Australia Ramps Up Defense Spending, Sees Parallels to WWII Era

Australia will raise defense spending to 3% of gross domestic product by 2033, Defense Minister Richard Marles said, including increased outlays on drones as it responds to rising conflict globally and China’s military buildup.

The new target means the center-left government will spend an additional A$53 billion ($38 billion) over the next decade, with outlays increasing by A$14 billion over the next four years, according to a statement released Thursday.