Australia made a historic announcement on Monday, ushering in its most significant military overhaul in decades, with a primary objective of shifting the focus of its armed forces to deter potential adversaries far beyond its own shores.
Defense Minister Richard Marles presented a vision for Australia that encompasses a substantial increase in long-range strike capabilities. He emphasized that the previous decades-old strategy, centered on territorial defense, was no longer suited to meet the evolving security challenges.
In light of the increasingly assertive stance of China on the global stage, Marles declared that Australia would reorient its strategic priorities towards deterring potential threats well before they approach Australian territory, whether in the realm of maritime, aerial, or cyber domains.
Marles stated, “Today, for the first time in 35 years, we are recasting the mission of the Australian Defense Force,” marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s defense posture.
The long-awaited strategic review conducted by the Australian defense ministry underscored the rapid expansion of China’s military capabilities, labeling it as the most significant and ambitious build-up by any nation since the conclusion of World War II. The review expressed concern about the lack of transparency and assurance regarding China’s strategic intentions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, which has a profound impact on Australia’s national interests.
The South China Sea, where China has been asserting its sovereignty claims, was identified as a key flashpoint that poses a direct threat to the established global rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and, consequently, affects Australia’s security.
Australia’s response to these challenges involves the development of stealthy long-range nuclear-powered submarines, a central element of its new strategy. Furthermore, the Australian Defense Force will acquire advanced long-range missile strike capabilities, encompassing both air and land-launched systems.
In addition, a thorough review of the navy’s surface combatant fleet is scheduled for this year, with the aim of ensuring that its size, structure, and composition align with the capabilities provided by the forthcoming nuclear-powered submarines.
The Australian army will pivot its focus towards coastal defense, particularly in the expansive northern regions of the country. This shift in strategy has led to a reduction in the planned acquisition of infantry fighting vehicles, scaled back from 450 to just 129.
Australia’s strategic calculus has been increasingly influenced by the rising power of China’s military, with concerns that Beijing’s capabilities could potentially disrupt Australia’s trade partnerships and global supply chains.
In sum, the strategic review acknowledges that the resurgence of major power competition, primarily between China and the United States, defines the current regional and global landscape, compelling Australia to adapt and reposition its military capabilities to safeguard its interests and contribute to regional stability.
Source: with agencies