Australia plans to spend an additional A$391m (US$348m) by the end of 2011 as part of the new defence budget.

The funding will go towards increased fire power and enhanced rocket-detecting technology for soldiers fighting against the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Progress will also be made in procuring technology to deal with explosive devices and improve intelligence capabilities. it will also help develop improved body armour and new night vision equipment.

This spending is part of the A$894m (US$797m) package that will be spent on operations in East Timor, the Middle East and the Solomon Islands, according to UPI.