Australia’s Minimal Military Participation in RIMPAC Exposes Readiness Issues

Australia’s minimal participation in the crucial US-led maritime exercise, RIMPAC, highlights significant shortcomings in the nation’s military preparedness. Despite the Albanese government’s warnings about rising threats from China, Australia is sending just one ship, one plane, and 320 personnel to this year’s exercise, compared to a much larger contingent at the last RIMPAC in 2022, we sent 1600 personnel, three warships, a Collins-class submarine, two P-8A Poseidon aircraft and an army amphibious combat group, together with mine warfare and clearance diving teams.

This stark reduction reflects broader issues, including inadequate funding, delayed decisions, and recruitment challenges, leaving Australia with insufficient warships, submarines, and personnel. With aging equipment and ambitious plans for new submarines and frigates unlikely to materialize this decade, Australia’s defence capabilities remain critically underprepared.