# Australia will raise defence spending to three-percent of gross domestic product by 2033 from about two-percent currently. This is in response to the most complex and threatening circumstances since World War Two. The government says the expansion would be achieved through an additional 116-billion-rand over four years and 620-billion-rand over the next decade. Australia wants to develop its defence capabilities amid concerns over rising geopolitical tensions and China’s tussle with the US for influence in the Indo-Pacific. In comparison, South Africa spends about 0.7-percent of its GDP on defence.
Australia to raise defence spending to 3% of GDP in next decade