Sir Angus Houston, appointed to head a review into the Defence Force, has offered a grim assessment of the strategic environment brought about by China’s rise.
Former military chief Angus Houston says the deteriorating strategic environment facing Australia is the worst he has seen in his lifetime as he embarks on ato prepare it for the potential of conflict with China within the next decade.
“We also have disruptive technologies coming into play. It’s a fast-changing environment. And it’s absolutely imperative that we review the current strategic circumstances which I rate the worst I have ever seen in my career and lifetime.” “I firmly believe that one of the objectives front and centre of having a strong defence of Australia is to make sure that we avoid conflict,” he said.
The review will examine how prepared the Defence Force is for the security challenges of the next decade, looking at basing and location of forces, structure of the military and its capabilities, weapons platforms, infrastructure and logistics.It could mean personnel are relocated to bolster the northern approaches to the continent and some projects canned or scaled back and new ones funded.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Foot-and-mouth threat prompts Victoria to form new emergency task forceThe group will be co-chaired by Agriculture Victoria chief executive officer Matt Lowe and the Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp.
Read more »
Australia's military structure, preparedness and investments to be reviewed for first time in a decadeFormer defence minister Stephen Smith will join retired Air Marshal Sir Angus Houston in conducting the first review of Defence Force structure in a decade.
Read more »
Projects could be cut under sweeping defence reviewFormer defence minister Stephen Smith and former military chief Angus Houston will lead a review into the Defence Force’s posture, structure and acquisitions.
Read more »
Foot-and-mouth threat prompts Victoria to form new emergency task forceThe group will be co-chaired by Agriculture Victoria chief executive officer Matt Lowe and the Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp.
Read more »