The authors of this report assert that AUKUS is a generational opportunity for Australia. Its focus on critical Pillar 2 technologies has the potential to bring Australian businesses to the world stage, and lift the nation’s defence industry up to the state-of- the-art in a range of modern capabilities.

This paper explores former Australian Prime Minister, John Howard’s enduring legacy, examining how his tenure laid the foundational principles that would guide Australia from traditional security arrangements to the innovative and technologically advanced partnership of AUKUS.

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 outbreak of war in the Indo-Pacific is a real possibility. Increased competition, a growing trust deficit between global and regional powers, and potential miscalculations heighten the risk of doing so. This paper addresses some key priorities for the current Australian government.

The authors of this report conducted more than 40 engagements with experts and officials across all three AUKUS governments and three Australian states. Informed by case studies and interviews, this report proposes a series of policy recommendations to the Australian Government.