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Story summary
- Defence Minister Richard Marles announced the United States will accelerate force-posture initiatives at Australian bases.
- Australia allocated $14 billion to upgrade northern bases, including Tindal Air Base for nuclear-capable aircraft.
- An $8 billion program will expand Stirling naval base into a major U.S. Indian-Ocean hub.
- Analysts warn the expanded U.S. footprint could make Australia an automatic target in a China conflict.