BLUF
The recently released Defence Strategic Review sets out a more integrated national defence approach and clarifies the five critical missions for the Australian Defence Force (ADF); however, more details in some key areas would have been useful.Summary
Mick Ryan writing for the ABC notes areas that could have been better covered by the report:
- Firstly, the report should have covered Australia's strategic threats in more detail—especially the threat posed by China.
- Secondly, it needs to be quite clear who Australia is deterring.
- Thirdly, the report should have addressed the capability required to engage in long-range strike, fight close-range battles, and support them logistically with tactical and national sustainment.
- Fourthly, the integrated force concept should have been mentioned, including:
- The enhanced development of joint leaders.
- Developing AI-enabled digital battle command and control network.
- Lastly, the report should have provided more details about the size of the future force and its funding and the rationale for reforming how the ADF recruits new members.
