Australia’s Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, has urged the country to rethink its defence strategy, suggesting that combat operations may need to be launched from Australian territory — a concept not seriously considered since World War II.
Speaking at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Defence Conference in Canberra, Johnston said the nation must reassess its views on warfare, resilience, and preparedness.
“We may need to operate directly from Australia — including through our northern infrastructure and supply chains,” he said.
Johnston also highlighted the pace of technological change in modern warfare, using the Ukraine conflict as an example where new military technologies can become outdated within weeks.
“We’re seeing tech rendered obsolete in roughly 12-week cycles. Our investment decisions must be precise,” he said.
US Presses Australia to Increase Defence Spending
His comments come as pressure mounts from the United States, with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth calling on Australia to boost its defence budget to 3.5% of GDP — around $100 billion annually — citing a “real and potentially imminent” threat from China.
When asked about the spending request, Admiral Johnston chuckled, acknowledging the challenge of balancing defence priorities with other public needs like health and education.
“National security must be clearly communicated, but it’s one of many pressing issues the government faces,” he said.
“We’re doing the best we can within our current framework, and working closely with allies to align common goals.”
He noted that Defence is fully using its current budget, with improved delivery of acquisitions and a growing workforce, but admitted this was straining resources.
More Frequent Reviews and a New Strategy on the Way
Johnston praised the government’s shift to biannual strategic reviews, which he said allows Defence to better evaluate and prioritise spending. A new strategy is being developed and will be released in 2026.
“Unlike previous years with open-ended review cycles, we now have the opportunity to adjust direction regularly,” he said.
Minister Slams Defence Think Tank Over Funding Claims
Later at the conference, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy criticised a recent ASPI report that warned Australia could be left with a “brittle and hollow” defence capability if funding doesn’t increase.
Conroy defended the government’s investments and accused ASPI of bias, claiming its reports were more favourable when the Coalition was in power.
“We support open debate, but it must be grounded in facts — not political spin,” Conroy said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to attend the upcoming G7 summit in Canada, where discussions around defence spending may arise in a potential sideline meeting with US President Donald Trump, though the meeting has not yet been confirmed.
