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Army’s land-based strike capabilities are expected to receive an additional $3.9 billion to $4.9 billion in funding, with an additional $5.2 billion to $7.2 billion for land command systems, under the government’s $50 billion boost for the Australian Defence Force.
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Defence has confirmed that Army littoral, strike and aviation capabilities are expected to receive a funding windfall following the release of the Integrated Investment Program (IIP).
Additional Army investments detailed in the IIP include between $3.9 billion to $4.9 billion for land-based strike capabilities, between $5.2 billion to $7.2 billion for land command systems as well as over $9 billion earmarked for estate and infrastructure, Defence revealed.
The increased funding for land-based strike includes the accelerated acquisition of 42 HIMARS systems, originally announced in August 2023.
Breaking down future ADF expenditure, the IIP revealed that Australia’s 18 medium and eight heavy landing craft have been costed between $7 billion to $10 billion. Supporting infrastructure is expected to come to $5 billion to $7 billion.
Meanwhile, up to $10 billion has been allocated to fund Australian Army aviation, including Army’s 40 UH-60M Black Hawks, 29 AH-64E Apaches and 14 CH-47F Chinooks.
Up to $2.1 billion has been allocated for Australia’s special operations capabilities, across reconnaissance, targeting, strike, technical operations and enhanced engagement.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Industry explained that the budget increase was necessary to enable the Australian Defence Force to support Australian power projection.
“The Albanese government is delivering on its commitment to fund the Australian Defence Force and set out an affordable, achievable, and sustainable plan for the future,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles detailed.
“To deliver impactful projection, we are making an historic investment in Defence funding – including $330 billion for the Integrated Investment Program over the decade, a significant lift from previous planning.
“At a time of complex challenges and increasing uncertainty, a stronger, integrated, focused and capable Defence Force is of the upmost importance.”
The increase in defence expenditure has been fully funded, Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy assured Australians.
“The Integrated Investment Plan deliberately reshapes the ADF’s acquisition program to ensure it has the critical capabilities needed for the next decade and beyond,” Minister Conroy outlined.
“This is a record investment in defence capability and an investment in a future made in Australia, which will not only make the country safer, but also deliver dividends for industry and jobs for hard-working Australians.
“This fully funded plan ensures a continuous pipeline of investment that underscores the Albanese government’s unwavering commitment to developing Australia’s sovereign defence industry.”
