Australia's Strategic Vision in the 2024 National Defence Strategy

The security environment in 2024 is heavily influenced by various geopolitical events, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the intensifying rivalry between China and the US. These developments have caused a "stabilized" state wherein conflicts and tensions become new normals that affect regional and global stability.

Importance of the 2024 National Defence Strategy

?      Amidst these challenges, Australia's 2024 National Defence Strategy emerges as a critical framework aimed at safeguarding the nation's interests. This strategy is pivotal for several reasons:

?      The strategic repositioning of Australia's armed forces is part of a comprehensive reassessment of the country's national security strategy. It places emphasis on the utilization of all available national power domains to safeguard the interests of the nation.

?      The strategy acknowledges the unpredictable nature of contemporary threats, such as cyber attacks and space warfare. It also aims to adapt to new ways of using economic leverage.

?      The forum emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong relationships with its allies, particularly the US. It also bolsters engagement with other key Indo-Pacific nations, such as India, to counter China's growing assertiveness.

In its 2024 Defence Strategic Review Australia identifies an increasingly complicated global landscape. This complexity is not just due to traditional military confrontations but also encompasses the pervasive impacts of technological advancements, cyber threats, and the strategic use of economic tools by state and non-state actors. The review points out that the Indo-Pacific region, in particular, has become a focal point of strategic competition, with major powers exerting their influence and smaller states seeking to assert their sovereignty amid shifting alliances. The strategic environment is marked by a significant deterioration in security stability, described as the most challenging since World War II. This assessment is driven by the convergence of multiple factors including geopolitical rivalries, particularly between the United States and China, which are manifesting in military build-ups and aggressive posturing in key strategic areas like the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and other parts of the Indo-Pacific.

Australia’s strategic concerns are deeply intertwined with the stability of the Indo-Pacific region. This time Australia explicitly notes the challenges posed by the assertive policies of China, which include territorial claims and military enhancements that have raised alarms among its neighbors and beyond. These actions have not only led to increased tensions in the region but have also prompted Australia to reassess its strategic posture and alliances to ensure its security interests are protected. Moreover, the shifting dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, driven by the strategic recalibrations of countries like India and Japan, further complicate the security landscape. These countries are enhancing their military capabilities and forming strategic partnerships as bulwarks against potential regional instability. For Australia, this means a need to foster stronger bilateral and multilateral ties within the region, not only to safeguard its own interests but also to contribute to a broader collective security framework.

Strategy of Denial

In response to the evolving strategic environment, the Strategy introduces a fundamentally new approach, pivoting towards what is termed a "Strategy of Denial." This strategy aims to deter potential adversaries by demonstrating that any aggression would be met with a strong, credible response that undermines the aggressor's objectives and imposes unacceptable costs. This proactive stance is designed to prevent conflicts before they arise, ensuring that Australia's strategic interests are safeguarded without resorting to engagement in widespread conflicts??.

National Defence: A Whole-of-Government Approach

Underpinning the Strategy of Denial is the broader concept of National Defence, which advocates for a holistic, integrated approach to security. This concept represents a strategic shift from traditional defense strategies that primarily focus on military capabilities, to a comprehensive framework that leverages all facets of national power. The aim is to create a resilient national stance that involves various governmental sectors, including intelligence, foreign affairs, trade, and homeland security, working in concert to optimize Australia’s security posture??. The concept of National Defence encourages collaboration across government departments and the private sector. Through this integrated approach, all sections of society can contribute to and be associated with the nation's defense objectives. It helps strengthen Australia's overall strategic stability.

Enhancing the ADF’s Capabilities

Central to these strategic shifts is the enhancement of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) capabilities, particularly in terms of range and lethality. The 2024 strategy outlines significant investments in advanced weaponry, including precision strike capabilities, expanded maritime assets, and cyber warfare technologies. These enhancements are designed to ensure that the ADF can project power more effectively and maintain a credible deterrent force across the Indo-Pacific region??. The strategy is formed in a way to enhance the range and lethality of the Australian Defense Force by upgrading its existing platforms and systems. This includes the development of unmanned systems, satellite communications, and advanced sensors. These will allow the military to operate more effectively in complex environments.

The strategy also outlines a comprehensive reset of the nation’s defence capabilities, focusing on areas that are critical for maintaining and enhancing its strategic edge. This reset is driven by the need to adapt to a more contested regional environment, characterized by technological advancements and shifting power dynamics. The priority areas identified include undersea warfare, long-range strike capabilities, and cyber defense, each essential for ensuring Australia's security and influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Undersea Warfare

Authorities place a significant emphasis on enhancing undersea warfare capabilities. This focus is partly due to the increasing importance of the maritime domain in the Indo-Pacific, where underwater terrain plays a critical role in strategic military balance. Australia plans to expand its submarine fleet with the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement. These submarines offer superior stealth, endurance, and operational capabilities compared to conventional submarines, significantly enhancing the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) ability to conduct extended surveillance and deterrence missions in deeper waters of strategic interest??.

Long-Range Strike Capabilities

Recognizing the necessity of projecting power and delivering effective deterrence across vast distances, the development and deployment of long-range strike capabilities are now taken into consideration. This includes investments in missiles and advanced aircraft that can strike at significant distances without compromising the safety of Australian forces. Enhancements in this area include the acquisition of Tomahawk cruise missiles, which can be launched from submarines or surface ships, providing the ADF with a powerful tool to target threats from afar and support allied operations??.

Cyber Defense

In the digital age, cyber defense is a pivotal aspect of national security. And therefore the government underlines the critical importance of protecting national infrastructure and military assets from cyber threats, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated and frequent. Australia is investing heavily in cyber capabilities, including defensive and offensive operations, to safeguard critical information structures and disrupt adversarial cyber activities. This includes strengthening the cybersecurity framework within the defense forces and enhancing collaboration with international allies and the private sector to build a resilient cyber defense system??.

Investment in New Technologies and Platforms

The strategy not only focuses on upgrading existing capabilities but also on investing in new technologies and platforms that are essential for future warfare. This includes the development of artificial intelligence (AI) applications for military use, unmanned systems in the air, land, and sea domains, and space-based systems for communication and surveillance. These technologies are expected to provide significant advantages in terms of situational awareness, decision-making speed, and operational flexibility??.

AUKUS Nuclear-Powered Submarines

A cornerstone of the capability reset is the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines through the AUKUS partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom. This move represents a strategic pivot in Australia's defense policy, marking a significant upgrade in its naval capabilities. The nuclear-powered submarines are expected to provide a quantum leap in stealth, speed, and payload capacity, enabling Australia to maintain a deterrent posture and secure its maritime interests in the increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region??.

Australia's reset of its defense capabilities is a clear response to the strategic challenges of the modern era. By focusing on high-priority areas such as undersea warfare, long-range strike capabilities, and cyber defense, and by investing in cutting-edge technologies and platforms like the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines, Australia aims to maintain its strategic autonomy and secure its national interests in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Although, the strategic partnership between Australia and the US is a core component of the country's national security and defense policy, which is reflected in the 2024 National Defense Strategy. This alliance is vital to maintaining the region's stability. Through the partnership, Australia and the US can participate in various joint exercises and activities, as well as the sharing of intelligence. This is evidenced by the recently signed agreement between the two countries regarding the development of nuclear-powered underwater submarines. It also aims to enhance the capabilities of artificial intelligence and cyber defense. Australia is actively working to strengthen its relationships with other key players in the Indo-Pacific region. This involves not only traditional allies but also other regional powers that play pivotal roles in maintaining regional balance. Australia emphasizes enhancing military cooperation, economic ties, and diplomatic relations with nations such as Japan, South Korea, and the ASEAN member states. These relationships are crucial for creating a cohesive response to common challenges, including maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations??.

Special Emphasis on India

India's strategic role in the Indo-Pacific region receives special attention in Australia's defense strategy. Recognizing India as a key player in regional security, Australia is keen on strengthening defense and strategic ties with India. This includes increased military cooperation, such as joint naval exercises and defense dialogues, which enhance mutual understanding and capability sharing. This partnership is particularly significant in the context of balancing China's growing influence in the region. By collaborating closely with India, Australia aims to support a multipolar regional order that respects the sovereignty and rights of all states??.

India's Role in Balancing China

The strategic importance of India in Australia's defense strategy is also framed by the necessity to counterbalance China’s assertive regional policies. As China expands its military and economic influence in the Indo-Pacific, fostering strong ties with India helps to present a united front of democratic, rule-abiding nations committed to maintaining a "free and open Indo-Pacific." This concept underlines the importance of unimpeded trade and adherence to international law, principles that both Australia and India champion. The bilateral and multilateral engagements with India also serve as a counterweight to potential regional hegemony by any single power, thus contributing to a balanced power dynamic that ensures stability and peace

Also, Australia places great importance on the advancement of its defense technology. This includes technological breakthroughs in unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, and advanced missiles. The modernization of Australia's defense capabilities is aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the country's armed forces. It involves leveraging the latest technologies to create a more agile and capable force that can respond to threats in a constantly changing global environment. Parallel to technological advancements, there is a significant focus on strengthening Australia’s defense industrial base. This effort involves increasing self-reliance in defense manufacturing capabilities and supporting domestic industries to innovate and expand their capacity. The government’s strategy includes incentivizing research and development within the defense sector, providing grants and financial support to local companies, and facilitating partnerships between academia, industry, and defense to foster a robust, innovative defense ecosystem??. To bolster Australia's defense manufacturing and technology sectors, strategic partnerships with both domestic and international firms are being actively pursued. These partnerships are crucial for transferring technology, building domestic capabilities, and integrating Australian companies into global supply chains. Collaborative projects with international defense giants and local firms are encouraged, with a focus on areas like shipbuilding, aerospace, and surveillance systems, where Australia aims to build export-capable industry sectors??.

Conclusion:

The comprehensive defense strategy 2024 is designed to address the country's evolving security environment and provide a framework for its future defense. It is built on a forward-looking vision to respond to the threats of the 21st century and establish a strong foundation for the nation's security. The increase in Australia's defense spending is expected to reach over $100 billion by 2034, which is a significant commitment to developing a resilient and capable force. This will enable the country to maintain its competitive edge and address new threats in a more timely manner. The country's technological advancements will also be beneficial in areas such as space, autonomous systems, and cyber defense. The emphasis on partnerships and alliances, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, is crucial as the region is becoming more important to global security. As such, Australia's decision to expand its engagement with India, the US, and Southeast Asian nations is aimed at creating a framework for cooperation.

Therefore, the strategic partnerships that Australia has established with other countries will allow it to address various international security issues. These include cyber threats and maritime security. The strategy's bi-annual review mechanism helps Australia maintain its agile and versatile defense posture, which is critical in a world where unpredictable geopolitical and technological developments can affect the strategic landscape in a big way. At last, the Strategy not only sets the stage for a robust defense capability in the near term but also strategically prepares the nation for future challenges. It positions Australia as a proactive, resilient, and influential player on the world stage, committed to upholding regional peace and stability and securing a prosperous future for its citizens. This strategy is a testament to Australia’s resolve to navigate the complexities of the 21st century with confidence and strategic foresight, ensuring its place as a pivotal leader in an increasingly multipolar world.

Pic Courtesy-Pankaj Jha

(The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent views of CESCUBE.)