Cost Effective Self Defence
Many billions of dollar can be saved by focusing on self-defence and buying more cost-effective defence systems. |
How can the cost of defence be cut while improving Australia's defences?
Superficially this would seem impossible, however:
- Much of Australia's defence spending is on offensive weapons systems like assault ships, destroyers and long-range submarines designed for assisting with invasions of countries like Iraq. If the focus is on Self Defence these weapons systems are not required.
- Australia is set to spend over $20 billion on the slow, short-range, single-engined, non-stealthy Joint Strike Fighter. Other alternative aircraft are available that are better for self-defense. (See Air Force page)
- Frigates, destroyers and assault ships are too vulnerable to modern anti- ship weapons. Short range submarines are a much cheaper and more survivable alternative. (See Navy page).
This does not mean the Defence Department is 'wrong' and
The 'Defensive Only' Plan
Because we advocate a primarily defensive posture there is no need for defence assets to be able to be fully compatible with US forces.
Maintaining a defensive-only force saves billions of dollars and leaves Australia better defended than it is at present with a force oriented towards supporting US-led operations.
- Cancel the Joint Strike Fighter Program
Replace with far cheaper and more capable aircraft such as F-15 'Strike Eagle' or Sukhoi Su-35 'Super Flanker'. Savings up to ~$10 billion. - Discontinue Surface Combat Vessels
Surface naval combatants have been obsolete for decades due to the ever-improving capability of anti-ship missiles. Australia should cancel the new Destroyers, Frigates & Corvettes and replace all vulnerable surface combat ships with more survivable and cost-effective diesel-electric submarines. Savings: Over ~$20 billion. - Cheaper Submarines
China recently bought eight 'off the shelf' super-stealthy diesel-electric Submarines for $US 1.6 billion while Australia is considering spending $3 billion on each of its new submarines. Australia should buy off-the-shelf submarines saving up to $1 billion each. - Cancel the Large Assault Ships
Instead of the slow and vulnerable large assault ships Australia should buy the much cheaper and faster Tasmanian-built INCAT catamarans. These are quite sufficient for operations like helping East Timor. Savings: ~$1 billion.
Many of the alternative products suggested above are of Russian origin because (as it happens) they are far cheaper and as good or better than equivalent western defence products. Unfortunately a lingering 'cold war attitude' currently prevents Russian products from even being considered for defence contracts.
All defence hardware should be maintained in Australia. It is crucial that all short-life parts be manufactured in Australia.
Afghanistan
Australia should end involvement with operation as soon as possible.
Alternative Spending
- Free tertiary education: For 'vocationally oriented' courses. Cost is about $2 Billion per annum, depending on what you call 'vocational'. (i.e. 2/3 of one destoyer)
- HECS/PELS debt forgiveness: This would abolish some debt owed on most courses. The total amount owed is over $10 Billion. Larger amounts might be forgiven for those now working in the public sector (Medical professionals, teachers, etc).
- Increased public research & development: Increasing research grants for projects deemed to be in the public interest.
Australia's Defence Crisis
The now highly capable Collins Class submarine...but only half are operational. (Image: Wikipedia) |
Despite massive military spending the Australian Defence Force has a wide range of serious problems and may have great difficulty defending Australia in the near future.
Much of this relates to the attempts made by Liberal - Labor governments to cast the ADF in the role of 'Deputy Sheriff' - a bit player in distant US conflicts with limited independent capability. This site outlines how these problems can be solved - and for less money than we spend now.
Here are some of the problems:
- Surface naval combatants are obsolete and would not survive any significant encounter. This includes the existing frigates and the proposed Air Warfare Destroyers and Large Amphibious Ships.
- Existing HMAS Kanimbla and Manoora are in such poor condition they are close to unusable.
- The Navy has ignored the Asbestos issue for many years and has warehouses full of asbestos containing parts. Many ADF personel have been exposed to asbestos since use of this material was prohibited outside the ADF.
- While the RAN's most capable asset - the Collins Class submarine - is now highly capable it is still subject to serious problems and design limitations.
- Existing F/A-18 'Hornet' fighters are obsolete relative to cheap Sukhoi fighters being deployed across the region.
- Proposed new 'Super Hornet' and 'Joint Strike Fighter' aircraft are also inadequate compared to the existing and proposed new Sukhoi fighters.
- The JSF 'partial stealth' advantage is being removed by the switch to VHF radar systems.
- ADF bases across Australia are not hardened and are highly vulnerable to widely available precision weapons. The ADF could be largely neutralised by a surprise attack. Coastal RAAF and RAN bases are particularly exposed to submarine-launched precision weapons. more...
- Serious staffing problems exist across all the services due to inadequate pay, excessive IMPS and socially destabilising mobility requirements.
- Limited local capability to sustain ADF force elements. High dependence of foreign defence companies. Very limited and insecure fuel supplies at RAAF bases. more...
- Recurrent defence acquisition bungles and cost blow-outs related to the purchase of equipment (E.g: Seasprite helicopters, M1-A1 tanks, Kanimbla class ships, Tiger Helicopters, ANZAC frigates, Collins class submarines, Jindalee Radar, etc) .
- Australia is stuck in the Afghan war with no sign of an exit strategy.
Australia's Military Spending
Currently Australia's defence spending is high compared to the 170 nations on Earth. (See Stockholm International Peace Research Institute figures (2007) List of countries by military expenditures). This is more than 10 times that spent on defence by Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand or New Zealand. In our region Singapore has the next highest level of military expenditure with about 30% of Australia's military spending. While popularly regarded as a threat, Indonesia has about 10% of Australia's military spending.
But all this spending has not bought us security. Because the spending is all on the wrong sorts of equipment, Australia is becoming more vulnerable than ever before.
Labor's $100 Billion Offence Plan
This plan will force our neighbours to increase their military spending to neutralise the threat that the ADF will pose.
Navy
- 12 new long range Submarines to replace the current six Collins Class; X
- Enhancements to the weapons systems of the three new Air Warfare Destroyers, with consideration of acquiring a fourth vessel in the future; X
- Eight new larger frigates, with an emphasis on Anti- Submarine Warfare (ASW) to replace the current ANZAC Class frigates; X
- Two new Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) assault ships; X
- New Strategic Sealift ship based on a proven design to strengthen the Navy's amphibious and transport capability X
Army
- A new Combat Vehicle System which will provide around 1,100 vehicles with greatly improved firepower, protection and mobility. The System will be equipped with the Army's integrated battle management systems from inception;
- 7,000 support vehicles to completely replace the various fleets of wheeled transport and logistic support vehicles and trucks;
- Greatly improved communications and command and control systems for land forces;
- Seven new CH47F (Chinook) medium lift helicopters;
- Enhanced firepower through new artillery, both self-propelled and towed, as well as replacement mortars and a new direct fire anti armour weapon; and
- Continued investment in increasing the effectiveness and protection offered to individual soldiers in dismounted close combat.
- 'Efficiency gains' to fund expansion of the Navy and purchase of Joint Strike Fighter. X
Air Force
- 100 F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and associated weapons systems; X
- Half of Australia's F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet fleet will be configured on the production line to enable them to be converted to the EA-18G 'Growler' electronic attack variant should later strategic circumstances dictate;
- Delivery of five KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport for air-to-air refuelling, that will increase the range and endurance of combat and surveillance aircraft; X
- Six new Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft to provide surveillance, command and control functions to other networked Australian Defence Force platforms;X
- Eight new Maritime Patrol Aircraft, which will provide advanced antisubmarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities as well as sophisticated maritime search capabilities;
- Approximately seven new high-altitude, long-endurance Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), to compliment the new Maritime Patrol Aircraft and replace the current AP-3C Orion fleet with a more comprehensive and advanced maritime surveillance capability;
- Enhanced air transport capability options through the acquisition of a further two additional C-130J Hercules to bring the total fleet number to 14 aircraft;
- Up to 10 new tactical battlefield air lifters with a significantly greater range, speed, payload and protection measures that the retiring Caribou;
- New and upgraded systems to collect and fuse air surveillance information from multiple sources, in order to create a Recognised Air Picture of the Australian Defence Forces' primary operational environment;
- Improved military air traffic control, navigation and communications systems that will permit closer alignment of the national systems for both military and civilian air traffic management;
- The use of modern technology to deliver improved training outcomes through the application of high fidelity simulation and mission rehearsal systems.
(X
Recruitment
The ADF continues to struggle to find quality recruits. The staff shortage is so severe that many ADF units could not deploy.
Here are some suggestions:
- Reducing IMPS: The Initial Minimum Period of Service is between 3 and 14.5 years.
This is a major disincentive to recruits joining the force compared to civilian jobs. In
reality
IMPS is unlikely to retain staff the ADF wants to keep as personnel can always arrange
pregnancy, mental illness or an alcohol problem if they want out.
IMPS should be reduced to 2 years, with a training pay-back clause (via the ATO) for personnel leaving to take specific roles, such as fighter pilots leaving to become commercial pilots. - Less Mobility: When combined with IMPS the requirement to move anywhere at any time further discourages recruits who want to start a family or lead any sort of normal life within the IMPS. Recruits should sign up for service in a particular region with not more than (say) two months somewhere else - unless of course Australia is invaded!
- Reduce Personnel Needs:
NewAustralia proposes using submarines to defend Australia. These have significantly lower crewing requirements compared to frigates and assault ships. - Improve Conditions: The conditions for ADF personnel could be improved if overall staff
numbers (especially in the Navy) are cut. We propose this be provided as non-cash benefits that personnel cannot take with them if they leave such as:
- Better defence housing.
- 'Company cars'.
- Timeshare-like access to holiday houses, recreational boats, etc.
- Defence funded private travel, including overseas travel to selected destinations in the region.
Sustainable Biofuels
The fuel economy of the ADF as a whole is crucial from an environmental and military standpoint as most fuel is imported. Careful use of selected biofuels and selection of more fuel-efficient assets may be the answer. (See also Sustainable Biofuels section).
Banning Cluster Munitions
Air Power Australia
Visit Air Power Australia's great web site for
detailed analysis
on:
- Why regional Sukhoi outclass the Hornet & Joint Strike Fighter.
- Why surface warships are so vulnerable.
Spending questioned
10th Mar 2010: "Australia's former army chief has said we should consider cutting funding from the defence budget - currently $27 billion - and redirecting it towards diplomacy and aid programs." more...
New choppers are duds
3rd Feb 2010: "An internal German army report has revealed serious deficiencies in the European-designed helicopter that will replace Australia's military helicopter fleet in a $4.2 billion deal." more...
More turbulence for JSF
3rd Feb 2010: "The troubled Joint Strike Fighter project - upon which Australia is relying for its next generation of attack aircraft - has struck further chaos" more...
Sukhoi PAK-FA to dominate
2nd Feb 2010: "All indications at this time are that the conclusions of the two 2009
ASC subs to cost $36 billion
30th Oct 2009: Twelve missile-carrying submarines to be built for the navy will cost more than $36 billion, or more than $3 billion each, an expert report has found. more...
F-35 2 years late
25th July 2009: 'An internal Pentagon board has found that the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program - the cornerstone of Australia's future air defence - is two years behind the publicly announced schedule.' more...
First F/A-18F Completed
9th July 2009: 'Australia's first new Super Hornet to be acquired under a $US6 billion ($7.6 billion) deal has been unveiled in a glitzy ceremony held in a cavernous aircraft hangar at the Boeing factory in St Louis in the United States.' more...
The $100 Billion Plan
25th Apr 2009: Labor's massive new defence plan. more...
APA on F-22 Cancellation
15th Apr 2009: America's Self-Induced Strategic Death Spiral:
Why
Australia will not be able to rely on the US for protection any more. more...
F-22 Cancelled
6th Apr 2009: The F-22 program has been terminated by the US
government. This leaves the far cheaper Russian Sukhoi Flanker as the worlds best
production fighter plane. The new PAK-FA will now far exceed the capability of any 'Western' fighter plane
in production. more...
$15 Billion for Subs?
20th Feb 2009: Rudd government announces it wants to spend $15
billion on new submarines - a staggering $2 billion each. more...
$101 billion on Defence?
16th Dec 2008: "Australia could become a strong regional
power
with a large fleet of advanced jet fighters, submarines, warships and even aircraft carriers
if
it's willing to spend an extra $101 billion over the next 15 years." - ASPI. more.... (Or we could have free tertiary education.)
Russian Weapon Analysis
12th Dec 2008: "The F-22A Raptor, B-2A Spirit and planned
'2018
bomber' are the only US designs capable of surviving ... Russian high technology weapons. The
... F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is not capable of surviving in this environment and is for all
intents and purposes now a strategically irrelevant design." - Dr Carlo Kopp. more....
America's Fall from power
6th Oct 2008: "Here is a historic geopolitical shift, in
which
the balance of power in the world is being altered irrevocably. The era of American global
leadership, reaching back to the Second World War, is over."more...
JSF 'Clubbed' by Flankers
11th Sept 2008: "JSF jets, for which Australia is likely to pay $16 billion, were comprehensively beaten in highly classified simulated dogfights against Russian- built Sukhoi fighter aircraft. The war games, conducted at Hawaii's Hickam airbase last month, were witnessed by at least four RAAF personnel and a member of Australia's peak military spy agency, the Defence Intelligence Organisation."
The JSF were "Clubbed like seals" by the
Sukhoi
according to observers. more...
Crew shortage hits subs
10th Mar 2008: ONLY half of Australia's submarine fleet can be
sent to war, because of a critical shortage of qualified submariners. The crisis has left the
Royal Australian Navy with only three full crews for its six Collins-class submarines,
severely
undermining the effectiveness of one of the nation's most vital and expensive defence
assets. more...
Sea Sprites finally dead?
6th Mar 2008: After wasting a staggering billion dollars on
eleven
helicopters this project is finally dead...but the (suicidal?) idea of firing short range
missiles
from slow moving aircraft launched from vulnerable frigates still seems to be on the agenda -
we
just need another helicopter! more...
The 20 minute destroyer?
20th Feb 2008: US Defence experts estimate the
best surface vessels would only last 20 minutes in a major conflict. So how many minutes would
one
of our Frigates last? more...