"Australia's Military Too Weak to Defend Australia?" Topic

"AUSTRALIA would spiral in to a Mad Max-style world if our slim fuel reserves were cut off by an enemy, a defence expert has warned.

It comes with a stark warning that "if an adversary decided to, they could cut off fuel supply to Australia very easily".

Defence Strategy and Capability at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute senior analyst Dr Malcolm Davis said incoming Liberal Senator Jim Molan's warning that Australian forces would be rendered almost useless in just 19 days was "absolutely true" and warned that Australia is "one of the few countries in the world that does not take our energy security seriously"…"
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Amicalement
Armand

Surely it depends on which enemy, right?

And that enemy must know what the reaction from the US and UK would be, and still not care.

So, with that in mind, who would be on the short list of potential candidates? And of those, who are the Australians really most worried about?

The Russians? :)

Dan

Big Panda? Little Rocketman? Kiwi's?

Fiji has long coveted Ayer's Rock.

Against whom?
Australia is a bit far away from everyone. Logistics for the invaders?

This fuel thing means maybe one with a potent navy. Then another story.

Must be the Kiwis then, or the Fijians. :)

Dan

Australia is hard to invade -- lots of desert with poor infrastructure, and the East Coast is a long way from the rest of the world, so logistics is a problem. With small but potent navy and airforce, Australia on its own could cause logistics issues for any blockading force. Let alone the fact that an attack on Australia would either be part of a larger conflict, or would drag in other western or Asian powers.

In the end, any invasion or blockade of Australia would have to come from Indonesia -- either by Indonesia or another power coming through Indonesia -- and neither of these are likely.

The biggest issue for Australia is China successfully flexing its muscles. But that discussion veers off into politics. So I will leave it at that.

I think Australians tend to look at Indonesia as their most worrisome neighbour. After that, probably China.

But don't forget, #Australiaisnotreal link

Yes Indonesia is the biggest threat – presumably that's why they are our biggest recipient of grant-in-aid, despite them having a larger GDP than us! Danegeld anyone?

Despite their tiny size, the RAN and RAAF are effective and as has been said could seriously dent any invasion attempt's logistics.

Which is just as well, since the Australian Army, with the greatest possible respect to Diggers past and present, simply does not have a modern full-spectrum combat capability. Leaving aside the question of the impact of social engineering experiments, there is no self propelled artillery or MLRS, APCs are reworked Vietnam era, and there is one, yes one, regiment of MBTs.

Could the editors please link this to the Wargaming in Australia board? Be good to get some informed opinion…

Australia does not normally maintain large forces or war stocks, and looks to sustain no more than one Brigade and one battalion overseas in an expeditionary role.

. We should maintain strategic amounts of fuel supplies.
. We should always be reviewing what warstock levels we maintain.

But unless there is an imminent threat, I don't expect our force levels to be greatly increased.

Looking at the ADF components:

==> RAAF <==

medium sized and capable, comprising 107 F/A-18 (A,B,F and G models), AWACS, Refuelling and Transport. And as the F35, P8 and Triton UAV aircraft arrive, will be more so. And let's not forget JORN and maybe the extra F35 squadron.

==> RAN <==

again medium sized, currently having 12 surface combatants, 6 submarines and 2 LHDs (for delivering Army battlegroups to places, not aircraft carriers folks). And is replacing patrol boats with 12 x 1800 ton OPVs, the 8 Anzac frigates with 9 much larger vessels and the 6 Collins submarines with 12 larger and more capable platforms. Maybe we can deliver some of these replacements a tad quicker than planned.

==> Army <==

numbers are probably right for peacetime. Army has three Combat Brigades, one Special Operations Brigade, Three Support Brigades and six Reserve Brigades. The Combat Brigades infantry battalions are changing from light infantry to mech/motorised infantry. Tank numbers, APC (and Recon) replacements and long range fires new capability are all in train. Maybe SPGs could be added but manning levels would be an issue. And maybe need additional/replacement attack choppers or drones.

Have a great day, FPR

Everyone could just remain indoors and the wildlife would handle the invaders.

No, I said look aggressive! Wipe that smile of your face!

Australia is mostly foreign owned. If anyone other than China attacked they would step in to protect their assets. And if China decided to take over then lack of fuel would be our least problem. Have you noticed how the milk tastes slightly different since it has been under foreign ownership?

Didn't I read a plan was uncovered in the 1970's that showed how they'd form saltwater crocs into home defense brigades?

"AUSTRALIA would spiral in to a Mad Max-style world if our slim fuel reserves were cut off by an enemy, a defence expert has warned."

A Mad Max style world – how would you drive around in all the silly spiky cars and bikes and stuff without fuel?

Those leather outfits and Mohican haircuts wouldn't last long if you had to walk everywhere..

Pacific islanders invading in out rigger canoes?

(smile)

What about Japan?…

Amicalement
Armand

Can Japan even protect its own territorial claims in the East China Sea, or protect it's own airspace from missile flyovers?

Dan

Not for the moment… but wait….

Amicalement
Armand

@ Navy Fower Wun Seven

Indonesia doesnot have a larger GDP Than Australia.

At least according to the IMF.
statisticstimes.com/economy/countries-by-projected-gdp.php

or Wikipaedia shows three lists by the IMF, UN & World Bank and none of them has Indonesia above Australia.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(nominal)

Fake News.

"A Mad Max style world – how would you drive around in all the silly spiky cars and bikes and stuff without fuel?"

How? Watch and learn…

YouTube link

David

That was priceless!!!

Dan

Don't forget, this guys on the Aussie side.

YouTube link

Well, David Warner said The Ashes was "war" and they seem to have done all right there.