Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Commander of the Australian Defense Force General Angus Campbell at a press conference following the release of the Defense Strategic Review Monday Photo: Reuters
The Labor government in Australia has released a long-awaited Strategic Defense Review stating that the United States is no longer the «unipolar leader of the Indo-Pacific», which is the intense competition between the US and China defines the region and therefore there is «potential for conflict» .
In response, the Australian government will prioritize diplomacy and long-range precision strike weapons, as well as domestic production of guided weapons, instead of focusing on protecting its territory.
In a survey released by the government on Monday, heralding the largest in recent decades of reshuffle in the defense forces of Australia, it is said that the country's northern bases should become the focus for deterring adversaries and protecting trade routes and communications. .
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese went so far as to call the review “the most significant work done since the Second World War.”
“This demonstrates a world in which our national security is constantly being challenged. We cannot resort to old assumptions. We must build our security by seeking to shape the future, not waiting for the future to shape us.” Mr. Albanese said at a press conference covered by Reuters.
Defense funding will increase over the next decade but remain stable over the next four years with an additional $12.7 billion in funding for the review' recommendation, including $5.2 billion redirected from canceled projects.
Defense Secretary Richard Marles said Australia must be able to defend its territories and nearby regions, deter any enemy attempt to project force through its northern approaches, and protect trade routes and communications. review.
According to him, the audit showed that the Australian Defense Force «is not suitable for its purpose.» “We aim to change the calculus so that no potential aggressor can ever conclude that the benefits of conflict outweigh the risks,” he said.
The review team was led by former Labor Secretary of Defense Steven Smith and the former Chief of Defense Sir Angus Houston.
A public version of the classified report released on Monday said Australia should «avoid the highest level of strategic risk we now face as a nation: the prospect of major conflict in the region.»
The review says China has taken the largest build-up since the Second World War, made no secret of its intentions and was involved in a strategic competition in close proximity to Australia, the review said.
Nuclear submarine AUKUS The review confirmed that the program with the UK and the US is a priority for Australia's deterrence potential.
Australia's military threat does not require an invasion of the country in the «rocket age». 34;, it says.
Australia will work more closely with the US, including strengthening bilateral military planning, joint patrols and deploying more US troop rotations, including submarines, the report says.
Australia should also strengthen defense cooperation with Japan and India. , countries of the Pacific and Southeast Asia, the review said.
Long-range strike and guided weapons were also «fundamental factors in the ability of air defense to keep the enemy in danger.» the review said that domestic production of these weapons would be established and purchases accelerated.
Fields he said were critical include submarine warfare, including surveillance and strike drones; advanced targeting; long-range strike ability; maritime operations to block the sea and local control of the sea; air and missile defense; expedition theater logistics; and northern bases for logistical support and deterrence.
Australia is immediately upgrading its northern bases and ports, and the review says the country must address fuel storage issues. The government has said it will explore the use of civilian mining and oil infrastructure in northern and central Australia.
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