Around 700 New Zealand soldiers and personnel are in Australia for the largest war-fighting and military training exercise in the Southern Hemisphere.

35-thousand soldiers from 19 nations are taking part in it.

The Defence Force says a key goal for them is to be able to integrate its capabilities into Australian and US relations.

The Government also announced ramping up defence spend earlier this year - but as it stands now, and with tensions abroad - how prepared are we? 

Tim Beveridge talks to Senior National Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tim Tuatini for more.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.