Australia's Opposition Pledges $3 Billion for F-35 Jets

The Australian opposition, led by Peter Dutton, has pledged to invest $3 billion in acquiring an additional 28 F-35 joint strike fighter jets to enhance the country's defense capabilities if they win the upcoming election. This proposal seeks to reverse the government's previous decision to cancel the purchase of these jets as part of a defense spending re-prioritization. Coalition representatives argue that the current government has weakened the military, citing crises in morale, recruitment, and readiness. They claim that their commitment to bolster defense spending is essential in light of increasing regional tensions, particularly with China. However, the government questions the Coalition's financial plan to fund this initiative, noting that they have not disclosed how the costs will be managed. The opposition promises to reveal detailed costings closer to the election, as they maintain that their defense expenditures will meet or exceed the previously targeted 2.4% of GDP.