AUSTRALIAN+NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE DIRECTORY 2026 www.defence.directory 17 SOVEREIGN CAPABILITY EDITORIALS ACCELERATING DEFENCE CAPABILITY We are collectively facing the most complex and challenging security environment since the Second World War. The international system that has underpinned Australia’s security and prosperity for almost 80 years is under intense pressure. The 2023 Defence Strategic Review acknowledged some uncomfortable truths and reaffirmed that Australia no longer enjoys the benefit of a ten-year window of strategic warning time for conflict. Since then, our strategic circumstances have continued to deteriorate. Developed in response to the Defence Strategic Review, the National Defence Strategy (NDS) 2024 sets the framework to guide significant and urgent changes required to transform Defence’s capability to ensure it is fit for purpose and equipped to meet the challenges associated with Australia’s most significant strategic risks. We are balancing the necessity of focusing on immediate requirements to augment the force in being, as well as accelerating capabilities to meet the needs of the integrated, focused force. The Vice Chief of the Defence Force (VCDF) Group within Defence plays an integral role in implementing the NDS and accompanying Integrated Investment Program (IIP). ASCA plays a key part in this task. ASCA’s mission is to accelerate the development and transition of asymmetric capabilities to the Australian Defence Force through innovation in order to meet Defence priority needs. Now part of the VCDF Group - as the joint Force Authority, ASCA is able to work closer to the One Defence Capability System, to ensure the capabilities we are seeking to bring to bear are operationally relevant and required, employable, affordable and sustainable. The transition to VCDF Group builds on ASCA’s progress to date and formalises the relationships between operational requirements and technological innovation, as well as capability integration, development, management and sustainment. Working collaboratively with the Services’ Capability Managers across the five domains, including their respective innovation arms, ASCA’s intent is to deliver capabilities that are ready, relevant and required. We all have a role to play in assisting with the re-shaping of Defence innovation and importantly delivering vital capabilities for Defence. Delivery is key. My message is clear - Good enough on time, is always better than perfect too late. ASCA has been enabled for faster decision-making; prioritising Defence’s capability needs, with agile models of engagement that respond to operational capability demands. ASCA will accelerate innovation through to capability through its three flagship programs – Missions, Innovation Incubation and Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDT). Missions are at the heart of a new approach to innovation that, in partnership with industry, focus on rapidly pulling through disruptive technologies into capabilities that will meet Defence’s most pressing needs as outlined in the NDS 2024 and associated IIP. Recent ASCA examples include Mission Black Thorn, Talon-Strike and Syracuse which are all focused on developing and delivering asymmetric capability that can be rapidly put into operational use. The Innovation Incubation program is addressing capability priorities by rapidly adapting, testing and acquiring technologies through short-term, lower cost projects. Each of these activities differ slightly; in terms of procurement process, evaluation and delivery. In order for Defence to have an innovation system that can respond with urgency, we must accept that the methodology of ‘how’ we achieve capability will likely be bespoke to each requirement. ASCA will continue to employ a suite of procurement methods and processes that fast-track the transition of asymmetric capabilities into operational use. One size fits all, will not work. Collaboration with Australian industry organisations is, and will continue to be, critical if we are to deliver credible and relevant capability to sailors, soldiers and aviators at pace. Industry must continue to exhibit the ability to collaborate and be comfortable with (at times) shorter response times to Defence requests and differing processes depending on the need. Working together, industry and Government can develop a sovereign defence industrial base that is able to meet the dynamic needs of our complex strategic environment whilst minimising any burden associated with working with Defence. ASCA’s remit is clear - accelerate the delivery of capability that addresses Defence priorities. To do so requires the methods, and the means to fast-track and subsequently scale those solutions that meet Defence’s operational needs with the resources available. ASCA has been enabled and looks forward to continuing its work with industry and academia supporting and equipping our sailors, soldiers and aviators with the capabilities necessary to respond to Australia’s national security priorities. MAJGEN Hugh Meggitt AM CSC Head Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA)
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