This defence-concepts page presents an idealised future weapons selection for the Australian Defence Force aimed at the years 2024 to 2030. Structure and equipment recommendations have been shaped around a worst case conflict scenario in which the country must independently counter a numerically superior, and well equipped, expansionist Nationalist/Islamist neighbour that arises within the next 10 years. The site gears the ADF for Nation State, peer vs. peer, war fighting operations in the near future.

This future does not assume any outside assistance from the USA, due to economic collapse, isolationist policies, and/or a natural catastrophe (the eruption of the Yellowstone super volcano or the return of Northern glaciation). Therefore it is imperative that the ADF be readied to independently Defend the Australian Mainland with secondary tasking to assist in the defence of Singapore, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines from hostile takeover.

The expansion of the Australian military is a top priority, a prudent contingency for a worst case scenario (that hopefully never eventuates), with all assets operating under an Air and Sensor 'Umbrella'.

Listed below are the basic defence priorities needed to fulfil the Primary Mission Goal of the ADF, which is to Defend the Mainland. (This site does not address the first element listed nor provide specific details on the second, but all are vitally important):

#1 Intelligence Monitoring: Elint/Sigint, Satellite (via the US), Strategic UAVs (viable pre-conflict), plus Human (not covered here).

#2 Sensor Technology: long range air (Fighter/AWACs/Drone AEW) and surface (JORN) based radar systems; undersea (SOSUS & submarine) sonar systems; satellite; maritime patrol aircraft; tactical and strategic UAVs; plus visual aids for all Air, Army and Navy machines featuring infra-red (IR) and low-light high-magnification scopes - with similar IR and low light aids for individual soldiers, plus Electronic Warfare systems in all services (not covered here in detail).

#3 Air Supremacy: via Long Range Air Superiority Fighters (also used for strike mission requirements). They are of PRIMARY importance with increased numbers of aircraft being obtained compared to the present inventory. An expanded air force is essential in providing 'air cover' for all other ADF war fighting operations - to compensate for the relatively small size of the other services.

#4 Tactical Air Power: will focus on battlefield support, and be formed around 4th Generation air assets, including training aircraft, with an increased number of attack helicopters, and Armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

#5  Army Expansion and Hardening: with two extra 1st Division Brigades (making five the total number of combat brigades), a strengthened 2nd Division Reserve Force with more heavy indirect and direct fire weaponry, including vehicle and man portable Anti-Tank & Anti-Air weaponry, plus an overall increase in UAV spotter units, with the addition of loitering munitions (killer UAVs). The ADF will also raise a new 3rd Division irregular force equipped with technical vehicles.

#6 Expanded Submarine Force and Navy: submarines will operate as the primary sea-control and strike weapons system using Anti-Ship or Land-Attack cruise missiles. A moderate increase and improvement to existing surface vessel numbers will occur (versus air/missile and ASW threats), with a heightened focus on helicopter/UAV capability.

It should be recognised that not all elements proposed here may be achievable and that many of these elements are conceptual in nature.

 *See the side column for a short Editorial Comment on the overall role of the Future ADF. Plus click here to see the present extent of the site, if not already viewing it. This text only represents an introduction to the Future ADF Page. This site is updated from time to time - look out for modifications and/or new material. Note: Originating in 2012, the website was extensively updated in early 2018. The latest recommendations can now be found in the following 2022 Defence Strategic Review Submission.