Australia plans to significantly increase the size and capability of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) by 2040, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Thursday. Under the plan, the number of ADF personnel will increase by around 30 per cent by 2040, taking the total permanent force from 60,000 to almost 80,000 personnel. The estimated cost of the expansion is at least 38 billion Australian dollars (27.7 billion US dollars) over the period to 2040. “Our world is becoming increasingly uncertain so it’s important we take steps now to protect our people and our national interest over the coming decad…