- Why do we need a new Defence Update?
- Why not a White Paper?
- So how does this Update differ from earlier Updates?
- Does the Update maintain broad continuity in defence policy?
- How does the Defence Update fit with the Future Joint Operating Concept Paper released by CDF in mid-May 2007?
- What are the key concepts/highlights of the Defence Update 2007?
The Strategic Environment
- What does this Update say about Australia's strategic environment since the last Update in late 2005?
- What does the Update say about stability in Australia's region?
- What about our alliance with the United States ?
- What about China-US relations?
- How does the Update see relations with Indonesia ?
- What does the Update have to say about the security implications of climate change?
Operations
- How many ADF personnel do we have overseas, and where are they serving?
- Are our Defence Forces overstretched?
- What does the Update say about our continued ADF operations in Afghanistan and Iraq ?
Capability & Resources
- What are major capability implications of the Update?
- Is there a capability gap in our air defence given the delays in the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) and the changeover between the F/A-18s and the Super-Hornets?
- Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) - why was the Spanish design chosen over the larger and more powerful American one?
- What value will the LHD amphibious landing ship bring to the ADF?
- Will Defence be able to achieve its targets in recruitment and retention?
Why do we need a new Defence Update?
The Government believes it is important to advise the public of changes in Australia's security environment, the challenges we face in that environment and how Defence is meeting those challenges.
The Government does not believe that another White Paper is required at this stage. The policy guidelines established by the 2000 White Paper remain relevant. We will continue to monitor the need for a new White Paper.
So how does this Update differ from earlier Updates?
In the 2003 Defence Update we recognised the emergence of three key trends that were shaping the strategic environment: terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the challenges posed by fragile states. That entailed a need to rebalance military capabilities and priorities to give our forces extra flexibility, mobility and the readiness to deal with the new strategic environment.
In 2005, the Update emphasised the ability to respond to a wide range of eventualities, including conventional conflict, as well as the importance of working with other government agencies such as police and aid workers.
The 2007 Update is a logical successor to these earlier documents, and takes them further.
Does the Update maintain broad continuity in defence policy?
Yes. We believe the most important task of the Government is to ensure the security and sovereignty of its people. Ultimately, Australia must be the sole guarantor of its own security - that is, our armed forces must be able to defend Australia without relying on the combat forces of other countries. The Defence Policy chapter makes a clearer delineation of where we must lead and secure our interests in Australia's immediate region and more widely around the world.
How does the Defence Update fit with the Future Joint Operating Concept Paper released by CDF in mid-May 2007?
The Defence Update is about overall Defence strategy and policy, whereas the Future Joint Operating Concept (FJOC) Paper is about how the ADF undertake their missions as set by the Government. The FJOC draws on Defence policy documents, particularly the Defence White Paper, as well as the Updates, to describe the likely strategic environment that Defence and the ADF will face out to 2030 and possible ADF responses to those conditions.
What are the key concepts/highlights of the Defence Update 2007?
In the 2003 Update the key themes were terrorism, WMD and failed states. In 2005 we considered the whole of Government response to these challenges. The 2007 Update extends both these documents by considering a number of trends evident in the security environment, and their impact on our region and beyond. It explicitly addresses the nature and value of partnerships with friends and allies to our efforts to secure our interests.
- Our activities and posture are determined by our interests. Accordingly, we lead in our region, contribute to allies and coalition efforts where our interests are engaged, and support international efforts to secure peace and stability.
- We must have the capability to support our activities and posture. That means, for example, being able to supply and support our forces no matter where they are and what they are doing. We need to ensure we can operate with our key allies and coalition partners.
The Update also notes that the dynamism within our strategic environment means that we sometimes need to develop or buy capabilities at very short notice. Sudden changes in the strategic environment might trigger Defence spending in different sectors.
THE STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT
What does this Update say about Australia 's strategic environment since the last Update in late 2005?
Old problems persist, but our enemies are continuing to find new ways to threaten and attack us. Currently we do not face any direct threat to our territory, and this has enabled us to focus on our wider priorities.
- Terrorism will remain a generational threat - to our region, the Middle East and globally - and will continue to have strategic effect.
- WMD proliferation has become more worrying, particularly the prospects of acquisition of nuclear weapons by North Korea, Iran and groups such as al Qaeda.
- More generally, while globalisation provides many benefits, it can also bring potential security threats much closer to us, with much less warning.
- In the Asia-Pacific, the United States will retain its primacy for at least a generation, and that primacy remains a foundation of regional security.
- Relations between major powers, particularly between China, the United States, Japan, India will continue to influence our strategic environment. So far, the prospects for continued stability are good.
- The South Pacific will continue to face challenges typical of fragile states, and we retain a lasting commitment to help build stability and prosperity there.
- We expect Australia's engagement in the Middle East to continue, reflecting the continuing importance of the region to our security and broader national interests.
What does the Update say about stability in Australia 's region?
The island nations in the South Pacific are potentially vulnerable to international crime, corruption, and natural disasters. We are therefore engaged in capacity-building in the South Pacific to enable those countries to take better care of their own security and to build stronger alliances in the region.
East Timor, for example, faces considerable economic growth and population problems, and must build the habits and practice of a sovereign nation while facing the challenge of reconciliation and reconstruction. In the Solomon Islands , we offer support to the reconstruction effort as part of RAMSI.
But our approach needs a lot of patience, and progress is not certain. A lot depends on the willingness of the main players to commit to change the political, economic, social and security situation. And even then, positive change takes time to gain momentum and yield clear, tangible benefits. As much as possible we will work with local communities and with our security partners. By paying attention and committing to the long-term, we will build a more stable environment in Australia 's near region.
What about our alliance with the United States ?
The Update underlines the strategic importance of our alliance with the United States . It remains our most important strategic relationship; we share many common values and security interests and have a similar strategic outlook. US primacy continues to be a foundation of the Asia-Pacific's security, and the United States will remain the predominant power in the region for at least a generation. We remain vitally interested in American engagement in our region.
What about China-US relations?
So far, prospects of the United States and China managing their relationship successfully are good. The relationship is underpinned by the region's remarkable growth, the economic interdependency between the two countries, and their mutual interest in stability in the region. As with any international relationship there will be tensions from time to time, but we are confident that the maturing relationship will enable the two countries to resolve any differences amicably.
We see no reason why Australia would ever have to 'choose between' the two countries. Our relations with China , as other nations in the Asia-Pacific, and our alliance with the United States are not mutually exclusive.
How does the Update see relations with Indonesia ?
We have a deepening relationship with Indonesia as signalled by the signing of the Lombok Treaty in November 2006. We see a stable and secure Indonesia as important to the ongoing democratic reforms in that country, to regional stability, and to our own interests.
What does the Update have to say about the security implications of climate change?
The Update notes the ADF is likely to take on an increasing number of humanitarian relief missions. Some of these may be the result of events associated with climate change. Defence continues to work with other organisations on this important issue and has contributed to the work of the Office of National Assessments in examining the implications of climate change.
OPERATIONS
How many ADF personnel do we have overseas, and where are they serving?
Over 4,000 ADF personnel are serving in ten operations overseas, including Operation Resolute, which focuses on the security of our maritime borders. Exact numbers vary depending on the timing of rotations and the size of units, as well as circumstances. The Update provides a brief outline and the approximate numbers of personnel involved in each operation.
Are our Defence Forces overstretched?
The tempo of operations is now at its highest level since Vietnam . We are not overstretched, but we must retain our focus on defending our people, interests and values.
What does the Update say about our continued ADF operations in Afghanistan and Iraq ?
It is fundamentally in Australia 's national interest to contribute to stability in the wider Middle East region. The Defence Update provides an overview of Australia 's operational commitment in the theatre; more importantly, it sets out the strategic rationale for our involvement.
We expect Australia 's strategic involvement in the Middle East to continue. Whether this will be through continued troop deployments or by other means depends on the circumstances, threats and opportunities, and how we can work best with our allies and partners.
CAPABILITY AND RESOURCES
What are major capability implications of the Update?
The Update reports on recent major capability decisions, and their rationale. The breadth and geographic scope of contemporary commitments are such that the ADF must be able to project force across large distances, both in our region and beyond. We must also be able to supply and support these forces, and be interoperable with our key allies and coalition partners.
The recent decisions, for example, to acquire three air warfare destroyers and two amphibious landing ships will help ensure the Navy is able to establish sea control and operate freely in our region, as well as undertake a range of missions from border protection, support of stabilisation and humanitarian missions, to warfighting.
Initiatives strengthening the Army, including the Hardened and Networked Army (HNA), Enhanced Land Force initiative, and the M1A1 Abrams tanks, are aimed at allowing it to operate in more complex, dangerous and uncertain environments.
Key Air Force capabilities of air combat and airlift are being enhanced through a squadron of F/A-18F Super Hornets and the C-17s.
Is there a capability gap in our air defence given the delays in the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) and the changeover between the F/A-18s and the Super-Hornets?
The JSF Program remains on track and current planning is for Australia to acquire its first JSF in 2013 with initial operational capability expected in 2015. Full operational capability is expected to be achieved in around 2018-20. The decision by Government to acquire 24 Super Hornets ensures there will be no air combat capability gap during transition to the JSF.
The Super Hornet was a clear choice as a bridging capability because:
- of its excellent capability to meet Australia's requirements;
- of its availability and supportability; and
- Air Force has the capacity to make this transition more easily than with any other aircraft.
The Super Hornet will also provide a greater capacity to network with the other new capabilities being acquired for the ADF.
The decision to purchase the Super Hornet does not reduce the Government's commitment to the JSF Program.
Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) - why was the Spanish design chosen over the larger and more powerful American one?
The AWDs are a strategic asset. As a key element of network-centric operations, they will help to ensure we retain sea and air control in our immediate region.
The F100 Air Warfare Destroyer is a warship that meets our requirements. With four in service in the Spanish Navy, the F100 is a proven warship.
- The F100's core fighting capability is the US Navy Aegis Combat System, a well-proven capability.
- And the ship will have the speed, range and endurance required by the Royal Australian Navy.
The first of these Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyers will be delivered in late 2014, followed by the second and third ships in early-2016 and mid-2017 respectively.
What value will the LHD amphibious landing ship bring to the ADF?
Each LHD will be able to deploy around 1,000 personnel with the helicopters and watercraft necessary to enhance the ADF's reach and operational impact in the region. They will be invaluable in supporting regional humanitarian missions and stabilization operations, particularly when local infrastructure cannot meet needs, as well as enhancing the operational reach and impact of the ADF.
Will Defence be able to achieve its targets in recruitment and retention?
Defence is committed to achieving the future personnel targets. We need to recruit approximately 9000 (about 6000 full time and 3000 part time) new personnel each year over the next 10 years to meet the growing needs of the ADF and the additional resources for retention and recruitment over the next decade will assist in meeting the future personnel targets.
There have been some very encouraging trends in recruitment and retention to the ADF since the launch of our new initiatives.
- Greater investment is being made in marketing - through various media, innovative technologies and greater presence of ADF personnel in schools and communities.
- Entry standards have been refined to better reflect contemporary society.
- The recruitment process is being streamlined and becoming more candidate-focussed to ensure more applicants are successful in entering the ADF.
Defence has already recruited over 1000 more people this year than at the same time last year, and further improvements, such as individual case-management of candidates, will ensure increasing targets are achieved.
The current separation rate of 11.4 per cent is consistent with the long-term average, and we aim to reduce that rate to 10 per cent. Personnel research is helping us to develop evidence-based policy to enhance the support provided to our people and their families. We will continue to improve service conditions, give better support to reservists, and support ADF families and communities.
