The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a lack of national resilience as a result of a collective failure to assess and act on risks in a rapidly changing world. Whilst Australia’s economy will remain reliant upon a predominantly global trade model, risks associated with supply chains supporting critical infrastructure need to be assessed and mitigated to acceptable levels. Such mitigations may include a shift in some cases to sovereign solutions, complemented by measures to increase trust in global supply chains. There are implications for Defence supply chains but also potential for a Defence approach to preparedness to contribute to national resilience.