Australia’s recent Defence Strategic Review (DSR) and Defence Industry Development Strategy (DIDS) represent a significant shift in the nation’s approach to Defence. These documents recognise the evolving security landscape and the need for a more agile, adaptable and technologically advanced Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The DSR outlines a vision for a more capable and integrated ADF, capable of operating across all domains (Sea, Land, Air, Space and Cyber). It emphasises the importance of:
- Joint Operations: The ADF must be able to seamlessly integrate its capabilities across all branches and domains.
- Technological Advancement: The ADF must embrace new technologies and develop capabilities in areas like cyber, space and artificial intelligence.
- Whole-of-Government Approach: Defence must work closely with other government agencies to address security challenges.
The DIDS focuses on developing a robust and resilient Australian Defence Industry, capable of supporting the ADF’s evolving needs. It aims to:
- Increase Australian Industry Participation: Encourage greater participation by Australian companies in the defence supply chain.
- Develop Key Capabilities: Focus on developing key capabilities in areas like shipbuilding, aerospace and cyber.
- Promote Innovation: Foster a culture of innovation and technological advancement within the Australian defence industry.
Joint logistics is crucial for the DSR’s vision of a more integrated and capable ADF. It ensures that all branches have the necessary resources, including personnel, equipment and supplies, to achieve common objectives across all domains. This includes:
- Seamless Support Across Domains: Joint logistics ensures that capabilities across all domains are supported effectively, regardless of whether they operate at sea, on land, in the air, in space, or in the cyber domain.
- Enhanced Interoperability: Joint logistics fosters greater interoperability between branches, allowing them to work together seamlessly.
- Increased Efficiency: Sharing resources and coordinating efforts leads to greater efficiency and effectiveness.
The One Defence Capability System (ODCS), with Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) as a core component, provides the framework for managing and delivering defence capabilities. This framework aligns with the DSR and DIDS by:
- Ensuring a Unified Approach: The ODCS provides a single, integrated system for managing Defence capabilities across all domains and branches.
- Supporting Technological Advancement: ILS principles are applied to new technologies, ensuring that they are supported effectively throughout their lifecycle.
- Promoting Industry Participation: The ODCS encourages Australian industry participation in the development and sustainment of defence capabilities.
Australia’s new modern approach to Defence, as outlined in the DSR and DIDS, emphasises joint logistics and a whole-of-government approach. The ODCS, with ILS as a core component, provides the framework for managing and delivering defence capabilities, aligning with the DSR and DIDS. This ensures that the ADF is equipped, trained and sustained to meet the challenges of the 21st century, across all of the domain in which it operates.