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THREAD: #Australia is about to launch its #Defence Strategy Update, which updates the 2016 Defence #WhitePaper, along with a Force Restructure Plan. More detail to come tomorrow. @JanesINTEL understands the following to be announced...
Pic via Aus DoD
Pic via Aus DoD
Shift in posture to the Indo-Pacific theatre, although still open for deployments outwith region, as seen with OKRA in the Middle East.
Serious focus and commitment to #LongRange #Strike as part of overall AUD270 billion spend over next decade, ranging from anti-ship and land attack missiles, as well as #hypersonic #missile R&D to improve #conventional #deterrence.
One of these includes acquiring @LockheedMartin AGM-185C LRASM, first revealed in February after #DSCA approval, which will be fielded on the F/A-18F. Training to begin in 2021. Pic via @LockheedMartin
Interesting to note it’s on the two-seaters. Complex system? Dual authority launch required? Answers on postcard.
Long-range land-fires could also include systems like @LockheedMartin ATACAMS and HIMARS, although I’d expect a competitive tender to examine options. Pic via @LockheedMartin
Maritime strike to get a boost, as well as #ASW, #MaritimePatrol, #Sealift, as well as #UnderseaWarfare (Collins extension perhaps?). Significant investment also in #Undersea #Surveillance #Systems.
Significant expanded #air #combat, #mobility, and #unmanned investments. Up to AUD11 billion in #RPAS and #UCAV, including air teaming. Pic via @BoeingDefense
Oh, and on #hypersonics – AUD6.2-9.2 billion in R&D for high-speed long-range strike incl hypersonics. Ping @TheDEWLine
Lastly, the Army is to be getting a substantial amount to acquire autonomous vehicles. Ping @MelanieRovery. Pic via @RheinmetallAG, but I’d be expecting @MilremR to get a look in too.
Timeline is in the next few years, so the Australian military is going to be a very interesting force by the time 2030 rolls around, particularly with investment in local industry.
It also comes at a time when long-range strike technology is being re-assessed and evaluated. The #INF and #MTCR agreements cap capability – particularly of those countries who would be the lead customers of a system.
Changes to range caps, for example, and to the treaties themselves, mean that countries like #Australia, who wish to acquire better ranged systems, can do so at a lower cost.
Bit more thinking, and realised some of these concepts seemed familiar, hinting perhaps at more of the same. Here is an extract from the 2009 Defence White Paper:
Coupled with this bit from the 2012 Defence Capability Plan for the #SEA1000 #FutureSubmarine that didn't go ahead AFAIK (or has been thrown into the world of classified #submarine weapons. Either way, deadline well missed.) Future frigate et al to also get LACM capability.
