Current Work
Asian Military Modernisation
We are seeing increasingly sophisticated hardware systems being acquired by regional militaries. There are a variety of reasons for these purchases, and varying degrees of capability being fielded, depending on the ability of various militaries to provide the training, maintenance and support activities required to get the best from new equipment. ASPI will report in early July on some of the most significant developments, and on their implications for Australia.
Joint Strike Fighter
Acquisition of the JSF is the most expensive Defence project of them all. Currently in development, the JSF is planned to form the RAAF's fighter and strike capability out to 2040. ASPI continues to watch this intriguing project and will continue to report when key milestones are nearing or when new information comes to light.
ADF Capability Summaries
Capability summaries for the Navy, Army and Air Force and for joint ADF C4ISR systems will be updated every few months to provide a ‘snapshot’ of the strengths and weaknesses of Australia’s military capabilities.
FUTURE WORK
The Operations and Capability program at ASPI will be looking at the following topics in the future.
Pay your money and take your pick (Vol 2)
Five years ago, ASPI put forward a set of costed options for the future ADF, ranging from a reduction of the current force structure to a significant expansion, with correspondingly different price tags. (Available
here.) In this Defence White Paper year, it is timely to have another look at the possible future shape of the ADF.
Australia's Force Projection Capability
Australia is developing projection capabilities including new amphibious ships and strike aircraft with stand off weapons. ASPI will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this capability, and discuss its implications.
Maritime helicopters – the way ahead
With the cancellation of the Seasprites, there is an opportunity to rethink the future of naval aviation. ASPI will review the range of options on the world market and discuss the pros and cons of various approaches.
Australia is developing projection capabilities including new amphibious ships and strike aircraft with stand off weapons. ASPI will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this capability, and discuss its implications.