No hiding the gap between rhetoric, reality on spending
The Australian government has wedged itself on defence. And our defence funding commitments have been called out by our great and powerful ally – the US.
The Australian government has wedged itself on defence. And our defence funding commitments have been called out by our great and powerful ally – the US.
The era of globalisation has been supplanted by a systemic struggle between authoritarianism and accountable democracy. Thus, every partnership Australia can leverage becomes a multiplier for our national security.
Craig Lockhart heads the country’s largest defence contractor– BAE Systems Australia – which he anticipates will grow to more than 10,000-strong in the next three to four years.
Despite being members of the Quad, it’s surprising that we haven’t started co-operating with India in the Pacific Islands region, an area of geopolitical interest to both states.
The global contest between China and the US poses a linked question for Asia: what will each superpower demand or deliver?
Anthony Albanese has a golden opportunity to recast our defence strategy.
How Australia is tackling the drone threat.
Defence’s ASCA has been moving quickly to bring Australian-made uncrewed aerial systems (UASs) into frontline service.
Major work is being carried out to defence facilities across Australia and a significant portion falls under the umbrella of the US Force Posture Initiative.
Ukraine’s fightback against Russia has totally revolutionised land combat for tactical distances of less than 10km through the saturation use of AI-enabled small, armed drones.
The army’s plans to extend its lethal range are gathering pace.
Aspen Medical has deployed medical staff all over the world for 22 years, supporting the ADF and providing health services in conflict zones and fragile states, and disease outbreaks.
Resilient communications is key to the ADF’s ability to undertake military operations. Therefore it is vital that Australia has access to secure and resilient satellite communications.
A factory next to RAAF Base Williamtown ill be the site for the local construction and support of two of Norwegian company Kongsberg’s most advanced missiles – the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and air-launched Joint Strike Missile (JSM).
The reality of drone warfare in the war between Russia and Ukraine is one of rapidly changing technology. Australian company, DroneShield, prides itself as Australia’s counter-drone systems integrator.
The re-election of the federal Labor government almost certainly guarantees that there will no parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS Pillar 1, let alone any change of direction.
The acquisition of up to 11 General Purpose Frigates (GPFs) is being run as a crash program to get the first Royal Australian Navy hull in the water by 2029.
South Korea’s advancements in military technology, particularly in missile defence, naval systems, and cyber security, make it a natural partner for Australia.
Focused on the joint development of advanced technologies, AUKUS Pillar 2 may prove even more critical for Australia’s long-term sovereignty.
Even though the RAAF accepted the last of its planned 72 fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighters in December, planners are already looking to what comes next.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/special-reports/defence