From Firepower to Thought Power

“The next phase of Defence reform must move from firepower to thought power.”

Security & Defence PLuS Executive Director, Dr Ian Langford, warns that as Australia approaches the 2026 National Defence Strategy and updated Integrated Investment Program, the capability debate risks defaulting once again to platforms.

“How many ships? How many aircraft? How many long-range missiles? These are necessary questions, but they are no longer sufficient ones.”

He argues that the decisive advantage in modern conflict is not derived from platforms alone, but from the cognitive systems that connect them, and that command and control, air battle management and integrated air and missile defence are now the operational brain of the force.

Read the full article in Defence Technology Review or access the PDF: From Firepower to Thought Power