Defence News

BC · **Posted:** Sun Feb 22, 2026 9:20 am

A good clip. Certainly an impressive looking vessel. Far better appointed, for the crews than in our days.

At this stage, long range appears to be it's best capability.

BC · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2026 8:29 am

ADF Senior Ranks Swell Despite Reform Drive

From: Frontline Veterans Website

The number of senior officers within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) continues to climb despite the Albanese Government’s pledge to streamline and modernise the force, fueling criticism that Australia maintains one of the most top-heavy military structures in the world.

Defence figures show there were 248 full-time “star-ranked” officers as of 1 December 2025, including those transitioning from full-time service at the end of their careers. In 2023, that figure stood at 219 — itself a sharp rise from 119 two decades earlier.

Star-ranked officers — often referred to as flag officers — hold the ranks of Commodore and above in the Royal Australian Navy, Brigadier and above in the Australian Army, and Air Commodore and above in the Royal Australian Air Force.

The increase comes even as Defence says it introduced a Biennial Review of Star Ranks in late 2024, designed to ensure such positions remain “strategically aligned and sustainable” while maintaining downward pressure on demand.

Overall ADF personnel numbers have grown modestly. In 2024–25, 7059 full-time recruits were enlisted, bringing the permanent force to 61,189 uniformed members. Even so, the current ratio means there is roughly one star-ranked officer for every 247 other full-time personnel.

Former senior Defence official Michael Shoebridge argues the expansion of highly paid senior roles has created a culture of overlapping responsibilities and blurred accountability.

“The jobs are overlapping and opaque. The result is no one is clear who does what, and no one is responsible for anything,” he has said, warning that excessive hierarchy undermines morale and limits autonomy for officers below Brigadier rank.

Scrutiny has also focused on remuneration and post-service appointments. Former Chief of the Defence Force Angus Campbell and former Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty have both taken up overseas postings. Moriarty is set to become Australia’s Ambassador to the United States. Meanwhile, Chief of the Defence Force David Johnston received total remuneration of about $1.17 million last year.

Analysis by the Parliamentary Library previously highlighted the long-term growth in senior ranks despite fluctuations in enlisted numbers. By comparison, the ratio of star-ranked officers to personnel in the United States stands at roughly one to 1526, and in the United Kingdom about one to 1252.

A 2024 military research paper concluded that the Royal Australian Air Force’s structure, with its relatively high concentration of senior officers, may be a significant inhibitor to combat effectiveness.

Defence Minister Richard Marles has yet to publicly address the latest figures.

Hippy Chippy · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2026 10:46 pm

The latest fortnightly edition of :salute1:

NAVY News :captain:

is now available in the post below :down:

for your reading pleasure... :news:

Hippy Chippy · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2026 10:46 pm

The latest fortnightly edition of :salute1:

NAVY News :captain:

is now available below :down:

for your reading pleasure... :news:

Click on the image of 'The Steel Cat' :cat1:

above,

or the cover of the current edition below, :down:

to access...

:evil3:

Items of interest in this edition include:

..................................................... • LIGHT THE WAY: Nations unite for India’s International Fleet Review – Page 2

..................................................... • BALANCING THE SCALES: International Women’s Day – Pages 6-7

..................................................... • IN FORMATION: Navies shape up in the South China Sea – Pages 8-9
.............

.........................................NAVY NEWS is the official publication of The Royal Australian Navy.

......................................To read the latest editions of Army News and Air Force News click :type:

HERE.

............................. Click here to view Defence Privacy Policy: :type:

https://www.defence.gov.au/Publications ... rivacy.asp

......................Department of Defence ABN: 68706814312 - R1-GF-C049 PO Box 7901 Canberra BC ACT 2610 AUSTRALIA Ph: (07) 3903 8512

Pony · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2026 3:46 pm

Will be interesting to see the outcome of this.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/588435/naval-officers-charged-over-hmnzs-manawanui-sinking-unprecedented

BC · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2026 5:19 pm

If I remember, didn't the NZ Defence Minister award the "CO" with some Bravery Medal, before any investigations were conducted?

BC · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2026 6:12 pm

Old ship open to the public at the Australian War Memorial for Navy’s 125th anniversary

https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australi ... 9b62&ei=26

Stroppy Chippie · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2026 12:26 am

I do not think there is much investing occurring on new capabilities, more likely the maintenance budgets from current platforms continues to be raided.......

Hippy Chippy · **Posted:** Wed Mar 04, 2026 9:02 am

Missed it..!!! #-o

Belated to the RAN... :woohoo:

The article below :down:

appeared in the ADM... :evil3:

The Australian Navy and Australian Army have commemorated 125 years of service, recognising the generations of sailors and soldiers who have served the nation with distinction.
“As we mark 125 years of our proud naval history, this is an opportunity to honour the thousands of Australians who have chosen to serve," Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, remarked.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to all who have served in our Navy for their commitment to protecting our national prosperity and regional security.”

This milestone has celebrated the enduring values that define Australia’s service personnel and acknowledges the vital role both organisations continue to play in safeguarding Australia’s security, prosperity and national identity.

“For 125 years, the Australian Army has been a trusted national institution, deeply connected to communities and committed to protecting Australia. I am incredibly proud of the work our soldiers do every day in the service of our nation," Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, stated.

“This milestone is about honouring the generations who have answered the call, and reaffirming our commitment to protect and support our communities today and into the future.”

The Australian Navy and Australian Army formed on 1 March 1901, when the Australian colonial forces amalgamated following Federation.

At the time, they were known as the Commonwealth Naval Forces and Commonwealth Military Forces. Their current titles were officially granted in 1911 and 1980, respectively.

“For 125 years, sailors and soldiers from Australia's Navy and Army have stood shoulder to shoulder serving our country, forming lasting bonds through shared sacrifice," Vice Admiral Hammond said.

Both the Navy and the Army were established in 1901.

“In our 125th year, the Australian Navy and Australian Army will honour the past, present and future. Recognising the rich history, enduring legacy and sacrifices of all who have served," Lieutenant General Stuart highlighted.

This milestone has recognised the generations of Australians who have answered the call to serve their nation – service made possible by the unwavering support of their families.

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