HOBART, NT — In a significant repositioning of Australia’s military focus, hundreds of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel will be moved from the southern part of the country to the north. This development, announced by the federal government and reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, represents the most substantial defence realignment in over a decade.
Approximately 800 soldiers will transition from their current base in Adelaide to new postings in Darwin, Townsville, and Brisbane by 2025. This staged relocation will encompass infantry units, tanks, and armoured personnel carriers, marking a significant shift away from South Australia’s capital.
Concurrently, Adelaide will host a new army brigade specializing in long-range precision weaponry, including the US-manufactured High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
This strategic move is driven by the recognition that northern Australia offers optimal conditions for deploying forces, whether for training purposes, large-scale exercises, or supporting regional allies.
The Defence Strategic Review (DSR), published in April, underlined the need for a profound transformation of Australian military forces to prepare for potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region.
Defence Minister Richard Marles had previously asserted that Australia’s current defence posture is no longer adequate for emerging challenges.
The review, conducted by former ADF chief Angus Houston and ex-defence minister Stephen Smith, pinpointed the army as the branch needing comprehensive restructuring to meet future demands.
