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The CEO of Nova Systems has called on the Commonwealth to strengthen sovereign defence capabilities in the country.
Dean Rosenfield addressed attendees at the Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) Conference in Perth last week, saying the Australian government needs to position sovereign capabilities as a deliberately built structure.
“Sovereignty today is not an abstract idea or policy slogan,” Rosenfield said.
“It is a practical question: can Australia act when it matters most, sustain itself under pressure, and do so at the speed the strategic environment now demands?
“If we want sovereign outcomes in a crisis, we must build sovereign systems in peacetime.”
Referring to the newly released 2026 National Defence Strategy, Rosenfield said that delayed project times, strategic choices and ineffective systems are critical considerations Defence should take when looking towards the next few years.
He argued that Australia is at an important strategic pinpoint, saying that seeking to deliberately strengthen industry, supply chains, workforce and education is needed to ensure Australia is in the best position and has the best defensive capabilities.
“Preparedness is not something that can be switched on at the moment of need – it must be designed, invested in and practiced over time,” he said.
“The cost of readiness is visible. The cost of unreadiness is strategic failure.
“It is demonstrated when systems can adapt, when sustainment holds under pressure, and when Australia can decide and act at speed, what matters now is whether we prepare before the time of need.”
Rosenfield referred to Sweden’s “Total Defence” system that integrates government and Defence into an operable system.
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