Strategic Analysis Australia Director Peter Jennings says immediate action is required to strengthen the defence industry to avoid Australia relying on foreign supplies in a crisis.
“The government and the defence organisation have been focusing far too much on what I call the fantasy force, which is the force we will have in 2040,” Mr Jennings said.
“We now have a defence force in 2025 significantly weaker and less able to respond to military contingencies than was the case 20 years ago … and that should be a pressing concern.
“What we need is an urgent government priority to strengthen the existing defence force.”
