Brown, GaryWoolner, Derek2022-12-182022-12-18086784146X97808678414660158-3751http://hdl.handle.net/1885/282471The Australian Government's decision to acquire a new aircraft carrier is critically analysed in strategic, operational and financial terms. The paper concludes that the strategic justification offered is "not proven", that the operational characteristics of available contenders do not satisfy assessed requirements and that the Australian defence budget cannot support both planned outlays and carrier associated costs. A comprehensive re-assessment of naval force structure is recommended.application/pdfen-AUAircraft CarriersMilitary SpendingAustralian Royal Navy1982