Government remains quiet on boost to defence spending

New Zealand Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee would not comment on whether New Zealand's defence spending will be boosted. Photo / Greg Bowker

Australia's armed forces will be boosted by new submarines and aircraft but the New Zealand Government won't confirm if more money is on the way for the military here.

The Australian Government yesterday unveiled the full details of its long-awaited white paper, which outlines A$195 billion ($210 billion) to be spent over the next decade. New submarines, aircraft and frigates will strengthen Australia's armed forces.

New Zealand Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said he welcomed the paper's release, and said officials in Australia and New Zealand had consulted closely during the countries' respective white paper processes.

In its white paper, the Turnbull Government has vowed to increase defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP by 2020-21.

There are plans to build 12 new submarines, nine frigates, 12 offshore patrol vessels, and seven aircraft.

Mr Brownlee would not comment on whether New Zealand's defence spending will be boosted. He said the military spending of allies did not influence how much New Zealand invested.

"The New Zealand Defence white paper will be released in the coming weeks. New Zealand's defence relationship with Australia is our closest and most significant."

Strategic analyst Paul Buchanan believes Australia's increased military spending will have an impact on New Zealand's defence budget.

"They have bigger problems than we do, but it's like a little brother thing; if the big brother sees threats then we need to pay attention," he said.

"Although some of them may not be applicable to us, and the bigger brother has more resources available to discern those threats."

New Zealand may feel the pressure to increase its naval might.

"We have an army-centric military which is very odd for a maritime nation like New Zealand," he said.

Because threats to New Zealand are increasing, Mr Buchanan said that needed to be reflected in the white paper.

"There's great power rivalries, with China and now Russia back into the Pacific."