2016 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER

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CHAPTER FOUR: THE FUTURE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE
4.96 The surface fleet will be supported by two new replenishment vessels to
be introduced into service by the early 2020s. These vessels will replace
the current mixed fleet of one replenishment ship and one oiler which
carries fuel only. A third replenishment or additional logistics vessel will
follow in the late 2020s.
Industry, innovation, research and development
4.97 Defence’s ability to achieve the Strategic Defence Objectives relies on
its access to high levels of capability and technology. This requires a
focus on critical support from Australian defence industry to deliver
warfighting equipment and partnering with Defence to deliver
leading-edge innovation and research.
SECTION TWO CAPABILITY
4.98 Australian defence industry is a fundamental input to the Government’s
plan to strengthen defence capability. Australian defence industry
provides a range of critical direct and supporting services to defence
capability and operations. Australian defence industry builds and
services Defence equipment and bases, and provides and supports
Defence’s information and communications technology. Australian
defence industry underpins our national defence support base,
delivering logistics services, health support, fuel, energy and other
support that enable the ADF to operate effectively. Australian defence
industry is a major contributor to innovation in how defence equipment
is employed and upgraded.
A new approach to Australian defence industry policy
4.99 The Government’s approach to Australian defence industry and
innovation policy aims to maximise the defence capability necessary
to achieve the Government’s defence strategy supported by an
internationally competitive and innovative Australian industrial base. The
focus will be on the small to medium enterprises that are the incubators
for advanced defence capability in Australia.