Missiles loaded onto defence wishlist, hard cuts marked

Land combat vehicles should be cut while missile programs should be accelerated, the review said. (Glenn Hunt/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

A wide-ranging review of Australia's defence force has recommended projects immediately be delayed and stripped back to address overspend.

The Defence Strategic Review recommends a land combat vehicle program that would have produced up to 450 infantry fighting vehicles be cut back to 129 to provide a single mechanised battalion.