By: Stephen KuperOne of the key announcements of the government’s DSR is that our surface fleet would be subject to yet another review into its force structure slated for release later this year, but have we asked ourselves, what sort of fleet do we need?
Whether it is for our raw resource or agricultural exports, or the critical import of liquid fuel or consumer goods like cars, as an island nation, Australia’s future prosperity and security is intrinsically linked to our unmolested access to the global maritime commons.
This reality is critically important in the light of mounting regional and global naval build ups and is the driving force behind the nation’s pursuit of the trilateral AUKUS agreement which will deliver the nation’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet, which has drawn extensive attention both at home and abroad.
Meanwhile, the Albanese government’s long-awaited Defence Strategic Review has shed light on the long-term direction of the nation’s defence posture and ensuing capability development pathways in the context of what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese explains, “We confront the most challenging strategic circumstances since the Second World War, both in our region and indeed around the world. That’s why we’re investing in our capabilities and we’re investing, too, in our relationships to build a more secure Australia and a more stable and prosperous region.
“It is the most significant work that’s been done since the Second World War, looking in a comprehensive way at what is needed. It demonstrates that in a world where challenges to our national security are always evolving, we cannot fall back on old assumptions,” Prime Minister Albanese said at the formal announcement of the DSR in late April at Parliament House.