2016 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER

88
CHAPTER FOUR: THE FUTURE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE
investment is planned in ADF space capability, including space-based
and ground-based intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance
systems.
Electronic Warfare
4.17 The ability of our forces to control the electromagnetic environment can
provide a decisive tactical advantage. Defence must be able to protect
and defend electronic systems, such as radar, command and control and
the communications and intelligence systems that the ADF relies on to
conduct operations, while denying or degrading the electronic systems
of an adversary.
SECTION TWO CAPABILITY
4.18 The Government will enhance command and control, and other spectrum
management systems, to support a joint approach to electronic defence
and attack. The Government will strengthen electronic warfare support
to naval, air and land forces for operations in hostile electromagnetic
environments including through the introduction of new long range
electronic warfare support aircraft based on a long-range commercial
business jet in the early 2020s. The fleet of 12 E/A-18G Growler
electronic warfare aircraft to enter service from 2018 will be periodically
upgraded over their operational lives to maintain commonality with the
Growler fleet operated by the United States.
Cyber Security
4.19 The Government is committed to ensuring that Australia can address
the growing cyber threat including through enhanced cooperation with
the United States and our other international partners. Defence makes a
critical contribution to Australia’s whole-of-government cyber-security
efforts, ensuring the integrity of Australian government information and
systems. This includes the invaluable work of the Australian Signals
Directorate. Defence will continue to work closely with other agencies to
protect Australian interests in the cyber domain, including through the
multi-agency Australian Cyber Security Centre.