Episode Details

Australia's military is being prepared for war according to Major General Ash Collingburn, as the nation faces an unprecedented global threat environment. The country ranks 15th in military spending globally but significantly lower in personnel (71st), naval vessels (57th), aircraft (31st) and artillery pieces (82nd), with experts questioning whether Australia can independently sustain military operations. Defence experts warn of over-reliance on the United States and foreign-made equipment, prompting a new federal government strategy to support Australian-made defence manufacturing, though locally-built assets like the Hunter-class frigate cost four times more than overseas equivalents.

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