East coast’s wall of steel

Subs and planes to boost defence

IT’S not exactly the Maginot line but Australia’s east coast security will be significantly bolstered in 2018 with Defence’s strategic rollout of new ships and aircraft and berthing plans for its subs.

The Federal Government has now confirmed some of the Royal Australian Navy’s new French- designed submarines will be based on the east coast when they are built, reversing the policy that has had all submarines based off Perth for the past 20 years.

The first of the new F- 35 Joint Strike Fighters will also arrive at RAAF Base Williamtown, north of Newcastle, this year and helicopter landing ships at Fleet Base East in Sydney have now been cleared for full service.

But staffing them remains a challenge, with new figures showing a 2 per cent shortfall in ADF personnel strength, prompting recruitment drives into universities, community groups and even high schools.

The ADF has also reduced the initial minimum period of service for some roles to make them more attractive.

Defence Minister Marise Payne said there was an “inevitability” to bolstering east coast defences by virtue of the number of military projects and decisions to be made this year, including an announcement of the future frigates selection and army’s $ 20 billion critical combat reconnaissance vehicles, as well as the new offshore patrol vessels.

She said the new air warfare destroyer HMAS Hobart sat at Fleet Base East in Sydney alongside landing helicopter dock ships HMAS Canberra and HMAS Adelaide, which had now been cleared for service.

Senator Payne said she was satisfied with the ADF’s personnel capability despite a 1.9 per cent strength shortfall as set by her government.

A Defence Department spokeswoman yesterday dismissed suggestions the number was significant but said all three services had plans to grow their ranks this year.

“Defence is targeting candidates through specialist recruitment teams, which consists of ADF members from the same demographic as the desired talent,” she said.

“Their role is to engage potential candidates and their influencers in order to raise awareness of ADF career opportunities.

“The teams facilitate school visits, attend targeted events and community forums, and run dedicated information sessions.”

The current ADF strength is 58,556, with Navy 13,833 personnel, Army 30,429 and RAAF 14,294. The Defenders liftout returns on February 1.