Australia Ramps Up Peacetime Defense

The new National Defense Strategy includes an additional $38 billion in spending over the next decade, with a heavy focus on long-range missiles and autonomous drone technology.

Marles warned that Australia stands 'at the foothills of a new nuclear arms race' in the Indo-Pacific region.

The plan also emphasizes the indispensable nature of the U.S. alliance while seeking to build a more self-reliant force.

Critics have argued the strategy ignores the potential volatility of a second Trump presidency and fails to address immediate fuel security concerns.