More Options, More Places, More Often: The Royal Australian Air Force in the National Defence Strategy
Australia is an aviation nation. Flight has connected us across enormous distance and created opportunities for over a century. Today, a large and mostly civilian aviation system supports national life. The Air Force plays a unique role harnessing this enterprise in the national interest.
Since becoming Chief, I have described this more dangerous and unpredictable era as a strategic autumn. It is a time of growing uncertainty and competition, but our task is clear: to prevent autumn from becoming winter, while being ready if it does – as part of the integrated, focused force.
The Air Force is responding by building fighting depth. This is how we are playing our part as Australia faces a more dangerous world.
We build on outstanding foundations. I am proud to command one of the world’s most capable small- to medium-sized air forces. I describe us as a Tier One air force because we can execute all air power tasks at a very high level in the most challenging conditions. Within the limits of our size, we operate on par with the very best air forces in the world.
This reflects decades of investment and hard work. It is the product of world-class technical capabilities that create possibilities, and the highly trained people that turn possibilities into power. A Tier One air force maximises air power’s flexibility, reach, and tempo. It is a potent and proven strategic advantage: one that makes potential opponents think again.
Ours is a technological Service, but the heart of our air power is our aviators. We are the custodians of traditions dating back to before the First World War. Our aviators are Australia’s airminded members of the profession of arms. They are innovative, resilient, and committed to serving something greater than themselves.
This is our story. It is a story of people, purpose, and preparedness. A story of how we will meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Per ardua ad astra.
Air Marshal Stephen Chappell DSC CSC OAM