澳洲擴大空防戰略應對地緣政治挑戰

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(Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)
面對日益複雜的地緣政治局勢，澳洲正積極強化其空中防禦能力，以確保國家安全。

地緣政治背景

近期，全球安全環境日趨嚴峻，特別是中國在亞太地區的軍事活動增加，引發澳洲對自身防禦能力的重新評估。例如，去年中國海軍在澳洲附近海域進行的演習，引起了廣泛關注，凸顯了區域內軍事活動的頻繁程度。

現有防禦能力與挑戰

澳洲的空防主要依賴於NASAMS地對空導彈系統和三艘配備先進防空系統的霍巴特級驅逐艦。然而，這些資源在保護廣闊的國土和關鍵基礎設施方面仍顯不足。

強化防禦的最新舉措

為了提升防禦能力，澳洲政府採取了多項措施：

• 增購先進導彈：2024年10月，澳洲宣布將斥資70億澳元（約合47億美元）向美國購買SM-2 Block IIIC和SM-6導彈，這些導彈將逐步部署在海軍的霍巴特級驅逐艦和未來的獵人級護衛艦上。 
• 投資電子戰技術：2025年2月，澳洲政府宣布投資超過800萬澳元支持本土公司開發電子戰技術，旨在提升國防軍在複雜環境中的作戰能力。 
• 引進自主無人系統：考慮到澳洲廣闊的地理環境，國防部計劃增加自主無人系統的使用，例如與波音公司合作開發的“幽靈蝙蝠”（Ghost Bat）無人戰機，預計將在今年內展示其能力。  

政界反應與未來展望

在即將到來的聯邦大選中，國家安全成為主要議題。反對黨領袖彼得·達頓（Peter Dutton）承諾，若當選，將增購28架F-35閃電II戰機，以增強澳洲空軍實力。 

澳洲政府強調，將持續評估和提升防禦能力，包括加強與國際夥伴的合作、引進先進技術，以及發展本土的防禦工業能力，以應對未來的安全挑戰。

Australia Expands Air Defense Strategy to Address Geopolitical Challenges

In response to the increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, Australia is actively enhancing its air defense capabilities to ensure national security.

Geopolitical Context

Recently, the global security environment has become more severe, particularly with China’s increased military activities in the Asia-Pacific region, prompting Australia to reassess its defense capabilities.For instance, last year’s Chinese naval exercises near Australian waters drew widespread attention, highlighting the frequency of regional military activities.

Current Defense Capabilities and Challenges

Australia’s air defense primarily relies on the NASAMS surface-to-air missile system and three Hobart-class destroyers equipped with advanced air defense systems. However, these resources are still insufficient to protect the vast territory and critical infrastructure.

Recent Measures to Strengthen Defense

To enhance defense capabilities, the Australian government has undertaken several initiatives:

• Procuring Advanced Missiles: In October 2024, Australia announced a $7 billion AUD (approximately $4.7 billion USD) deal to acquire SM-2 Block IIIC and SM-6 missiles from the United States. These missiles will be progressively deployed across the Navy’s Hobart-class destroyers and future Hunter-class frigates. 
• Investing in Electronic Warfare Technology: In February 2025, the government announced an investment of over $8 million AUD to support local companies in developing electronic warfare technologies, aiming to enhance the defense force’s operational capabilities in complex environments. 
• Integrating Autonomous Systems: Considering Australia’s vast geography, the defense department plans to increase the use of autonomous systems, such as the “Ghost Bat” unmanned combat aircraft developed in collaboration with Boeing, expected to demonstrate its capabilities this year.  

Political Responses and Future Outlook

In the lead-up to the federal election, national security has become a major topic.Opposition leader Peter Dutton has pledged to procure an additional 28 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to bolster the Royal Australian Air Force’s capabilities if elected. 

The Australian government emphasizes the continuous assessment and enhancement of defense capabilities, including strengthening cooperation with international partners, introducing advanced technologies, and developing domestic defense industry capabilities to address future security challenges.