Australia’s Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, has indicated that the nation must prepare for the possibility of conducting combat operations from within its own borders — a strategic reorientation not seriously considered since the Second World War.
Delivering remarks at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) Defence Conference in Canberra, Admiral Johnston urged a national recalibration of how Australia conceptualises warfighting, resilience, and national readiness in an increasingly volatile global environment.
“We are potentially entering an era in which Australia may serve not only as a base for logistics and support but as a launch point for combat operations,” Admiral Johnston said. “This represents a significant evolution in our approach to national defence and operational preparedness.”
Highlighting the rapid pace of technological change in warfare, Admiral Johnston noted that military capabilities can be rendered obsolete within months, citing recent developments observed in the Ukraine conflict. “We’re witnessing a 12-week cycle for the relevancy of tech-based defence investments. This necessitates precise and forward-thinking decisions regarding where and how we invest in capability.”
Budget Constraints and Strategic Investment
The Admiral’s comments arrive at a time of heightened international scrutiny regarding allied defence spending. Over the weekend, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth publicly called on Australia to raise its defence expenditure to 3.5% of GDP, aligning with emerging global benchmarks.
When questioned about the feasibility of increased defence allocations, Admiral Johnston acknowledged the fiscal pressures involved and affirmed the importance of transparent and informed prioritisation.
“There is a legitimate expectation from the Australian public for continued investment in critical social sectors such as health and education,” he said. “Our role is to provide the government with candid and objective advice on national security risks and resource requirements, recognising that these must be balanced within broader policy frameworks.”
Admiral Johnston noted that Defence is currently operating at full budget capacity, with improvements evident in procurement processes and workforce development. “This is indicative of an uplift in acquisition efficiency,” he said. “However, this level of activity places inevitable strain on available resources and requires disciplined decision-making.”
He also welcomed the government’s move to implement a biannual strategic review process, which he described as a constructive mechanism for ensuring that defence priorities remain aligned with dynamic regional and technological developments.
Government Responds to Criticism of Defence Posture
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy later addressed the conference, responding directly to a recent ASPI report which warned that the Australian Defence Force could become “brittle and hollow” without additional funding.
Minister Conroy strongly rejected the report’s assertions, arguing that it failed to acknowledge the scale of the government’s current and planned investments in defence capability. “Constructive debate is welcome, but it must be grounded in accurate and objective analysis,” he stated.
He went further to suggest that the ASPI report demonstrated a political bias, alleging that its assessments were disproportionately critical of the current government compared to those issued during the previous administration. ASPI Executive Director Justin Bassi refuted these claims, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to impartial, evidence-based policy evaluation.
Regional Alignment and Strategic Partnerships
Also speaking at the conference, Papua New Guinea’s Defence Minister Billy Joseph underscored his nation’s commitment to strengthening defence ties with Australia. He confirmed that PNG’s pursuit of a formal defence treaty with Australia sends a clear signal of strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific.
Minister Joseph also commented on regional security concerns, referencing the recent presence of Chinese naval vessels near Australian and PNG waters. “We are acutely aware of the strategic risks in our region,” he said. “While our economic relationship with China is important, our defence partnerships will continue to prioritise shared values and long-standing alliances.”
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to attend the G7 summit in Canada, where regional security and allied defence spending will likely be on the agenda. A potential bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump remains under consideration.
