Deploying 16,000 US Marines to Darwin each year would be the cheapest way of deterring Australia’s potential enemies, a new report claims, urging a huge American influx to arrive in the Top End as early as 2025.

This week, a report released by the Institute of Public Affairs’ pitched six recommendations in how the next Australian government should improve national security.

“If agreed, this larger USMC presence should be made to happen within the next term of government, that is, 2025-28,” the report says.

Additionally, the report suggested the boost should come with “significant” firepower and aviation assets.