Australia identifies Space as cyber warfare high-ground

The Australian Defence Force explores options for Space Electronic Warfare following the announcement that a new Space Division will take up floorspace within the Department of Defence from 2022.

On 29 July the Australian Government announced the establishment of Defence Project 9358 to “explore options for the acquisition of a ground-based Space Electronic Warfare capability,” according to a media release from Defence Minister Peter Dutton.

According to the Department of Defence 2020 Defence Strategic Update, assured access to the space domain is critical to the ADF’s warfighting effectiveness, situational awareness and the delivery of real-time communications and information.

The Update stated that the government would significantly increase investment in Defence’s space capabilities, agreeing to invest around AUD 7 billion in space capabilities over the next decade. These include plans for a network of satellites to provide an independent and sovereign communications network, and sensors and tracking systems for space situational awareness.

“A Space Electronic Warfare capability, as part of the Australian Defence Force’s approach to space control, seeks to detect and deter attempts to interfere with, or attack, our use of the space domain,” stated Mr Dutton.

The Department of Defence 2020 Force Structure Plan called for the development of options to enhance ADF space control through capabilities to counter emerging space threats to Australia’s free use of the space domain. “Defence supports efforts to promote international norms, transparency and cooperation in upholding responsible behaviour in space,” he continued.

The announcement came just over two months after an announcement by Australia’s Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld AO, DSC, that a Space Division headquarters would be established in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in early 2022. It was announced that personnel from all areas within Defence would be posted to the new headquarters.

“We use Space daily for understanding the weather, navigating, access to geospatial information and sharing information across Australia or across the world,” Air Marshal Hupfeld said.

“Defence is delivering capabilities including Space domain awareness, sovereign controlled satellite communications and Space-based Earth observation, and navigation.”

As the Defence Space Domain lead, Air Marshal Hupfeld is conducting a Space Domain Review to improve how Australia manages, acquires and operates its Space capabilities. “Defence will need capabilities that directly contribute to outcomes in Space as a contested domain, however this does not mean that Defence encourages the militarisation of Space,” he said.

Air Marshal Hupfeld also announced the selection of Air ViceMarshal Catherine Roberts AM, CSC as inaugural Head of Defence Space Division.

AVM Roberts is currently inaugural Head of Air Force Capability, responsible for designing and shaping the needs and future requirements of air and space power for the joint force, and she is also the Defence representative in the Australian Space Agency Advisory Group. She will take up the Head of Space Division role next year.

According to her official profile, AVM Roberts is a “self-professed science fiction buff,” who “has always been fascinated by advanced technology and space, and has committed her career to advancing air and space power for Australia’s defence.”

“To reach for the stars and actually get there is a phenomenal feeling,” she said. “As an aero-space engineer I have always been fascinated by space – the ultimate high-ground.”

Air Vice Marshal Cath Roberts, AM, CSC. Image: Australian Department of Defence.