In this file photo, various helicopters and aircraft of the Australian Defence Force are seen in display formation during the Australian International Airshow in Melbourne. (PHOTO / AFP)
Australia will spend A$747 million (US$580 million) to upgrade four military bases in its north and expand war games with the United States, Prime Minister Scott Morrison will say on Wednesday.
An airstrip in the Northern Territory will be lengthened to support larger aircraft, firing ranges overhauled and new training facilities set up for defence personnel and US marines, according to extracts of the announcement seen by Reuters.
ALSO READ: Australia says to spend US$770m on navy weapons development
Australia and the United States hold biennial war games, the next of which is scheduled to begin in August
"Working with the United States, our allies and Indo-Pacific neighbours, we will continue to advance Australia's interests by investing in the Australian Defence Force," Prime Minister Scott Morrison will say.
The military upgrades will begin this year and be finished by 2026.
The prime minister's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
READ MORE: Australia accelerates missile program with ally US
The US embassy in Canberra also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Australia and the United States hold biennial war games, the next of which is scheduled to begin in August.
Typically, more than 30,000 troops participate in the exercises off Australia's east coast.