Australia’s Strategic Position
Following the release of the Defence Strategic Review, the Australian Government has directed Defence to undergo significant transformation to better address our country’s current and future strategic circumstances.
This directive emphasizes a range of needs, including the push for a more integrated Defence Force capable of contributing security to the Indo-Pacific, a more expedient capability acquisition process, and a more connected and collaborative approach between Defence and Industry.
With significant implications to all three military services of the Australian Defence Force—Airforce, Navy, and Army—the role of Australian defence industry is to understand these strategic needs, and the changes they entail.
In particular, the Australian Army is facing a major shift in its current priorities and positioning, which were addressed recently at LEWG 2023.
The LEWG
The Land Environment Working Group (LEWG) is a two-day forum designed to provide a platform for collaboration between the Australian Defence Force and industry stakeholders, for the purpose of supporting the Australia’s current and future land capability.
Chaired by Head of Land Capability Major General Richard Vaag, with Industry Co-Chairs, the LEWG event provides an opportunity to the Land Capability Division to outline and discuss current and future capability plans and acquisitions to Australian defence industry.
Ultimately, the LEWG allows industry representatives and Defence personnel to align their efforts and find innovative solutions to address Army’s key priorities and challenges.
Systematiq’s attendance and industry insight
The LEWG was attended by Systematiq’s own Director of Strategy and Projects Brydon Johnson, as well as Systematiq NSW/ACT Regional Manager Andrew Harvey.
With a focus on facilitating effective communication and collaboration, their presence at the LEWG signifies Systematiq’s commitment to supporting Australia’s Defence capabilities.
Andrew Harvey reflected on the benefit of attending LEWG for his role in client management:
‘As an industry representative, my role is essential in fostering collaboration and building relationships with Defence personnel and other stakeholders.’
‘By attending the LEWG,’ he continues, ‘I’m able to contribute to the discussions around land capability requirements, and exploring potential avenues for Systematiq to support Defence projects in the ACT and NSW region.’
Brydon Johnson also provides his insight on the changes to Army, and the new opportunities on offer to Australian defence industry.
‘There are a lot of challenges at the moment as Army deals with new priorities as a result of the DSR.’ He comments.
‘A lot of projects are being looked at, but nothing is set in stone yet; there’s some degree of uncertainty as Army interprets the new directives that have been released.’
‘Generally,’ he notes, ‘there’s a focus on the faster and more efficient acquisition of capabilities.’
‘SMEs should look to how they can be part of the solution. They need to assess what they can offer in terms of expediting the acquisition process; whether that be through the services they provide, or by the efficiency of their delivery.’
Brydon also discusses the nature of the capabilities Army is likely to seek out in the near future.
‘In terms of the capabilities themselves, the Army is shifting focus into littoral and amphibious capabilities.’
‘There’s an emphasis of being able to operate in the maritime space, as well as the prioritisation of air defence and missile capabilities; both long range fires and close combats.’
‘In order for industry and SMEs to take advantage of the changes outlined in the DSR, interpreting and predicting these new priorities of Army is essential.’
‘Businesses need to take a look at their current service offerings, and assess if their services and products align to the new range of capabilities that Army will soon be seeking to acquire.’
‘For some SMEs,’ he continues, ‘pivoting their company’s direction may be a profitable decision in order to capitalise on future opportunities, if they are looking to engage with the Defence industry.’
Moving forward towards a stronger Army and safer Australia
Brydon uses Systematiq’s current and future direction as an example of how businesses can address Army’s new priorities in light of the DSR:
‘Systematiq has always worked closely with Army, and contributed to many Land projects in the past. We’re already involved in the delivery of some of Army’s littoral capabilities, and will continue our support of these projects.’
‘We’re also looking to act as PMO partner with our OEM clients, in terms of delivering projects.’
‘Rather than taking on the role of a subcontractor, being a partner allows us work more closely with the client. This allows them to more effectively utilise our PMO capabilities, which accelerates delivery and expediates the acquisition process for Defence.’
By attending LEWG 2023, Systematiq has gained valuable insight into Army’s immediate priorities and challenges, allowing us to better align our projects and initiatives accordingly. We will continue to work with the Australian Defence Force and support Australia’s land capabilities.
Through active participation in LEWG discussions, Systematiq are able to deepen industry insights, build relationships with Defence personnel, and explore potential opportunities for collaboration with both Defence and other partners in industry.
By working together, Australian Defence and industry can transform the current and future Army to meet Australia’s ever evolving strategic circumstances.
