Australia outlines military plans

The Australian government says it is to spend more than $72bn (£48bn) upgrading its military over the next two decades.Key purchases include 100 fighter jets and 12 new submarines, replacing the current fleet of six.Eight frigates and 24 combat helicopters are also on the list, set out in the country's first defence white paper for 10 years.The government says it will enable Australia to defend its interests in a changing Asia-Pacific region.The white paper is entitled: "Defending Australia in the Asia-Pacific Century; Force 2030".The 12 new hunter-killer submarines - which will be built in Australia - will double the size of the current fleet.One hundred F-35 fighters will be purchased over the next decade, and funds will also be allocated to counter cyber and electronic warfare.