Download Papers here: 2024 National Defence Strategy and 2024 Integrated Investment Program | About | Defence
Overview:  The 2024 National Defence Strategy focuses on integrated operations, increased funding, modernisation, and strengthening partnerships to secure Australia's future defence.
  1. Adopting a Strategy of Denial: Focusing on defence to prevent adversaries from projecting power into Australia.
  2. Integrated Defence Operations: Ensuring cohesive operations across maritime, land, air, space, and cyber domains.
  3. Increased Defence Funding: Boosting the budget with an additional $5.7 billion over four years and $50.3 billion over the next decade.
  4. Integrated Investment Program: Rebuilt to accelerate and sustain priority capabilities with $38.2 billion allocated over the next decade.
  5. Modern Combat Systems: Focusing on advanced systems like long-range strike and autonomous technologies.
  6. Workforce Development: Enhancing ADF recruitment and retention, including broadening eligibility criteria.
  7. Strengthening Partnerships: Deepening defence ties with the United States under AUKUS and expanding regional collaborations.
  8. Whole-of-Nation Approach: Integrating national resources and infrastructure in the defence strategy.
  9. Economic Security: Protecting Australia’s global economic connections.
  10. Biennial Strategy Updates: Regularly updating the strategy and the Integrated Investment Program to stay responsive to global changes.
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Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessel at Russell.
Strategic Influence

National Defence Strategy 2026: views in The Strategist

This useful article summarises others that have appeared in The Strategist. Balancing stronger self-reliance with close partnerships is a major theme. Success depends on faster capability delivery, agility, clearer funding choices, and sustained effort.
8 minutes
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Landing Craft Medium and Heavy vessels conducting a beach landing.
Communication & Cognition

NDS 2026: With Rigour and Regularity, Australia’s Strategy Process Is Just Right

The updated strategy process emphasises regular review and disciplined planning. Steady cycles improve clarity, accountability, and adaptability, helping leaders respond to change without overreaction or short-term thinking. Defined timelines help align resources with strategic priorities.
7 minutes
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Air & Space Power

2026 National Defence Strategy: Australia to replace C-27J Spartan fleet with commercial aircraft mix

Australia’s 2026 National Defence Strategy will replace the C-27J Spartan with commercial aircraft, while expanding strike, ISR, and un-crewed capabilities; enhancing Indo-Pacific mobility, resilience, and long-range force projection under a major defence investment programme.
2 minutes
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Cyber Command Australia
Cyber

National Defence Strategy 2026: Spending on military cyber capability to reach at least $15bn

Australia’s 2026 NDS embeds cyber as a core warfighting domain. It recognises rising cyber threats, weakened geographic buffers, alliance-based deterrence; and future capabilities enhancing awareness, force projection, and infrastructure protection.
6 minutes
6461
Richard Marles
Strategic Influence

2026 National Defence Strategy: Views from ASPI Analysts

Nine analysts provide different perspectives in this article, including the need for clearer prioritisation of capability development efforts. The strategy emphasises long-term resilience and preparedness planning, while sharpening the focus on deterrence and regional stability.
8 minutes
6183
Air & Space Power

MQ-4C Triton maintenance facility opens at RAAF Base Tindal

The new MQ‑4C Triton facility at RAAF Base Tindal is a $166 million project built to enhance Australia’s northern surveillance capabilities. It will provide a permanent, purpose‑built home for Triton operations and maintenance.
2 minutes
5992
Military Management

The National Defence Strategy needs to give Australians clarity

The 2026 strategy should explain what matters, what threatens us, and why key investments are required. A direct link between risks, interests and resources will help the public understand the choices that shape national security.
4 minutes
6001
Air & Space Power

RAAF ambitions: Ghost Bat successor, big missiles and more

New air combat systems, anti-ship, long-range and hypersonic weapons and, a future aircraft planned. Long-range operations at 1,900 to 3,700 km a priority. F-35’s planned until about 2065 and a future training aircraft may have combat capability.
3 minutes
5890
Strategic Influence

New look Defence Delivery Agency to shake up nation’s capability acquisition

In a sweeping overhaul of Defence procurement, the Australian Government will create a Defence Delivery Agency to consolidate key groups and improve accountability, ensuring timely, cost-effective delivery of Australia’s largest-ever peacetime defence investment.
4 minutes
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Strategic Influence

Rethinking the choice: Why Australia needs both a balanced and a focused force

In this article, retired RAAF Air Marshal, John Harvey, asserts that the Defence Strategic Review and the National Defence Strategy’s proposal to shift from a balanced force to an integrated focused force should not happen.
4 minutes
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Strategic Influence

Northern Australia’s Economic Revival Can Support Defence Readiness

Defence capability needs a strong economy to sustain it including affordable housing, healthcare, education and job opportunities for defence families and industry. Recruitment and retention are at stake. Energy and minerals tied to national self-reliance
6 minutes
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Strategic Influence

National Defence Strategy: big spending on northern bases

Approximately $30 billion allocated to harden and upgrade northern bases, doubling down on previous commitments
9 minutes
Archived
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Strategic Influence

Defence spending gets $50 billion boost over next decade

Focus on upgrading military bases, enhancing artillery, long-range missiles, and drone tech.
7 minutes
Archived
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Strategic Influence

Australia Unveils New Defence Strategy, With Eye On 'Coercive' China

This strategy boosts defence spending, emphasizing a strong navy and missile capabilities to deter regional threats, particularly from China.
4 minutes
Archived
4016
Strategic Influence

2024 National Defence Strategy and 2024 Integrated Investment Program

The Australian Government significantly increases Defence spending, outlining a $330 billion investment for a more capable Australian Defence Force by 2034.
120 minutes
Archived
4018
Strategic Influence

Australia’s new defence strategy is big on ideas, but lacks one key ingredient: well-trained soldiers

Australia's defence strategy is expansive but underestimates personnel training needs.
6 minutes
Archived
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Strategic Influence

National Defence: Defence Strategic Review 2023

The Defence Strategic Review charts a course for essential changes to Defence's structure and posture. The Review's strategic vision and significant discoveries will enhance Australia's national security and ensure that Australia's defence force can meet future challenges.
65 minutes
Archived