Part 7/10:
Australia’s defense preparedness remains a concern. The country lags behind NATO’s target of 2% of GDP on defense spending—a gap that prompts foreign allies like the U.S. to call for increased effort. The plan to bolster defense capabilities faces hurdles, with some officials humorously suggesting that a "defense cookbook" might be the government's most recent effort—an absurdity, given that serious military hardware like missiles, frigates, and fighter jets should be the priority.