The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has elevated information warfare to sit alongside traditional services in its capabilities.
The new Cyber Command has sharpened the ADF’s focus on cognitive and information warfare by establishing it within Joint Capabilities Group (JCG).
Chief of Joint Capabilities Lieutenant General Susan Coyle said the move ensured the cyber domain took its place as the fifth warfighting domain alongside maritime, land, air and space in the application of military power.
Lieutenant General Coyle said the cyber domain comprised cyberspace and the electromagnetic spectrum.
She said cognitive and information warfare was about having capabilities and delivering effects within the information environment, which encompassed all five domains.
“All five domains are critical to the application of military power. The cyber domain plays a critical role in force generating cyber power and information advantage capabilities,” Lieutenant General Coyle said.
“Our cyber activities are conducted in and through the other four domains and the information environment, making it a critical component to ADF operations and modern warfighting in support of strategic national objectives.
“Establishing a Cyber Command ensures Defence meets the government’s direction to enhance our cyber capabilities and enabling an integrated, focused force requirement.”
Lieutenant General Coyle said transferring single-service cyber warfare units together into Cyber Command presented an opportunity to integrate highly trained and skilled sailors, soldiers and aviators, along with Australian public servants and Defence industry partners.
