Australia's Defence Spending: A High-Stakes Game

0:00Top military experts in Australia are sounding the alarm that the defense force will be seriously under-prepared for rising threats, unless the government ramps up spending big time this week. Defense Minister Richard Marles is set to drop a new 10-year plan in strategy on Thursday, which includes slashing some current programs to shift. Billions toward drones, counter drone tech, and cutting edge gear. The push comes amid pressure from the Trump administration to hit 3.5% of gross domestic product on defense, way above the current, trajectory of 2.33% by 2033. Ministers like Marles and Pat Conroy are fighting in cabinet for more cash, highlighting reforms to bureaucracy and sales of defense properties too. Make it happen. Experts like former defense head Dennis Richardson are blunt, saying the budget can't just grow modestly at $60 billion a year while funding. Caucus nuclear subs without gutting the rest of the military.

1:00Retired major general Mick Ryan agrees, warning that sticking to the plan means the army and air force get sideline to mid-threats from China and a less reliable U.S. The government has already boosted spending by $10 billion more than expected over the past 4 years and just announced 2-5 billion. More over 10 years for uncrewed systems like drones. They're framing tough cuts and delays as key to delivering capabilities fast against modern warfare shifts seen in places like Ukraine. With regional tensions heating up and calls growing louder for at least 3% of GDP, all eyes are on Marles' reveal to see if Australia steps. Up or risks falling behind in this high stakes game. Local news powered by AI. This is Sydney News Today, I'm Cory with the story.