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.

A public statement of intent for the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance enterprise, setting out objectives, initiatives, resources and operating principles. The plan asserts industrial and supply resilience should be a key part of Australia’s defence plan, increasing strategic sovereignty while delivering economic and employment benefits.

Summary: The issue of ballistic missile defence (BMD) was a controversial one when US President Reagan first advocated a strategic-level system in the early 1980s. It remains so today. What’s Australia’s interest? We live a long way away from most current ballistic missile arsenals. But the ADF frequently deploys within range of ballistic missile systems...

The uncertainty about North Korean nuclear ambitions have spurred consideration of whether Australia should consider the development of ballistic missile defences. This Research Note presents the details of current developments as well as some of the concerns associated with the missile defence program.