Australia–NZ Alliance Enters New Era: “Anzac 2035 Vision” Sets Blueprint for Deep Military Integration

Marking 111 years since the first ANZAC landing at Gallipoli and 75 years since the landmark ANZUS Treaty, Australia and New Zealand have unveiled an ambitious defence roadmap aimed at transforming their historic partnership into a highly integrated, combat-capable joint force by 2035.

In a joint announcement, Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Richard Marles and New Zealand's Minister of Defence Judith Collins KC reaffirmed the enduring strength of the trans-Tasman alliance, describing it as a cornerstone of regional stability amid a rapidly deteriorating global security environment.

From Gallipoli to Geopolitics: A Defining Military Partnership

The alliance traces its roots to the early hours of April 25, 1915, when Australian and New Zealand troops landed at Gallipoli. That shared sacrifice forged a military and cultural bond that has since seen both nations serve side-by-side in major global conflicts and peacekeeping missions—from World War I and II to Afghanistan and the Pacific.

Today, officials say, that legacy is evolving into a modern strategic partnership designed to respond to 21st-century threats, particularly in the Indo-Pacific—a region increasingly marked by geopolitical competition, military build-ups, and contested maritime domains.

"Anzac 2035 Vision": Toward a Seamless Joint Force

At the heart of the announcement is the "Anzac 2035 Vision," a long-term strategy to operationalise the alliance through deeper integration of defence capabilities while preserving national sovereignty.

The vision outlines a future where the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) can operate "seamlessly" across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains. This includes interoperability in command systems, shared logistics, and increasingly interchangeable units.

Officials emphasised that the initiative is not merely symbolic—it reflects a shift toward practical, capability-driven integration, including joint procurement, shared platforms, and coordinated force deployment.

Strategic Context: Rising Threats in the Indo-Pacific

The announcement comes amid what defence leaders describe as a "sharply deteriorating security environment." Key concerns include:

• Increasing militarisation of the Indo-Pacific

• Strategic competition among major powers

• Hybrid threats, including cyber warfare and coercion

• Climate-driven instability and disaster risks in the Pacific

Australia and New Zealand collectively spend billions annually on defence, with Australia's budget exceeding AUD 50 billion in recent years and New Zealand steadily increasing its defence investments to modernise capabilities. The new framework aims to maximise the impact of these investments through integration.

Six Lines of Effort: Building the Alliance of the Future

1. Force Posture Cooperation: Expanding Strategic Reach

Both nations will enhance their ability to operate from each other's territories, including rotational deployments and shared basing arrangements. A new Australia–New Zealand Force Posture Working Group will coordinate these efforts.

This approach is expected to improve rapid response capabilities during crises, strengthen deterrence, and enable coordinated monitoring of regional military activities.

2. Combined Operations and Exercises: Increasing Combat Readiness

Joint exercises—such as the high-profile Exercise Talisman Sabre—will grow in scale and complexity. By 2035, both countries aim to deploy integrated units capable of operating interchangeably in real-world scenarios.

Key priorities include:

• Embedded personnel in each other's command structures

• Joint mission planning systems

• Shared deployment of advanced platforms, including autonomous systems and long-range strike capabilities

3. Force Preparedness: Sustaining Long-Term Operations

Modern conflicts require sustained operational capacity. The alliance will focus on improving readiness metrics and ensuring both forces can generate and maintain combat power over extended periods.

4. Defence Industry Integration: Driving Innovation and Efficiency

A major pillar of the strategy is defence industrial collaboration, including:

• Co-development and co-production of military technologies

• Reducing barriers for cross-border industry participation

• Strengthening supply chain resilience

This could lead to joint development of next-generation systems in areas such as cyber defence, AI-enabled platforms, and advanced maritime surveillance.

5. Resilience and Logistics: Building Self-Reliance

The two nations will enhance shared logistics and sustainment systems, including joint use of platforms like the C-130J Hercules and P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

By integrating supply chains and sustainment services, the alliance aims to reduce vulnerabilities and ensure operational continuity during crises.

6. Pacific Security: Supporting Regional Stability

Recognising their identity as Pacific nations, Australia and New Zealand will deepen cooperation with regional partners through:

• Expansion of the Pacific Response Group for disaster relief and humanitarian missions

• Strengthening maritime security initiatives

• Supporting Pacific-led defence frameworks such as the South Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting (SPDMM)

This reflects a broader commitment to a "Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace", prioritising regional ownership of security solutions.

Governance and Implementation: ANZMIN at the Core

The framework will be implemented through a network of working groups aligned with the six lines of effort. Progress will be monitored under the Australia–New Zealand Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN) mechanism, which remains the primary platform for alliance management.

Officials noted that the strategy builds on the 2024 Closer Defence Relations Shared Defence Objectives, ensuring continuity while scaling ambition.

A Future Defined by Integration and Sovereignty

Despite the push for deeper integration, both governments emphasised that the alliance respects the sovereignty of each nation. The goal is not merger, but maximum interoperability with independent decision-making authority.

As Defence Minister Judith Collins stated, the partnership is about "acting together when it matters most—while remaining two proud, sovereign nations."

Conclusion: A Strategic Signal to the Region

The "Anzac 2035 Vision" sends a clear signal to allies and adversaries alike: Australia and New Zealand are preparing for a future where cooperation, capability, and resilience will define security in the Indo-Pacific.

From the beaches of Gallipoli to the strategic complexities of today, the ANZAC partnership continues to evolve—now entering its most integrated phase yet.