The Australian Defence Force urgently needs greater mass and capability if it is to undertake a strategy of denial. This ASPI Special Report argues that there needs to be investment into greater numbers of autonomous systems, acquired in a manner that leads to a larger and more powerful ADF, with greater resilience and combat sustainability. It argues that this needs to occur quickly.
Whilst Australian defence policy recognises the importance of these technologies, there is a risk that it is moving too slowly. There is a need to make fundamental changes to policy on capability acquisition and sustainment, develop new organisational structures, and challenge traditional culture in relation to capability development, if the ADF is to gain the greatest benefit from autonomous systems.
