Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a comprehensive strategic review of the Australian Defense Force amid concerns about a “capability gap” in the country’s armed forces.
He said the review aimed to ensure the ADF was well positioned to meet Australia’s security challenges over the next decade and beyond.
“This review will prepare Australia to respond effectively to the changing regional and global strategic environment and ensure that the capability and structure of the defense force is fit for purpose, affordable and delivers the maximum return on investment” , Albanese said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a major defense overhaul. (new)
Mr Albanese said the review would be led by retired defense chief Sir Angus Houston and former Labor defense minister Stephen Smith.
“Professor Smith and Sir Angus bring a unique combination of knowledge and experience to their role as independent leaders,” he said.
“His depth of experience will be invaluable in informing this review.”
Albanese said the review was taking place amid rising tensions in the Asia Pacific region, with China showing greater assertiveness.
“We live in an era where there is strategic competition and growing tension in our region,” he said.
“And where China has taken a more aggressive stance in the region.”
The defense review will examine the capability and force structure of the ADF. (AP)
Mr Albanese also defended Smith’s selection after some commentators criticized his record as defense minister in the former Gillard government when he oversaw cuts.
Defense Minister Richard Marles said the review would be the most comprehensive for decades.
“This will look at force structure issues, capability issues, raise and answer fundamental questions about our strategic circumstances: What do we want our defense force to do on behalf of our nation at this time?” he said
He said it would run concurrently with Australia’s participation in the AUKUS defense pact with the United States and Britain, under which Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
“Given the importance of this platform, it’s really important that both bodies of work happen simultaneously and are able to cross-pollinate each other,” Marles said.
The defense review will take place in conjunction with Australia’s participation in the AUKUS defense pact, under which Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines. (US Navy)
Albanese said the review would also identify gaps in military resources planned for the ADF and what has been delivered.
“There is a gap between the capacity and what has actually been promised in the past,” the prime minister said.
“There are significant delays in delivering what has been promised.”
Similarly, Marles also said the review would examine major defense projects over the next decade.
“We’re going to look at the integrated investment plan over the next 10 years to make sure that what we have as an acquisitions schedule meets the challenges that our strategic circumstances present.”
Marles said the federal government has asked the reviewers to report their findings by the first half of 2023.
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