ASPI is delighted to invite you to attend the launch of the upcoming report ‘Sticking to our guns: a troubled past produces a superb weapon’ by Chris Masters.

The publication is the third iteration of the ASPI case studies in defence projects series, which brings out the human drama and dilemmas of decision-making in what is a multi-billion-dollar, high-stakes business to equip the Australian Defence Force. ‘Sticking to our guns’ explores the polarizing debate surrounding the AuSteyr. This running battle about the most important piece of kit in Australia’s defence inventory that has dragged on for the past 30 years isn’t only about the weapon, but the industry it springs from. Central to the argument about the capability of the weapon is its sustainability. As eyes and minds and bottom lines turn to the ADF’s new Small Arms Replacement Program, the story of the last major acquisition and its attendant evolution is both interesting and important, cautionary and enlightening.

A drinks and canapes reception will conclude the event.