THE cost of the war against -Islamic State will cost almost $1 billion over the next three years, following a $353 million boost for Australia's contribution to the international effort to degrade the extremists. 
Despite signs that IS is on the run in Iraq and Syria, having lost territory and fighters, the Turnbull government will boost funding for Operation Okra, pointing to recent attacks in the West as underscoring the importance of the ongoing commitment.
Operation Okra is Australia's military contribution to the international effort against the extremist group.
In the wake of recent attacks either carried out or inspired by Islamic State - including in Australia, Paris, Belgium, Pakistan and Jakarta - the government last night announced additional funding for Operation Okra of $335.4 million in the 2016-17 budget, taking the total spend for the year to $353 million.
The financial commitment to Operation Okra is then -dramatically reduced in the following two financial years, suggesting the government believes the war against IS will be coming to an end.
Budget papers show the total spend on Operation Okra is on track to hit $940.7 million by 2018-19.Defence Minister Marise Payne said attacks in the name of IS "underscore the importance of Australia's significant contribution to the US-led counter Daesh coalition".