Changing Frameworks for Sovereign Defence

Greg Moriarty Secretary to Defence outlined how the frameworks of defence have changed from the strategy of forward defence 100 years ago, now after the Defence Strategic Review (DSR) we are executing on the 6 key areas below due to the changes in the strategic environment Australia is facing which has diminished the natural advantage offered by our remote location. The build-up of competition between US and China is increasing the risks in this region combined with a global geo-political uncertainty. China is undergoing an unprecedented build-up both of conventional and non-conventional resources in this region, without a corresponding satisfactory explanation. We are also seeing the growth of 'grey zone' tactics. The level of development and innovation in military technology is bringing threats closer to shore which includes advanced missiles, space resources and cyber-threats including disinformation campaigns. The environment we are operating in has deteriorated even since the DSR. We need to 'deliver a strategy of denial', which is the cornerstone of defence strategy and translate this into plans/ doctrine/ tactics in years ahead.

1. Nuclear subs via AUKUS

2. Longer range strike capability and manufacture munitions domestically

3. Build up NT capabilities/ infrastructure

4. Build up and resource a skilled defence force

5. Lift capacity across supply-chain to translate this capability into the ADF

6. Deepening relationships in the Indo-Pacific region.

We ‘need to be really very focused on the prioritisations across the epochs.’

David Johnston, Chief of Defence Force (CDF) repeated the message I heard at LEWG2024, and is in the DSR, that we ‘no longer have the benefit of a 10-year warning.’ This impacts across all areas of defence, inside and outside including supply chain. Suppliers and Defence need to be comfortable with minimal viability capability and iterating quickly. The lack of 10-year warning impacts readiness settings and sustainment strategies. The National Defence Strategy laid out time epochs that resets our thinking and moving from a “Joint Force” mentality to the integrated environment now. A “Joint Force” was insufficient as space and cyber were not encompassed; and partnership across other government domains and regional partners and industry integration was much harder. So, the "Integrated Force" term has opened up integrating to the 5 domains of maritime, land, air, space and cyber and building out relationships with industry partners for delivery. We will be focused on building:

1. A lethal navy

2. An army with long range strike and littoral capability

3. An air force capable of operating from the NT

4. Cyber skills

5. Space capabilities

All under sovereign control for consistent outcomes. Change is needed to be able to meet these requirements and change is hard. All stakeholders need to bring these changes forward together and deliver the outcome collectively. We are starting from a decent base though:

1. RIMPAC Naval strike recent missile exercise success from HMAS Sydney.

2. Pitch black Darwin 120 aircraft, 20 nations, 4500 people - joint capability & integrated exercises

3. A defence force ready today to deploy domestically & globally to preserve security & stability.

However, we are 4,500 people under strength. This is a critical priority. Retention is good across the ADF, but we are not meeting the growing target so workforce is front of mind. If we can't shift growth of workforce internally or externally, we will need to shift the defence strategy in the bi-annual review.?