Opinion: Australia, it’s time for ‘the talk’ on national security

The federal government’s recent Defence Strategic Review ruled out B-21s in favour of long-range F-35 missiles. What does it mean for the RAAF and our wider approach to defence?

Like any adolescent, there comes a point when our parents sit us down and have ‘the talk’. For Australia, that time has come, and rather than being a talk about the birds and the bees, this conversation will be equally awkward, yet necessary. For many historians, strategic thinkers, and political decision makers, the horrors of WWII could accurately be seen as the final, most painful stages of labour before the birth of the new world order.

As the fires of conflict finally subsided, bringing the conflict to an end across Europe and the vast expanse of the Pacific, people everywhere breathed a sigh of relief as the carnage and horrors of the previous six years were replaced by a renewed sense of optimism and hope.