Investing in Defence priority capabilities

Investing in proven capabilities

The Government is focussed on capital investments that will improve Defence's capacity to support global operations as well as help in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts.

The Government is providing $280 million for a sixth C–17A Globemaster III long–range heavy–lift aircraft. In 2011, Australia's fleet of Globemasters supported overseas military operations, including in Afghanistan, provided assistance to Japan following the tsunami, and to Queensland following the floods and Cyclone Yasi.

The Government is also providing $40 million for two additional CH–47D Chinook transport helicopters.

The Chinook is a versatile helicopter that can be deployed in a range of scenarios including overseas military operations, disaster relief, and domestic search and rescue.

The Government will further provide $123 million for an Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) to be shared by the Department of Defence and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

The OSV will be available to Defence to respond to domestic and international crises and will be also used by Customs for maritime surveillance, particularly in the Southern Ocean.

Long term Defence capabilities

These investments are balanced by adjusting the Defence capital investment program, including deferring or rescoping some Defence acquisitions, and delivering further operating efficiencies, while delivering on priority operational and 2009 Defence White Paper capabilities.

The Government has announced it will deliver a new Defence White Paper in 2013. Significant developments internationally and domestically since the 2009 White Paper are influencing Australia's defence posture, future force structure and defence budget. It is important that these impacts are assessed through a proper process.