Australia releasing defence white paper tomorrow

                                                                                        Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

Okay, after the false alarm from last time, this time it appears to be real. Australia will release its defence white paper tomorrow, spelling out the country's military strategy and priorities for the next 20 years.

There is speculation that the paper envisages a build-up of Australia's air and naval capabilities in response to China's growing power in the region, leading to Beijing's diplomats bristling at the connection ahead of the release of the report.

Canberra is also likely to reaffirm its commitment to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, and provide clarification on the future of the country's naval helicopter and airborne early warning and control programmes.