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Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart has officially kicked off the creation of the new Littoral Manoeuvre Group, the next evolution of the Australian Army, with a ceremonial parade at Gallipoli Barracks.
The new formation is set to significantly boost the Army’s ability to move, deploy and sustain forces across Australia’s coastal and island environments, aligning with the objectives outlined in the nation’s defence strategy.
LTGEN Stuart said the Littoral Manoeuvre Group represents a key step in building a force capable of operating effectively across the region’s challenging geography.
“This capability enhances our ability to hold potential adversaries at risk, secure key terrain and deny access through Australia’s northern approaches,” he said.
Headquartered in Brisbane, the Littoral Manoeuvre Group and its 1st Landing Craft Battalion will form the backbone of a capability designed to operate throughout the Indo-Pacific, strengthening Australia’s capacity to respond to emerging strategic challenges.
As part of the transition, existing units including the 35th Water Transport Squadron and the Littoral Riverine Survey Squadron have been integrated into the new group. The move consolidates specialist capabilities and improves command and control under the 17th Sustainment Brigade.
Further expansion is planned, with two additional landing craft battalions to be established in the Northern Territory and North Queensland. These units will be positioned alongside Army’s combat brigades, enhancing presence across key strategic corridors.
LTGEN Stuart said Defence is fast-tracking the acquisition of medium and heavy landing craft, upgraded amphibious vessels and supporting infrastructure to enable the new formation.
“The group will operate these platforms with a dedicated, specialised workforce, providing Army with the ability to rapidly deploy and sustain its modernised land force – from Abrams tanks and precision strike systems to infantry fighting vehicles – across complex and demanding terrain,” he said.
Commander Littoral Manoeuvre Group, Colonel Rory Hale, explained the integration of personnel and development of the new workforce was progressing strongly.
“Our people are central to this capability. Through targeted training, new career pathways and close collaboration with Navy and TAFE, we are building a highly skilled workforce of confident littoral operators ready to take this capability forward,” he said.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
