Defence Minister Peter Dutton wants to bolster US marine numbers in the Top End beyond 2500, declaring the nation’s security depends on even closer military ties with our closest ally.

Mr Dutton told the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s annual conference in Canberra yesterday Australia was working to take greater responsibility for its own security, but needed to “become an even more reliable alliance partner” to the US.

He said there was scope to increase the size of the US marine rotational force in the Top End from its 2500-strong pre-Covid high.

Chief Minster Michael Gunner has indicated he’s open to working with the Commonwealth and US governments on the issue.

“I think most Territorians know about the Bombing of Darwin and that young Americans died here that day too, defending this place that we call home."

Australia could soon be hosting more US marines and warships with Defence Minister Peter Dutton declaring he wants even greater military cooperation with our closest ally.

Senior officials from both nations are discussing options for expanded military cooperation, which the ABC has learnt include a proposal to form a new joint US marines and ADF training brigade based in Darwin.

If established, the joint brigade would be the first of its kind for Australia and would likely involve a rotating command with the United States.

Mr Dutton agreed there was scope to increase the size of the US marine rotational force in the Top End from its pre-COVID level of 2,500, and to base US navy vessels at HMAS Stirling near Perth. acting US ambassador Michael Goldman declined to comment on whether more American marines could soon be heading to Australia.

JAPANESE troops have arrived in Darwin ahead of the trilateral Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2021, joining US Marines already undertaking training in the region.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) soldiers will join their counterparts from Australia and the United States for the exercise in the Northern Territory June 15-25.

“The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin will bring more equipment this year, allowing for a more complex exercise to advance our ability to work together,” Lieutenant General Burr said.

A US Marine in the NT has tested positive for COVID-19 while in quarantine.

The 19-year-old man arrived in Darwin on May 9 and tested positive in the past 24 hours.

The patient is asymptomatic and is under the care of NT Health at the NT Centre for National Resilience.

The total number of cases diagnosed in the Northern Territory is 172.

All cases have been related to international or interstate travel, with no cases of community transmission.

Australia will invest $582 million to improve bases and training areas in its Northern Territory that are used by a rotational force of U.S. Marines, the country’s Defence Department announced Wednesday.

The country’s defense minister, Peter Dutton, said the upgrades will ensure that the Australian Defence Force delivers world-class training and engagement with allies and other nations through joint exercises, including with the Marines.

The announcement comes amid deteriorating relations between Australia and its largest trading partner, China.

“These new initiatives should help to make northern Australia an even more attractive location for many types of training and exercising by United States forces,” according to Ross Babbage, a former Australian assistant defense secretary.