10 June 2025
The inaugural Australian Maritime Weapons and Tactics Conference (AUSMAR WEPTAC) last month at the Naval Synthetic Warfare Centre, HMAS Watson, represents the new gold standard in refining and focusing the Royal Australian Navy’s human capability in tactical warcraft.
The highly successful serial was the first in a new five-year campaign of 14 weapons and tactics conferences, with the second to be held later this year, driving innovation of tactical development in Navy.
Commander Maritime Warfare Centre Captain Ben Hissink said the intent of AUSMAR WEPTAC was to address the endorsed problem statement within the theme of undersea warfare in a 'fight tonight' context, and to support the development of a verifiable Integrated Tactical Procedure – Provisional (ITP-P).
“At its core, the purpose of the exercise is to enhance our capabilities to develop a tactical asymmetric advantage to Navy and the integrated force as part of a continual update cycle,” Captain Hissink said.
The inaugural conference included more than 100 participants from across the ADF and international partners.
Participants were placed in groups across multiple disciplines, groups and services, and used design thinking methodologies to war-game innovative solutions to complex tactical and capability problems.
“I was encouraged that a majority of the cohort were junior officers, revealing a strong appetite for tactical exploration from junior personnel,” Captain Hissink said.
“Their hard work and dedication saw all objectives completed within set time frames, showing that the future generation of our naval leaders are focused, lethal and ready.”
'We are steadfast in our commitment to investing in training and professional development opportunities for our hard-working and dedicated officers and sailors.'
Executive Director Strategy Maritime Warfare Centre Renee Kidson said that planning for the next conference in October will see the problem set evolve from immediate warfare to a ‘multi-domain strike’ in a ‘fight next year’ context.
“I was amazed at the standard that our first cohort was able to achieve. Over just a few days, they have set the bar for the next set of participants later this year,” Dr Kidson said.
“The groups’ skills in military planning and familiarity with capabilities across the Integrated Force demonstrated the calibre of our officers and sailors, as thinking warfighters.”
Deputy Fleet Commander Commodore Anita Williams said the five-year commitment to AUSMAR WEPTAC exemplified the commitment Navy has to the ongoing professional development of officers and sailors.
“We are steadfast in our commitment to investing in training and professional development opportunities for our hard-working and dedicated officers and sailors,” Commodore Williams said.
“The Australian Maritime Weapons and Tactics Conference is an excellent example of new and innovative training solutions to ensure that our fleet remains world-class and battle ready.”
For those interested in participating in AUSMAR WEPTAC 25-2, please email ausmar.weptac@resources.defence.gov.au to express interest.
