Theres been a bit about this for a couple of weeks since a defence expert came out and said if the US withdraw from the (south) Pacific we could be on our own and not properly able to defend ourselves not just from China but from the other strategic threats to Australia... As I said a few months ago submarines are the key to defeating any threat to Australian shores...the expert says we don't have enough and they wont be built (by Australia) soon enough to be a credible threat...he also says we should sell our to amphibious aircraft carriers for smaller ones and re-direct the navy spending to a different ship formula...we should also raise our spending to 3% GDP Luke says: We have F-35s, I think these should have UAVs slaved to them to increase our power and survivability...we should improve our anti shipping missiles, by ourselves if needed. We have already committed to SP howitzers and MLRS (presumably to bombard any possible beachhead...) I think the navy needs to double and the airforce increased by at least 50% And yes, we need to think about a nuclear program (the only real defence for preventing invasion) I think its time Australia spent what is needed to stand on our own two feet and become a medium force to be reckoned with. The argument that this will spark an arms race with China is spurious, they are already ramping up their spending and procurement anyway. China does everything with "a hidden sword" in its hand, ready to strike should the need arise...a smart way to live and something Australia needs to take seriously. If we want to deal with them on equal footing and be taken seriously, rather than bullied into towing the line we need teeth...China knows that better than our own politicians. And we need a serious anti air defence system/s...something we've never taken seriously. Whatever China does it will be on a grand scale...setting our defence force up for peace time missions and a small to medium scale threat is no longer a safe option IMO. We can do this...and we may well do so. I'm sure the US would welcome a more self reliant Australia and would give us all the help we ask for...Simply relying on the US umbrella is dangerous and unfair...and could well bight us on the bum.
Not really, there are no crystal balls, and technology and politics are moving faster now-a-days. Australia has been churning these out every three or four years lately, quite different than in the past: 1976, 1987, 1994, 2000, 2009, 2013,2016, 2019 - note the recent trend. Previous White Papers can be found here: Links & Downloads : White Paper : Department of Defence
No crystal balls, but its important to "see" as clearly into the future as you dare...the dates show the trend upwards in our region towards upgrading and arming...as well as the terrorism threat and regional instability in the Island states...A responsible government will make re-assessments where they are deemed appropriate rather than some regular interval. These aren't churned out at all...
And so it continues... Aust, China troops in joint training drill Aust, China troops in joint training drill
10 guys from each military on an island with golf courses and luxury hotels. What's the exercise, volleyball?
