Australia in April 2026: the most important developments in security
In April 2026 Australia's security news was dominated by war crimes charges against its most decorated soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, over alleged conduct in Afghanistan. He was arrested and charged in the first week of the month, and the case remained before the courts at month end.
Defence policy and procurement made up the next largest body of news. On 16 April the government announced a major defence strategy update that targets spending of 3 percent of GDP and stresses force modernisation, self-reliance and drone warfare. Earlier reports put planned defence investment at $53 billion, less than the US defence secretary had sought. Australia and Japan signed contracts on 19 April for a warship deal worth about $7 billion, described as Japan's largest postwar defence sale. Australia test-fired its first locally made GMLRS rockets, ordered low-cost anti-drone systems, and received Next Generation Jammer pods for its EA-18G Growler aircraft. On the AUKUS submarine programme, the Coalition opposition pointed to stealth bombers as a possible stopgap, and a report said the United States does not treat Virginia-class submarines for Australia as a priority. Australia also appointed a woman to lead its army for the first time.
The Middle East conflict also shaped the agenda. The Prime Minister was reported to be preparing Australia for a prolonged conflict. On 18 April Australia joined a defensive military operation in the Strait of Hormuz as the Prime Minister welcomed the waterway's reopening. The next day Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles called Iran's reclosure of the strait disappointing. Australia, the United States and the Philippines held their second joint drills of the year in the South China Sea.
Crime and public safety also drew attention. A car struck pedestrians in Melbourne on 18 April, killing a Supernova Comic Con attendee, and a man appeared in court. Police in Sydney pursued a 'kill car' during a night of gang violence, and three people were charged. Teenagers were arrested over a series of arson attacks in Melbourne, and the Sydney mayor's car was destroyed in a firebombing. Victoria Police opened an investigation into sexual assault allegations against singer Katy Perry.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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