Lowy Institute for International Policy | Australian Defence Force

Overview The Australian Defence Force, consisting of the Australian Army, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the Royal Australian Navy, works to defend Australia and its national interests. The ADF is supported by the Department of Defence as well as other civilian agencies. The international security environment is changing due to a variety of environmental, economic and technological forces. The rise of China, regional economic integration, and increased regional defence spending, are challenging Australian defence planning assumptions and procurement decisions. Australian defence must manage both regional and global strategic transformations, as well as continuing threats such as global terrorism and cyber warfare. What the Lowy Institute does The Lowy Institute’s work on Australian defence ranges across multiple fields and includes research into force structure of the Australian Defence Force, defence technology, and the strategic environment. In addition the Lowy Institute provides policy recommendations on the long-term implications of technological change and innovation on future force-structure and procurement, budgetary issues, and defence policy. As the Australian Defence Force transitions from the war in Afghanistan to a more regionally focused posture, fresh thinking on defence will be critical to Australia’s national security.