Government faces tough decisions on transition to future submarines
By Marcus Hellyer
The transition from the Collins-class submarines to the future submarine fleet will be longer and more complex than any previous capability transition...
Waning US power must shape Australia’s defence strategy
By Hugh White
Almost a year ago, Paul Dibb and Richard Brabin-Smith wrote an important paper in which they acknowledged, for the first time, that...
Freedom-of-navigation operations aren’t all about the South China Sea
By James Goldrick*
The recent close encounter between USS Decatur and the Chinese Luyang II–class guided-missile destroyer Lanzhou (pictured) has attracted much attention in the...
Australia must double defence spending to address worsening strategic outlook
By Richard Menhinick*
Given that our relative wealth and strategic position in the region are diminishing, the aptly named ‘Asian century’ brings with it a...
First Japanese lithium-ion equipped sub launched
Japan has launched the first Soryu-class diesel-electric submarine equipped with lithium-ion batteries in a first for the program, according to the Nikkei Asia News.
The...
The case for fixed Australian defence white paper cycles
By Mike Kalms and Adam Lockyer
The number of years between Australian defence white papers (DWPs) has been shrinking. Between 1976 and 2009, it averaged...
China challenges Australia in Pacific
By Graeme Dobell*
Australia today sees its strategic interests in the South Pacific directly challenged by China. No longer is China given the benefit of...
The maritime tango in the Indo-Pacific
By Prakash Gopal*
After two deferments and much scepticism, the maiden 2+2 meeting between India and the US was finally held in New Delhi last...
Should Australia go nuclear?
By Paul Dibb*
Australia’s deteriorating strategic outlook raises the question under what conditions should we develop a nuclear weapon of our own? This option was...
Submarine project: Australia’s maritime dreaming
By Associate Professor Maria Rost Rublee*
Australian policymakers need to consider what the country’s defence needs are without being driven by a desire for US...