Page 158 - Australian Defence Magazine November 2021

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FROM THE SOURCE AIR MARSHAL MEL HUPFELD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 156
NOVEMBER 2021 | WWW.AUSTRALIANDEFENCE.COM.AU
delivering Air and Space Power effects for the integrated joint force, across the full spectrum of conflict.
The KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport is an example of how the Air Force has optimised its air combat and air mobility mix to meet Australia’s needs. The KC-30A pro- vides an air-to-air refuelling capability that extends the range of the Air Force’s air combat aircraft. There are mul- tiple other examples.
I want our Air Force to be ready to seize opportunities to engage and assure access in our region, while denying the opportunity for malicious actors. For us to contest along the full breadth of the competition continuum, we need to be an integrated, joint, multi-domain, and interconnected force. Our interconnectedness is everything
At government’s direction, we have done ex- cellent work to enhance our Air Force so that it possesses the adaptability and the sophis- tication needed to respond to the challenges ahead. We are creating the right culture, the right workforce, and the right mix of technol- ogies to succeed in our second century.
ADM: Given changing strategic circum- stances and Chinese capabilities, is there any urgency, or any intention, of hardening vital C2 and other facilities in Australia?
AM HUPFELD: Defence closely monitors military capability developments within the region, including those of China. Accordingly, Air Force, and Defence more broadly are un- dertaking a series of activities aimed at increasing the resil- ience of key infrastructure and a variety of C2 capabilities. This is being conducted using passive defence concepts and incorporates a variety of measures from concept develop- ment, basing studies, hardening and a series of other activi- ties. The measures chosen will be appropriate to perceived
threats and the unique circumstances facing the ADF.
ADM: Does Air Force have sufficient airlift capability to support both Defence and civil requirements – the Aus- tralian Antarctic Division, for example?
and our common objective is Australia’s na- tional security.
These challenges are inherently dynam-
ic, difficult to prepare for and by their na-
ture blur traditional boundaries. However,
Air Force’s approach is similar to our ap-
proach to our traditional roles – we strive
to generate a broad range of potent air and
space power effects, with the tools and
people we have to meet the need of the day.
What grey zone warfare is making us better
at is understanding where to place competent, connected practitioners of air and space power within joint, inter- service and whole-of-government functions. We do this so that we can fundamentally change how effectively we can support a broad spectrum of options with our people and capabilities.
ADM: With lengthy warning of future combat now unre- alistic, how can the RAAF address lack of combat mass and survivable operational range?
AM HUPFELD: Defence is committed to ensuring it has the right mix of capabilities to defend Australia and its national interests. Air Force is transitioning out of bespoke stand- alone capabilities to a networked force that is capable of
“THE F-35A—ALONG WITH THE F/A-18F SUPER HORNET AND EA-18G GROWLER—IS KEY TO OUR CURRENT AIR COMBAT CAPABILITY”
LEFT: A Maritime Patrol and Response Offic r Co-Tactical Officer, monitors his station onboard a RAAF P-8A Poseidon during Exercise Tasman Shield
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