Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50: Race-ready hot hatch on the radar for Australia
Volkswagen Australia has voiced its interest in the most powerful Golf GTI ever, though it's unclear when it might make it into local showrooms.
"The Golf GTI Edition 50 is currently under study by Volkswagen Australia for a local introduction, pending technical milestones and a business case for the vehicle," Sam Dabestani, product communications manager for VW Group Australia, told CarExpert.
Despite being revealed at last week's 24h Nürburgring endurance race, Germany's largest motorsport event, the 2026 Volkswagen GTI Edition 50 isn't due to hit the European market until 2026 – meaning an Australian-market launch, if confirmed, may not be until the latter stages of next year.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
WATCH: Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 sets the fastest Nurburgring lap time by a production VW
The GTI Edition 50 is the most powerful production GTI ever, turning up the GTI Clubsport's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine to a hefty 239kW/420Nm, still sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch auto.
VW claims the anniversary edition can dash from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds, 0.1s down on the 221kW GTI Clubsport and 0.4s quicker than the standard 195kW GTI currently on sale in Australia.
But, the biggest gains have been made under the skin and on the track. The revised chassis sees the Edition 50 sit 15mm lower than the standard GTI, with revised spring rates, steering and Dynamic Chassis Control systems.
European buyers will also be able to option the GTI Performance Package which lowers the ride height by a further 5mm, and adds 235mm Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres wrapped around lighter forged alloy wheels as well as stiffer springs for better response and reduced pitching and rolling.
Exclusive trimmings include red Queenstown alloy wheels as standard; GTI 50 logos scattered inside and out; black-painted roof and mirrors; Black-to-Tornado Red side stripes; red seatbelts; exclusive seat upholstery combining cloth and synthetic velour; as well as a "newly designed leather sports steering wheel".
The optional GTI Performance Package brings the aforementioned black-painted 'Warmenau' forged alloy wheels, and an Akrapovic titanium sports exhaust as pictured above.
Volkswagen has confirmed five exterior colours for the GTI Edition 50 abroad, including two exclusive finishes for the 50th anniversary special. Pure White, Moonstone Grey and Grenadilla Black carryover from the standard palette, with Dark Moss Green and Tornado Red offered exclusively on the Edition 50.
Tornado Red is a paint synonymous with high-performance Volkswagen vehicles since 1986. Numerous models have worn the distinctive paint colour over the decades, including the Mk2 Golf GTI 16V, the Mk3 Golf VR6 and the Mk7 Golf GTI TCR.
Earlier this month, company race driver Benny Leuchter piloted a pre-production Edition 50 to a 7 minute 46.13 second lap around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, making it the fastest production Volkswagen model around the iconic 20.8km German circuit.
It beat the 2022 Golf R 20 Years by over a second, the previous VW record holder with a 7 minute 47.31 second time – again with Mr Leuchter at the wheel – despite the R's extra 6kW of power and all-paw traction.
For reference, the GTI Edition 50's 7:46:13 Nordschleife record is within striking distance of the 2023 Type R's 7:44:881 and 2019 Megane R.S. Trophy R's 7:45:39 times. The record holder for compact vehicles, however, is the Golf's cousin the Audi RS3 – which holds a 7:33:123 best time.
Tell us in the comments if you want to see the GTI Edition 50 offered in Australia!
MORE: 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 beats R round the 'RingMORE: Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50: Most powerful GTI ever detailedMORE: Explore the Volkswagen Golf showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Volkswagen Australia has voiced its interest in the most powerful Golf GTI ever, though it's unclear when it might make it into local showrooms.
"The Golf GTI Edition 50 is currently under study by Volkswagen Australia for a local introduction, pending technical milestones and a business case for the vehicle," Sam Dabestani, product communications manager for VW Group Australia, told CarExpert.
Despite being revealed at last week's 24h Nürburgring endurance race, Germany's largest motorsport event, the 2026 Volkswagen GTI Edition 50 isn't due to hit the European market until 2026 – meaning an Australian-market launch, if confirmed, may not be until the latter stages of next year.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
WATCH: Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 sets the fastest Nurburgring lap time by a production VW
The GTI Edition 50 is the most powerful production GTI ever, turning up the GTI Clubsport's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine to a hefty 239kW/420Nm, still sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch auto.
VW claims the anniversary edition can dash from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds, 0.1s down on the 221kW GTI Clubsport and 0.4s quicker than the standard 195kW GTI currently on sale in Australia.
But, the biggest gains have been made under the skin and on the track. The revised chassis sees the Edition 50 sit 15mm lower than the standard GTI, with revised spring rates, steering and Dynamic Chassis Control systems.
European buyers will also be able to option the GTI Performance Package which lowers the ride height by a further 5mm, and adds 235mm Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres wrapped around lighter forged alloy wheels as well as stiffer springs for better response and reduced pitching and rolling.
Exclusive trimmings include red Queenstown alloy wheels as standard; GTI 50 logos scattered inside and out; black-painted roof and mirrors; Black-to-Tornado Red side stripes; red seatbelts; exclusive seat upholstery combining cloth and synthetic velour; as well as a "newly designed leather sports steering wheel".
The optional GTI Performance Package brings the aforementioned black-painted 'Warmenau' forged alloy wheels, and an Akrapovic titanium sports exhaust as pictured above.
Volkswagen has confirmed five exterior colours for the GTI Edition 50 abroad, including two exclusive finishes for the 50th anniversary special. Pure White, Moonstone Grey and Grenadilla Black carryover from the standard palette, with Dark Moss Green and Tornado Red offered exclusively on the Edition 50.
Tornado Red is a paint synonymous with high-performance Volkswagen vehicles since 1986. Numerous models have worn the distinctive paint colour over the decades, including the Mk2 Golf GTI 16V, the Mk3 Golf VR6 and the Mk7 Golf GTI TCR.
Earlier this month, company race driver Benny Leuchter piloted a pre-production Edition 50 to a 7 minute 46.13 second lap around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, making it the fastest production Volkswagen model around the iconic 20.8km German circuit.
It beat the 2022 Golf R 20 Years by over a second, the previous VW record holder with a 7 minute 47.31 second time – again with Mr Leuchter at the wheel – despite the R's extra 6kW of power and all-paw traction.
For reference, the GTI Edition 50's 7:46:13 Nordschleife record is within striking distance of the 2023 Type R's 7:44:881 and 2019 Megane R.S. Trophy R's 7:45:39 times. The record holder for compact vehicles, however, is the Golf's cousin the Audi RS3 – which holds a 7:33:123 best time.
Tell us in the comments if you want to see the GTI Edition 50 offered in Australia!
MORE: 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 beats R round the 'RingMORE: Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50: Most powerful GTI ever detailedMORE: Explore the Volkswagen Golf showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Volkswagen Australia has voiced its interest in the most powerful Golf GTI ever, though it's unclear when it might make it into local showrooms.
"The Golf GTI Edition 50 is currently under study by Volkswagen Australia for a local introduction, pending technical milestones and a business case for the vehicle," Sam Dabestani, product communications manager for VW Group Australia, told CarExpert.
Despite being revealed at last week's 24h Nürburgring endurance race, Germany's largest motorsport event, the 2026 Volkswagen GTI Edition 50 isn't due to hit the European market until 2026 – meaning an Australian-market launch, if confirmed, may not be until the latter stages of next year.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
WATCH: Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 sets the fastest Nurburgring lap time by a production VW
The GTI Edition 50 is the most powerful production GTI ever, turning up the GTI Clubsport's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine to a hefty 239kW/420Nm, still sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch auto.
VW claims the anniversary edition can dash from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds, 0.1s down on the 221kW GTI Clubsport and 0.4s quicker than the standard 195kW GTI currently on sale in Australia.
But, the biggest gains have been made under the skin and on the track. The revised chassis sees the Edition 50 sit 15mm lower than the standard GTI, with revised spring rates, steering and Dynamic Chassis Control systems.
European buyers will also be able to option the GTI Performance Package which lowers the ride height by a further 5mm, and adds 235mm Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres wrapped around lighter forged alloy wheels as well as stiffer springs for better response and reduced pitching and rolling.
Exclusive trimmings include red Queenstown alloy wheels as standard; GTI 50 logos scattered inside and out; black-painted roof and mirrors; Black-to-Tornado Red side stripes; red seatbelts; exclusive seat upholstery combining cloth and synthetic velour; as well as a "newly designed leather sports steering wheel".
The optional GTI Performance Package brings the aforementioned black-painted 'Warmenau' forged alloy wheels, and an Akrapovic titanium sports exhaust as pictured above.
Volkswagen has confirmed five exterior colours for the GTI Edition 50 abroad, including two exclusive finishes for the 50th anniversary special. Pure White, Moonstone Grey and Grenadilla Black carryover from the standard palette, with Dark Moss Green and Tornado Red offered exclusively on the Edition 50.
Tornado Red is a paint synonymous with high-performance Volkswagen vehicles since 1986. Numerous models have worn the distinctive paint colour over the decades, including the Mk2 Golf GTI 16V, the Mk3 Golf VR6 and the Mk7 Golf GTI TCR.
Earlier this month, company race driver Benny Leuchter piloted a pre-production Edition 50 to a 7 minute 46.13 second lap around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, making it the fastest production Volkswagen model around the iconic 20.8km German circuit.
It beat the 2022 Golf R 20 Years by over a second, the previous VW record holder with a 7 minute 47.31 second time – again with Mr Leuchter at the wheel – despite the R's extra 6kW of power and all-paw traction.
For reference, the GTI Edition 50's 7:46:13 Nordschleife record is within striking distance of the 2023 Type R's 7:44:881 and 2019 Megane R.S. Trophy R's 7:45:39 times. The record holder for compact vehicles, however, is the Golf's cousin the Audi RS3 – which holds a 7:33:123 best time.
Tell us in the comments if you want to see the GTI Edition 50 offered in Australia!
MORE: 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 beats R round the 'RingMORE: Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50: Most powerful GTI ever detailedMORE: Explore the Volkswagen Golf showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Volkswagen Australia has voiced its interest in the most powerful Golf GTI ever, though it's unclear when it might make it into local showrooms.
"The Golf GTI Edition 50 is currently under study by Volkswagen Australia for a local introduction, pending technical milestones and a business case for the vehicle," Sam Dabestani, product communications manager for VW Group Australia, told CarExpert.
Despite being revealed at last week's 24h Nürburgring endurance race, Germany's largest motorsport event, the 2026 Volkswagen GTI Edition 50 isn't due to hit the European market until 2026 – meaning an Australian-market launch, if confirmed, may not be until the latter stages of next year.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
WATCH: Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 sets the fastest Nurburgring lap time by a production VW
The GTI Edition 50 is the most powerful production GTI ever, turning up the GTI Clubsport's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine to a hefty 239kW/420Nm, still sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch auto.
VW claims the anniversary edition can dash from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds, 0.1s down on the 221kW GTI Clubsport and 0.4s quicker than the standard 195kW GTI currently on sale in Australia.
But, the biggest gains have been made under the skin and on the track. The revised chassis sees the Edition 50 sit 15mm lower than the standard GTI, with revised spring rates, steering and Dynamic Chassis Control systems.
European buyers will also be able to option the GTI Performance Package which lowers the ride height by a further 5mm, and adds 235mm Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres wrapped around lighter forged alloy wheels as well as stiffer springs for better response and reduced pitching and rolling.
Exclusive trimmings include red Queenstown alloy wheels as standard; GTI 50 logos scattered inside and out; black-painted roof and mirrors; Black-to-Tornado Red side stripes; red seatbelts; exclusive seat upholstery combining cloth and synthetic velour; as well as a "newly designed leather sports steering wheel".
The optional GTI Performance Package brings the aforementioned black-painted 'Warmenau' forged alloy wheels, and an Akrapovic titanium sports exhaust as pictured above.
Volkswagen has confirmed five exterior colours for the GTI Edition 50 abroad, including two exclusive finishes for the 50th anniversary special. Pure White, Moonstone Grey and Grenadilla Black carryover from the standard palette, with Dark Moss Green and Tornado Red offered exclusively on the Edition 50.
Tornado Red is a paint synonymous with high-performance Volkswagen vehicles since 1986. Numerous models have worn the distinctive paint colour over the decades, including the Mk2 Golf GTI 16V, the Mk3 Golf VR6 and the Mk7 Golf GTI TCR.
Earlier this month, company race driver Benny Leuchter piloted a pre-production Edition 50 to a 7 minute 46.13 second lap around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, making it the fastest production Volkswagen model around the iconic 20.8km German circuit.
It beat the 2022 Golf R 20 Years by over a second, the previous VW record holder with a 7 minute 47.31 second time – again with Mr Leuchter at the wheel – despite the R's extra 6kW of power and all-paw traction.
For reference, the GTI Edition 50's 7:46:13 Nordschleife record is within striking distance of the 2023 Type R's 7:44:881 and 2019 Megane R.S. Trophy R's 7:45:39 times. The record holder for compact vehicles, however, is the Golf's cousin the Audi RS3 – which holds a 7:33:123 best time.
Tell us in the comments if you want to see the GTI Edition 50 offered in Australia!
MORE: 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 beats R round the 'RingMORE: Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50: Most powerful GTI ever detailedMORE: Explore the Volkswagen Golf showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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As to whether it undermined Australia's sovereignty if the US was not informing the government of what jointly operated military facilities were being used for, he said while sovereignty was "consistent with strong alliances" but that "transparency between the alliance partners" was important. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong have refused to answer questions about Pine Gap on the grounds that military intelligence is classified, saying only that the bombing was "a unilateral action" by the US. Mr Albanese has said his government will fund Defence based on what is needed, rather than by setting an arbitrary GDP percentage. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher told ABC radio on Thursday: "We make these decisions based on advice to government." "Defence and others come to us. They say what capability they need, what the funding will be, and we provide that funding," Senator Gallagher said. "I have no doubt we'll have more representations over future budget cycles about what Defence needs, but we also need to make sure we've got the capability to deliver." Opposition defence spokesperson Angus Taylor has blamed the Albanese government for the recruitment crisis facing Australia's armed forces, while calling out its refusal to commit to higher Defence spending. Mr Taylor said it was "clear that the government's recruitment program and retention programs are not working at the level they need to, to get the right outcomes." "This is absolutely urgent," he said. "We're thousands short of the government's own goals ... it's one of the issues that is clearly being underfunded by the government." The 2024 Defence Workforce Plan aims to grow the ADF to 69,000 by the early 2030s, but is not on track to achieve this as the number of new recruits is not keeping up with people who leave. Mr Taylor said the solution must include funding better housing and other facilities to support ADF personnel posted in locations in Australia's north. Defence Minister Richard Marles on Thursday ruled out following in European nations' footsteps after NATO members vowed to dramatically lift expenditure following pressure from United States President Donald Trump. "We've gone through our own process of assessing our strategic landscape, assessing the threats that exist there, and the kind of defence force we need to build ... and then to resource that," Mr Marles said on the sidelines of the NATO summit in the Netherlands. "What that has seen is the biggest peacetime increase in Australian Defence spending." NATO countries, of which Australia is not a member, agreed to increase defence spending targets to 5 per cent of GDP. Under current settings, Australia is expected to increase its share of GDP defence spend from two to 2.3 per cent by 2033-34, while the Coalition wants it increased to 3 per cent in a decade. Mr Taylor blasted the Albanese government, saying it had failed "fund its own plan" and that Australia's defence capabilities - from missile manufacturing to drone and counter-drone technologies - were compromised. "Its Defence Strategic Review is not properly funded ... and that means crucial programs that are central to our sovereignty are not being funded by this government," he said. "All of these are areas that have to be properly funded alongside AUKUS, the submarines and the frigates." Opposition Leader Sussan Ley told the National Press Club on Wednesday it was "time for Australia to step up, not step back", and that "the first step must be an increase in defence spending with a focus on key capabilities, including space, drones and missiles." "And we need a proper strategy to arrest declining recruitment numbers in the ADF," Ms Ley said. Mr Taylor said when asked if a 3 per cent of GDP target was hollow if Defence misspent funding: "There's a real issue about making sure our procurement processes, our command structure, is efficient and effective in the ADF." But, he said, the Coalition wanted both higher spending and to ensure that "every dollar ... is being spent as well as possible to keep Australians safe." Asked about fellow Coalition frontbencher and former soldier Andrew Hastie's comments call for "greater transparency" about the US military's growing presence in Australia, in the context of whether the secretive Pine Gap base was used to launch strikes against Iran, Mr Taylor said the government needed to be "very clear about what our involvement is." As to whether it undermined Australia's sovereignty if the US was not informing the government of what jointly operated military facilities were being used for, he said while sovereignty was "consistent with strong alliances" but that "transparency between the alliance partners" was important. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong have refused to answer questions about Pine Gap on the grounds that military intelligence is classified, saying only that the bombing was "a unilateral action" by the US. Mr Albanese has said his government will fund Defence based on what is needed, rather than by setting an arbitrary GDP percentage. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher told ABC radio on Thursday: "We make these decisions based on advice to government." "Defence and others come to us. They say what capability they need, what the funding will be, and we provide that funding," Senator Gallagher said. 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Australia is standing firm against US pressure to lift defence spending but looks "underdone" as European leaders endorse a five per cent commitment of their gross domestic product to security. On the sidelines of the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia would decide its spending levels to meet its military needs. The move risks a rebuke from US President Donald Trump, who has made clear he expects allies to drastically step up and increase their share of deterrence. The nation moving to a floor of a three per cent spend on defence was a "prudent minimum", Australian Strategic Policy Institute senior analyst Euan Graham said. He said the defence force had been "hollowed out", so the federal government could afford to invest in future capabilities which might be needed sooner than previously thought. "Australia in broad terms now is looking rather underdone in terms of defence, having committed just over the 2 per cent GDP equivalent, which was the old NATO target, but that was for a different era," Dr Graham said. "The narrative has been changed, both by US pressure and let's not forget also the primary factor, which is deteriorating security globally." NATO members agreed to increase defence and security spending to five per cent of GDP. But Spain objected to the pledge, prompting Mr Trump to threaten to punish the Iberian nation with a tougher trade deal. Australia is also seeking to negotiate a reprieve from tariffs imposed by the US on imports, including a 50 per cent levy on steel and aluminium. Mr Marles maintained Australia would stick with its own process, which involves the nation's defence spending increasing from two to 2.3 per cent by 2033/34. "A very significant decision has been made here in relation to European defence spending and that is fundamentally a matter for NATO," he said. "We'll continue to assess what our needs are going forward. As our prime minister has said, we will resource that." Mr Marles did not meet with Mr Trump, or US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, despite intensive efforts by government officials to tee up a first face-to-face of an Australian minister with the US president. Dr Graham said any embarrassment on Australia's part was mitigated by the limited representation of Asian partners at the summit. Opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor reiterated the coalition's call for spending to lift to three per cent of the economy. He took aim at Labor's failure to secure a meeting with Mr Trump, pointing to a flagged sit down with Xi Jinping. "It seems that the prime minister is better able to get a meeting with the president of China than the president of the United States," Mr Taylor said. But the defence minister did meet with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov as Australia reaffirmed its support for Kyiv in its fight against Russia. Mr Marles announced Australia will deploy a RAAF Wedgetail surveillance aircraft to Poland, in addition to 100 defence force personnel, to help provide visibility for key humanitarian and military supply routes into Ukraine. The aircraft will be deployed for three months, concluding in November, and follows an earlier six-month deployment which was highly valued by the Ukrainians. Australia announced new financial sanctions and travel bans on 37 individuals and seven financial entities involved in Russia's defence, energy, transport, insurance, electronics and finance sectors, as well as "promulgators of Russian disinformation and propaganda". Mr Marles also signed an agreement with the NATO Support and Procurement Organisation, increasing co-operation in non-combat activities including logistics and capability acquisition. with Reuters Australia is standing firm against US pressure to lift defence spending but looks "underdone" as European leaders endorse a five per cent commitment of their gross domestic product to security. On the sidelines of the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia would decide its spending levels to meet its military needs. The move risks a rebuke from US President Donald Trump, who has made clear he expects allies to drastically step up and increase their share of deterrence. The nation moving to a floor of a three per cent spend on defence was a "prudent minimum", Australian Strategic Policy Institute senior analyst Euan Graham said. He said the defence force had been "hollowed out", so the federal government could afford to invest in future capabilities which might be needed sooner than previously thought. "Australia in broad terms now is looking rather underdone in terms of defence, having committed just over the 2 per cent GDP equivalent, which was the old NATO target, but that was for a different era," Dr Graham said. "The narrative has been changed, both by US pressure and let's not forget also the primary factor, which is deteriorating security globally." NATO members agreed to increase defence and security spending to five per cent of GDP. But Spain objected to the pledge, prompting Mr Trump to threaten to punish the Iberian nation with a tougher trade deal. Australia is also seeking to negotiate a reprieve from tariffs imposed by the US on imports, including a 50 per cent levy on steel and aluminium. Mr Marles maintained Australia would stick with its own process, which involves the nation's defence spending increasing from two to 2.3 per cent by 2033/34. "A very significant decision has been made here in relation to European defence spending and that is fundamentally a matter for NATO," he said. "We'll continue to assess what our needs are going forward. As our prime minister has said, we will resource that." Mr Marles did not meet with Mr Trump, or US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, despite intensive efforts by government officials to tee up a first face-to-face of an Australian minister with the US president. Dr Graham said any embarrassment on Australia's part was mitigated by the limited representation of Asian partners at the summit. Opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor reiterated the coalition's call for spending to lift to three per cent of the economy. He took aim at Labor's failure to secure a meeting with Mr Trump, pointing to a flagged sit down with Xi Jinping. "It seems that the prime minister is better able to get a meeting with the president of China than the president of the United States," Mr Taylor said. But the defence minister did meet with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov as Australia reaffirmed its support for Kyiv in its fight against Russia. Mr Marles announced Australia will deploy a RAAF Wedgetail surveillance aircraft to Poland, in addition to 100 defence force personnel, to help provide visibility for key humanitarian and military supply routes into Ukraine. The aircraft will be deployed for three months, concluding in November, and follows an earlier six-month deployment which was highly valued by the Ukrainians. Australia announced new financial sanctions and travel bans on 37 individuals and seven financial entities involved in Russia's defence, energy, transport, insurance, electronics and finance sectors, as well as "promulgators of Russian disinformation and propaganda". Mr Marles also signed an agreement with the NATO Support and Procurement Organisation, increasing co-operation in non-combat activities including logistics and capability acquisition. with Reuters Australia is standing firm against US pressure to lift defence spending but looks "underdone" as European leaders endorse a five per cent commitment of their gross domestic product to security. On the sidelines of the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia would decide its spending levels to meet its military needs. The move risks a rebuke from US President Donald Trump, who has made clear he expects allies to drastically step up and increase their share of deterrence. The nation moving to a floor of a three per cent spend on defence was a "prudent minimum", Australian Strategic Policy Institute senior analyst Euan Graham said. He said the defence force had been "hollowed out", so the federal government could afford to invest in future capabilities which might be needed sooner than previously thought. "Australia in broad terms now is looking rather underdone in terms of defence, having committed just over the 2 per cent GDP equivalent, which was the old NATO target, but that was for a different era," Dr Graham said. "The narrative has been changed, both by US pressure and let's not forget also the primary factor, which is deteriorating security globally." NATO members agreed to increase defence and security spending to five per cent of GDP. But Spain objected to the pledge, prompting Mr Trump to threaten to punish the Iberian nation with a tougher trade deal. Australia is also seeking to negotiate a reprieve from tariffs imposed by the US on imports, including a 50 per cent levy on steel and aluminium. Mr Marles maintained Australia would stick with its own process, which involves the nation's defence spending increasing from two to 2.3 per cent by 2033/34. "A very significant decision has been made here in relation to European defence spending and that is fundamentally a matter for NATO," he said. "We'll continue to assess what our needs are going forward. As our prime minister has said, we will resource that." Mr Marles did not meet with Mr Trump, or US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, despite intensive efforts by government officials to tee up a first face-to-face of an Australian minister with the US president. Dr Graham said any embarrassment on Australia's part was mitigated by the limited representation of Asian partners at the summit. Opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor reiterated the coalition's call for spending to lift to three per cent of the economy. He took aim at Labor's failure to secure a meeting with Mr Trump, pointing to a flagged sit down with Xi Jinping. "It seems that the prime minister is better able to get a meeting with the president of China than the president of the United States," Mr Taylor said. But the defence minister did meet with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov as Australia reaffirmed its support for Kyiv in its fight against Russia. Mr Marles announced Australia will deploy a RAAF Wedgetail surveillance aircraft to Poland, in addition to 100 defence force personnel, to help provide visibility for key humanitarian and military supply routes into Ukraine. The aircraft will be deployed for three months, concluding in November, and follows an earlier six-month deployment which was highly valued by the Ukrainians. Australia announced new financial sanctions and travel bans on 37 individuals and seven financial entities involved in Russia's defence, energy, transport, insurance, electronics and finance sectors, as well as "promulgators of Russian disinformation and propaganda". Mr Marles also signed an agreement with the NATO Support and Procurement Organisation, increasing co-operation in non-combat activities including logistics and capability acquisition. with Reuters Australia is standing firm against US pressure to lift defence spending but looks "underdone" as European leaders endorse a five per cent commitment of their gross domestic product to security. On the sidelines of the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia would decide its spending levels to meet its military needs. The move risks a rebuke from US President Donald Trump, who has made clear he expects allies to drastically step up and increase their share of deterrence. The nation moving to a floor of a three per cent spend on defence was a "prudent minimum", Australian Strategic Policy Institute senior analyst Euan Graham said. He said the defence force had been "hollowed out", so the federal government could afford to invest in future capabilities which might be needed sooner than previously thought. "Australia in broad terms now is looking rather underdone in terms of defence, having committed just over the 2 per cent GDP equivalent, which was the old NATO target, but that was for a different era," Dr Graham said. "The narrative has been changed, both by US pressure and let's not forget also the primary factor, which is deteriorating security globally." NATO members agreed to increase defence and security spending to five per cent of GDP. But Spain objected to the pledge, prompting Mr Trump to threaten to punish the Iberian nation with a tougher trade deal. Australia is also seeking to negotiate a reprieve from tariffs imposed by the US on imports, including a 50 per cent levy on steel and aluminium. Mr Marles maintained Australia would stick with its own process, which involves the nation's defence spending increasing from two to 2.3 per cent by 2033/34. "A very significant decision has been made here in relation to European defence spending and that is fundamentally a matter for NATO," he said. "We'll continue to assess what our needs are going forward. As our prime minister has said, we will resource that." Mr Marles did not meet with Mr Trump, or US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, despite intensive efforts by government officials to tee up a first face-to-face of an Australian minister with the US president. Dr Graham said any embarrassment on Australia's part was mitigated by the limited representation of Asian partners at the summit. Opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor reiterated the coalition's call for spending to lift to three per cent of the economy. He took aim at Labor's failure to secure a meeting with Mr Trump, pointing to a flagged sit down with Xi Jinping. "It seems that the prime minister is better able to get a meeting with the president of China than the president of the United States," Mr Taylor said. But the defence minister did meet with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov as Australia reaffirmed its support for Kyiv in its fight against Russia. Mr Marles announced Australia will deploy a RAAF Wedgetail surveillance aircraft to Poland, in addition to 100 defence force personnel, to help provide visibility for key humanitarian and military supply routes into Ukraine. The aircraft will be deployed for three months, concluding in November, and follows an earlier six-month deployment which was highly valued by the Ukrainians. Australia announced new financial sanctions and travel bans on 37 individuals and seven financial entities involved in Russia's defence, energy, transport, insurance, electronics and finance sectors, as well as "promulgators of Russian disinformation and propaganda". Mr Marles also signed an agreement with the NATO Support and Procurement Organisation, increasing co-operation in non-combat activities including logistics and capability acquisition. with Reuters
