New Zealand is forecast by Janes Defence Budgets to continue to increase its military expenditure over the coming few years. The spike in 2019 was caused by a one-off recognition of veterans' entitlements. (Janes Defence Budgets)

New Zealand has announced a defence budget of NZD6 billion (USD3.8 billion) for 2022–23. The figure represents a nominal increase of 4% over the final budget of NZD5.75 billion in 2021–22.

The US Capitol building in Washington, DC. (Janes/Marc Selinger)

The US Senate approved USD40 billion in additional funding for Ukraine-related security, humanitarian, and economic assistance on 19 May, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden for his expected signature.

The supplemental funding bill, which the US House of Representatives passed nine days earlier, “will allow us to send even more weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, replenish our own stockpile, and support US troops stationed on NATO territory”, Biden said in a statement.

The USAF is preparing to send a team to assess Thailand's ability to operate F-35s. (US Air Force)

The United States will assess Thailand's capability to operate fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. The planned visitation suggests that the country has moved closer to potentially acquiring the stealth fighters.

Speaking to Janes