Unpacking the concept of the ‘Balanced Fleet’, with Jennifer Parker, ANU National Security College

In this special episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, recorded at Indo Pacific 2023, host Steve Kuper and Jennifer Parker – director, defence policy, at National Security College – discuss her recent report for ASPI, titled, An Australian maritime strategy: resourcing the Royal Australian Navy.

The pair begin by discussing the genesis of the report and Australia’s need to develop a detailed and considered maritime strategy, as part of delivering the next-generation Royal Australian Navy surface fleet.    They then discuss the implications a maritime strategy would have on the government’s independent review into the make-up of the surface fleet and how it directly influences the size and structure of the fleet.    Finally, the pair discuss a potential force structure for the Royal Australian Navy’s surface fleet based on the latest revelations at Indo Pacific 2023.    Enjoy the podcast,  The Defence Connect Team