As the strategic circumstances within the region continue to shift, the ADF is taking proactive steps to bolster its readiness.
Collaborating with the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and the US Department of Defense, the ADF is engaging in trilateral simulated tabletop exercises to explore the integration of uncrewed systems in future conflicts, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
These exercises, inspired by recent geopolitical events like those in Ukraine, aim to enhance operational understanding and capabilities.
Leading this initiative is Bryan Clark, a senior fellow and director at the Hudson Institute's Center for Defense Concepts and Technology.
Mr Clark is an expert in naval operations, undersea warfare, electronic warfare, autonomous systems and military competitions.
"The value of having all three countries participate in the activity is that you get their perspectives on how they would approach these operations," Mr Clark said.
"We're looking at how uncrewed systems and those associated technologies would best be incorporated into the ADF over the next 10 years."
'The engagement and collaboration between the three nations allows us to unpick some of the challenges and understand how each country would apply these systems differently.'
At the forefront of military innovation, the activity held at the Joint Experimentation and Wargaming Laboratory harnessed cutting-edge technology and teamwork to refine strategic approaches, empowering participants to test and adapt tactics in an ever-evolving landscape of warfare.
Wing Commander Richard Poole serves as the Deputy Director of Integration at Air Force Headquarters, playing a crucial role in integrating collaborative combat aircraft into Australia's air combat strategy.
His expertise in unmanned systems and collaborative warfare is vital as Australia strengthens its defence capabilities in partnership with allies like Japan and the US, especially in the context of evolving threats in the region.
"The engagement and collaboration between the three nations allows us to unpick some of the challenges and understand how each country would apply these systems differently," Wing Commander Poole said.
Commander Kenta Watanabe, of the JSDF, was one of 12 Japanese participants and believed the exercise offered the three countries an excellent platform to further collaborate.
"What impressed me is the opportunity to understand the ADF area of operation," Commander Watanabe said.
"I can learn how the ADF is thinking about the threat, employment of uncrewed systems and what their strategic interest is to better apply how Japan could integrate."
