The SIPRI figures measure arms trade, not only by monetary value, but by the capability of the weapons purchased, averaged over five years to eliminate fluctuations of large single-year purchases. It is regarded as the most accurate measurement of trends in arms production and trade.

In recent years Australia has bought combat helicopters from France, German armoured personnel carriers, radar systems from Sweden, Howitzer artillery guns from Britain, air-refuelling tanker aircraft from Spain, as well as fighter aircraft, helicopters, military transport aircraft, Shadow drones, Hellfire anti-tank and Sidewinder air-to-air-missiles from the US.

The Australian Defence Force has also leased Heron drones from Israel.

And the accelerated weapons spending is set to increase further.

Defence was the only area of government expenditure not to be cut in last month's federal budget; its allocation was boosted by 6 per cent – about $1.5 billion. And the government has committed to spending $12.4 billion buying a further 58 new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.