Defence has processes in place that are designed to produce military capabilities that the government can draw on. Supposedly designed to match military means with strategic ends, the results are more often reflective of the preferred structures of the three Services. Alternative or transformational options have no champion. In the past, there was a dedicated...

Defence procurement decisions must balance cost, risk and capability. One way to minimise risk is to acquire equipment that is ‘off-the-shelf’ -- that is, equipment that is already proven and, in many cases, already entering service with other nations. That can give us assuredness of price and schedule in delivery, and has the benefit of...

The 2009 Defence White Paper announced that new combat helicopters for the Navy would be acquired 'as a matter of urgency'. ASPI has long argued that naval aviation is a capability shortfall and welcomes the recognition of the importance of embarked helicopters. However, decisions made earlier in the development of the ADF’s helicopter fleet and...

The recent Defence White Paper included a surprise announcement of a new Australian-owned satellite surveillance capability. This ASPI Policy Analysis describes the potential benefits of such a system and explains how the choice of orbit could provide a better-value solution for Australia's surveillance requirements.

This Policy Analysis, authored by Rod Lyon and Andrew Davies, reviews the recently released Defence White Paper Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030. Media reporting has tended to focus on the hardware acquisition aspects of this document. And that is not surprising -- there is a lot of it. It will take...