Australian Defence Force: More than $100 billion will be spent on a major upgrade, including cyber defence

February 23, 2016

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$25 billion for cyber, satellite and electronic warfare assets.

MORE than $25 billion will be spent on state-of-the-art cyber, satellite and electronic warfare assets as part of a radical upgrading of Australia’s defence capabilities.

Defence force ranks will also reportedly swell by 5000 uniformed troops, recruited to run new aircraft, warships and equipment.

And for the first time, the Australian Defence Force will seek to develop its own drone program, with long-term plans to acquire missile-capable tactical drones and long range unmanned surveillance aircraft.

But the bulk of a $100 billion-plus military modernisation program, believed to be contained in the government’s Defence White Paper, to be ­released later this week, focuses on a beefed-up naval ­capacity, with up to nine anti-submarine warfare frigates and 12 submarines.

There will be a development of an Australian drone program.

Renewal of the ADF’s electronic warfare and cyber infrastructure and boosting naval capability will be the critical priorities, according to a senior defence source close to the drafting of the White Paper.

A critical gap in future ­defence capability has been identified in “enabling” electronic and communications technology that the source said had been degraded during budget cuts under the previous Labor government.

At least a quarter of the overall capital budget is believed to be dedicated to building capacity and capability in cyber, satellite and electronic warfare assets considered vital for battle command as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). The source also confirmed the ADF would acquire its own unmanned aerial vehicle program, as opposed to embedding Australian pilots in US drone operations. But this would not be considered until the second half of the 20-year strategic plan.

“There will be a lot of focus on rebuilding the navy,” the source said. “The army is in good condition, the air force is in good condition but there is a big gap in the naval fleet, which will need to be replaced over the next 20 years.”NINE anti-submarine warfare frigates will replace our Anzac class vessels.

The White Paper, commissioned under the Abbott government, and finalised under former defence minister Kevin Andrews, is believed to have gone to the National Security Committee of cabinet before the leadership change last ­September.

The capital elements of the white paper are believed to have remained largely intact under Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and new Defence Minister Marise Payne.

A funding commitment by former prime minister Tony Abbott to restore defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP is believed to have also ­survived.

The White Paper will also outline Australia’s strategic and defence posture in the ­region, in particular how it deals with China.

US intelligence sources said they would be looking for a ­robust tone in light of increasing tensions rising in the South China and East China seas.