Australia’s Strategic Posture

Australia is responding to increased uncertainty in its strategic environment by developing a new strategic posture that will likely allow it greater flexibility to act independently. In new strategic documents, Australia has outlined plans to increase its defense spending, acquire key combat systems, and further develop strategic and defense ties and bilateral relations with Japan, India, Southwest Pacific states and others in the region while also seeking to maintain and strengthen its alliance relationship with the United States. Some have described these changes as the most significant changes to Australia’s strategic posture in a generation. This report is to inform Members seeking a better understanding of the strategic implications for the United States of the evolving strategic posture of one of the United States’ key allies in the Indo-Pacific.