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{{short description|National military force of Australia}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=
{{Use Australian English|date=February 2017}}
{{Infobox national military
| name = Australian Defence Force
| native_name =
| image = Ensign of the Australian Defence Force.svg
| alt =
| caption = The [[Australian Defence Force Ensign|Australian Defence Force tri-service flag]]
| image2 =
| alt2 =
| caption2 =
| motto =
| founded = {{start date|df=y|1901|03|01}} ([[Federation of Australia|
| current_form = {{start date|df=y|1976|02|09}}
| disbanded =
| branches = {{plainlist|
* [[Royal Australian Navy]]
* [[Australian Army]]
* [[Royal Australian Air Force]]}}
| headquarters = [[Canberra]], [[Australian Capital Territory|ACT]], as part of the [[Australian Defence Organisation]]
| flying_hours =
| website = <!--{{URL|example.mil}}-->
<!-- Leadership -->| commander-in-chief = [[
| commander-in-chief_title = [[Commander-in-Chief (Australia)|Commander-in-Chief]]
| chief minister = [[Anthony Albanese]]
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| minister = [[Richard Marles]]
| minister_title = [[Minister for Defence (Australia)|Minister for Defence]]
| commander =
| commander_title = [[Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)|Chief of the Defence Force]]
<!-- Manpower -->| age = {{plainlist|
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* 18 years (to deploy)
* 19 years (for special forces deployment)}}
| conscription = [[Conscription in Australia|
| manpower_data =
| manpower_age =
| available =
| available_f =
| fit =
| fit_f =
| reaching =
| reaching_f =
| active = 57,346 (30 June 2023)
| ranked =
| reserve = 32,049 (30 June 2023)
| deployed = 1,841 (July 2020)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/Operations/ |title=Global Operations |publisher=Department of Defence |access-date=13 February 2020 |archive-date=2 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402134908/http://defence.gov.au/Operations/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
<!-- Financial -->| amount = {{AUD}}
| percent_GDP = 2.04% <small>(2023/24)</small><ref name="Budget"/>
<!-- Industrial -->| domestic_suppliers = [[Defence industry of Australia]]
| foreign_suppliers =
| imports =
| exports = Around {{AUD}}2 billion (2018)<ref name="Dziedzic defence exports">{{cite news|last1=Dziedzic|first1=Stephen|title=Federal Government accused of contributing to global arms race with defence exports push|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-29/aid-groups-lash-coalition-plan-to-become-major-weapons-exporter/9369962|access-date=29 January 2018|work=ABC News|date=29 January 2018|archive-date=30 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130065022/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-29/aid-groups-lash-coalition-plan-to-become-major-weapons-exporter/9369962|url-status=live}}</ref>
<!-- Related articles -->| history = [[Military history of Australia]]
| ranks = [[Australian Defence Force ranks and insignia]]
}}
The '''Australian Defence Force''' ('''ADF''') is the [[Armed forces|military organisation]] responsible for the defence of the [[Australia|Commonwealth of Australia]] and its national interests. It has three branches: the [[Royal Australian Navy]] (RAN), [[Australian Army]] and the [[Royal Australian Air Force]] (RAAF). The ADF has a strength of just over 89,000 personnel and is supported by the [[Department of Defence (Australia)|Department of Defence]]
During the first decades of the 20th century, the [[Australian Government]] established the armed services as separate organisations
The ADF is technologically sophisticated but relatively small for its landmass. Although the ADF's 57,346 full-time active-duty personnel and 32,049 active [[military reserve force|reservists]] {{as of|2023|6|30|lc=y}} make it the largest military in Oceania, it is smaller than most Asian military forces. However with a national population of just over 27 million, the ADF has an average ratio of [[List of countries by number of military and paramilitary personnel#List by the International Institute for Strategic Studies|military personnel per capita]].<ref>{{Cite book |author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies |url=https://www.iiss.org/en/publications/the-military-balance/the-military-balance-2021/#:~:text=The%20Military%20Balance%202021%3A%20Features&text=Analysis%20of%20major%20developments%20affecting,arranged%20region%2Dby%2Dregion. |title=The Military Balance 2021 |date=25 February 2021 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=9781032012278 |edition=1st |location=[[London]] |pages=242 |language=en-UK}}</ref> The ADF is supported by a significant budget by worldwide standards and is well equipped and trained, with defence spending at 2.04% of GDP (as of 2023/24).<ref name="Budget" />
==Role==
The ADF's legal standing draws on the executive government sections of the [[Australian Constitution]]. [[Section 51(vi) of the Constitution of Australia|Section 51(vi)]] gives the [[Government of Australia|Commonwealth Government]] the power to make laws regarding Australia's defence and defence forces. Section 114 of the Constitution prevents the States from raising armed forces without the permission of the Commonwealth and [[Section 119 of the Constitution of Australia|Section 119]] gives the Commonwealth responsibility for defending Australia from invasion and sets out the conditions under which the government can deploy the defence force domestically.{{sfn|Khosa|2010|p=2}}
[[Section 68 of the Constitution of Australia|Section 68 of the Constitution]] sets out the ADF's command arrangements. The Section states that "the command in chief of the naval and military forces of the Commonwealth is vested in the [[Governor-General of Australia|Governor-General]] as the [[Monarchy of Australia|
==History==
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By 1870, each of the then Australian colonies [[Colonial forces of Australia|maintained their own military forces]]. On 1 January 1901, the colonies [[Federation of Australia|federated into a new nation]] and on 1 March 1901, these colonial forces were amalgamated to establish the [[Australian Army]] and Commonwealth Naval Force.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Australian Army |url=https://www.awm.gov.au/learn/understanding-military-structure/army |access-date=2024-02-16 |website=Australian War Memorial}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Greg |first=Swinden |date=2011-06-14 |title=Australasian Naval Forces and Commonwealth Naval Forces |url=https://navyhistory.au/australasian-naval-forces-and-commonwealth-naval-forces/ |access-date=2024-02-16 |website=Naval Historical Society of Australia |language=en-AU}}</ref>{{sfn|Grey|2008|p=67}} In 1911, the government established the [[Royal Australian Navy]], which absorbed the Commonwealth Naval Force.{{sfn|Dennis et al|2008|p=467}} The Army established the [[Australian Flying Corps]] in 1912 which was separated to form the [[Royal Australian Air Force]] in 1921.{{sfn|Dennis et al|2008|pp=61, 457}} The services were not linked by a single chain of command, as they each reported to their own separate Minister and had separate administrative arrangements. The three services saw action around the world during [[Military history of Australia during World War I|World War I]] and [[Military history of Australia during World War II|World War II]], and took part in conflicts in Asia during the [[Cold War]].{{sfn|Horner|2007|pp=145–150}}
The importance of [[joint warfare]] was made clear to the Australian military during World War II when Australian naval, ground and air units frequently served as part of single commands. Following the war, several senior officers lobbied for the appointment of a [[commander in chief|commander-in-chief]] of the three services. The government rejected this proposal and the three services remained fully independent.{{sfn|Horner|2001|p=42}} The absence of a central authority resulted in poor coordination between the services, with each service organising and operating
The need for an integrated command structure received more emphasis
===Defence of Australia era===
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[[File:Australian C-130 H being unloaded at Tallil Air Base in April 2003.jpeg|thumb|alt=Rear view of a propeller-driven plane on the ground with its cargo door open and propellers still spinning|A RAAF C-130 Hercules being unloaded at Tallil Air Base, Iraq, during April 2003]]
In 1996, [[John Howard]] led the [[Liberal Party of Australia|Liberal Party's]] election campaign and became Prime Minister. Subsequently, there were significant reforms to the ADF's force structure and role. The new government's defence strategy placed less emphasis on defending Australia from direct attack and greater emphasis on working in co-operation with regional states and [[Foreign relations of Australia|Australia's allies]] to manage potential security threats.{{sfn|Horner|2001|pp=95–96}} From 1997 the Government also implemented a series of changes to the ADF's force structure
The ADF's experiences during the [[International Force for East Timor|deployment to East Timor in 1999]] led to significant changes in Australia's defence policies and
In 2000, the Government released a new Defence White Paper, ''Defence 2000 – Our Future Defence Force'', that placed a greater emphasis on preparing the ADF for overseas deployments. The Government committed to improve the ADF's capabilities by improving the readiness and equipment of ADF units, expanding the ADF and increasing [[Real versus nominal value (economics)|real]] Defence expenditure by 3% per year;{{sfn|Thomson|2005|p=11}} in the event, expenditure increased by 2.3% per annum in real terms in the period to 2012–13.{{sfn|Thomson|2012|p=25}} In 2003 and 2005, the ''Defence Updates'' emphasised this focus on expeditionary operations and led to an expansion and modernisation of the ADF.{{sfn|Thomson|2006|pp=7–8}}
===Iraq and Afghanistan===
Since 2000, the ADF's expanded force structure and deployment capabilities have been put to the test on several occasions. Following the [[
The ADF was subsequently involved in the reconstruction of Iraq. From 2003 until 2005 this was mainly limited to a [[Security Detachment Iraq (Australia)|Security Detachment]] which protected the Australian embassy, the attachment of officers to multi-national headquarters, small numbers of transport and maritime patrol aircraft, and teams of air traffic controllers and medical personnel.<ref name="Fielding Concluding Australia's Military Commitment in Iraq">{{cite web|last1=Fielding|first1=Marcus|title=Concluding Australia's Military Commitment in Iraq|url=http://www.mhhv.org.au/?p=340|publisher=Military History and Heritage Victoria|access-date=31 December 2016|archive-date=31 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231170415/http://www.mhhv.org.au/?p=340|url-status=live}}</ref> From 2005 until 2008 a [[battalion]]-sized Australian Army battle group (initially designated the [[Al Muthanna Task Group]], and later [[Overwatch Battle Group (West)]]) was stationed in southern Iraq. In addition, teams of ADF personnel were deployed to train Iraqi military units. In line with a 2007 election commitment, the [[Rudd government (2007–10)|Rudd government]] withdrew combat-related forces from Iraq in mid-2008, and most of the remaining Australian units left the country the next year.<ref name="Fielding Concluding Australia's Military Commitment in Iraq" /><ref name="SBS Iraq timeline">{{cite web|title=Timeline: Australian troops in Iraq|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2008/06/02/timeline-australian-troops-iraq|website=SBS News|publisher=SBS|access-date=31 December 2016|date=23 August 2013|archive-date=1 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101002610/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2008/06/02/timeline-australian-troops-iraq|url-status=live}}</ref>
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The Australian Government believes that the country's strategic circumstances are worsening due to the threat posed by China. This has led to decisions to expand the ADF and enhance its ability to participate in high intensity combat. The ''2020 Defence Strategic Update'' called for the ADF's efforts to be focused on the [[Indo-Pacific]] region. It also concluded that there was no longer a ten-year period of strategic warning before Australia could be involved in a major war. The document stated that the ADF's funding would be expanded, and its capacity to strike at targets from a long distance be improved.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Goldrick |first1=James |title=Defence Strategic Update 2020: A first assessment {{!}} Lowy Institute |url=https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/defence-strategic-update-2020-first-assessment |access-date=25 April 2023 |work=www.lowyinstitute.org |date=2 July 2020 |language=en}}</ref> In September 2021, Australia entered into the [[AUKUS]] trilateral security partnership with the United Kingdom and United States. As part of this partnership, Australia will obtain [[SSN (hull classification symbol)|nuclear attack submarines]] to significantly improve the RAN's capabilities - this replaced a plan to acquire 12 conventionally powered [[Attack-class submarine|''Attack''-class submarines]] in partnership with France. The three AUKUS countries also agreed to collaborate on a range of military technologies.<ref>{{cite news |title=Aukus: UK, US and Australia launch pact to counter China |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-58564837 |access-date=25 April 2023 |work=BBC News |date=16 September 2021}}</ref>
An investigation of allegations of Australian war crimes in Afghanistan was completed in November 2020. The [[Brereton Report]] found that there was evidence that 25 Australian special forces personnel committed war crimes on 25 occasions, resulting in the deaths of 39 people and the mistreatment of two others. General [[Angus Campbell (general)|Angus Campbell]] accepted all of the 143 recommendations made in the report.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Grattan |first1=Michelle |title=Evidence of war crimes found against 25 Australian soldiers in Afghanistan |url=https://theconversation.com/evidence-of-war-crimes-found-against-25-australian-soldiers-in-afghanistan-150377 |access-date=25 April 2023 |work=The Conversation |date=19 November 2020 |language=en}}</ref> An Office of the Special Investigator was subsequently established to conduct criminal investigations, and the first soldier was charged with war crimes in March 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Doherty |first1=Ben |title=Australian defence chief warns further criminal charges could be laid over alleged war crimes in Afghanistan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/11/defence-chief-flags-more-allegations-of-afghanistan-war-crimes-made-against-australian-soldiers |access-date=25 April 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=11 April 2023}}</ref>
During August 2021, RAAF aircraft participated in [[2021 Kabul airlift|an international airlift]] to evacuate people from Kabul in Afghanistan after it fell to the Taliban. An Army infantry company was deployed to Kabul as part of this operation. More than 3,500 people were evacuated by the RAAF.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dziedzic |first1=Stephen |title=Australia's Afghanistan evacuation mission ends in one of ADF's 'finest moments' |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-09/afghan-refugees-australia-evacuation-mission-ends/100448160 |access-date=25 April 2023 |work=ABC News |date=9 September 2021 |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Diggers on a mission like no other |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2021-09-09/diggers-mission-no-other |publisher=Department of Defence |access-date=25 April 2023 |date=9 September 2021}}</ref> Following the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] in February 2022 Australia provided military assistance to Ukraine. {{As of|April 2023}}, this included the transfer of military equipment from the ADF worth $A475 million and the deployment of an Army training team to the United Kingdom to train Ukrainian soldiers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Invasion of Ukraine by Russia |url=https://www.dfat.gov.au/crisis-hub/invasion-ukraine-russia |publisher=Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |access-date=25 April 2023}}</ref>
The election of the ALP [[Albanese government]] in May 2022 did not significantly change Australia's defence posture, as the ALP and Coalition parties have broadly similar defence policies. This includes an agreement on China posing a threat to Australia's security. The main difference is that the ALP sees [[climate change]] as an important security issue.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hurst |first1=Daniel |title=Peter Dutton casts Coalition as stronger than Labor on defence as election nears – so how different are they? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/mar/19/peter-dutton-casts-coalition-as-stronger-than-labor-on-defence-as-election-nears-so-how-different-are-they |access-date=25 April 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=18 March 2022}}</ref>{{sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2023|p=216}} After coming to power, the Albanese government commissioned
==Structure==
[[File:Russell Offices in November 2006.jpg|thumb|alt=A group of multi-story office buildings. A lake, mountains and a jet of water are visible in the background.|The ADF headquarters and the main offices of the Department of Defence are located in the [[Russell Offices]] complex in Canberra]]
The Australian Defence Force and Department of Defence make up the [[Australian Defence Organisation]] (ADO), which is often referred to as
===Command arrangements===
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===Joint forces===
[[File:Soldiers with a LHD Landing Craft in May 2018.jpg|thumb|alt=Colour photograph of three men wearing green military uniforms kneeling on a beach near a grey ship. A green truck is driving off the ship, and a large grey ship is visible on the horizon.|Australian Army soldiers providing security for a RAN [[LCM-1E|LHD Landing Craft]] during a joint exercise in 2018]]
Operational command of the ADF is exercised by HQJOC, which is located at a purpose-built facility near [[Bungendore, New South Wales|Bungendore]], New South Wales. This is a joint headquarters comprising personnel from the three services and includes a continuously manned Joint Control Centre. HQJOC's main role is to "plan, monitor and control" ADF operations and exercises, and it is organised around groups of plans, operations and support staff. HQJOC also monitors the readiness of the ADF units which are not assigned to operations and contributes to developing Australia's military doctrine.{{sfn|Khosa|2011|p=14}}
As well as HQJOC, the ADF has permanent joint operational commands responsible to the CJOPS. Joint Operations Command (JOC) includes the two headquarters responsible for patrolling Australia's maritime borders on a day-to-day basis, [[Northern Command (Australia)|Northern Command]] and [[Maritime Border Command (Australia)|Maritime Border Command]]. Other JOC units include the Joint Movements Group and the Air and Space Operations Centre. Individual ADF units and Joint Task Groups are assigned to JOC during operations, and HQJOC includes officers responsible for submarine and special operations forces.{{sfn|Khosa|2010|pp=13–15}}
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The ADF includes a number of joint operational and training units. These include the [[Joint Military Police Unit (Australia)|Joint Military Police Unit]] and the [[Joint Helicopter Aircrew Training School]].<ref>{{cite news|title=ADF Joint Helicopter Aircrew Training School commences training|url=http://australianaviation.com.au/2018/01/adf-joint-helicopter-aircrew-training-school-commences-training/|access-date=24 February 2018|work=Australian Aviation|date=17 January 2018|archive-date=5 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205160156/http://australianaviation.com.au/2018/01/adf-joint-helicopter-aircrew-training-school-commences-training/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Devlin |first1=Dave |title=Joint Service Police Group launched |url=https://news.navy.gov.au/en/Jun2017/Events/3794/Joint-Service-Police-Group-launched.htm |website=Navy Daily |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=27 July 2020 |date=17 June 2017 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727105823/https://news.navy.gov.au/en/Jun2017/Events/3794/Joint-Service-Police-Group-launched.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2023, after the release of the [[Defence Strategic Review (DSR)]] and a recommendation to consolidate the ADF's guided weapons and explosive ordnance (GWEO) across the services, leading to the creation of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Group (GWEOG), and the appointment of Air Marshal Leon Phillips, OAM as its head. This moved the responsibility of acquisition and sustainment of
===Royal Australian Navy===
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==Military intelligence and surveillance==
The Australian Defence Force's [[Military intelligence|intelligence]] collection and analysis capabilities include each of the services' intelligence systems and units, two joint civilian-military [[List of intelligence gathering disciplines|intelligence gathering]] agencies and two strategic and operational-level [[intelligence analysis]] organisations.{{sfn|Horner|2001|p=150}}<ref>{{cite web|title=The Australian Intelligence Community|url=https://www.igis.gov.au/australian-intelligence-community|publisher=Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security|access-date=8 January 2018|archive-date=23 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223020420/https://www.igis.gov.au/australian-intelligence-community|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:A9-757 Lockheed AP-3C Orion RAAF (9687341571).jpg|thumb|left|alt=A grey, four engined aircraft viewed from below while it is in flight|A Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion aircraft. These aircraft are fitted with advanced signals intelligence and electronic signals intelligence equipment.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=McLaughlin|first=Andrew|title=Quiet Achievers. RAAF Orions on patrol|magazine=Australian Aviation|date=December 2007|issue= 245|pages=41–42|publisher=Phantom Media|location=Canberra|issn=0813-0876}}</ref>]]
Each of the three services has its own intelligence collection assets.{{sfn|Horner|2001|p=150}} RAN doctrine stresses the importance of collecting a wide range of information
The [[Defence Intelligence and Security Group|Defence Strategic Policy and Intelligence Group]] within the Department of Defence supports the services and co-operates with the civilian agencies within the [[List of Australian intelligence agencies|Australian Intelligence Community]]. This Group consists of the [[Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation]] (AGO), [[Australian Signals Directorate]] (ASD) and [[Defence Intelligence Organisation]] (DIO). The AGO is responsible for [[GEOINT|geospatial intelligence]] and producing maps for the ADF, the ASD, originally the Defence Signals Directorate, is Australia's [[signals intelligence]] agency, and the DIO is responsible for the analysis of intelligence collected by the other intelligence agencies. The three agencies are headquartered in Canberra, though the AGO has staff in [[Bendigo, Victoria|Bendigo]] and the ASD maintains
The ASD also includes the [[Australian Intelligence Community#Australian Cyber Security Centre|Australian Cyber Security Centre]] (ACSC) which is responsible for protecting Defence and other Australian Government agencies against [[cyberwarfare]] attacks. The ACSC was established in January 2010 and is jointly staffed by the ASD and personnel from the [[Attorney-General's Department (Australia)|Attorney-General's Department]], [[Australian Security Intelligence Organisation]], and [[Australian Federal Police]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Defence Signals Directorate |title=Cyber Security Operations Centre |url=http://www.dsd.gov.au/_lib/pdf_doc/csoc_brochure.pdf |publisher=Defence Signals Directorate |access-date=9 October 2010 |page=5 |date=January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219185940/http://www.dsd.gov.au/_lib/pdf_doc/csoc_brochure.pdf |archive-date=19 February 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Berkovic |first=Nicola|title=Defence on a cyber war footing|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/defence-on-a-cyber-war-footing/story-e6frg6nf-1225820171172|access-date=9 October 2010|newspaper=The Australian|date=16 January 2010}}</ref> Unlike the United States military, the ADF does not class cyberwarfare as being a separate sphere of warfare.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Walsh|first1=Dylan|title=Cyber soldiers|url=http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/cyber-soldiers-20101008-16c7e.html|access-date=26 January 2018|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=9 October 2010|archive-date=13 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101013074112/http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/cyber-soldiers-20101008-16c7e.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2017 an Information Warfare Division was raised, tasked with both defensive and offensive cyber operations.<ref>{{cite news|last=Austin|first=Greg|url=https://thediplomat.com/2017/07/explaining-australias-sharp-turn-to-information-warfare/|title=Explaining Australia's Sharp Turn to Information Warfare|work=The Diplomat|date=8 July 2017|access-date=9 July 2017|archive-date=9 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709205400/http://thediplomat.com/2017/07/explaining-australias-sharp-turn-to-information-warfare/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defence.gov.au/jcg/iwd.asp|title=Information Warfare Division|work=Joint Capabilities Group|publisher=Department of Defence|access-date=9 July 2017|archive-date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822100540/http://www.defence.gov.au/jcg/iwd.asp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=McGhee|first=Ashlynne|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-30/cyber-warfare-unit-to-be-launched-by-australian-defence-forces/8665230|title=Cyber warfare unit set to be launched by Australian Defence Forces|work=ABC News|date=30 June 2017|access-date=9 July 2017|archive-date=10 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710163827/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-30/cyber-warfare-unit-to-be-launched-by-australian-defence-forces/8665230|url-status=live}}</ref>
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The number of positions available to women in the ADF has increased over time. Although servicewomen were initially barred from combat positions, these restrictions began to be lifted in 1990.{{sfn|Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Group|2000}} In September 2011 Minister for Defence Stephen Smith announced that the Cabinet had decided to remove all restrictions on women serving in combat positions, and that this change would come into effect within five years. This decision was supported by the CDF and the chiefs of the services.<ref>{{cite news|last=Thompson|first=Jeremy|title=Women cleared to serve in combat|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-27/women-on-the-frontline/2946258|date=27 September 2011|access-date=27 September 2011|newspaper=ABC News|archive-date=27 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927222526/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-27/women-on-the-frontline/2946258|url-status=live}}</ref> Serving women became able to apply for all positions on 1 January 2013 except special forces roles in the Army which became open to women in January 2014.<ref name="Lifting of gender restrictions">{{cite press release|title=Lifting of gender restrictions in the Australian Defence Force|url=http://news.defence.gov.au/2013/02/01/lifting-of-gender-restrictions-in-the-australian-defence-force/|publisher=Department of Defence|date=1 February 2013|access-date=3 February 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324001506/http://news.defence.gov.au/2013/02/01/lifting-of-gender-restrictions-in-the-australian-defence-force/|archive-date=24 March 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Johnston2014">{{cite speech |author1=Minister for Defence, Senator David Johnston |title=Minister for Defence – Opening address - Defence Women in Peace and Security Conference |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/david-johnston/speeches/minister-defence-opening-address-defence-women-peace-and-security |event=2014 Defence Women in Peace and Security Conference |access-date=15 March 2021 |date=16 June 2014 |archive-date=24 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424214941/https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/david-johnston/speeches/minister-defence-opening-address-defence-women-peace-and-security |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2016, civilian women became able to be directly recruited to all positions.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Landmark moment for women in the ADF |url=https://www.pmc.gov.au/news-centre/office-women/landmark-moment-women-adf |website=Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet |access-date=15 March 2021 |date=24 October 2018 |archive-date=14 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314153441/https://pmc.gov.au/news-centre/office-women/landmark-moment-women-adf |url-status=live }}</ref>
Despite the expansion in the number of positions available to women and other changes which aim to encourage increased female recruitment and retention, the growth in the proportion of female permanent defence personnel has been slow.{{sfn|Thomson|2017|p=80}} In the 1989–1990 financial year women made up 11.4% of the ADF personnel. In the 2008–2009 financial year women occupied 13.5% of ADF positions. During the same period the proportion of civilian positions filled by women in the Australian Defence Organisation increased from 30.8% to 42.8%.{{sfn|Khosa|2010|p=79}} In 2017–2018, women made up 17.9% of the ADF's permanent force. The proportion of women in the permanent force differs by service: 14.3% of members of the Army are female, compared to 21.5% of the RAN and 22.1% for the RAAF.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.defence.gov.au/annualreports/17-18/Downloads/WomenInTheADFReport2017-18.pdf|title=Women in the ADF Report 2017–18|publisher=Australian Government Department of Defence|access-date=12 July 2019|archive-date=12 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712043225/http://www.defence.gov.au/annualreports/17-18/Downloads/WomenInTheADFReport2017-18.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015 the ADF adopted targets to increase the proportion of service personnel who are female by 2023: by this time it is planned that women will make up 25% of the RAN, 15% of the Army and 25% of the RAAF.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Davidson|first1=Helen|title=Australian Defence Force creates targets to increase number of female recruits|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/mar/24/australian-defence-force-creates-targets-to-increase-number-of-female-recruits|access-date=24 March 2015|work=The
There continue to be concerns over the incidence of sexual abuse and gender-based discrimination in the ADF. In 2014 the [[Defence Abuse Response Taskforce]] estimated that around 1,100 currently-serving ADF personnel had abused other members of the military, and recommended that a [[royal commission]] be conducted to investigate long-running allegations of sexual abuse and assault of servicewomen at the Australian Defence Force Academy.<ref name="Government to seriously consider call for royal commission">{{cite news|last1=Wroe|first1=David|title=Defence abuse: Government to 'seriously' consider call for royal commission into abuse at the Australian Defence Force Academy|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/defence-abuse-government-to-seriously-consider-call-for-royal-commission-into-abuse-at-the-australian-defence-force-academy-20141126-11u1jq.html|access-date=5 December 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=26 November 2014|archive-date=28 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128184620/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/defence-abuse-government-to-seriously-consider-call-for-royal-commission-into-abuse-at-the-australian-defence-force-academy-20141126-11u1jq.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2013 Chief of Army General David Morrison publicly released a video in which he warned against gender-based discrimination, and stated that he would dismiss members of the Army who engaged in such conduct.<ref name="Morrison tells troops to respect women or get out">{{cite news|title=Chief of Army David Morrison tells troops to respect women or 'get out'|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-14/chief-of-army-fires-broadside-at-army-over-email-allegations/4753208|access-date=5 December 2014|work=ABC News|date=14 June 2014|archive-date=4 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104021115/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-14/chief-of-army-fires-broadside-at-army-over-email-allegations/4753208|url-status=live}}</ref>
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The ADF seeks to be a high-technology force.{{sfn|Thomson|2005|pp=9–10}} Although most of the ADF's weapons are only used by single service, there is an increasing emphasis on commonality. The three services use the same [[small arms]] and the [[Browning Hi-Power|FN Herstal 35]] is the ADF's standard hand gun, the [[F88 Austeyr]] the standard rifle, the [[F89 Minimi]] the standard light support weapon, the [[FN MAG|FN Herstal MAG-58]] the standard light machine gun and the [[M2 Browning machine gun|Browning M2HB]] the standard heavy machine gun.{{sfn|Khosa|2011|p=39}}
The ADF is equipped with [[conventional weapon]]s only. Australia [[Australia and weapons of mass destruction|does not possess]] [[weapons of mass destruction]] and has ratified the [[Biological Weapons Convention]], [[Chemical Weapons Convention]] and [[Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty]].{{sfn|Khosa|2011|pp=98–99}} The Australian Government is committed to encouraging [[nuclear disarmament]] internationally.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nuclear Weapons |url=https://www.dfat.gov.au/international-relations/security/non-proliferation-disarmament-arms-control/nuclear-weapons |publisher=Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |access-date=3 June 2024}}</ref> Australia is also a party to international agreements which prohibit [[land mine]]s and [[cluster munition]]s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mine action|url=http://dfat.gov.au/international-relations/security/non-proliferation-disarmament-arms-control/conventional-weapons-missiles/mine-action/pages/mine-action.aspx|publisher=Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade|access-date=7 January 2018|archive-date=7 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107175100/http://dfat.gov.au/international-relations/security/non-proliferation-disarmament-arms-control/conventional-weapons-missiles/mine-action/pages/mine-action.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{As of|2023}}, the Royal Australian Navy operated a large number of ships and submarines. The Navy's main surface combatants were eight [[Anzac-class frigate|''Anzac''-class]] frigates and three [[Hobart-class destroyer|''Hobart''-class destroyers]]. The RAN's submarine force had six ''Collins''-class submarines. There were ten [[Armidale-class patrol boat|''Armidale''-class]] and five [[Cape-class patrol boat|Cape-class]] patrol boats for border security and fisheries patrol duties in Australia's northern waters. The RAN's amphibious force comprises the two [[Canberra-class landing helicopter dock|''Canberra''-class]] landing helicopter docks and the dock landing ship {{HMAS|Choules|L100|6}}. The Navy's minesweeping force is equipped with four [[Huon-class minehunter|''Huon''-class]] minehunters. Two [[Supply-class replenishment oiler|''Supply''-class replenishment oilers]] support these combatants. The RAN also operated four survey vessels (the [[Leeuwin-class survey vessel|''Leeuwin'']] and [[Paluma-class survey motor launch|''Paluma'']] classes). Non-commissioned ships operated by the RAN include the sail training ship [[STS Young Endeavour|''Young Endeavour'']]. There were also four auxiliary ships operated by private companies on behalf of the RAN.{{sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2023|p=231}} The Fleet Air Arm's helicopter force comprised 24 [[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk|MH-60R Seahawk]] anti-submarine and 6 [[NHIndustries NH90|MRH 90]] transport helicopters and a training force equipped with 15 [[Eurocopter EC135|EC 135T2+]] helicopters.{{sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2023|p=231}} The Navy also operated [[S-100 Camcopter]] and [[ScanEagle]] uncrewed aerial vehicles.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fleet Air Arm |url=https://www.navy.gov.au/fleet-air-arm |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=25 April 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
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The Australian Defence Force maintains 60 major bases and many other facilities across all the [[states and territories of Australia]]. These bases occupy millions of hectares of land, giving the ADO Australia's largest real estate portfolio. [[Defence Housing Australia]] manages around 19,000 residences occupied by members of the ADF.<ref name="Year_Book_Aust_2009-10_people" /><ref>{{cite web|last1=Defence Housing Australia|title=Housing portfolio|url=https://www.dha.gov.au/annual-reports/2016-2017/dha-overview/housing-portfolio/|website=Defence Housing Australia Annual Report 2016–17|publisher=Defence Housing Australia|access-date=7 January 2018|date=2017|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313191302/https://www.dha.gov.au/annual-reports/2016-2017/dha-overview/housing-portfolio/|url-status=live}}</ref> While most of the Army's permanent force units are based in northern Australia, the majority of Navy and Air Force units are based near Sydney, [[Brisbane]] and [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]]. Few ADF bases are currently shared by different services.{{sfn|Khosa|2010|pp=16–35}} Small Army and RAAF units are also located at [[RMAF Base Butterworth|Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth]].{{sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2023|p=232}} The administrative headquarters of the ADF and the three services is located in [[Canberra]] alongside the main offices of the Department of Defence.<ref>{{cite web|title=Department of Defence|url=https://www.directory.gov.au/portfolios/defence/department-defence|website=directory.gov.au|date=25 May 2017|publisher=Department of Finance|access-date=14 January 2018|archive-date=14 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114205331/https://www.directory.gov.au/portfolios/defence/department-defence|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Royal Australian Navy has two main bases; [[Fleet Base East]] (HMAS ''Kuttabul'') in Sydney and [[Fleet Base West]] (HMAS ''Stirling'') near Perth. The Navy's operational headquarters, Fleet Headquarters, is located adjacent to Fleet Base East. The majority of the Navy's patrol boats are based at {{HMAS|Coonawarra}} in [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]], Northern Territory, with the remaining patrol boats and the hydrographic fleet located at {{HMAS|Cairns|naval base|6}} in [[Cairns]]. The [[Fleet Air Arm (RAN)|Fleet Air Arm]] is based at {{HMAS|Albatross|air station|6}} near [[Nowra, New South Wales|Nowra]], New South Wales.{{sfn|Chief of Navy|2017|pp=195–203}}
The Australian Army's regular units are concentrated in a few bases, most of which are located in Australia's northern states. The Army's operational headquarters, Forces Command, is located at [[Victoria Barracks, Sydney|Victoria Barracks]] in Sydney. Most elements of the Army's three regular brigades are based at [[Robertson Barracks]] near Darwin, [[Lavarack Barracks]] in [[Townsville]], [[Queensland]], and [[Gallipoli Barracks]] in Brisbane. The 1st Division's Headquarters is also located at Gallipoli Barracks. Other important Army bases include the [[Oakey Army Aviation Centre|Army Aviation Centre]] near [[Oakey, Queensland|Oakey]], Queensland, [[Holsworthy Barracks]] near Sydney, [[Woodside Barracks]] near [[Adelaide, South Australia|Adelaide]], South Australia, and [[Campbell Barracks (Australia)|Campbell Barracks]] in Perth. Dozens of [[Australian Army Reserve|Army Reserve]] depots are located across Australia.{{sfn|Australian Army|2014|pp=52–54}}
The Royal Australian Air Force maintains several air bases, including three which are only occasionally activated. The RAAF's operational headquarters, [[RAAF Air Command|Air Command]], is located at [[RAAF Base Glenbrook]] near Sydney. The Air Force's combat aircraft are based at [[RAAF Base Amberley]] near [[Ipswich, Queensland|Ipswich]], Queensland, [[RAAF Base Tindal]] near [[Katherine, Northern Territory|Katherine]], Northern Territory, and [[RAAF Base Williamtown]] near [[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]], New South Wales. The RAAF's maritime patrol aircraft are based at [[RAAF Base Edinburgh]] near Adelaide and most of its transport aircraft are based at [[RAAF Base Richmond]] in Sydney. RAAF Base Edinburgh is also home to the control centre for the [[Jindalee Operational Radar Network]]. Most of the RAAF's training aircraft are based at [[RAAF Base Pearce]] near Perth with the remaining aircraft located at [[RAAF Base East Sale]] near [[Sale, Victoria|Sale]], Victoria, and RAAF Base Williamtown. The RAAF also maintains a network of bases in northern Australia to support operations to Australia's north. These bases include [[RAAF Base Darwin]] and [[RAAF Base Townsville]] and three [[RAAF Bare Bases|'bare bases']] in [[Queensland]] and Western Australia.{{sfn|Air Power Development Centre|2015|pp=31, 44–45, 57}} Of the RAAF's operational bases, only Tindal is located near an area in which the service's aircraft might feasibly see combat. While this protects the majority of the RAAF's assets from air attack, most air bases are poorly defended and aircraft are generally hangared in un-hardened shelters.{{sfn|Peacock|von Rosenbach|2011|p=28}}
==Domestic responsibilities==
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Singapore and the United States maintain military units in Australia. Two [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] pilot training squadrons with a total of 230 personnel are based in Australia.{{sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2023|p=232}} The [[Singapore Armed Forces]] also uses the [[Shoalwater Bay|Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area]] in Queensland for large-scale exercises; under the terms of a bilateral agreement, these run for up to 18 weeks each year and involve as many as 14,000 Singaporean personnel.<ref>{{cite web|title=Overview|url=http://www.defence.gov.au/Initiatives/ASMTI/Overview.asp|website=Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative|publisher=Department of Defence|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-date=1 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101082351/http://www.defence.gov.au/Initiatives/ASMTI/Overview.asp|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Philippines Soldiers and Australian Special Forces Soldier, clear a room during close quarters battle training in support of Balikatan 2017 at Fort Magsay in Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija, May 12, 2017.jpg | thumb|left|alt=Colour photo of two soldiers armed with rifles inside a building|An Australian commando (at left) training with a Filipino soldier in 2017]]
The United States maintains intelligence and communications facilities in Australia which are staffed by 1,700 personnel. The intelligence facilities comprise the [[Pine Gap]] satellite tracking station near [[Alice Springs]] and Naval Communication Station Harold E. Holt near [[Exmouth, Western Australia|Exmouth]], Western Australia.{{sfn|International Institute for Strategic Studies|2023|p=232}} Pine Gap is jointly operated by Australian and United States personnel and Naval Communication Station Harold E. Holt has been an exclusively Australian-operated facility since 1999.{{sfn|Ball|Robinson|Tranter|2016|pp=53–54}}<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tranter|first1=Richard|title=Naval Communication Station Harold E. Holt (North West Cape)|url=https://nautilus.org/publications/books/australian-forces-abroad/defence-facilities/naval-communication-station-harold-e-holt-north-west-cape/|website=Australian Defence Facilities|publisher=Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainability|date=8 March 2011|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155416/https://nautilus.org/publications/books/australian-forces-abroad/defence-facilities/naval-communication-station-harold-e-holt-north-west-cape/|url-status=live}}</ref> In early 2007 the Australian Government approved the construction of a new US communications installation at the Defence Signals Directorate [[Australian Defence Satellite Communications Station]] facility near [[Geraldton, Western Australia|Geraldton]], Western Australia, to provide a ground station for the US-led [[Wideband Global SATCOM|Wideband Global System]] which Australia is partly funding.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tranter|first1=Richard|title=Australian Defence Satellite Communications Station, Kojarena|url=https://nautilus.org/publications/books/australian-forces-abroad/defence-facilities/australian-defence-satellite-communications-station-kojarena/|website=Australian Defence Facilities|publisher=Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainability|date=6 October 2014|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155422/https://nautilus.org/publications/books/australian-forces-abroad/defence-facilities/australian-defence-satellite-communications-station-kojarena/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Stewart|first1=Cameron|title=WA spy station to target terror|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/wa-spy-station-to-target-terror/news-story/f3d2a722366a8def79b58e251f485293|access-date=31 December 2017|work=The Australian|date=8 July 2014}}</ref> The [[United States Military]] also frequently uses Australian exercise areas and these facilities have been upgraded to support joint Australian-United States training.<ref>{{cite news |first=Craig |last=Skehan |author2=Wilkinson, Marian |author3=Murdoch, Lindsay |title=New bases for US forces in far north Australia |url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/08/1089000295713.html?from=storylhs |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=9 July 2004 |access-date=7 April 2007 |archive-date=13 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013072629/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/08/1089000295713.html?from=storylhs |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2011, the Australian and American Governments announced plans to base on rotational basis a [[United States Marine Corps]] [[Marine Air-Ground Task Force]] in the Northern Territory for training and exercise purposes and increase rotations of [[United States Air Force]] (USAF) aircraft through northern Australia.<ref>{{cite press release |author1=Prime Minister |title=Australia-United States Force Posture Initiatives |url=http://www.pm.gov.au/press-office/australia-united-states-force-posture-initiatives |website=Prime Minister |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122083953/http://www.pm.gov.au/press-office/australia-united-states-force-posture-initiatives |archive-date=22 November 2011 |date=16 November 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Nicholson|first=Brendan|title=Elite northern unit gives US access in a crisis|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/obama-in-australia/elite-northern-unit-gives-us-access-in-a-crisis/story-fnb0o39u-1226197274548|access-date=20 November 2011|newspaper=The Australian|date=17 November 2011|archive-date=19 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111119015951/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/obama-in-australia/elite-northern-unit-gives-us-access-in-a-crisis/story-fnb0o39u-1226197274548|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of this agreement, the [[Marine Rotational Force – Darwin]] has been deployed to Australia for six months each year since 2012. It is planned for this force to eventually comprise around 2,500 personnel with supporting aircraft and equipment.{{sfn|Joint Standing Committee on Treaties|2014|p=3}} The expanded rotations of USAF units to Australia began in early 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=USAF F-22s arrive in Australia for joint training exercises with the RAAF|url=http://australianaviation.com.au/2017/02/usaf-f-22s-head-to-australia-for-joint-training-exercises-with-the-raaf/|access-date=31 December 2017|work=Australian Aviation|date=10 February 2017|archive-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231212100/http://australianaviation.com.au/2017/02/usaf-f-22s-head-to-australia-for-joint-training-exercises-with-the-raaf/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The ADF provides assistance to militaries in Australia's region through the Defence Cooperation Program. Under this program the ADF provides assistance with training, infrastructure, equipment and logistics and participates in joint exercises with countries in South East Asia and Oceania. The Pacific Patrol Boat Program is the largest Defence Cooperation Program activity and supports 22 [[Pacific class patrol boat]]s operated by twelve South Pacific countries. Other important activities include supporting the development of the [[Timor Leste Defence Force]] and [[Papua New Guinea Defence Force]] and supplying watercraft to the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]].{{sfn|Khosa|2010|p=111}} Australia also directly contributes to the defence of Pacific countries by periodically deploying warships and aircraft to patrol their territorial waters; this includes an annual deployment of RAAF AP-3 Orions to the region as part of a multi-national maritime surveillance operation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Orion casts its net in fisheries op|url=http://australianaviation.com.au/2011/11/orion-casts-its-net-in-fisheries-op/|access-date=5 December 2011|newspaper=Australian Aviation|date=24 November 2011|archive-date=8 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308211513/http://australianaviation.com.au/2011/11/orion-casts-its-net-in-fisheries-op/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Operation Kurukuru catches illegal ships|url=http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/9020--operation-kurukuru-catches-illegal-ships|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223105737/http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/9020--operation-kurukuru-catches-illegal-ships|access-date=5 December 2011|newspaper=Solomon Star|date=16 November 2011|archive-date=23 February 2014}}</ref> Under an informal agreement Australia is responsible for the defence of [[Nauru]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Nauru|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/nauru/|website=The World Factbook|publisher=Central Intelligence Agency|access-date=7 January 2018|archive-date=13 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213085812/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/resources/the-world-factbook/geos/nr.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
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