While a number of major capability issues that will receive funding have been identified, such as the forecast purchase of up to 100 F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, combat helicopters and new ships, the DCP effectively quantifies the Defence White Paper strategy in terms of allocating funding for specific sea, land and aerospace projects.
The outcomes of these projects provide the means for the defence forces to achieve the Government's strategic direction. At the helm of this process is the Chief of Defence Capability, Vice Admiral Matt Tripovich, who leads the Defence Capability Group, an organisation charged with providing advice to government on the programs necessary to achieve its strategic aims.
Defence has come in for criticism over the methodology and outcomes that at times have produced delayed, over expended, even failed projects. However, Admiral Tripovich regards the improvements in the way his Group does business as significant. He said that "Continuous improvement in Defence's internal processes to improve the advice we provide to Government on capability proposals" has been the Group's most significant achievement over the past two years.
The upcoming Defence + Industry Conference is timely, given the recent release of the White Paper. Admiral Tripovich said the Government was committed to supporting Australian industry in winning defence projects.
"The Government recognises the important role that the Australian defence industry plays in support of the ADF," he said. "Defence, through the White Paper, will seek to maximise its spending in local defence industry. As a direct result of this spending, the local defence industry workforce is expected to increase by about 5,000 over the next five years from a base of around 29,000," said Admiral Tripovich.
"To enable this growth within industry the Government will remain closely engaged in defence industry policy, ensuring that Australian industry provides the maximum support possible to the ADF while maintaining control of cost, schedule and quality. Off-the-shelf items purchased for use will still need to be supported within Australia and local industry can contribute either by competing for in-country support work or by joining global supply chains.
"The White Paper makes clear the Government's intention to significantly enhance the ADF's warfighting capability."