2013 Defence White Paper

2013 Defence White Paper
Title	2013 Defence White Paper
Date	2013
Country	Australia
Issued by	Department of Defence
Published	2013

2013 Defence White Paper The 2013 Defence White Paper set out a strategic assessment and capability plan for Australia's defence posture, outlining priorities for force projection, maritime security, air power and cyber resilience. It aimed to align planning with regional developments around the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and engagements with partners such as the United States, Japan, and India. The document influenced procurement of platforms including submarines, surface combatants, combat aircraft and intelligence systems while shaping debates in the Parliament of Australia, among think tanks like the Lowy Institute and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, and within defense industries such as Boeing, BAE Systems, and Thales Group.

Background and development

The White Paper was developed during the administration of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and completed under Prime Minister Julia Gillard's successors, following earlier reviews like the 2009 Defence White Paper and informed by strategic assessments including the Defence Intelligence Organisation analyses and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation commentary. It responded to regional trends involving the People's Republic of China, the United States Department of Defense, and increased activity by the Russian Armed Forces in the Indo-Pacific. Consultation involved stakeholders such as the Australian Defence Force, the Royal Australian Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force, the Australian Army, state governments like New South Wales, industry groups like the Defence Materiel Organisation, and academic centres including the Griffith University Strategic Studies program and the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.

Strategic objectives and defence policy

The paper framed objectives around protecting Australia's territory and maritime approaches, contributing to stability in the Asia-Pacific, and supporting coalition operations alongside partners such as the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. It referenced international frameworks including the United Nations Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and engagements through forums like the East Asia Summit and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The strategy emphasized deterrence, expeditionary capability, humanitarian assistance linked to the Indian Ocean tsunami response precedent, and resilience to transnational threats exemplified by concerns over piracy in the Horn of Africa and regional crises like the Syrian Civil War.

Force structure and capability changes

Proposed changes included acquisition of conventional submarines to replace the Collins-class submarine, construction of new frigates and destroyers influenced by designs from Navantia, Arleigh Burke-class destroyer studies, and procurement of combat aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II and upgrades to F/A-18 Hornet fleets. The paper prioritized maritime patrol aircraft to augment responses in the Timor Sea and enhanced amphibious capability reflecting lessons from operations like Operation Slipper and Operation Resolute. It addressed capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance with systems akin to E-7 Wedgetail, cyber capabilities paralleling programs in the National Security Agency, and force sustainment drawing on logistics models from United States Transportation Command and the Australian Army's Digger Units.

Budget, funding and procurement

Financial commitments detailed in the White Paper projected multi-year funding profiles administered by the Department of Finance and executed through procurement agencies like the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation for research, and contractors including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, ASC Pty Ltd, and Rolls-Royce plc. Debates referenced the Australian Defence Force Academy workforce, capital acquisition tolerances influenced by the International Monetary Fund outlook, and fiscal constraints shaped by the Treasury of Australia. Cost-estimates and schedule risks drew comparisons to programs such as the Sea Wolf upgrade and the Astute-class submarine program challenges.

International relationships and alliances

Emphasis was placed on the Australia–United States alliance, enhanced cooperation with Japan Self-Defense Forces, partnerships with Indonesia, engagement with Papua New Guinea and Pacific Island nations through the Pacific Islands Forum, and interoperability with NATO partners in multinational operations. The White Paper addressed participation in exercises such as RIMPAC and bilateral exercises with Singapore Armed Forces, Republic of Korea Armed Forces, and the Indian Navy, and underscored roles in regional architecture like the Five Eyes intelligence partnership and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue discussions.

Reception, criticism and parliamentary debate

Reaction in the Parliament of Australia spanned approval and critique from major parties including the Liberal Party of Australia and the Australian Labor Party, commentary from crossbenchers and senators, and analysis by experts at the Australian National University and Monash University. Criticisms targeted procurement timelines, submarine strategy, and assumptions about threats posed by the People's Liberation Army Navy and other regional militaries, with editorial responses in outlets such as the Australian Financial Review and the Sydney Morning Herald. Civil society responses came from organisations like Amnesty International and advocacy from veterans' groups including the Returned and Services League of Australia.

Implementation and legacy

Implementation involved projects overseen by the Defence Materiel Organisation and successors, adjustments by subsequent administrations under Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull, and influenced later reviews including the 2016 Defence White Paper and strategic updates culminating in the 2020 Defence Strategic Update. The White Paper's legacy persists in procurement choices for submarines, surface combatants, aircraft and cyber programs, shaping Australia's posture in the Indo-Pacific region and ongoing dialogues with partners such as the United States Department of State, Japan Ministry of Defense, and regional forums like the ASEAN Regional Forum.

Category:Australian defence policy