Federal Government to release long awaited military White Paper on Thursday

A $100 billion upgrade of Australia's military arsenal will include tactical drones, naval frigates and unmanned surveillance aircrafts.

For the first time, the Australian Defence Force will invest $25 billion into the development of its own drone program which will eventually be capable of firing missiles remotely, News Corp reports.

A quarter of the bulk expenditure will be assigned to bolstering the nation's satellite and electronic warfare assets and long range unmanned surveillance aircraft.

The majority of the $100 billion will be spent on the development of anti-submarine frigates, new RAAF planes and 12 submarines.

This expenditure is in line with the 2015 draft White Paper which listed the prime focus of the Australian military as the ability to control the waters around the continent both above and below the water.

The delayed White Paper will be released on Thursday and is also expected to include the recruitment of 5,000 armed forces personal to manage and maintain the military's additional vehicles.

The White Paper will also stipulate the Federal Government's position on diplomatic tensions in the South China Sea.