BLUF

Australia needs to adapt to the idea that it might receive less warning time ahead of a conflict and no warning time of a cyberattack.

Summary

A new report has been released by two of Australia's most highly respected military thinkers—Paul Dibb and Richard Brabin-Smith. Both men are former senior Defence officials. Their report, Deterrence through denial: A strategy for an era of reduced warning time, stresses the need for Australia to appoint a National Intelligence Officer (NIO). Dibb and Brabin-Smith note that we should now expect less warning time ahead of a conflict. They say possible threats extend from unconventional attacks with little or no warning to sustained high-intensity military conflict, which could test Australia's sovereignty and security. Dibb and Brabin-Smith say there may be no warning of cyber-attacks that could disable critical elements such as the internet, electricity generation, water supply, air transport and the financial sector. The authors' state:

 'Ministers need to be left in no doubt about the risks relating to the ADF's ability to move quickly to higher states of readiness.' 

Learn more about why appointing a National Intelligence Officer may be necessary for Australia’s future security.

References

RAAF RUNWAY: RATIONALE, GUIDELINES, LEARNING OUTCOMES, ETC |