Australia election 2025 live: Coalition’s $21bn defence spending boost includes new F-35 squadron, as Marles calls policy a ‘pathetic whimper’ | Australia news

Coalition defence boost to include new fighter jet squadron – Hastie

In a recent interview, Shadow Defence Minister Andrew Hastie announced the Coalition’s commitment to increase defence spending by $21 billion, aiming to raise it to 2.5% of GDP over the next five years, eventually reaching 3% within a decade. The funding will support an additional F-35 fighter squadron and enhance recruitment and retention in the defence force, though specific financing details remain unspecified. Deputy PM Richard Marles criticized this policy as a “pathetic whimper,” highlighting the Coalition’s previous unfulfilled spending promises.