Australia will increase its defense spending to 3% of its GDP by 2033, up from about 2% currently, the government announced on Thursday. This announcement comes as President Donald Trump pressures US allies to increase their military spending.
“The international norms that once limited the use of force and military coercion continue to erode,” Defense Minister Richard Marles wrote in a speech scheduled for Thursday, excerpts of which were seen by AFP. “Today, the number of countries involved in conflicts is higher than at any other time since the end of World War II, and this phenomenon affects all regions of the world,” he added.
Australia’s initial goal for defense spending was 2.3% of GDP by 2024, but Thursday’s announcement represents additional military spending of 53 billion Australian dollars (32.2 billion euros), according to defense officials. To reach the 3% target, Australia has adjusted its defense budget calculation to align with NATO’s definition, which includes elements such as military pensions.
Concerned about the strengthening of the Chinese navy, Australia has been modernizing its defense in recent years to deter a potential adversary from the north. In 2021, Australia entered into the Aukus defense partnership with the US and UK, aiming to equip itself with nuclear-powered submarines over the next decade.
