Media releases

Enhanced Defence and Security Cooperation with Japan

Australia and Japan have agreed next steps to enhance defence and security cooperation, in order to support our shared ambition for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae of Japan met in Canberra today and issued…

Australia takes leap forward in self-reliance with launch of rocket motor manufacturing

The Albanese Government is strengthening the nation’s sovereign defence industrial base, resilience and self-reliance by investing an initial $126.9 million to establish solid rocket motor production in Australia. Solid rocket motors provide the propulsion required for most guided weapons, and are…

New Secretary of Defence

I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement today that Meghan Quinn will become the next Secretary of the Department of Defence.  Having served as Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources since 2022, Ms Quinn brings with her a wide range of experience across the public…

Albanese Government strengthens Army's long-range strike capability

In a major enhancement to the Australian Army’s long-range strike capability, the Albanese Government has selected the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), investing $2.3 billion over the decade and delivering a second long‑range fires regiment at…

Securing advanced manufacturing in Bendigo with new Bushmasters

The Albanese Government is investing $750 million to deliver a pipeline of Bushmasters for the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) fleet of protected mobility vehicles in regional Victoria, supporting around 300 local jobs for the next seven years.  Thales Australia will build 268 new Bushmasters…

Honouring generations of service and sacrifice on Anzac Day

On 25 April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers huddled together silently in their row boats as they approached the beaches and hills of Gallipoli. Although they were young and afraid, they prepared to battle with an unseen enemy to protect the rest of us. Their courage and sacrifice will…

Albanese Government to invest up to $7 billion in counter drone defence

The Albanese Government will more than double investment in counter drones for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with up to $7 billion allocated under the Integrated Investment Program (IIP) over the next decade. As part of the major boost in investment, the Albanese Government today announced two…

Australia locks in delivery of our first three general purpose frigates

The Albanese Government has taken a major step towards delivering a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet with contracts now signed for Australia’s first three general purpose frigates. Built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), the ships will be of the upgraded Japanese Mogami class…

Visit by Japan's Minister of Defense

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles will tomorrow welcome Japan’s Minister of Defense, Koizumi Shinjiro, to Australia.  The Ministers will convene in Melbourne for an Australia-Japan Defence Ministers’ Meeting and a tour of JS Kumano, a Mogami class frigate of the…

2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program

Today, the Albanese Government has released the 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program. Together, these documents set out the Government’s plan to respond to our strategic circumstances and keep Australians safe. In delivering the 2026 National Defence Strategy…

Appointment of leadership positions in the Australian Defence Force

The Australian Government is pleased to recommend to Her Excellency, the Governor General, a number of senior command changes within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Subject to the Governor General’s consideration and approval, these changes will take effect from July 2026.The Chief of the Navy…

First Australian-made missiles test-fired

The first Australian-made Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles have been successfully test-fired at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia. The successful firing expands the long-range strike capability of the Australian Army and demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment…