CANBERRA, Australia, May 31 (UPI) -- U.S. Army Col. John Angevine's report for the Lowy Institute concludes that Australia cannot handle its defense by itself.
Angevine concludes that, given regional security risks high-end military projects be reconsidered, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported Tuesday.
Angevine maintains that Australia's defense policies could weaken the ANZUS alliance and that these policies should be replaced by a considered return to a more multilateral approach in the Asia-Pacific region, as Australia is preparing for large-scale conflicts that are unlikely.
He recommends that Australia reconsider options for a controversial $8 billion air warfare destroyer program while reducing the navy's proposed acquisition of new submarines.
Angevine also suggests that, in lieu of a massive submarine acquisition program that Australia should instead lease U.S. submarines as well as agree to provide bases for wings of U.S. F-22 Raptor jet fighters, while adding 4,000 soldiers to its army.
Like many Western countries suffering from the global recession, the Australian government is carefully considering future defense acquisitions.
Angevine was to present his findings at a meeting Wednesday in Sydney.
