Russia and Australia, seemingly two contrasting global powers—one a Eurasian giant historically committed to land dominance policies, the other a vast island continent maintaining Western values despite its isolated geographical position in the Pacific. Despite thousands of kilometers of distance between them, different cultural heritage, and contrasting political systems, their national security concerns are surprisingly interconnected. This connection is not coincidental but rather the result of a changing global power structure, where China’s rise, America’s changing role, and the Indo-Pacific region’s centrality have placed both countries in a complex security field. For Australia, Russia is not a new strategic challenge, but the change in its behavior over the past decade—including cyber aggression, information warfare, and efforts to increase influence in the Pacific—has raised concerns in Canberra. On the other hand, in Russia’s view, Australia is a key American ally that strengthens its Western confrontation. This article will examine these complex aspects of both countries’ national security concerns, ranging from traditional military concerns to non-traditional challenges such as cyber warfare, foreign interference, and economic security.

Understanding Russia and Australia’s national security perspectives first requires understanding their geographical realities. Russia, the world’s largest country by land area, views its security as a land power, with historical fears of foreign invaders—whether Napoleon, Hitler, or NATO. Its vast and often inaccessible land borders push it toward a fortress mentality, where maintaining its buffer zones and controlling its borders are top priorities. In contrast, Australia is an island continent whose security has always depended on its maritime boundaries. Its geographical isolation has historically been the foundation of its defense policy, known as the “Sea-Air Gap.” This gap protects it from traditional land attacks but leaves it vulnerable to challenges of maritime route dependence and border monitoring. Russia’s security policy is centralized and focuses on its western (Europe) and southern (China) borders, while Australia’s security policy focuses on its northern sea routes and nearby island nations. This fundamental geographical contrast clearly divides the nature of their security concerns.

On the traditional military front, the possibility of direct conflict between Russia and Australia is currently low, but they are part of a broader strategic game. Russia has emphasized modernizing its navy, particularly its Pacific Fleet headquartered in Vladivostok. Although this fleet is smaller than in the Soviet era, it includes new submarines (such as Borei-class ballistic missile submarines) and naval vessels that patrol Australia’s northern approaches. Russia’s presence in the Pacific, including its naval bases north of Korea, remains a constant concern for Australian defense planners. Australia has responded by strengthening its navy, including plans to acquire Attack-class submarines (later changed to nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement). This move aims to enhance Australia’s underwater capability as a counter to both Russia and China’s increasing underwater activities in the region.

Cyberspace is where the conflict between Russia and Australia is most evident and persistent. Russia is considered one of the world’s most skilled cyber actors and has targeted Australia. Australia’s intelligence agency, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), identified in 2020 and 2021 that Russian-sponsored hacker groups targeted Australian government and private sector infrastructure. These attacks included assaults on political parties, universities, research institutions, and healthcare sector networks. Russia’s cyber tactics aim not only to steal information but to weaken Australia’s national sovereignty, disrupt its political processes, and damage its economy. A particular concern is attacks on “critical infrastructure” such as power grids, water supply systems, and financial institutions.

Alongside cyber attacks, Russia has conducted an organized information campaign against Australia. Its goal is to spread discord among the Australian public, fuel social division, and create distrust in the political system. Russia has used various means for this, including official media outlets (such as RT and Sputnik), fake accounts on social media, and relationships with local extremist groups. Specific themes of these information operations include criticism of Australia’s alliance with America (particularly the ANZUS treaty), spreading doubts about Australia’s vaccine policy, and fueling social tension regarding indigenous population rights. This campaign aims to weaken Australia’s foreign policy by dividing it internally, especially when Australia is playing a key role against China.

In recent years, Russia has attempted to increase its presence in Pacific island nations, which traditionally fall within Australia’s sphere of influence. These efforts parallel China’s increasing assertiveness in the region. Russia has made agreements with countries like Fiji, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea for military cooperation, economic aid, and COVID-19 vaccine supply. Although Russia’s presence in the Pacific is smaller compared to China’s, it represents a strategic concern for Australia. Australia considers the Pacific its “strategic backyard,” and any external power’s dominance in the region is seen as a direct threat to its national security.

On the economic front, there’s a clear line of tension in Russia-Australia relations. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Australia has imposed strict economic sanctions on Russia, demonstrating solidarity with its Western allies. These sanctions include restrictions on Russian banks, the energy sector, and high-level officials. On the other hand, Russia hasn’t exerted significant economic pressure on Australia, as direct trade between the two countries is relatively limited. However, an indirect economic challenge exists. Australia’s economy depends on exports, particularly natural resources like iron ore, coal, and gas.

Espionage is another important front in the rivalry between Russia and Australia. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has repeatedly warned that Russian intelligence services (such as SVR and GRU) are active in Australia. These activities include recruiting spies in sensitive government institutions, stealing technology from defense factories, and targeting Russian dissidents residing in Australia. A notable incident occurred in 2021 when Australia imposed sanctions against Russia for an espionage network accused of hacking Australian parliamentary computer networks.

The announcement of the defense partnership between Australia, Britain, and America (AUKUS) in September 2021 marked a significant turning point in the region’s strategic situation. The most prominent aspect of this agreement is the provision of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. AUKUS sent a clear message to Russia (and China) that Australia and its allies are committed to strengthening their military power in the region. Russia has strongly opposed AUKUS, calling it “destabilizing for the region.”

Russia and Australia’s national security perspectives are clearly influenced by their international alliances. Russia is a major power advocating for a multipolar world where American supremacy ends. To this end, it has strengthened its strategic partnership with China, described as a “no limits partnership.” This Russia-China axis is emerging as a powerful counterforce against Australia and its Western allies. In contrast, Australia is a middle power that deeply believes in maintaining the current US-led international order.

As global temperatures rise, the remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctica are also becoming arenas for strategic competition between Russia and Australia. In the Arctic, Russia has significantly increased its military presence, establishing new military bases and strengthening control over the Northern Sea Route. Although Australia has no direct geographical connection to the Arctic, Russia’s militarization of the region is an indirect concern.

The definition of national security is no longer limited to military threats alone. Both Russia and Australia face non-traditional threats that challenge their stability. For Australia, climate change is the greatest existential threat, potentially affecting its agricultural sector, coastal infrastructure, and water supply. For Russia, demographic crisis (declining population) and the economic impact of pandemics like COVID-19 are important security issues.

Comparing Russia and Australia’s national security perspectives presents two different models. Russia’s model is based on a “siege mentality,” viewing the external world as a fundamental threat. Its central idea is state protection and maintaining its influence in the international system. For this, it uses aggressive foreign policy, displays of military power, and non-traditional tactics (such as hybrid warfare). In contrast, Australia’s model believes in a “rules-based international order.” It emphasizes alliances, multilateral diplomacy, and economic solidarity.

What direction will Russia-Australia relations take in the coming decade? Current trends point toward continued competition and limited conflict. Australia’s military modernization under AUKUS, and Russia’s growing partnership with China, indicate a more polarized world where Australia and Russia will stand in opposing camps. Cyber warfare, information operations, and the race for influence in the Pacific are likely to continue.

In conclusion, the national security concerns between Australia and Russia are complex and multidimensional in nature. This is not merely a geographical or military competition, but part of a broader ideological and strategic struggle. For Australia, Russia is a constant challenge present on both traditional and non-traditional fronts—from naval vessels in the South China Sea to hackers in cyberspace. For Russia, Australia is an extension of American power that limits its Pacific interests. This mutual relationship is likely to continue for decades to come. Australia’s success will depend on maintaining its deterrence capability while building strong relationships with its allies and maintaining internal stability.