Australia to prioritise long-range strike capability in defence shakeup

CANBERRA (Reuters) – The Australian government is prioritizing long-range precision strikes, domestic production of guided weapons and diplomacy.

The review said that the United States is no longer the “unilateral leader in the Indo-Pacific”, that fierce competition between the United States and China defines the region, and that rivalries between great powers are “potential for conflict.”

Bases in the north of the country will be focal points for deterring enemies and protecting trade routes and communications, the review said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the review “the most important work done since World War II”.

“This shows a world where the challenges to national security are constantly evolving. We cannot rely on old assumptions. We need to build security strength by,” he told reporters.

China is making its biggest buildup since World War II, has been non-transparent about its intentions, and is engaging in strategic competition in Australia’s neighborhood, the review said.

A public version of a classified report released on Monday said Australia “must avoid the highest level of strategic risk it currently faces as a nation: the potential for large-scale conflict in the region.” rice field.

A military threat to Australia does not require an invasion in the “missile age,” it said.

Australia said it would cooperate more closely with the United States, including strengthening bilateral military programs, joint patrols and accepting more rotations of U.S. forces, including submarines.

Australia must also step up defense cooperation with Japan, India, the Pacific and Southeast Asian nations, the review said.

Defense funding will increase over the next decade, but will remain stable over the next four years, with $19 billion in funding for review recommendations, including $7.8 billion diverted from canceled projects .

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marls said in the government’s response to the inquiry that Australia will defend its territories and surrounding areas, deter adversaries’ attempts to project power through northern approaches, and strengthen trade routes and trade routes. He said he must be able to protect communications.

The review found Australia’s defense forces “not fit for purpose,” he said.

“We aim to change the math so that potential aggressors do not conclude that the benefits of conflict outweigh the risks,” he said.

The AUKUS nuclear submarine program is a priority for Australia’s deterrence, the review confirmed.

Long-range strikes and guided weapons are also “fundamental to the Australian Defense Force’s ability to endanger adversaries,” he added, adding that domestic production of these weapons would be established and acquisition accelerated.

Australia plans to upgrade its northern bases and ports soon, and the review says the country must rectify fuel storage problems. The government said it would consider using private mineral and petroleum industry infrastructure in northern and central Australia.

He also called for the development of cyber and space defense capabilities.

Undersea warfare, including drones for surveillance and attack, is important, he said. enhanced targeting; long-range strikes; naval operations for sea denial and local sea control. air and missile defense; expeditionary theater logistics; Northern base for logistical support and deterrence.

Australia’s territories of military interest extend from the northeastern Indian Ocean through the maritime regions of Southeast Asia to the Pacific Ocean.

The Navy needs smaller ships with long-range strike weapons, the details of which were determined after an independent analysis earlier this year, the report said. The government confirmed its commitment to naval shipbuilding.

The review recommends the development of long-range anti-ship missiles for Australia’s F-35A and F/A-18F fighter jets and the unmanned aerial vehicle Ghost Bat with the United States.

He called on the government to investigate existing integrated air and missile defense systems that are more readily available.

The review outlines three phases for rebuilding defense capabilities, with immediate priorities over the next two years: equipping existing platforms with long-range weapons; Accelerating capabilities, including delivery of a “Future Joint Force” from 2031.

Reported by Kirsty Needham. Edited by Praveen Menon.

Our standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.