Australia plans to restructure its defense department by creating a Defence Delivery Agency and appointing a national armaments director to improve the efficiency of defense spending and project delivery, Reuters reported.
Starting in July next year, the new agency will report directly to the defense minister and will merge the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Group, and the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group.
Defense Minister Richard Marles described the initiative as “one of the most significant reforms to defense that we have seen.”
He added that the country expects to deliver “a much bigger bang for buck,” as Canberra plans to invest an additional 70 billion Australian dollars ($46 billion) in military capabilities and programs over the next decade.
Recent Defense Projects
As Canberra prepares to streamline procurement processes, it is simultaneously investing in advanced programs to upgrade its military capabilities.
In October, the army received its first two Boeing AH-64E Apache combat helicopters at Royal Australian Air Force Base Townsville in Queensland.
Acquired through a US foreign military sale, 29 Apaches are expected by 2029 and will replace the aging Tiger helicopter fleet.
Earlier that month, the US State Department approved a potential $705-million sale to Australia of 48 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and related equipment.
Contractors for the package include Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, Leonardo DRS, and Oshkosh Corporation.
In September, Thomas Global Systems completed delivery of its M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 Immersive Tactical Trainer to the Australian Army.
Built in New South Wales, it is the world’s only full-crew simulator for the platform, replicating the interior and operational functions of an Abrams tank.
