As geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region have increased in recent years, Australia’s defence strategy has been rapidly evolving. China’s growing missile arsenal and warship deployments to Australasia have prompted Australia’s military leaders to develop new air defence systems. At the Avalon International Airshow in Melbourne in March, global defence companies unveiled a range of new technologies aimed at boosting Australia’s defence capabilities.
New Defense Technologies and Sensor-Oriented Approaches
Australia’s defence leaders are increasingly focusing on sensors to integrate future weapons networks. The head of air force capabilities, Air Marshal Nick Hogan, emphasised the importance of this approach, saying it was “see and feel first”. Australia is prioritising command and control of its defence systems as it develops integrated medium-range air defence systems. This strategy is particularly critical at a time when Australia’s current air defence capabilities are limited.
NASAMS Missile Batteries and Land Defense Challenges
Australia’s most powerful current land-based air defences are based on the recently commissioned NASAMS missile batteries. However, the coastal location of major cities and military bases means there are not enough ships to protect each of these bases. This raises the possibility that the US may request an air defence umbrella to protect its nuclear submarine base in Western Australia.
Timing and Flexibility in Defense Strategy
The 2023 Defence Strategic Review stated that Australia should adopt shorter-term, feasible solutions rather than a long-term, perfect air defence system. Chief of Air Force Capabilities Hogan stated that they are working on new solutions that will combine sea and land inventories in order to provide flexibility with limited inventory. This flexibility is critical to being able to respond quickly and effectively to potential threats.
Combating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and New Systems
Australia’s weakness in counter-drone combat has also recently come to the fore. Anduril Australia has signed a three-year deal to develop its counter-drone capability at RAAF Darwin in the north. But this move is only the beginning of Australia’s future air defence plans. “We are investing in infrastructure, such as passive defence, deception, agile movement of forces,” said Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, hinting at a broader strategy.
F-35 and MQ-28A Ghost Bat: Next Generation Air Defense Platforms
Australia has continued to invest in modern fighter jets such as the F-35 in recent years. With the arrival of Lockheed Martin’s F-35s in Australia, the country’s air force has seen a significant increase in strength. In addition, the RAAF’s MQ-28A Ghost Bat unmanned aerial vehicle is undergoing testing. Hogan said they are evaluating the potential use of these platforms and that unmanned aerial vehicle technologies in particular will play an important role in the air defence strategy.
Australia is making significant strides in building a stronger air defence infrastructure to counter military threats in the Asia-Pacific region. New sensor-based air defence systems, as well as innovative solutions such as unmanned aerial vehicles and integrated air battle management systems, are the cornerstones of Australia’s defence strategy. However, these new defence systems still require time and sustained investment to be fully operational.
