Minister for Defence

Australia opened ADF recruitment to eligible Papua New Guineans and deployed nearly 300 personnel to Japan for Exercise Keen Sword.

Australia advanced uncrewed undersea payload work as Denmark ordered more Naval Strike Missiles, linking naval capability growth to Allied deterrence.

Australia commemorated 25 years since Operation Slipper began, honouring more than 35,000 ADF members who served in Afghanistan.

Australia expanded its HIMARS fleet as part of a longrange strike and guided weapons investment plan worth up to $37 billion.

Official announcements showed new energy compliance action, defence modernisation, NATO support, and maritime posture steps across 7 country clusters.

Australia will homeport at least two Arafura Class patrol vessels in Cairns, backed by a A$250 million base expansion.

Norway and Canada signed a procurement cooperation letter aimed at NATO capability links and possible support for Ukraine.

Australia said Triton and Peregrine reached initial operational status and confirmed completion of its 14aircraft Poseidon fleet.

NATO issued resilience requirements as Australia secured a defencelinked airport lease, Germany highlighted maritime drone trials, and Europe expanded Ukraine support.

Seven governments and EU institutions advanced defence procurement, energy cooperation, sanctions, and resilience measures during week 37.

Australia announced a $2.4 billion air and missile defence investment and confirmed NASAMS had reached final operational capability.

Australia appointed Natasha Stott Despoja AC to lead a Defence inquiry into military sexual violence, with a public report expected after about 12 months.

Finland and Sweden deepened territorial surveillance cooperation, adding Swedish Gripen fighters and Visbyclass corvettes to support Finnish monitoring.

Australia chose the Henderson Defence Precinct site to support naval shipbuilding, AUKUS submarine work and skilled defence jobs in Western Australia.

Australia completed field trials of Project Boobook, a codeveloped highenergy laser system with Japan, with manufacturing investment planned.

Australia will spend nearly A$736 million on AIM260 airtoair missiles, becoming the first operator outside the United States.

Australia launched a 10year defence innovation strategy and placed a combat helmet contract with Aquaterro to support ADF capability and industry.

Australia appointed a dry dock designer and secured a US submarine steel order, deepening AUKUS maintenance and industrial links.

Official announcements showed moves on EU scrutiny, defence investment, Russia sanctions, Cuba designations and IndoPacific maritime support.