The unipolar moment is over.

The danger is clear and present. The unipolar moment is over. So why aren’t we accelerating innovation and acquisition? ⬇️

“After more than two years of conflict in Ukraine, it is obvious how lower-cost, more easily producible, advanced technologies — notably unmanned systems — are giving the Ukrainian military an asymmetric advantage against a much larger and more heavily armed foe.”

America’s future advantage depends on quick adoption of advanced tech

Opinion: The U.S. military must learn from Ukraine and accelerate its adoption of advanced AI and robotics, former Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper argues.

Is the One Defence Capability System agile and responsive enough to drive innovation and rapid acquisition needed? A decade on from the First Principles Review and after a Defence Strategic Review that identified we no longer have the luxury of decade of warning time, Defence and Government are still hastening slowly.

It is time to consider new models – or relearn the lessons of history? Essington Lewis was the Chairman of BHP when he was tapped by Government to become the Head of Munitions.

In this role he controlled the production of all ordnance, explosives, ammunition, small arms, aircraft and vehicles and all machinery and tools used in producing such munitions.

Essington Lewis was also not subjected to business as usual – he had authorisation to conduct accelerated acquisition, ability to directly tender and a financial delegation that allowed him to make rapid decisions. He also tapped fellow Captains of Industry to ensure the best and brightest were ensuring the Australian Defence Force was battle ready and providing a steady supply of the consumables of combat to Australia and our Allies. ⬇️

Australian Dictionary of Biography

Essington Lewis (1881-1961), industrialist and wartime director of munitions, was born on 13 January 1881 at Burra Burra, South Australia, third son of John Lewis and his wife Martha Anne, née Brook. Essington adored his mother, whose death when he was 13 was a deep blow, but his qualities stemmed more from his father.

📷 via Military Times