Summary
- Senior Democrat senator leads US delegation to Australia.
- Praises the Albanese government for defence spending.
- Calls for Australia to increase its defence budget further.
- Emphasizes the importance of strong US-Australia defence ties.
- Urges continued partnership amid regional security challenges.
After accounting for shipyards and other defense facilities, Senator Chris Coons, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, said that Australia was spending more than it was credited for.
Following their attendance at the Australian America Leadership Dialogue in Adelaide, the congressional delegation of Republicans and Democrats met with Australia's prime minister in Sydney on Friday afternoon.
"Of course, that's a decision for the Australian government, the Australian people",
he added.
Defence spending currently sits at just over 2 per cent of GDP in Australia and is forecast to reach 2.3 per cent by 2033-'34.
Recently, NATO countries pledged to increase their defense budgets to 3.5% of GDP.
This number "may be significantly easier for Australia to reach, given that your accounting doesn't quite give you full credit," according to Senator Coons.
The prime minister of Australia stated he would not be setting any arbitrary figure in response to US demands that Australia increase defense spending to $100 billion.
He has promised to spend as much as is necessary to meet Australia's defense requirements.
While the Pentagon continues to analyze the accord, the congressional delegation also firmly supported the AUKUS contract.
The review's US Defense Under Secretary, Elbridge Colby, has also urged US allies in the Asia-Pacific area to increase defense spending.
According to Senator Coons, Congress would oppose any attempt by the Pentagon to revoke or materially alter the AUKUS pact.
"I think if there were to be some unexpected change in direction there'd be very strong pushback from Republicans and Democrats who I've spoken within the Senate leadership,"
he said.
The prime minister is hoping to meet President Donald Trump during a visit to the United States next month for the UN General Assembly.
How effective is Australia's recent defense spending increase in countering regional threats?
Australia's National Defence Strategy (NDS) aims to upgrade the Australian Defence Force (ADF) through better integration, modernization, and accelerated procurement of advanced systems including guided weapons, submarines, and frigates. This approach strengthens Australia's ability to deter and respond proactively to threats before they reach its borders.
With China's military modernization, expanded missile capabilities, and increasing "grey zone" tactics—coercion short of open war—Australia’s spending boost helps close capability gaps and counters these non-traditional security challenges. Improved maritime and missile defence capacities, surveillance, and force readiness are prioritized.
Australia’s spending supports its role within alliances such as AUKUS and partnerships across the Indo-Pacific, contributing to collective regional security.