INNOVATIONS AND INSIGHTS
REFINED AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE OBJECTIVES SENATOR THE HON LINDA REYNOLDS CSC, MINISTER FOR DEFENCE EXPLAINS WHY OUR CHANGING WORLD AND REFINED AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE OBJECTIVES OFFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROJECT MANAGERS.
Avionics Technician Leading Aircraftman Ryan Johnson of No 77 Squadron, inspects the nose gear strut of an F/A-18A Hornet. In line with Australian Governm health and safety of its personnel due to COVID-19. (Source: Defence. Photographer: SGT Guy Young)
The world we all grew up in is no more. Our region is now facing the most consequential strategic realignment since the end of World War II. Across the Indo-Pacific, countries are modernising their militaries and increasing their preparedness for conflict. New weapons and technologies like hypersonic glide and long-range missiles, autonomous systems, space and cyber capabilities, and AI – are transforming the characteristics of warfare. 8
Some nations are increasingly employing coercive tactics – such as cyber-attacks, foreign interference, and economic pressure – to exploit the grey area between peace and war. And the COVID-19 pandemic is still an active and unpredictable threat. All of these factors and pressures are contributing to uncertainty and tension, raising the risk of military confrontation and strategic competition while compromising free and open trade. As the Prime Minister observed, we need to be prepared for a postCOVID world “that is poorer, that
