Buying Australian defence forces

 # Australian Defence Force: An Overview of Current Developments

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is undergoing significant changes and upgrades to enhance its capabilities and preparedness. Here are some key aspects:

*Defence Strategic Review*

The Defence Strategic Review (DSR) was released on April 24, 2023, outlining far-reaching changes to the ADF's strategic posture and capability. The review recommended developing the ADF's ability to:

- *Precisely Strike Targets*: Develop longer-range strike capabilities and manufacture munitions in Australia

- *Improve Northern Bases*: Enhance the ADF's ability to operate from Australia's northern bases

- *Grow and Retain Talent*: Improve workforce growth and retention through innovative recruitment and retention strategies

- *Leverage Technology*: Rapidly translate disruptive new technologies into ADF capability, partnering with Australian industry

- *Deepen Partnerships*: Strengthen diplomatic and defence partnerships with key partners in the Indo-Pacific

*Budget Allocation*

The 2023-24 Defence budget allocates significant funding to support these initiatives:

- *Nuclear-Powered Submarine Program*: $9 billion for the nuclear-powered submarine program through AUKUS

- *Long-Range Strike Capabilities*: $4.1 billion for long-range strike capabilities

- *Northern Base Infrastructure*: $3.8 billion for northern base infrastructure

- *Defence Innovation*: $900 million for defence innovation, including the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator

*Workforce Development*

The ADF is working to address workforce challenges:

- *Growing Personnel Numbers*: Planned increase in ADF personnel from 58,473 in 2022-23 to 65,595 in 2026-27

- *Retention Initiatives*: $397.4 million allocated to support retention bonus pilot and defence housing feasibility review

*Capability Acquisition*

The ADF is prioritizing capability acquisition:

- *Top 30 Military Equipment Acquisition Projects*: Significant projects include F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, Navy guided weapons sub-program, and Future Frigates – design and construction

- *Approved Expenditure*: Total approved expenditure for military equipment acquisition projects worth $140.4 billion, with $12.9 billion budgeted for 2023-24¹