Defence Strategic Review

Defence Strategic Review
Name	Defence Strategic Review
Country	Australia
Government	Australian Government
Minister	Richard Marles
Commissioned	2022
Submitted	2023
Purpose	Strategic reassessment of Australian Defence Force posture and capabilities

Defence Strategic Review. A comprehensive examination of Australia's defence posture and military strategy commissioned by the Australian Government in 2022 and delivered in 2023. Led by former Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and former Chief of the Defence Force Angus Houston, the review was a response to a rapidly changing Indo-Pacific security environment. Its findings prompted a significant shift in national defence policy, emphasizing a strategy of "impactful projection" to deter potential adversaries.

Background

The review was initiated following the election of the Albanese government, which sought to reassess the strategic direction set by earlier documents like the 2020 Defence Strategic Update. This decision was driven by heightened geopolitical tensions, including increased strategic competition between the United States and the People's Republic of China, and the signing of the AUKUS security pact. Key events such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and growing assertiveness in the South China Sea underscored the need for a fundamental reassessment. The government appointed Stephen Smith and Sir Angus Houston to lead the independent analysis, drawing upon insights from the Department of Defence and allied partners like the United States Department of Defense.

Purpose and Scope

The primary objective was to ensure the structure and capabilities of the Australian Defence Force were aligned with the nation's strategic circumstances over the next decade. Its scope was deliberately broad, examining force structure, preparedness, and investment priorities across all domains. The review specifically assessed the implementation of previous initiatives from the 2016 Defence White Paper and the Integrated Investment Program. It aimed to provide clear guidance for the forthcoming National Defence Strategy and to inform major acquisition decisions, including those related to the Hunter-class frigate and Army transformation under projects like LAND 400.

Key Findings

The review concluded that Australia's previous defence posture was no longer fit for purpose in an era of "major power competition." It identified a "missed decade" in defence policy and found the Australian Defence Force was not optimally configured for operations in Australia's immediate region. Critical findings included an over-reliance on legacy platforms, insufficient long-range strike capabilities, and vulnerabilities in northern base infrastructure. The analysis emphasized the growing military capabilities of potential adversaries and the reduced warning time for a major conflict, necessitating a more proactive and self-reliant stance.

Recommendations

Central recommendations included the adoption of a new "National Defence" concept focused on the defence of Australia and its immediate approaches. It urged a significant reallocation of resources towards long-range strike systems, such as Tomahawk missiles and HIMARS, and enhanced undersea warfare capabilities. The review called for the cancellation or restructuring of several projects, including the planned upgrade of the M1 Abrams tanks and aspects of the Hunter-class frigate program. It prioritized investment in northern bases like RAAF Base Darwin and Curtin Airbase, and recommended accelerating the development of domestic defence industry capabilities in partnership with AUKUS allies.

Implementation

The Albanese government publicly accepted the vast majority of the recommendations in the 2023 National Defence Statement. Immediate actions included the establishment of a new Australian Submarine Agency to manage the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine pathway and the acceleration of the Army's transformation into a more mobile force. The Department of Defence began restructuring the Integrated Investment Program to fund new priorities, redirecting billions of dollars. Key implementation efforts were overseen by the Vice Chief of the Defence Force and the Secretary of the Department of Defence.

Impact and Legacy

The review is considered the most consequential defence policy reset since the 1986 Dibb Report and the 1987 Defence White Paper. It fundamentally shifted strategic thinking from a "balanced force" model to one centered on "impactful projection" and deterrence by denial. Its legacy is embedded in the subsequent 2024 National Defence Strategy, which enshrined its core principles. The review's influence is evident in major capability decisions, shaping the acquisition of Virginia-class submarines under AUKUS and the push for domestic missile production. It established a new strategic benchmark against which all future defence planning, including the posture of the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force, will be measured.

Category:Military of Australia Category:2023 in Australia Category:Government reports of Australia