Australia releases Defence Science and Technology plan for implementing its Air Force Strategy to transform to fifth-generation Air Force

Australian Airforce is making investments into range of state-of-the-art surveillance, command-and-control and combat platforms. This includes introduction of advanced capabilities such as the F-35A Lightning II, EA-18G Growler, P-8A Poseidon, the MQ-4C Triton, and space systems including a space situational radar and space telescope. Moreover, Navy and Army are currently introducing transformational aerospace capabilities that include new helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, Landing Helicopter Dock ships and Air Warfare Destroyers, with all three services aiming to integrate these new systems and embrace carefully selected emerging technologies.

Despite the advantages offered by individual capabilities, the full benefit of these platforms will only be realised when they are integrated with the joint force and other enabling capabilities through disciplined design

On 27 February, Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Leo Davies officially launched ‘Air Force Strategy 2017-2027’, a vision for the Royal Australian Air Force to transition and become a fifth-generation Air Force.

Plan Jericho, the Air Force’s program to deliver a 5th generation fighting force, emphasises the need for Air Force to transform and not simply evolve. Plan Jericho has highlighted the importance of developing a future force which is agile and adaptive, truly integrated and immersed in the information age. By 2025 the Air Force aims to be a truly information age force, working jointly with Navy and Army and in close partnership with other Government agencies, as well as alliance and coalition partners.

Now Australian government has released its Aerospace S&T strategy “Shaping Defence Science and Technology in the Aerospace Domain 2017–2027”. The aim of this strategy is to guide ongoing research in the aerospace domain that focuses the efforts of scientists and engineers working across the S&T enterprise. The strategy represents a partnership between Air Force and Defence Science and Technology Group (DST Group) to identify and take forward S&T that secures the best military aerospace capabilities for Australia; able to deliver air power and space effects within volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous and contested environments.