Strengthening Defence’s deployable health capability through strategic partnership

Background

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is modernising its deployable healthcare systems through Joint Project 2060 – Phase 3, the most comprehensive transformation of ADF field medical capability in its history. This capability delivers modular, scalable and flexible clinical support for combat and humanitarian operations—ranging from Role 1 triage and stabilisation through to Role 2 surgical care.

Led by Saab Australia, the $370 million project includes three fully equipped field hospitals and more than 550 deployable medical modules. Aspen Medical is a key subcontractor supporting this transformation through clinical design, workforce training, strategic advisory and specialised equipment delivery.

Approach

Since October 2021, Aspen Medical has provided end-to-end support across the project’s lifecycle. Our integrated services include:

• training delivery: More than 60 courses delivered to date, training close to 1,000 ADF personnel, with 25 further sessions scheduled. Customised modules address operational health, surgery, environmental health, infrastructure and biomedical maintenance.
• program design: Courses align with the ADF’s posting cycle and major exercises, using hybrid and face-to-face formats. Programs combine military readiness with civilian healthcare best practice.
• clinical placement and simulation: High-impact training is supported by placements with Queensland Health and scenario-based exercises across Townsville, Brisbane, Darwin and the Deployable Health Capability Support Centre in Ipswich.
• subject matter expertise: Aspen Medical provides general practitioners, surgeons, anaesthetists, radiographers, nurses, dental and allied health professionals, along with non-clinical project specialists.
• clinical and infrastructure advisory: We offer strategic input into the design and layout of deployable facilities to optimise functionality and patient flow.
• specialised equipment procurement: Aspen Medical sources critical health assets including mobile sterilisation and deployable pathology systems.
• targeted and culturally aligned workforce model: Our workforce model includes clinicians with ex-military backgrounds, creating strong cultural alignment and operational cohesion within ADF environments.

Results

Aspen Medical’s training and equipment have materially strengthened ADF's operational readiness. This was demonstrated during Exercise Balikatan in the Philippines, where a mobile Role 2 Basic (R2B) surgical unit was deployed and made operational within hours—performing urgent surgery in its first international use.

The project is increasing clinical capability, reducing logistical burden and positioning Australia at the forefront of international military health innovation. Aspen Medical has supported these outcomes through flexible service delivery, governance alignment and deep domain expertise.

Outcome

Through our strategic partnership with Saab Australia, Aspen Medical is helping deliver a future-ready deployable health system for the ADF. Our role ensures that Australia’s military medical teams are equipped, trained and ready to provide high-quality care in any environment—advancing both national defence and regional humanitarian leadership.