Game-changer in the Pacific: Surprising Options Open Up with the New Multi-purpose Maritime Capability

Abstract

Compelling reasons for developing and maintaining a robust amphibious force as part of the ADF‟s suite of military capabilities are not hard to find. They are based on sound liberal and realist imperatives for Australian leadership in the Pacific and beyond to foster and maintain regional security and stability. Experience after the Indian Ocean Tsunami and repeated deployments off the coast of Fiji is instructive, but so is Australia‟s experience dating back for a century, considered briefly in this article. That experience suggests a robust amphibious capability could make a significant difference to Australia‟s regional diplomatic leverage, providing relatively significant hard power to complement the government‟s diplomatic soft power in support of the nation‟s humanitarian, liberal-democratic and realist instincts.