The Australian Government’s 2018-19 Budget has allocated $36.4bn to defence and $160.7bn over the forward estimates system.
The defence budget aims to ensure national and economic security, support its ongoing commitments to operations around the world, as well as create several new job opportunities in the country.
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Funding will also continue to deliver the capability plans set out in the 2016 defence white paper through the $200bn defence integrated investment programme.
Over the next decade, the integrated investment programme will focus on developing a more capable defence force.
To achieve this, the government intends to invest in the acquisition of a fleet of 211 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles that would be deployed to protect troops.
Vehicles will be manufactured and delivered domestically by local workers using Australian steel.
In addition, the government will invest approximately $90bn to support the Royal Australian Navy’s continuous shipbuilding programme.
The government will also support the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) fifth-generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme, as well as the procurement of EA-18G Growlers and P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft.
Over the past year, the government has committed approximately $19.7bn on new capabilities to strengthen the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The government also continues to invest in modernising and expanding the country’s defence estate, which comprises several bases, facilities and other sites throughout the nation, particularly in regional communities.
