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The Australian Army’s transformation under the National Defence Strategy is gaining momentum, with the 10th Brigade now spearheading the development of long-range strike and littoral manoeuvre capabilities.
These developments are critical elements articulated in the government’s 2023 Defence Strategic Review and the supporting 2024 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program in bolstering Australia’s defence posture amid growing strategic challenges across the Indo-Pacific.
Based at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in South Australia, the 10th Brigade has rapidly matured into a cutting-edge formation capable of striking land and maritime targets at ranges exceeding 500 kilometres. It represents a significant shift in the Army’s role within the broader Australian Defence Force (ADF), reinforcing the government’s push towards an integrated and technologically advanced military force.
Equipped with the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), the 10th Brigade brings together short-range, ground-based air defence long-range precision strike and specialist targeting effects under a single command structure.
Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of Army, said the brigade reflects the pace and purpose of Army’s contribution to national defence, “The Army is delivering relevant and credible land power, at speed, in support of the National Defence Strategy. We will demonstrate just how far this transformation has come at Talisman Sabre in July.”
The 10th Brigade includes the 9th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery; the 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery; the newly-formed 54th Battery (as part of the future 14th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery); and a theatre civil-military cooperation element. This diverse composition allows the formation to deliver multi-domain effects with speed, scale and flexibility.
LTGEN Stuart added, “I am incredibly proud of the work our soldiers do every day in the service of our nation.”
Brigadier Nick Wilson, Commander of the 10th Brigade, highlighted the significance of the brigade’s location and mission, saying, “The Australian Army is committed to South Australia and basing the 10th Brigade here is a significant investment in the local community.”
Australia’s increasing emphasis on long-range fires follows key recommendations from the 2023 Defence Strategic Review, which identified the need for a more agile, lethal and self-reliant force capable of deterring threats at greater distances. The 10th Brigade’s development is central to this transformation, ensuring Army can project power in the region, particularly in littoral and archipelagic environments.
“During my 30 years’ service, I have never personally seen a capability roll out this quickly, with the receipt of our first HIMARS launchers marking our Army’s ability to conduct ground-based long-range fires,” BRIG Wilson said.
The brigade is already working closely with allies and partners, having participated in Project Convergence – a major multinational experimentation and integration exercise in the United States – and is now leading a new technology-sharing hub to fast-track innovation across domains.
Next on the brigade’s agenda is participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, where it will showcase its capabilities in live-fire trials of the Precision Strike Missile, one of the ADF’s most anticipated next-generation systems.
BRIG Wilson added, “As the commander, it’s a privilege to lead the brigade. We are incredibly well-resourced and supported by wider Army, and our joint and coalition partners. It is a great time to be a soldier; I’m very proud of our team and the colour-patch they wear.”
As strategic competition continues to shape the Indo-Pacific, the rapid development and deployment of the 10th Brigade marks a decisive step in Australia’s preparation for an increasingly complex and contested regional environment.
