Tag: defence strategy
33 articles
Science Fiction Informs Policy as Futuristic Planning Tool
Imagine a future that's already here, but only in glimpses - and discover how science fiction can help policymakers and analysts better prepare for what's to come. By challenging traditional predictive methods, science fiction offers a powerful tool to widen our aperture and anticipate the uneven arrival of future challenges.
Australia, US urged to strengthen deterrence with Defence Guidelines
As Australia and the US celebrate 75 years of the ANZUS treaty, experts are urging both nations to boost their deterrence capabilities by drawing inspiration from the practical cooperation outlined in the recent Australia-New Zealand Defence Guidelines. By following this model, Australia and the US can turn their treaty commitments into tangible, effective deterrence strategies.
Australia Eyes Drone Developments in Northern Neighbors
Australia's neighbors are taking a bold leap forward with drone technology, with a recent test featuring over 100 autonomous systems flying for an impressive 560 hours - and it's time for Australia to take note. The country's Northern Territory is poised to play a key role in this space, with plans to establish Darwin as a sustainment hub for uncrewed systems and a proving ground for next-gen equipment.
Australia Faces Shrinking Warning Time on China Threat
Australia's Defence Minister warns we're living in the most perilous times since World War II, and our window to prepare for a potential threat from China is rapidly shrinking. The days of having a decade to ready our defences are over.
Global Missile Defences Erode as US Stockpiles Dwindle
The US is running perilously low on missile defenses, with depleted stockpiles of crucial Patriot and Thaad missiles threatening to leave the country vulnerable in the face of prolonged conflict. With as few as 70 Thaad rounds and 870 Patriot rounds remaining, lawmakers are sounding the alarm.
Mecca Defence Pact Targets Regional Security Gaps
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement brings together Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye in a groundbreaking pact, but can it live up to its promise of regional security - or will it fall prey to the same pitfalls as its historical predecessors? The answer lies in the logistics, industry, and political will of its signatories.
Australia Bolsters Defence with Self-Reliance Strategy
Australia is proactively shoring up its defence with a bold self-reliance strategy, aimed at navigating the country's increasingly complex and uncertain strategic environment. The move comes as global powers jostle for influence in a world without a single dominant leader.
Australia's Deterrence Framework Risks Conceptual Divergence
Australia's emerging deterrence approach is taking shape with Air Marshal Stephen Chappell's 6C-4D construct, a bold framework that combines capability, credibility, and collective power to disrupt, degrade, destroy, and defeat threats. This innovative approach aims to unify Australia's defence strategy, bringing together joint operations, interagency collaboration, and alliances to strengthen national defence.
Australia's New Defence Chief Charts Course on Deterrence, Integration
Admiral Mark Hammond is shaking things up as the new head of the Australian Defence Force, starting with a bold move to restore "command" to the ADF's nomenclature, signaling a sharper focus on operations and warfighting readiness. This change sets the tone for what promises to be a transformative four-year tenure.
Australia's Defence Readiness Crisis Sparks Calls for Candid Public Debate
A major regional war could be "brought to our doorstep" with devastating consequences, warns Senator James Paterson, calling for a candid public debate on Australia's defence readiness crisis. Canberra's leaders have acknowledged the problem, but have yet to be honest with the public about the full extent of the risks.
Australia's Army, Northern Territory Align on Defence Implementation
The Australian Army and Northern Territory government are joining forces to drive defence implementation, with a shared vision for a stronger national defence. The Army's 2026 contribution to the National Defence Strategy outlines a bold plan to transform land forces for littoral operations and long-range effects.
Australian Army Overhauls Professionalism Amid Great Power Competition
As Lieutenant General Simon Stuart steps down, he leaves behind a revitalized Australian Army, strengthened by a two-year review that aimed to boost professional discipline and accountability in the face of growing global competition. The review tackled key issues, including a decline in expertise and self-regulation, to prepare the army for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Australia's Strategic Focus Shifts to Endurance Over Efficiency in Infrastructure Investment
Imagine a 2,700 km corridor that connects Darwin to Port Augusta, but it's more than just a highway - it's a complex system that supports defence, freight, and community needs across northern Australia. This critical infrastructure, known as the Stuart corridor, is a lifeline that weaves together highways, railways, fuel storage, telecommunications, and industrial supply chains.
Australia's Defence Acquisition Shift Raises Stewardship Risks
The government's reform plan introduces a new, quasi-independent Defence Delivery Agency (DDA) tasked with not only delivering projects, but also taking charge of the long-term stewardship of Australia's sovereign defence industrial base. This bold move aims to ensure the nation's defence capabilities are secure and thriving for years to come.
Australia Unveils Defense Industry Overhaul to Bolster Sovereign Capabilities
Australia is taking a bold step towards securing its future with a groundbreaking overhaul of its defence industry, aimed at strengthening its sovereign capabilities and forging a deeper partnership with local businesses. The move is driven by a clear imperative: a robust Australian defence industrial base is crucial to national security.
Australia Needs Sovereign Fund to Bolster Defence Industry Depth
Australia's defence community has been sounding the alarm for nearly a decade: the country's industrial base is structurally weak and in urgent need of a boost to become more robust, resilient, and self-reliant. Despite consistent warnings, the issue remains unresolved - but a sovereign fund could be the key to bolstering defence industry depth.
Australia's Northern Defence Posture Lags in Resilience Testing
Australia's northern defence strategy is at risk due to a lack of practical assessment, with investment outpacing real-world testing of its resilience. Despite visible progress on infrastructure and projects, the system's ability to withstand stress remains unproven.
AUKUS to Shrink Global Submarine Operating Club
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles says Australia's sovereignty relies on gaining long-range submarine capability through a joint technology transfer from the UK and US, set to revolutionize its naval power in the 2030s and 2040s.
Australia's Defence Force Struggles to Govern Rapid AI Integration
The Australian Defence Force is betting big on AI, with a whopping A$425 billion investment in cutting-edge capabilities by 2035-36 - and artificial intelligence is at the forefront, poised to revolutionize everything from undersea warfare to cyber defence. With AI now embedded in the Defence Force's budget, it's clear that this tech is no longer just a nice-to-have, but a must-have for Australia's military future.
Defence Estate Audit Spurs Calls for Transparent Divestment Framework
The Future Defence Estate Audit has sparked a heated debate about strategy, heritage, and community impact, with 67 sites proposed for divestment and 16 more under consideration. This significant overhaul of Defence's property portfolio raises questions about the need for a transparent framework to guide the divestment process.
Australia's Defence Strategy Lags Behind Rising Threats
Australia's current defence strategy is stuck in the past, leaving the country alarmingly unprepared for the rapidly escalating threats in the Pacific. With tensions rising, can we afford to wait for a decade-long plan to kick in?
Australia's Defence Spending Trails Strategic Ambition
Australia's defence landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the 2024 and 2026 National Defence Strategies, AUKUS, and a massive overhaul of its defence posture. The changes include a historic submarine deal and a bold new vision for the country's military future.
Southeast Asia Shifts Defence Strategy to Counter China with Mobile Strike Capabilities
To counter China's growing influence, Southeast Asian nations can bolster their defence by prioritizing mobile strike capabilities, leveraging affordable and agile equipment like strike missiles, drones, and surface-to-air missiles. By doing so, they can significantly raise the stakes for China and make any potential aggression a costly endeavour.
Australia Bolsters Cyber Defence with Enhanced Offensive Capabilities
Australia is set to supercharge its cyber defence capabilities with a bold investment of A$27-38 billion over the next decade, empowering the country to tackle the growing threat of espionage, foreign interference, and cyber attacks head-on. This significant boost will enable Australia to develop enhanced offensive capabilities to protect its critical infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.