This 2024 National Defence Strategy (NDS) outlines a 10-year vision for an integrated, secure approach to innovation, science and technology (IS&T) capability development and translation. It emphasises the need for early stage research and focuses existing efforts on key IS&T priorities described in the NDS and through AUKUS.

Digital technology plays a critical role in defending Australia and its national interests. This strategy and roadmap define Defence’s approach to deliver a secure, integrated and scalable digital environment able to fight and win in the digital age. It lays out Defence’s capability focus areas and core priorities for the next three years.

Developed in response to last year’s Defence Strategic Review, the 2024 National Defence Strategy outlines the Australian Government’s strategic framework to guide the significant and urgent changes required to address Australia’s challenging strategic circumstances. Together, the Strategy and 2024 Integrated Investment Program provide a blueprint to deliver an ambitious transformation of the Australian Defence Force.

The Australian Government requested this independent analysis to assess the Royal Australian Navy’s surface combatant fleet capability to ensure its size, structure and composition complemented the capabilities of the forthcoming conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.

This strategy document aims to uphold the Australian Defence Force's values and behaviours in preventing family and domestic violence, to support those experiencing violence, and break down the barriers that may deter victims from seeking help.