The strategy builds on the 2024 framework, which identified the most challenging conditions since the Second World War. It continues to centre on the concept of National Defence and the Strategy of Denial as the basis for planning.
The 2026 Integrated Investment Program allocates $425 billion over the next decade to accelerate capability development across the Australian Defence Force. This includes an additional $14 billion over four years and $53 billion over ten years to respond to growing strategic risks.
Defence spending is projected to rise to 3 per cent of gross domestic product by 2033 under the NATO approach. The increase is accompanied by structural reforms, including the establishment of the Defence Delivery Agency and measures to improve investment efficiency and delivery speed.
The strategy places emphasis on increasing self-reliance and strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence industrial base. It also highlights the importance of building stronger international industrial partnerships and enhancing national resilience.
The investment programme prioritises undersea warfare capabilities, including a sovereign fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. It also accelerates development of maritime strike systems, long-range strike capabilities and integrated air and missile defence.
Additional focus areas include expanding autonomous and uncrewed systems across land, air and maritime domains. The programme also includes investments in counter-uncrewed systems and resilient multi-orbit satellite communications.
The government said the investments are intended to support both national security and economic growth. The programme is expected to sustain and create tens of thousands of skilled jobs across Australia and its supply chains.
The strategy also emphasises the importance of preparedness for regional or global disruptions. It includes measures to improve civil resilience and strengthen coordination with regional partners.
Investment in personnel remains a central element of the plan. Recruitment, retention, training and skills development are identified as critical to delivering the objectives of National Defence.
The government stated that the role of the Australian Defence Force and its supporting workforce remains essential to protecting national interests. It also acknowledged the contribution of service members and their families in supporting the country’s security mission
Source: Government of Australia.
