Military budget review may cut defence projects
Australia's Defence Department has started a budget review. It could cut spending on Hunter-class frigates, fighting vehicles, and other major military projects.
Australia's Defence Department has started a budget review to find savings. AUKUS takes up much of the military budget.
Everything is being examined, including Hunter-class frigates, infantry fighting vehicles, and early retirement of Navy's Landing Helicopter Docks. The government wants a budget surplus by 2027.
It also wants to fund expensive defence projects. Secretary Meghan Quinn is reviewing what is called over-programming.
This means commitments that cost more than available funding. Defence Minister Richard Marles said the government inherited a defence budget with $42 billion in unused spending.
The department is paying $140 million a year for top military officers. That number is now in decline.
- $42 billion
- Inherited over-programming
- $140 million
- Annual military officer costs
- Meghan Quinn
- Defence Secretary
- Richard Marles
- Defence Minister
Why it mattersDefence projects affect Australia's military capability and jobs, including jobs for manufacturers and suppliers. Cuts could delay or cancel weapons systems and ships that keep the nation defended.
AustraliaAustralian defence manufacturers and workers face potential project delays or cancellations as the government seeks budget savings while maintaining military capability.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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