Australia relies on the Collins class submarines as a core element of its maritime defence capability. A Life of Type Extension (LOTE) is required to maintain submarine capability and availability until Australia transitions to a future nuclear‑powered submarine fleet under AUKUS. This audit reviews the effectiveness of planning and implementation of the LOTE project to...

The strategy focuses on strengthening Australia’s capacity to protect and defend Australia and its national interests within an increasingly contested and uncertain environment. It builds on the foundations of the inaugural 2024 strategy by increasing efforts to develop greater self-reliance, prioritising capability acquisition, improving national civil preparedness and resilience, and increasing coordination with regional partners.

This report brings together 14 maritime-focused articles highlighting Northern Australia’s pivotal role – and particularly Darwin’s emerging position – as a base for maritime power projection, an Indo-Pacific sustainment hub, and a focal point for regional cooperation and defence investment.

This report provides an industry perspective on AUKUS Pillar 2 – the security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States focussed on joint development of advanced capabilities. It recommends that AUKUS Pillar 2 must shift from a policy development to capability execution focus through capability development and acquisition pathways.

Increasing tension and uncertainty in the strategic environment and the changing nature of alliances and global conflict has triggered a rapid and significant increase in national defence spending worldwide. This paper outlines global defence spending and Australia’s defence spending. Despite a dire strategic outlook, there appears to be little public appetite for greater defence spending.