The development of Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) – such as high energy laser and high-power microwave weapons – offers the Australian Defence Force a future solution to countering the growing threat of drones, but also missile threats. This explainer explores the nature of DEW and considers what steps Australia is taking in this field.

This report notes the Australian Defence Force (ADF) can strengthen defence, deter adversaries and expand capability by adopting robotic and autonomous systems with artificial intelligence (RAS‑AI). RAS‑AI is identified as offering a faster and more cost‑effective means of building resilience, operational effectiveness and strategic advantage in increasingly contested environments.

This report examines opportunities for the development of sovereign space capability in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia. Given that those northern jurisdictions are closer to the equator, there’s a natural focus in the report on the potential opportunities offered by sovereign space launch, particularly in the Northern Territory and Queensland.

This publication is being released in anticipation of a federal election as a guide for the next government within its first months and over the full term. This 2022 agenda acknowledges that an economically prosperous and socially cohesive Australia is a secure and resilient Australia.

This paper explores the evolving threat posed by counterspace capabilities that are now appearing in the armed forces of major powers, notably China and Russia. Those capabilities are designed to deny access to vital space support that’s essential for Australia and its allies in information-led joint warfare.