Changing gear: Shifting priorities of the Australian Army

Australia has reduced its procurement of infantry fighting vehicles from 450 units to 129. Two platforms are competing for the tender – Rheinmetall’s Lynx KF41 and, pictured above, Hanwha’s Redback. (Hanwha Defense Australia)

Australia has announced the establishment of an external advisory panel (EAP) to oversee the implementation of the Defence Strategic Review (DSR) recommendations, which include a reorganisation of the Australian Army.

The EAP will provide an independent assessment of the DSR’s progress biannually to the government, the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) said in late May. Richard Marles, deputy prime minister of Australia, said, “The appointment of the EAP reflects the government’s commitment to the implementation of the DSR.”

The DSR – released in late April – made recommendations including the procurement of long-range missiles and nuclear-powered submarines, the development of disruptive technologies, and the restructuring of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) into a “fully integrated and more capable force”.