In this Nov 2, 2016 file photo, the Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Waller (SSG 75), a Collins-class diesel-electric submarine, is seen in Sydney Harbour. (PHOTO / AFP)
The Australian government has announced its biggest defense overhaul since World War II with significant cuts to the army and a major focus on long-range precision missile systems.
The long-awaited Defence Strategic Review sets out a blueprint for Australia’s strategic policy, defense planning and resourcing over the coming decades.
The review said Australia can no longer rely on its geographic benefits, which have been reduced by long-range precision missiles.
The full report, which lays out a number of scenarios, including future conflict with China and Australia becoming less dependent on the United States, was not released to the public. Instead, the government released a 110-page summary.
The review found Australia’s existing military structure is no longer fit for purpose, especially with the rise of China.
The public summary said Australia will go ahead with the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines through the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) alliance. It also recommended that Australia develop a precision missile strike capability to hit long-range targets at sea, in the air or on land. It added that these missiles should be made in Australia reducing reliance on the United States
The public summary said Australia will go ahead with the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines through the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) alliance.
It also recommended that Australia develop a precision missile strike capability to hit long-range targets at sea, in the air or on land. It added that these missiles should be made in Australia reducing reliance on the United States.
Under the proposed changes, the army will see significant cuts to its military infantry fighting vehicle program cutting it from 450 vehicles to 129, with a second regiment of self-propelled Howitzers scrapped.
Releasing the review on April 24, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia faces the most challenging strategic circumstances since World War II “both in our region and around the world.”
Retired lieutenant general Peter Leahy, the former chief of the Australian army, said the strategic environment has changed and Australia needs to adapt.
Leahy, who is now director of the National Security Institute at the University of Canberra, said as an ex-army officer there were a few things in the review he was not “too thrilled” about.
One was cutting the number of infantry vehicles which he said introduces risk into the army.
“There is an assumption that you don’t need a strong army because we have a navy and air force … that cannot be any more wrong. Yes, Australia is an island nation but if you want to protect something you need people on the ground.”
READ MORE: Australia prime minister to attend NATO summit in July
Michael Shoebridge, founder and director of Strategic Analysis Australia said: “We live in a world where the Afghan and Iraq era has ended, and the counter-terrorism era has ended.
“The Australian military now has to operate alone in our near region from the Malacca Straits, across the South Pacific and cannot be plugged in for the Americans anymore,” he told the ABC.
The review, he said, will mean “big changes” to the way the Australian Defence Force (ADF) operates. One significant change will be the use of long-range precision missiles.
“We have seen in Ukraine the power of all kinds of missiles,” Shoebridge said.
“The Russians have used them (missiles) devastatingly against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and the Ukrainians have used them against the Russian military.”
Albanese said: “We live in a world where challenges to national security are always evolving. We cannot fall back on old assumptions.
“We must build and strengthen our security by seeking to shape the future rather than wait for the future to shape us”.
Albanese said the findings of the review, carried out by former defense chief Sir Angus Houston and former Labor defense minister and now High Commissioner to London Stephen Smith, will make Australia more self-reliant and more prepared for the years ahead.
READ MORE: Australia defends nuke sub plan ahead of key deal
Other recommendations include improving the Australian Defence Force’s ability to operate from Australia’s northern bases; initiatives to improve the growth and retention of a highly skilled defense workforce; lifting Australia’s capacity to rapidly translate disruptive new technologies into ADF capability, in close partnership with Australian industry; and deepening diplomatic and defense partnerships with key partners in the Indo-Pacific.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles said the Defence Strategic Review, and the government’s response, is “about maintaining peace, security and prosperity in our region”.
“There are a lot of tough decisions which need to be made, but in doing so, we are making them in the best interest of our Defence Force and our nation.
“Work to implement the review starts today, ensuring our ADF and our defense personnel has the capability they need to keep Australians safe.”
Contact the writer at karlwilson@chinadailyapac.com