heard of, anyone planting objects on his body.
Hastie’s views on women in combat ‘untenable’
Labor says opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie should be stripped of his portfolio after he refused to walk away from past comments on women in combat roles.
Peak feeble: NZ has just schooled us badly on defence
Who could imagine the day when New Zealand is displaying more sense, seriousness and substance in defence and national security than the Australian government? Well, that day has arrived.
Experts reveal Chinese ‘spy’ ship’s interest in ocean trench off WA
Maritime security experts say the ‘most obvious’ explanation for the Chinese navy’s interest in the Diamantina Trench near WA would be to facilitate its submarine force.
Defence contractor sacked over threat to bomb Burgertory shop
A bomb threat against a pro-Palestinian activist has cost a man working for a defence firm his job.
Dutton is no ‘Bulldog’ on Port of Darwin call
So far, the opposition has been entirely reactive in this campaign. At the last election, they left their one good policy until the last minute, making it entirely ineffective politically. Will they this time do the same on defence?
Marles coy on taking over Wong’s portfolio
Richard Marles has refused to commit to serving a full term as Defence Minister if Labor wins the election amid speculation Penny Wong is planning to retire.
NASA deal a step towards Cape York space port
An agreement between Space Centre Australia and NASA could see satellites launched into space from RAAF transport planes in a key step towards an international space port in Cape York.
Dutton walks back ADF-tariffs link
Peter Dutton has been forced to clarify comments that he would use Australia’s defence relationship with the US to secure a better outcome on tariffs.
Strategic warning on food security
Australia plans to spend up to $360bn on nuclear subs but could struggle to feed itself in an extended conflict, says a landmark report. It wants food security treated as seriously as defence.
Premier moves to reassure US after anti-AUKUS MP’s visit
State and federal opposition MPs slammed state MP Kyle McGinn and Labor for allowing factional politics and union influences to potentially jeopardise the AUKUS program.
Nation ‘could not cope’ with serious supply line crisis
Australia couldn’t cope with major disruption to key supply lines, former defence chiefs have warned in a wake-up call to both major parties.
Labor MP’s secret US mission to warn of subs ‘security risks’
A document distributed through Washington by Kyle McGinn warns that a flagship WA government project ‘fundamentally changes the security environment’ for the AUKUS agreement.
Beijing praises PM, accuses Dutton of ‘beating the drums of war’
Beijing accused Australia of ‘paranoia’ over a Chinese research vessel, as a government-owned masthead suggests the Chinese government’s preferences in the May 3 election.
PM a ‘wet lettuce’ on China: Dutton
The Opposition Leader has accused the Prime Minister of not knowing what is happening off Australia’s shores and failing to stand up for the country at a time that strength is needed.
China spy ship has Labor all at sea
Defence has handed responsibility for the monitoring of a suspected Chinese spy ship to the Australian Border Force despite Anthony Albanese’s claim that the ADF is on the case.
Turnbull’s rebels call for new-look US alliance
The Sovereignty and Security forum in Canberra felt a little like the Defence version of World Series Cricket or LIV Golf – a breakaway policy game occurring in parallel to the real political contest.
Former Defence boss accuses Turnbull of ‘undermining’ AUKUS
Veteran public servant Dennis Richardson, one of the few pro-AUKUS voices at a one-day security forum organised by the former PM, argued AUKUS may ‘fall over’.
RAAF boss ‘at ease’ with Labor plan, risks flak
Air force chief Stephen Chappell endorsed Labor’s management of the Defence portfolio just hours before Anthony Albanese called the election.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/page/4