Australia, NZ to double down on defence amid China anxiety

News Snapshot:

The expectation is this will cover procurement, planning and joint operations. Under consideration are more frequent exchanges and joint teams across operational areas. The governments are also mulling potential efficiencies in jointly procuring weapons and other military equipment. “We are committed to constructing two defence forces which are seamless in the way in which we operate,” Mr Marles said. “We bring much greater effect when we work together than we do when we work on our own. I think there is a huge step forward that has been taken today in terms of building that seamlessness.” Joint procurements could influence...