Australia's Defense Overhaul Prioritizes Long-Range Strike Capability Amid US Dominance Fades.
Australia's government will prioritize long-range precision strike, domestic production of guided weapons, and diplomacy in its biggest defense shakeup since World War Two. The review recommends that Australia must avoid the highest level of strategic risk it now faces as a nation, the prospect of major conflict in the region. The country's northern bases will become a focus to deter adversaries, and protect trade routes and communications. The review outlines three phases to reshape defense capabilities, with immediate priorities over the next two years including fitting longer-range weapons on existing platforms, accelerating new capabilities from 2026-2030, and delivering a "future integrated force" from 2031.