Defence has been a key feature of the campaign and the Coalition has made several substantial promises since the March 29 budget. It has committed almost $300 billion in extra spending on defence by the end of the decade.
On Monday,Morrison will pledge the additional 12 Romeo maritime helicopters at a cost of $2.5 billion. They will replace the Navy’s current Taipan helicopter fleet.
Up to $360 million will be set aside to expand facilities at HMAS Albatross to house the fleet.
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More than a year ago,the government committed to new Apache helicopters for the Army to replace existing Tiger helicopters. Early estimates were these aircraft would cost between $3.4 billion and $5.1 billion.
On Monday,Morrison will confirm the Apaches will cost at least $5.5 billion with another $500 million to upgrade facilities to support these aircraft.
Morrison said the spending was a key part of the Coalition’s plan to protect Australia in the face of increasing regional and global uncertainty.