Working Papers: Maritime Strategy and Defence of the Archipelagic Inner Arc

Abstract

This paper argues that the Australian concept of defending the archipelagic inner arc is strategically flawed, potentially dangerous, and in need of further development. Using the defensive perimeter concept deployed by Japan during World War II the author demonstrates how the strategy resulted in a lack of manoeuvre and strategic options which created vulnerabilities that led to Japan’s eventual defeat by the allied offensive strategy. US sea control enabled power projection in the inner arc in the Pacific theatre by providing cover against enemy naval forces and enabling gunfire support for landings. One of the most salutary lessons is for Australian strategic thinking is that the future sea denial operation which could be required to defend Australia would only succeed as a dimension of sea control. The author postures that the primary threat to Australia is not territorial but rather to its maritime communications, highlighting that sea control is a strategically important maritime capability which Australia must possess.

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