Australia’s New Defence Frontier: Adapting to the Missile Age

Australia currently faces its most complex strategic environment since World War II, with conflicts around the world underscoring the realities of modern missile warfare. The emergence of advanced long-range missiles, alongside space and cyber threats, disruptions to supply chains, and the weakening of Australia’s traditional geographic security, highlight an urgent need to bolster the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Responding to these challenges, the Government has committed up to $21 billion over the next decade to the Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Plan, an initiative aimed at equipping the ADF to deter potential adversaries.

In an upcoming address at the National Press Club, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy will outline how the GWEO Plan will support the ADF’s immediate and long-term needs. This strategic overhaul is expected not only to reinforce Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities but also to generate secure jobs and strengthen the national defence industrial base—ensuring a safer future for Australians.