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Australian Army AS9 Huntsman 155mm Self Propelled Howitzer Artillery

1st AS9 HUNTSMAN PHOTOGRAPHED

REPUBLIC OF KOREA: The first of the Australian Army's new AS9 Huntsman Self Propelled Howitzers has been photographed in South Korea.

DSTO Nagambie Underwater Explosive Test Facility, Australian Department of Defence

UNDERWATER EXPLOSIVE TEST FACILITY

NAGAMBIE VIC: Defence Science and Technology Group's new Underwater Explosive Test Facility is operational and testing military systems for combat survivability.

Royal Australian Navy graduates of US Navy Nuclear Power School at Joint Base Charleston

FIRST RAN NUKE SAILORS GRADUATE

USA: The first Australian sailors have followed the trailblazing officers to graduate fromt US Navy submarine training.

Australian Army, OWL-B One Way Loitering Munition

ARMY DEMONSTRATES OWL-B LOITERING MUNITION

PUCKAPUNYAL: The Australian Army has demonstrated the new Aussie developed OWL One Way Loitering munition for the first time.

HMAS Warramunga, Royal Australian Navy Expeditionary Logistics Team - Maritime remote replenishment

RAN DISPERSED LOGISTICS

BATHURST IS NT: The Royal Australian Navy is leveraging civilian facilities in forward and remote locations to support its expeditionary logistics requirements.

CTF-153, Combined Maritime Forces, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Royal Australian Navy

RAN ASSUMES COMMAND OF CTF-153

BAHRAIN: The RAN has assumed command of Combined Task Force 153 directing security operations to protect shipping from Houthi missile USV attacks.

WE Platt ROWP Remotely Operated Weapons PLATTform Australian Army

ARMY TRAILING WE PLATT ROWP RWS

EDINBURGH: The Australian Army revealed an armoured vehicle equipped with the advanced but low cost Aussie made WE Platt ROWP Remote Weapons Station last month.

EA-18G Advanced Growler Block II A and B kits

ADVANCED GROWLER CONTRACTS FINALISED

USA: Contracts for the hardware to upgrade the US Navy and RAAF EA-18G Growler to Block II Advanced Growler configuration have been finalised.

HMNZS Manawanui sunk after grounding

HMNZS MANAWANUI SUNK OFF SAMOA

SAMOA: The RNZN's Diving Support Ship HMNZS Manawanui has sunk after striking a reef during hydrographic survey operations off Samoa.

Diego Garcia now controlled by Mauritius

UK CEDES DIEGO GARCIA TO MAURITIUS

UNITED KINGDOM: The UK Government has handed to sovereignty of the key strategic base that secures the western approaches to Australia to Mauritius.

Maj General Hugh McAslan, Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Australia

NZ MAJ GENERAL APPOINTED DEPUTY CJOPS

BUNGENDORE ACT: A decorated New Zealand Army two star has been appointed Deputy Chief of Joint Operations by the ADF.

Mark 48 Mod 7 CBASS torpedo, Royal Australian Navy

MARK 48 MOD 7 CBASS CONTRACTS

PILBARA WA: The US Navy has contracted for an undisclosed number of Heavyweight Torpedoes for the RAN's submarines.

F-35A Lightning II, dispersed air operations, RAAF, Australia

RAAF REMOTE AIRSTRIP ACTIVITY

PILBARA WA: The RAAF has flown F-35As into and out of remote Western Australia mining company controlled airstrips.

HMAS Stuart, Exercise Malabar 2024, India

REGIONAL PRESENCE DEPLOYMENT 2024.4

INDIAN OCEAN: The RAN's fourth warship has deployed under the Indo Pacific Regional Presence Deployment 2024 program with a first activity in India.

AARGM-ER AGM-88G, RAAF, Australia

SECOND AGM-88G AARGM-ER BUY APPROVED

USA: The US State Department has approved a significant second order of the top shelf AGM-88G AARGM-Extended Range for the RAAF.

HMAS Sydney, HMNZS Aotearoa, Freedom of Navigation FONOP, USS Howard, JS Sazanami, Philippine Navy

FOLLOW ON FONOP IN PHILIPPINE SEA

PHILIPPINE SEA: The RAN/RNZN Anzac warship package has joined with the US Navy, Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force and the Philippine Navy to conduct a multinational naval fleet training activity off Luzon.

HMAS Sydney, HMNZS Aotearoa, Freedom of Navigation FONOP Taiwan Strait

ANZAC TAIWAN STRAIT FONOP

DARWIN: Australian and New Zealand warships have conducted a combined passage of the Taiwan Strait cooperatively with the Japanese in defiance of Chinese demands.

Australian Army M230LF 30x113mm cannon system, Hawkei PMV-L, EOS R400S Mark 2

ARMY TRIALING 30x113mm CANNON

PUCKAPUNYAL: The Australian Army is trialling vehicle mounted lightweight high lethality 30x113mm cannon systems.

RAN, RCN, USN, USS Dewey, HMAS Warramunga, HMCS Vancouver, RIM-162, RIm-66, ESSM, SM2, Australia

TRILATERAL WARSHIP MISSILE REARMING

DARWIN: The RAN and Thales Australia have validated their ability to rearm Australian and partner warship's at ad hoc commercial facilities across Australia's north.

RNZAF KA-350 King Air, Exclusive Economic Zone and fisheries surveillance

RNZAF KA-350s RETAIN EEZ SURVEILLANCE

NEW ZEALAND: The RNZAF's King Air 350 ISR aircraft will retain the EEZ and fisheries surveillance mission after proving successful. Pic Josh Telfer

ADV Reliant, PNGDF, 2RPIR, Exercise Wantok Warrior 2024, ASLAV, 2nd Cavalry Regiment

PACIFIC SUPPORT SHIP COMBAT FORCES SEALIFT

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: The RAN's new Pacific Support Ship has validated its flexibility, sea lifting armour to Papua New Guinea's northern coast.

Australian Army, UH-60M Black Hawk, ADV Sycamore, 6 Aviation Regiment

UH-60M BLACK HAWK SEA FLIGHT TRIALS

JERVIS BAY: The Army's new UH-60M Black Hawks have commenced First of Class Flight Trials on RAN ships as part of their IIS.

Exercise Wallaby 2024, Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Australia, 8th Singapore Armoured Brigade

LARGEST EVER SINGAPOREAN DEPLOYMENT

SHOALWATER BAY QLD: The largest ever Singapore Armed Forces deployment to Australia is currently underway with two combat brigades and elements of a third training in SWBTA.

Royal Australian Navy, HMAS Brisbane at San Diego Naval Base, Interchangeability Deployment, US Navy 3rd Fleet, Destroyer Squadron 31

HMAS BRISBANE 'INTERCHANGEABILITY' INTEGRATION WITH US NAVY

USA: The RAN's Hobart class destroyer HMAS Brisbane is on extended assignment with the US Navy's 3rd Fleet based out of California.

HMAS Sydney, HMNZS Aotearoa, Operation Argos, DPRK sanctions evasion, United Nations Security Council mandate

ANZAC RAS DURING NK MONITORING OPS

YELLOW SEA: The Royal Australian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy are operating together conducting survellance of North Korean attempts to evade United Nations sanctions.

Australian Army M1150 ABV and M1074 JBV Introduction Into Service

HEAVY ENGINEERING VEHICLE IIS UNDERWAY

USA: The Royal Australian Engineers' new Assault Breacher Vehicle and Joint Assault Bridge Introduction Into Service is in full swing.

USS Emory S Land, USS Hawaii, Fleet Base West, Royal Australian Navy, AUKUS, STMP

US NAVY HAILS SUCCESS OF SSN REPAIRS

ROCKINGHAM WA: The US Navy has hailed the success of the first Australian based nuclear submarine maintenance program at Fleet Base West under AUKUS.

Bridge Erection Boat, Birdon, Koninklijke Landmacht, Svenska Armen

SWEDES & DUTCH ADOPT AUSSIE BEB BOAT

AUSTRALIA: The Netherlands and Sweden are acquiring the Aussie owned and designed Birdon Bridge Erection Boat.

RSAF F-16C/D RAAF Base Pearce, 140 and 143 Squadrons, Tengah Air Base, Singapore

THIRD RSAF FIGHTER ROTATION IN WA

BULLSBROOK WA: The third rotation of fighters under Singapore's Extended Fighter Detachment is now operational in Western Australia.

RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile Block II, BAE Systems Australia, Royal Australian Navy, RAN, ESSM Block II

RIM-162/2 PRODUCTION RAMPS UP

AUSTRALIA: The latest production order for Australian made subcomponents of the RIM-162/2 is more than five times the 2022 order.

F15 MCX-LT 7.62x35mm Close Combat Weapon System, Australian Army

ADF DESIGNATES 7.62x35mm CCWS AS F15

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Defence Force has formally designated its new .300BO Close Combat Weapon System as the F15.

Australian Army F9 9x19mm SIG P320 XCarry Pro

NEXT GEN PISTOL DESIGNATED F9

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Defence Force's next generation 9mm pistol has received its Australian service designation F9.

Australian Army M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams in service with School of Armour B Squadron 3/4 Cavalry Regiment

M1A2 SEPv3 ABRAMS IN SERVICE

PUCKAPUNYAL: The first next gen M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks have entered service with the School of Armour at Puckapunyal.

ADF Afghanistan Inquiry officers stripped of medals

AFGHANISTAN VETS STRIPPED OF MEDALS

CANBERRA: The Minister of Defence has announced he has formally stripped an undisclosed number of Special Operations Task Group Afghanistan commanders of their medals.

RAAF MC-55A Peregrine ISREW, No 10 Squadron RAAF, Greenville Texas

MC-55A PEREGRINE WITH RAAF MARKINGS

USA: Photos of an Aussie MC-55A Poseidon spy plane with RAAF roundels and specific squadron tail art have emerged on social media. credit SR Planespotter

BAE Systems Australia ATLAS CCV collaborative combat robot

ATLAS CCV COLLABORATIVE COMBAT BOT

AUSTRALIA: A locally developed advanced autonomous Collaborative Combat Vehicle has been revealed by BAE Systems Australia.

HMAS Sydney, Operation Argos, DPRK sanctions evasion, United Nations Security Council mandate

SYDNEY DEPLOYS ON OP ARGOS

KOREAN WATERS: HMAS Sydney has commenced United Nations mandated surveillance operations against North Korean sanctions evasion activities.

Australian Army Aviation H-135 Juno

JUNO LIGHT UTILITY HELICOPTERS

NOWRA NSW: Australian Army Aviations new H-135 Juno light helicopters are in country and will presumably enter service at Oakey soon.

Australian Army Polaris DAGOR

ARMY ACQUIRING NEW LIGHT TACTICAL VEHICLE

CANBERRA: The Australian Army is acquiring a new fleet of Polaris light tactical vehicles capable of extreme offroad mobility.

Australian Army M1A2 Operational Conversion, School of Armour

M1A2 ABRAMS OPCON TO START IN WEEKS

PUCKAPUNYAL: The School of Armour has withdrawn its old M1A1s and is clearing the deck for M1A2 SEPv3 OpCon to commence within weeks.

Boeing Deep Maintenance Modification Facility at RAAF Edinburgh South Australia

NEW BOEING MAINTENANCE FACILITY

EDINBURGH SA: Boeing's new Deep Maintenance Modification Facility at RAAF Edinburgh will support the RAAF's expanding 737 based fleets.

Japanese Self Defence Force training in Australia

JAPANESE DEPLOYMENTS TO INCREASE

CANBERRA: Japanese military deployments to Australia will increase under the expanded security cooperation agreement recently agreed by both nations.

Joint Strike Missile, RAAF F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, JSM, Kongsberg

JOINT STRIKE MISSILE ACQUISITION CONFIRMED

ADELAIDE: The acquisition of the Joint Strike Missile for the RAAF's F-35A Lightning IIs has been formally confirmed with the first All Up Rounds due soon.

HMAS Ballarat, Naval Strike Missile, RGM-184A, Royal Australian Navy

FIRST PICS OF NSM EQUIPPED ANZAC

HENDERSON WA: The RAN has released the first imagery of an Anzac class frigate with her new Naval Strike Missile Launcher system installed.

RNZAF C-130J-30 NZ 7011 delivery flight to RNZAF Base Auckland

FIRST RNZAF C-130J-30 INBOUND

PACIFIC OCEAN: The first of the Royal New Zealand Air Force's new C-130J-30 Hercules airlifers has departed the USA and is inbound to New Zealand.

RAAF MQ-4C Triton A57-002, 9 Squadron RAAF

2ND RAAF MQ-4C TRITON FLYING

USA: The second Australian MQ-4C Triton has rolled out of Northrop Grumman and is now being upgraded by the US Navy.

Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessel sea trials, RAN, Royal Australian Navy

ARAFURA OPV CONTRACTOR SEA TRIALS

ADELAIDE: Contractor sea trials for the delayed Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessel have commenced in South Australia. Pic Pete Turner/shipspotting.com

Australian Army Boxer Block II Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle

BOXER BLOCK II ACCEPTANCE

AUSTRALIA: The first of the final configuration Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle Block IIs has been delivered to the Australian Army.

Australian Army AH-64Ev6 Apache Guardian, exchange aircrew with the 1-229th Attack Battalion, 16 Combat Aviation Brigade

AAAVN AH-64Ev6 APACHE EXCHANGE AIRCREW

USA: The Australian Army pilots are already flying US Army Apache Guardian helicopters in the USA within the Aussie introduction of the type into service program.

Huntsman AS9 Self Propelled Howtizer, AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle, Australian Army

HUNTSMAN INTRODUCTION INTO SERVICE ACTIVITY

AUSTRALIA: The Huntsman Self Propelled Artillery System's Introduction Into Service program is gaining steam, with training programs and first vehicle delivery imminent.

Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessels, Royal Australian Navy, RAN

ARAFURA FULL MISSION BRIDGE SIMULATOR

DARWIN: Sophisticated mobile full mission simulators for the Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessels are operational in Darwin.

HMAS Broome decommissioning HMAS Coonawarra, Armidale class Patrol Boat, Royal Australian Navy, RAN

HMAS BROOME DECOMMISSIONING

DARWIN HARBOUR: HMAS Broome will formally be decommissioned from service at a ceremony at HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin Harbour.

Bushmaster PMV-Ms have entered Russian Federation territory within Ukraine's Kursk incursion

BUSHMASTER PMVs IN UKRAINE'S KURSK OFFENSIVE

RUSSIA: Ex Australian Bushmaster PMV-Ms are spearheading at least one axis of advance within Ukraine's invasion of Russia's Kursk Oblast

Royal Australian Navy, Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, Project Sea 1300

RGM-109 TOMAHAWK IN SERVICE SOON

NEWCASTLE NSW: The very long range RGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missile will enter RAN service within months according to the Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery.

Royal Australian Navy Combined Task Force 153

AUSTRALIA TO ASSUME COMMAND OF RED SEA COMBAT OPS

RED SEA: The RAN will assume command of the high tempo naval combat operations to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea in October.

HMAS Perth, Regional Presence Deployment 2024-4, Southeast Asia

HMAS PERTH REGIONAL PRESENCE DEPLOYMENT

ARAFURA SEA: HMAS Perth is steaming north out of Darwin heading for Southeast Asia under the Australian Defence Force's key Regional Presence Deployment program.

USS Hawaii, USS Emory S. Land, Royal Australian Navy, HMAS Stirling, Western Australia

USS HAWAII ARRIVES FOR AUKUS MAINTENANCE

AUSTRALIA: A Virginia class submarine has docked at Fleet Base West ahead of the first AUKUS nuclear submarine maintenance activity

Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, Kongsberg Defence Australia

NAVAL STRIKE MISSILE & JOINT STRIKE MISSILE PRODUCTION

AUSTRALIA: Kongsberg Defence Australia will build an advanced production facility for its Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missiles used by the RAN and RAAF.

MQ-28A Ghost Bat qualified RAAF pilot controller

FIRST RAAF MQ-28A 'PILOT' QUALIFIED

AUSTRALIA: The first Royal Australian Air Force officer has been qualified to control MQ-28A Ghost Bat flights during the drone's flight trials.

Anduril Ghost Shark XL-AUV submarine drone in USA for testing

GHOST SHARK XL-AUV IN THE USA

USA: A second Ghost Shark XL-AUV drone sub has been built in Sydney and flown by the RAAF to the USA for testing and capability demonstrations.

Australian Army FGM-148F Javelin missile buy

MORE FGM-148F JAVELIN AURs APPROVED

USA: The US State Department has approved the second significant FGM-148F Javelin missile buy for the Australian Army in 18 months.

US Air Force B-2A Bombers at RAAF Amberley in Australia

STEALTH BOMBERS RETURN TO AMBERLEY

AMBERLEY SEQ: US Air Force B-2A Stealth Bombers have returned to RAAF Amberley under the US Air Force's nomadic Bomber Task Force program.

USS Emory S. Land nuclear submarine maintenance program Fleet Base West Australia

1st COMBINED USN & RAN SSGN MAINTENANCE

ROCKINGHAM WA: A US Navy submarine tender with an RAN maintenance contingent embedded in its crew has berthed at Fleet Base West ahead of the first combined USN and RAN nuclear submarine maintenance operation.

HMAS Ballarat, RGM-184A Naval Strike Missile, NSM

HMAS BALLARAT FITTED WITH RGM-184A LAUNCHERS

HENDERSON WA: The RAN's Anzac class frigate HMAS Ballarat has been fitted with RGM-184A NSM launching systems to replace her Mark 141 launchers.

RSAF Extended Fighter Detachment, Singapore F-15SG Eagles RAAF Base Pearce,

RSAF EXTENDED FIGHTER DET IN WA

BULLSBROOK WA: A second contingent of Singaporean fast jets is operating from RAAF Pearce in WA, this time top shelf F-15SG strike fighters.

AH-64Ev6 Apache Guardian, British Army Air Corps, Australian Army

AUSSIE APACHE OPCON IN UK

UNITED KINGDOM: A team of Australian Army Aviation technicians has been embedded with the British Army training on the AH-64Ev6 Apache since last year.

UH-60M Black Hawk, 6 Aviation Regiment, Australian Army

UH-60M BLACK HAWK DELIVERY

HOLSWORTHY NSW: Additional UH-60M Black Hawks were quietly delivered to Australia mid last month and are now in service with 6 Aviation Regiment.

US Marine Corps, Sea Transport Stern Landing Vessel

USMC LEASE AUSSIE STERN LANDING VESSEL

GOLD COAST: The US Marine Corps has leased advanced Aussie Stern Landing Vessel to trial in Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment and Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations concepts.

Luftwaffe outsources ab initio, intermediate pilot training to RAAF

LUFTWAFFE PILOT TRAINING PROGRAM

CANBERRA: The German Luftwaffe sought access to the RAAF's Flying Training Schools after putting candidates through multiple international programs and assessing the RAAF as excellent.

Royal Australian Navy RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 SM3

MINISTER REVEALS SM3 MISSILE PROGRAM

CANBERRA: The Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery has disclosed that Australia is investing in the top shelf RIM-161 SM3 Inteceptor missile.

RNZAF C-130J-30 Hercules NZ7011

RNZAF ACCEPTS FIRST C-130J-30 HERCULES

USA: The RNZAF has accepted the first of its new C-130J-30 Hercules from Lockheed Martin in a ceremony in Marietta Georgia.

Royal Australian Navy, RIM-174B SM6 Standard Missile 6 ERAM

RAN FIRES FIRST SM6 ERAM

HAWAII: HMAS Sydney has launched a RIM-174 Standard Missile 6 Extended Range Active Missile, the first of its type by the RAN.

RAAF C-130J Block 8.1 upgrade

C-130J BLOCK 8.1 UPGRADE

RICHMOND NSW: The RAAF's C-130J-30 Block Upgrade Project is progressing with the aircraft now flying in the latest technical specification.

Navantia Australia Alpha 3000 Australian Project Sea 3000 General Purpose Frigate program

NAVANTIA's GP FRIGATE PROPOSAL

AUSTRALIA: Navantia Australia is offering a heavily armed and sensor packed compact and economical solution to the RAN's rushed General Purpose Frigate acquisition program.

HMAS Melville decommissioning August 8, 2024

HMAS MELVILLE DECOMMISSIONING

CAIRNS FNQ: The Leeuwin class Hydrographic Ship HMAS Melville will be decommissioned from service with a formal ceremony tomorrow.

Australian Army Aviation, AH-64Ev6 Apache Guardian, 1st Aviation Regiment, RAAF Townsville

AH-64Ev6 APACHE COUNTDOWN UNDERWAY

TOWNSVILLE: Australian Army Aviation is kicking its AH-64Ev6 Apache Guardian Introduction Into Service into gear with the arrival of the first airframes next year.

F-35A Lightning II AN/APG-85 radar Block 4 upgrade

NEXT GEN F-35 LIGHTNING RADAR

USA: The next generation F-35 Lightning II radar promises to exponentially expand the combat capacity of the already extremely capable fleet.

AGM-158B-2 JASSM-ER Joint Air to Surface Stand-Off Missile - Extended Range

AGM-158B-2 JASSM EXTREME RANGE

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF's Introduction Into Servie of the AGM-158B-2 Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile - Extended Range deliberately delayed.

Hawkei PMV-L with EOS R400S Mark II Remote Weapons Station

R400S MK 2 RWS ARMED HAWKIE

PERTH WA: A Hawkei PMV-L with an integrated EOS R400S Mark II D-HD Remote Weapon Station assigned to an operational unit has emerged during Ex Austral Shield 24.

M142 HIMARS, NASAMS Australian Army Exercise Predator's Run 2024

SIMULATED HIMARS & eNASAMS IN PREDATORS RUN

TOP END NT: The NT based 1st Brigade is using mocked up eNASAMS and HIMARS vehicles to evolve tactics for the soon to arrive systems.

Upgraded Mogami offer for Australian Project Sea 3000 General Purpose Frigate program

JAPAN'S GP FRIGATE OFFERING

PERTH: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has revealed the second generation of FFM as its offering for the RAN's fast tracked GP Frigate acquisition.

2/14 LHR C Squadron disbanded and M1A1 SA Abrams withdrawn from service

7BDE LOSES MAIN BATTLE TANK CAPABILITY

BRISBANE: The 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment's final M1A1 SA Abrams has been trucked out under the latest Army reorganisation.

Collins class submarine maintenance contract

COLLINS MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS

OSBORNE SA: Contracts for the continued maintenance support of the RAN's Collins class diesel electric submarine fleet have been renewed with ASC Pty Ltd.

2/14 LHR C Squadron disbanded and M1A1 SA Abrams withdrawn from service

7BDE LOSES MAIN BATTLE TANK CAPABILITY

BRISBANE: The 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment's final M1A1 SA Abrams has been trucked out under the latest Army reorganisation.

Collins class submarine maintenance contract

COLLINS MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS

OSBORNE SA: Contracts for the continued maintenance support of the RAN's Collins class diesel electric submarine fleet have been renewed with ASC Pty Ltd.

MQ-28A Ghost Bat Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance variant

MQ-28A MISSION PAYLOAD CONTROVERSY

PERTH WA: The Minister of Defence Industry has confirmed that the first MQ-28A Ghost Bat will be configured for surveillance and reconnaissance missions but leaves door open for weapons delivery.

Multi Role Tanker Transports, MRTT, KC-30A, KC767, Northern Territory, Exercise Pitch Black 2024, Australia

PITCH BLACK TANKER SUPPORT

AMBERLEY QLD: A large international fleet of modern aerial tankers is supporting Exercise Pitch Black 2024 with air to air refuelling. Pic John Hunter Farrell

Italian Eurofighter crash Northern Territory Exercise Pitch Black 2024

ITALIAN FAST JET DOWN IN NT

DARWIN: Northern Territory media are reporting that one of the Italian Air Force Pitch Black contingent's jets has crashed during the exercise.

Littoral Manoeuvre Vessel - Medium, Australian Army

LITTORAL MANOEUVRE VESSEL-MEDIUM PRODUCTION

HENDERSON WA: Production of the Austalian Army's next generation landing craft is commencing at Austal Australia's yard at Henderson near Perth.

USAF E-7A Wedgetail acquisition

USAF E-7 WEDGETAIL ACQUISITION FINALISED

USA: The US Air Force has finalised negotiations for the first prototypes of its next generation Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft.

HMAS Sydney, RIMPAC 24, Naval Strike Missile launch

RAN LAUNCHES RGM-184A NSM AT RIMPAC

HAWAII: The Royal Australian Navy has launched it new RGM-184A Naval Strike Missile off Hawaii as part of RIMPAC 24.

27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, F-22A, RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory Australia, Exercise Pitch Black

PITCH BLACK'S USAF F-22A RAPTORS

TINDAL NT: The US Air Force's elite 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron's F-22As are flying alongside the RAAF's 75 Squadron during Ex Pitch Black 24.

Hawkei PMV-Light Wabco ZF ABS braking fault

HAWKEI PMV-L ROLL OUT RESUMES

BENDIGO: The Australian Army's roll out of the Hawkei PMV-L has resumed after acceptance of an upgrade of the German ABS braking system.

1st Light Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion LAV Australia

US MARINE LAVs DEPLOY

EDINBURGH SA: US Marine Corp's LAV armoured vehicles have deployed to Australia to test Indo Pacific long range air and rail lift and partipate in Ex Predators Run in the Top End.

Silentium Defence Maverick passive radar for Australian Defence Force

PASSIVE RADAR SENSOR SYSTEMS DELIVERED

ADELAIDE: Advanced Aussie made passive radar sensors that leverage mobile phone and commercial radio emissions to detect and track hostile aircraft have been delivered.

Bushmaster PMV-M Czech Army requirement

CZECHIA FAVOURS BUSHMASTER PMV

CZECHIA: The Czech Army has selected the Aussie Bushmaster PMV-M as its preferred option for its Combat Engineer/EOD vehicle requirement.

Australian Army Reserve Exercise Austral Shield 2024

SHORT NOTICE DOMESTIC SECURITY DEPLOYMENT

NORTHERN AUSTRALIA: Army Reserve brigades from Queensland and Western Australia have conducted a short notice long distance deployment exercise to validate the capability.

Australian Army Sypaq CorvoX small Tactical UAS

AUSSIE CORVO-X THRUST VECTORING sTUAS

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army and RAAF will acquire the locally developed and manufactured Sypaq CorvoX surveillance drone.

Australian Army Vector 2in1 small Tactical UAS

ARMY ACQUIRING VECTOR 2in1 sTUAS

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is acquiring the Vector 2in1 small Tactical Unmanned Aerial System to conduct tactical ISR.

Australian Army Bushmaster PMV-M Command and Control vehicles

MORE BUSHMASTER PMV-Ms ORDERED

BENDIGO VIC: The Australian Army has ordered its seventh tranche of new build Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles.

RAAF B737 Max 8, 34 Squadron RAAF Fairbairn, Special Purpose Aircraft

FIRST RAAF 737 MAX8 ARRIVES

CANBERRA: The first of the new Boeing B737 Max 8 VIP airliners has arrived in Australia as part of the renewal of the RAAF's long serving medium Special Purpose Aircraft fleet.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II Technical Refresh 3, TR3 acceptance halt lifting

F-35 ACCEPTANCE HALT LIFTING

USA: The US F-35 Joint Program Office has signalled that it will lift the acceptance ban on new F-35s, freeing the final RAAF Lightnings to fly home soon.

Australian military aid to Ukraine

LATEST UKRAINE MILITARY AID PACKAGE

CANBERRA: Australia has announced an additional $250 million dollar military aid package of munitions for Ukraine.

Ex Pitch Black 2024

PITCH BLACK CONTINGENTS FLY IN

DARWIN NT: International contingents flying in for Ex Pitch Black have transformed into a hive of activity.

40 Commando Littoral Response Group South in Australia

40 COMMANDO IN NORTHERN TERRITORY

TOP END NT: The Royal Marine Commando's forward deployed 40 Commando Littoral Response Group South is in Australia training with 1st Brigade.

Exercise Magpie Lightning USMC pilots fly RAAF F-35As

USMC PILOTS FLY RAAF F-35As

TINDAL NT: US Marine Corps F-35B pilots flew RAAF F-35A Lightnings for the first time last month.

Exercise Pitch Black 2024

PITCH BLACK CONTINGENTS FLY IN

DARWIN NT: International fast jet contingents are swarming into the Top End for Exercise Pitch Black 2024.

Australian Army Switchblade 300 Block 20

ARMY TO ACQUIRE COMBAT PROVEN SWITCHBLADE 300/20

CANBERRA: The Australian Army will acquire the combat proven Switchblade 300 Block 20 Loitering Munition next year.

RAAF AGM-158C LRASM Australia

LRASM SET TO REVOLUTIONISE AUSTRALIAN DETERRENCE

AMBERLEY: The RAAF's next generation Long Range Anti Ship Missile is a true game changer altering the military balance in Australia's favour.

Theatre Mission Planning Centre, RGM-109E Tomahawk, Royal Australian Navy

TOMAHAWK MISSILE C2 CONTRACTS

USA: The US Navy has finalised contracts for the Command & Control suite to support the Royal Australian Navy's near future Tomahawk cruise missile long range strike capability.

SolarSigmashield Mobile Camouflage Systems for Australian Army AS21 Redback, AS9 Huntsman, AS10 AARV

AS21, AS9 & AS10 MULTI SPECTRAL SHROUD

HOBART: The Australian Army's future fleets of Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Self Propelled Howitzers will feature a radar and thermal reducing camouflage shroud to make them harder to detect.

NAIM-174B SM6 ERAM air launched Extended Range Active Missile

US NAVY DEBUTS AIR LAUNCHED SM6

HAWAII: The US Navy has introduced its new air launched SM6 Extended Range Active Missile which raises the possibilities of game changing advantages for Australia.

Republic of Singapore Air Force, RSAF 145 Squadron F-16C/D at RAAF Pearce Australia

RSAF EXTENDED DEPLOYMENT IN WA

RAAF PEARCE WA: The Rep of Singapore Air Force's inaugural three month extended deployment to RAAF Pearce in Western Australia is underway.

5RAR, Supacat High Mobility Transporter, HMT, SOV

5RAR REVEALS SUPACAT FLEET

MOUNT BUNDEY NT: The Darwin based 5RAR has revealed its new Supacat fleet during Ex Predators Walk after introducing the vehicles earlier this year.

Australian Army Aviation UH-60M Black Hawk 6th Aviation Regiment

6AVN UH-60M FLEET GROWS TO SIX

HOLSWORTHY NSW: Another tranche of new UH-60M Black Hawks has been delivered to Army's Special Operations Aviation Support unit in Sydney.

Exercise RIMPAC 2024, Australian Defence Force, New Zealand Defence Force

JOINT PROOF & EXPERIMENTAL UNIT VIDEO

PORT WAKEFIELD SA: Video: The ADF's Joint Proof & Experimental Unit has released a compilation video of some of their explosive and munitions work.

Exercise RIMPAC 2024, Australian Defence Force, New Zealand Defence Force

AUSTRALIAN RIMPAC CONTINGENT REDUCED BY 80%

HAWAII: Australia has deployed an embarrassingly small contingent to RIMPAC as the free world gathers to demonstrate solidarity against Chinese aggression in the Indo Pacific.

Project Air 6502, Project Air 6503, Ground Based Air and Missile Defence

AIR & MISSILE DEFENCE PROGRAMS CANCELLED

CANBERRA: Defence has confirmed that its approved medium and long range ground based air defence missile programs have been cancelled with new programs years away.

Safran Optronic mast suite, Collins class Life of Type Extension LOTE

COLLINS UPGRADE OPTRONICS CUTS JUSTIFIED

CANBERRA: The Royal Australian Navy has justified the cancellation of the Safran Optronic optical and radar sensor suite in the Collins LOTE upgrade.

Republic of Fiji Military Forces Bushmaster PMV-M Protected Mobility Vehicle

FIJI WANTS TO BUY MORE BUSHMASTERS

FIJI: Fiji media are reporting that the Government has approved a second acquisition of Australian made Bushmaster PMV-M MRAPs.

Australian Army M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks

AUSTRALIAN ARMY'S NEW M1A2 ABRAMS INBOUND

USA: A trainload of brand new M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams in Australian Army markings entered a major port in California last week bound for Australia.

Australian Pacific Maritime Security Program Guardian class Patrol Boat to Pacific Island nations, Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project Project Sea 3038 Phase 1

ATTRITIONAL PATROL BOATS ORDERED

HENDERSON WA: The Government has contracted for two new Guardian class Patrol Boats to replace gifted hulls destroyed by Pacific Islands nations.

Hunter class Future Frigate, Project SEA 5000, Royal Australian Navy, RAN

HUNTER FUTURE FRIGATE BUILD UNDERWAY

OSBORNE SA: The contract is finally signed and the first steel has officially been cut on the RAN's Hunter class Future Frigates.

Halfbreed Blades CCK-01 XL

HALFBREED BLADES IS RELEASING A NEW CCK-01 BLADE

AUSTRALIA: Halfbreed Blades is about to release a new addition to its CCK series, the CCK-01 XL.

OPEN ACCESS - CLICK HERE

Royal Australian Air Force, Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile flight testing Woomera Test Range Facility Australia

13% SF COMMON SELECTION COURSE SUCCESS

AUSTRALIA: Only 13 percent of candidates passed Special Operations Command's controversial 'Brereton' common selection course.

Royal Australian Air Force, Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile flight testing Woomera Test Range Facility Australia

RAAF WILL LAUNCH USAF HYPERSONIC MISSILE TESTS

USA: The US Govt has revealed that its top secret Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile flight test program will be flown in Australia using RAAF fighters.

Royal Australian Navy, RAN, US Naval Submarine School Groton Connecticut

RAN JUNIOR SAILORS COMMENCE US SSN TRAINING

USA: The first contingent of Aussie junior sailors has commenced training ahead of being assigned to US Navy Virginia class submarines.

RAAF MQ-4C Triton A57-001 arrives at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory

FIRST RAAF MQ-4C TRITON HAS ARRIVED

TINDAL NT: The first RAAF MQ-4C Triton Broad Area Maritime Surveillance drone has flown into Australia from the USA.

Arafura Offshore Patrol Vessel Project Sea 1180 payment stop to Luerssen Australia

DEFENCE INITIATES A PAYMENT STOP ON ARAFURA OPVs

CANBERRA: The Arafura Offshore Patrol Vessel acquisition is going from bad to worse with Defence revealing it has formally halted payments for the ships. Pic Trevor Powell

AIM Defence Fractl:1 Counter UAS Directed Energy System laser Australian Defence Force

ADF COUNTER DRONE LASER DEVELOPMENT

PUCKAPUNYAL: An Aussie start up backed by the Australian Army and RAAF has successfully demonstrated an AI driven laser system able to counter drone swarms.

Republic of Fiji Navy Guardian class Patrol Boat RFNS Paumau grounded Lau Islands

FIJI GROUNDS BRAND NEW PATROL BOAT

FIJI: The Republic of Fiji Navy has grounded a brand new patrol boat gifted by Australia in March on a remote coral reef.

RAAF MQ-4C Triton BAMS Maritime Surveillance Drone

RAAF READY FOR INBOUND MQ-4C TRITON

TINDAL NT: The RAAF has an operational ground control capability ready for its its soon to arrive MQ-4C Triton Broad Area Maritime Surveillance drone.

Australian Army 30x173mm MK44S Stretch Bushmaster AS21 Redback IFV

AS21's MK44S CANNON COMPLICATES AMMO SUPPLY

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army will soon have two separate 30x173mm cannons in service that use two different ammunition families.

US Navy Air Test & Evaluation Squadron 9

US NAVY's ELITE VX9 FLY IN

WILLIAMTOWN: The US Navy has deployed a flight of fighters from the elite Air Test & Evaluation Squadron 9 to Australia. Pic GEG Aviation/ Glen Greathead

Royal Australian Navy Supply class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment HMAS Supply misalligned drive shaft

OILER OUT FOR ANOTHER YEAR

SYDNEY HARBOUR: The RAN's key underway refuelling ship will be out of service for at least another year.

Royal Australian Navy RGM-184A Naval Strike Missile

RGM-184A NSM INSTALLED ON RAN WARSHIPS

SYDNEY HARBOUR: The RGM-184A NSM surface strike missile has been integrated onto some Royal Australian Navy warships

Royal Australian Navy UGM-109 Tomahawk TLAM Collins class submarine

NO UGM-109 MISSILES FOR COLLINS SUBS

CANBERRA:The RAN has dropped plans to arm the Collins class submarines with a long range precision strike missile.

Australian Defence Force recruiting from New Zealand, Canada, USA and UK citizens

ADF 'FIVE EYES' RECRUITMENT

CANBERRA:The Australian Defence Force has been authorised to recruit residents from New Zealand, Canada, the UK and USA to make up numbers.

Australian Army OWL loitering munition Innovaero Insitu Pacific

AUSTRALIAN ARMY LONG RANGE LOITERING MUNITION

CANBERRA: The Australian Army will introduce an advanced AI enabled long range autonomous loitering munition within months.

AN/ALQ-249(V1) Next Generation Jammer - Mid Band Royal Australian Air Force RAAF

MAJOR NEXT GENERATION JAMMER ISSUE RESOLVED

USA: The US Navy has resolved a major issue with AN/ALQ-249(V1) Next Generation Jammer - Mid Band being acquired for the RAAF's EA-18G Growler Airborne Electronic Attack aircraft.

USS Emory S. Land, HMAS Coonawarra Darwin Australia

1ST US NAVY VISIT TO RAN'S NEW DARWIN FACILITY

DARWIN NT: The US Navy has made its first visit to the RAN's new defence controlled secure wharf facility in Darwin Harbour.

Royal Australian Navy Collins class submarines

SHEEAN, FARNCOMB & RANKIN OUT OF SERVICE

AUSTRALIA: Three of Australia's six Collins class submarines are out of service due to scheduled maintenance or urgent repair.

AUKUS sonobuoy data sharing software

AUKUS SONOBUOY DATA FUSION

USA: Advanced software that will allow Australia, the US Navy and the United Kingdom to share sonobuoy feeds is the first concrete capability to be developed under AUKUS.

RAAF airlift of emergency aid, Maip Mulitaka landslide Papua New Guinea

RAAF HUMANITARIAN AIRLIFT FOR PNG

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: The RAAF has conducted an emergency airlift of suport teams and aid into Papua New Guinea's remote Highlands in response to a lethal landslide.

Hunter class Future Frigate Royal Australian Navy

NO HUNTER FRIGATE BUILD CONTRACT

OSBORNE SA: Negotiations are underway, but there is still no final contract for the actual building of the RAN's Hunter class Future Frigates.

General Purpose Frigate Royal Australian Navy

RAN CONFIRMS RUSHED & RISKY GP FRIGATE PLAN

UNITED KINGDOM: The leaked details of the Albanese Government's rushed and reckless GP Frigate acquisition process has been confirmed by the Royal Australian Navy at a British naval conference.

SSN Aukus class nuclear submarines Royal Australian Navy

SSN AUKUS WILL BE MASSIVE

CANBERRA: The Royal Australian Navy's future SSN Aukus class nuclear powered submarines will be triple the size of the Collins and bigger than our first Virginias.

US Navy C-130T Hercules, eight bladed NP2000 propeller Townsville Australia

RAEME LENDS US NAVY A HAND

TOWNSVILLE QLD: The Royal Australian Electrical & Mechanical Engineers have assisted the US Navy fit an advanced eight bladed prop to an old Hercules in Townsville.

Littoral Warfare transition Australian Army

ARMY HIRES COMMERCIAL LANDING CRAFT

NORTHERN AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army's northern brigades are hiring commercial barges to expedite their transition to Littoral Warfare units.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214 VMFA 214 RAAF Base Tindal Northern Territory Australia

USMC F-35Bs AT TINDAL

TINDAL NT: The US Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs are back in Australia with a squadron flying out of RAAF Tindal.

ADF and NZDF Non Combatant Evacuation flights out of New Caledonia

RAAF NOUMEA EVACUATION FLIGHTS UNDERWAY

NEW CALEDONIA: The RAAF and RNZAF have commenced evacuation flights out of Noumea with more to follow.

RAAF B737 Max 8 business jet fleet

RAAF VIP JETS BOUGHT OUTRIGHT

CANBERRA: The Albanese Govt has used unspent funds from cancelled weapons acquisitions to buy, not lease, its new VIP jets.

RAAF and RNZAF evacuation mission to New Caledonia under planning

NON COMBATANT EVACUATION MISSION PLANNING

NEW CALEDONIA: The ADF and NZDF are preparing a Non Evacuation Mission to rescue citizens caught up in the violence in New Caledonia.

Supacat Special Operations Vehicle - Commando trialled as Littoral Gun Tow Vehicle

ARMY TRIES AGAIN WITH SUPACATS

DUNDEE BEACH NT: Two of the Army's very expensive and still not employed Supacat Special Operations Vehicles have emerged being trialled as artillery tow vehicles.

Exercise Tauwharenkau Waiouru New Zealand

ANZAC ARMY RESERVE FIELD EX

NEW ZEALAND: Australian Army Reserve infantrymen deployed to New Zealand's rugged Waiouru Military Training Area to work with their New Zealand Army Reserve Force counterparts earlier this month.

IGADF Afghanistan Inquiry Report Oversight Panel

AFGHAN INQUIRY OVERSIGHT PANEL REPORT LEAK

CANBERRA: The soon to be released Afghan Inquiry Implementation Oversight Panel Report explicitely reject the exoneration of senior officers for any responsibility for all incidents arising out of the original IGADF Afghan Inqiry Report.

Australian Defence Force and Defence public servant officers to increase under budget measures

MORE OFFICER & SENIOR APS BLOAT IN BUDGET

CANBERRA: The Albanese Govt has funded major increases in senior ADF officer corps and public service senior positions while cutting combat units and decommissioning ships in the latest budget.

HMAS Anzac Decommissioning Ceremony May 18

HMAS ANZAC REFLOATED FOR DECOMMISSIONING

HENDERSON: The veteran frigate HMAS Anzac will be refloated for her decommissioning ceremony this Saturday. Pic Tim Slater

Australian Army H135 buy from UK

BRIT H135 HELO ARRANGEMENTS ALTERED

UNITED KINGDOM: The British Ministry of Defence has released new arrangements for the small fleet of H135 Juno helicopters sought by the Australian Army.

New Zealand Army GATS and Protected Mobility Project

NZ ARMY VEHICLE PROJECTS FUNDED

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Government has increased defence funding and will expedite vital NZDF vehicle acquisition programs.

F/A-18F Block II CPOMS Retrofit Kits

OXYGEN SYSTEM UPGRADE FOR RAAF F/A-18F

USA: The US Navy has awarded contracts for upgrade kits to fix potentially dangerous crew oxygen supply systems in the RAAF's Super Hornets.

3CER M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle operational conversion

ASSAULT BREACHER TRAINING UNDERWAY

USA: Three Townsville based Combat Engineers have graduated from the US Army's Assault Breacher Vehicle operational conversion program.

Electronic Countermeasures impact on JDAM, GMLRS, GBU-39/B SDB

RUSSIAN EW DEGRADES SOME KEY ADF PGMs

UKRAINE: Russian EW and ECM advances in Ukraine have degraded the effectiveness of some key Precision Guided Munitions employed by the ADF.

Australian Army Enhance NASAMS Short Range Air Defence System

FINAL eNASAMS FDC COMPLETE

AUSTRALIA: The final eNASAMS Ground Based Air Defence missile system Fire Distribution Centre is complete and will soon enter service with the Australian Army.

Military Javelin Parachute System, Australian Defence Force Parachuting School

SPECIAL FORCES GROUP RESUMES PARACHUTE TRAINING

NOWRA NSW: Special Forces Group has resumed parachute training at the ADF Parachuting School in place since the fatal incident of March 7.

Chinese fighter targets Australian Navy helicopter with flares

MORE DETAILS ON CHINESE ATTACK ON RAN HELO

YELLOW SEA: The Chinese harrassment attack on the Australian helicopter off North Korea was deliberate and conducted by one of China's most advanced combat aircraft.

aircraft carrier docks at HMAS Coonawarra naval base in Darwin Harbour upgrade

HMAS ADELAIDE VALIDATES DARWIN NAVAL BASE UPGRADE

DARWIN HARBOUR: The RAN has successfully docked a massive Canberra class Amphibious Assault ship at it's upgraded Darwin naval base.

German Government accepts first Australian designed Boxer WaTrgInf turreted combat vehicle

GERMANY ACCEPTS 1st AUSSIE DEVELOPED BOXER

GERMANY: The first Aussie designed Boxer Block 2 Kampfboxer has been accepted by the German Ministry of Defence.

AUKUS military tech export barrier reduction

AUKUS DEFENCE TECH EXPORT ALLIGNMENT

CANBERRA: Australia, the USA and UK have tabled ammendments to reduce bureaucratic costs and barriers to the trilateral development of advanced military technology.

HMAS Ballarat AMCAP relaunch

HMAS BALLARAT RELAUNCHED

HENDERSON WA: The RAN's current AMCAP upgrade program is progressing with the 7th Anzac frigate returned to the water after completing dry docking.

HMAS Huon to decommission in May

HMAS HUON TO DECOMMISSION NEXT MONTH

SYDNEY HARBOUR: HMAS Huon, the oldest of the RAN's Huon class Mine Hunter Coastals will decommission next month.

Evolved Cape class Patrol Boat ADV Cape Solander

7TH EVOLVED CAPE CLASS PB LAUNCHED

HENDERSON WA: Austal Australia has launched the 7th new Evolved Cape class Patrol Boat from its WA facility.

Ghost Shark XL-AUV

GHOST SHARK XL-AUV SEA TRIALS

USA: Anderil has disclosed that the Ghost Shark XL-AUV program is more advanced than publicly revealed with a significant sea trials program already undertaken..

Australian military assistance to ukraine RBS-70 VLLADS

LATEST UKRAINE MILITARY ASSISTANCE

UKRAINE: Australia has announced its latest military aid assistance for Ukraine as the tactical situation erodes.

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 Darwin Australia 2024

US MARINE CORPS OSPREYS INBOUND

HAWAII: US Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotors are heading to the Top End for this years Marine deployment.

New Zealand Army Bushmaster 5.5 PMV-M fleet

NZ ARMY BUSHMASTER OPCON

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Army is conducting its Operational Conversion to its new Aussie made Bushmaster 5.5 PMV-M vehicle fleet.

Autonomous Surface Vessel Sentinel, Patrol Boat Autonomy Trials, Royal Australian Navy, Austal

PATROL BOAT AUTONOMY TRIALS

HENDERSON WA: The RAN's experimental prototype Autonomous Surface Vessel Sentinel has successfully completed her Sea Acceptance Trials in WA.

RAAF and RAF 80 Squadron Eglin AFB Florida

80 SQUADRON RAAF RERAISED

USA: The RAAF and the Brit RAF have raised a joint squadron to support F-35 capability at Eglin AFB in Florida.

RAAF F-35A Lightning A35-072 in flight Australia

LAST RAAF F-35A IN FLIGHT TRIALS

USA: The final RAAF F-35A has been photographed in contractor flight trials in the USA. Pic Keith Snyder

Dragon C12-XL Uncooled Thermal Weapons Sight, New Zealand Army

NZ ARMY ACQUIRES NEW THERMAL SIGHTS

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Army is introducing its next gen thermal imager accessory for its MARS-L weapons systems.

Australian Army equipment delays and cuts

ARMY 'COMBAT EQUIPMENT' DELAYS ORDERED

CANBERRA: Undisclosed Army 'combat equipment' deliveries will be delayed to find $2 billion in savings.

Australian Air & Missile Defence

AIR & MISSILE DEFENCE DOWNGRADE

CANBERRA: The Albanese Govt has decided to ignore the exo atmospheric and long range missile threats to Australia under its new National Defence Strategy policy.

Anduril Ghost Shark XL-AUV submersible

GHOST SHARK XL-AUV PROTOTYPE REVEALED

SYDNEY HARBOUR: The DSTO and Anduril have revealed the first Ghost Shark XL-AUV autonomous oceanic submersible naval system at Fleet Base East in Sydney Harbour.

RAAF caps its F-35A buy at 72

FINAL F-35A ACQUISITION DISAPPEARS

CANBERRA: The RAAF's planned expansion with additional squadron of F-35As has disappeared from the Albanese Governments just released National Defence Strategy and 2024 Integrated Investment Program.

National Defence Strategy and 2024 Integrated Investment Program

NATIONAL DEFENCE STRATEGY & 2024 INTEGRATED INVESTMENT PROGRAM

CANBERRA: The Albanese Governments just released National Defence Strategy and 2024 Integrated Investment Program is very vague with no new capability and few details.

Australian Defence Force, NZDF Solomon Islands elections 2024

ADF & NZDF DEPLOYED TO SOLOMONS

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Substantial Australian and New Zealand military and police contingents have deployed to the Solomon Islands to support the elections delayed by anti Australian PM Sogavare.

RAAF P-8A Poseidon Increment 3 Block 2 upgrade

HALFBREED BLADES' NEW SECOND GEN COMBAT CLEARANCE BLADE

AUSTRALIA: Halfbreed Blades have just released the new second generation version of their widely used Compact Clearance Blade.
OPEN ACCESS - CLICK HERE

RAAF P-8A Poseidon Increment 3 Block 2 upgrade

P-8A POSEIDON CAPABILITY EXPANSION

EDINBURGH SA: The recently contracted RAAF P-8A Poseidon upgrade is far more extensive than has been reported with exponentially improved capability improvements.

Iranian attack on Israel

ISRAEL & COALITION DEFEAT IRANIAN MISSILE BOMBARDMENT

ISRAEL: The Israeli Defence Force assisted by a US led international coalition comprehensively defeated a massive Iranian missile and drone attack on the country.

Royal New Zealand Airforce P-8A Poseidon, Kadena Air Base Japan, UN Security Council sanctions monitoring, North Korea

1ST RNZAF OPERATIONAL DEPLOYMENT OF P-8A

JAPAN: The RNZAF has deployed its new P-8A Poseidons for the first time to Japan to conduct surveillance of North Korean sanctions evasion for the UN.

US President announces networked air and missile defence cooperation between USA, Japan and Australia

TRILATERAL AIR & MISSILE DEFENCE INITIATIVE

USA: The US President has announced a new trilateral program to develop a networked air and missile defence system involving the USA, Japan and Australia

US Army Next Generation Squad Weapons XM-7, XM-250, 6.8 Common Cartridge

US ARMY 6.8x51mm ROLL OUT

USA: The US Army has commenced its trial operational conversion to the new 6.8mm NGSW XM-7and XM-250 weapons, forcing the Australian Army to develop options.

US Navy arms EA-18G Growler with AIM-9X Sidewinder like RAAF

US NAVY ADOPTS RAAF GROWLER ARMAMENT

USA: A US Navy has adopted the RAAF long term practice of arming their Growlers with the latest Sidewinder WVRAAM missile systems.

USS Emory S. Land submarine maintenance at Fleet Base West in Australia

AUSTRALIAN BASED SSN MAINTENANCE

ROCKINGHAM WA: A US Navy nuclear powered attack submarine will undergo a 'significant' maintenance program in Australia for the first time later this year.

Australian Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral David Johnston announcement

NEXT CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE ANNOUNCED

CANBERRA: The Government has announced that Vice Admiral David Johnston will replace the controversial General Angus Campbell as Australia's next Chief of Defence Force.

Royal Australian Navy HMAS Hobart Indo Pacific Regional Presence Deployment 2024.2

HMAS HOBART DEPLOYS ON OP ARGOS

PACIFIC OCEAN: HMAS Hobart is steaming north to Japan to conduct North Korean sanctions evasion surveillance for the UN and other naval engagement activities under RPD 24.2.

Australian Defence Force funding and project cuts

MINISTER HINTS AT MAJOR DEFENCE PROGRAM CUTS

SYDNEY: The Minister of Defence has hinted that their are more major defence program cuts, reductions and delays coming particularly for Army and the RAAF.

HMAS Anzac decommissioning service Fleet Base West May 2024

HMAS ANZAC DECOMMISSIONING DATE CONFIRMED

ROCKINGHAM WA: The Royal Australian Navy has officially confirmed the date and location of HMAS Anzac's formal decommissioning service.

RAAF F-35A Lightning TR3 retrofit upgrade delayed

TR3 UPGRADE OF INSERVICE RAAF F-35As DELAYED

USA: The planned upgrade of the RAAF's already delivered F-35A's to the next configuration has been delayed by the F-35 Joint Project Office due to issues with component supply and systems certification.

Australian Army acquires two WAH-64 Apaches from British Army

ARMY ACQUIRES BRIT APACHES

UNITED KINGDOM: The Australian Army has acquired former British Army WAH-64 Apache airframes to convert into training aids.

Royal Australian Navy RAAF, US Navy, Japan Maritime Self Defence Force, Philippine Navy, Second Thomas Shoal, South China Sea

RAN & RAAF TO JOIN PHILIPPINE FONOP

PHILIPPINE WATERS: HMAS Warramunga and an RAAF aircraft will join the US Navy, Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force and Philippine Navy in a quadrilateral Freedom of Navigation Operations in the South China Sea.

RAAF 737 Max 8 Special Purpose Aircraft

NEW RAAF VIP JET IN FLIGHT TRIALS

USA: The first of the RAAF's new fleet of leased airliners for the VIP 'Special Purpose Aircraft' mission is in contractor flight trials at Boeing. Video still capture Aero Productions

2nd Battalion 5th Marines, Marine Rotational Force Darwin - 2024, 2/5 Marines, Australia

MRF-D24 MARINES KICK OFF DRY SEASON DEPLOYMENT

DARWIN NT: The lead elements of Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2024 have commenced preliminary training in the Northern Territory.

US Marine Corps Multi Mission Reconnaissance Craft Whiskey Projects Australia

AUSSIE MMRC CRAFT ACQUIRED BY USMC

USA: The Australian made Whiskey Multi Mission Reconnaissance Craft has been acquired by the USMC under its Expeditionary Small Boats program.

Huntsman Self Propelled Artillery, Australian Army, Hanwha

HUNTSMAN SPA PRODUCTION UNDERWAY

REPUBLIC OF KOREA: The first of the Australian Army's future 155mm Huntsman Self Propelled Artillery systems are under assembly in South Korea.

Royal Australian Navy RAAF in US Missile Defence Agency, US Navy SM6 Dual II SWUP interception of ballistic missile

RAN & RAAF IN US NAVY MISSILE INTERCEPTION EX

HAWAII: An Australian frigate and E-7A Wedgetail participated in a successful ballistic missile interception live fire exercise off Hawaii yesterday.

Australian Special Operations Command, New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment, US Army Special Forces Group New Caledonia Exercise Thalawan 2024

AUSSIE & NZ SOF IN NEW CALEDONIA

NEW CALEDONIA: Australian, US Army and New Zealand Special Operations elements deployed to New Caledonia for the French SF led Exercise Thalawan.

RNZAF NH-90, HMNZS Canterbury, Solomon Islands International Assist Force SIAF

NZDF DEPLOYS MRV & HELOS TO SOLOMON ISLANDS

PACIFIC OCEAN: New Zealand has deployed its largest sealift warship and an aviation contingent to support the Solomon Island's delayed national elections.

MQ-28A Ghost Bat factory Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct Australia

MQ-28A GHOST BAT FACTORY BUILD

AUSTRALIA: Construction of the Boeing Defence Australia factory which will produce the MQ-28A Ghost Bat CCA has commenced in Queensland.

Kuru Wharf HMAS Coonawarra Darwin

MAJOR RAN DARWIN BASE UPGRADE OPERATIONAL

DARWIN NT: The RAN can now support major warships from its HMAS Coonawarra in central Darwin with the openning of a huge new naval wharf at Larrakeyah.

Aukus attack class nuclear powered submarines

AUKUS SSN INDUSTRIAL DETAILS

AUSTRALIA: Initial details of the industrial specifics of the Aukus class nuclear submarine acquisition and the workshare between Australia and its US and UK partners has emerged.

German parliament final approval for over 100 Australian built turreted Boxer Kampfboxer vehicles

GERMAN BUNDESTAG APPROVES AUSSIE BUILT ARMOUR BUY

GERMANY: The German parliament has formerly approved the acquisition of a large fleet of Australian made turreted Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles for the Deutsches Heer.

RAAF P-8A Poseidon, Roland Garros Airport Reunion Island

RAAF P-8A OPERATING INTO REUNION ISLAND

REUNION ISLAND: An RAAF Poseidon has been refuelled at the remote French Indian Ocean territory under the France Australia reciprocal access agreement arrangments .

Video 6 Aviation Regiment UH-60M Black Hawk conducting Special Operations insertion training

6 AVN REGT UH-60M BLACK HAWK SPEC OPS TRAINING

HOLSWORTHY NSW: Video: Special Operations Command - Australia has released the first video B Roll of Aussie Special Operations personnel fast roping from a new UH-60M Black Hawk.

HMNZS Matataua Deployable Boarding Team on HMS Tamar in Fiji waters

RNZN SPECIALIST BOARDING PARTY ON BRIT OPV

FIJI: A specialist RNZN boarding team is embarked on a Brit Offshore Patrol Vessel conducting a combined fisheries protection deployment in Fijian waters.

Unforseen Complications for MC-55A Peregrine development

'UNFORESEEN COMPLICATIONS' DOG MC-55A

AUSTRALIA: Airframe reengineering due to the MC-55A Peregrine's extensive modifications have resulted in 'unforeseen complications' to finalising the advanced Special Electronic Missions Aircraft. Pic SR_Planespotter

Exercise Dugong 2024 Royal Australian Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy, Clearance Divers, HMNZS Matataua

ANZAC MINE COUNTERMEASURES EXERCISE

EDEN NSW: Elite Australian and New Zealand naval Clearance Divers are exercising Mine Countermeasures in southern New South Wales waters.

Boxer Block II Armoured Recovery Vehicle and Repair Vehicle Australian Army

VARIANTS COULD DELAY BOXER FOC

BRISBANE: Delays in the systems design and demonstration program for some support variants of the Australian Army's next gen Boxer Block II will likely delay Final Operating Capability of the new CRV.

USS Annapolis Fleet Base West Australia

LOS ANGELES CLASS SSN AT FLEET BASE WEST

ROCKINGHAM WA: Another US Navy nuclear powered attack submarine has berthed at the RAN's Fleet Base West in Western Australia in the work up towards SURF-West deployment.

F-35 acceptance halt holds up final nine RAAF Lightning IIs

RAAF F-35A DELIVERIES STILL FROZEN

USA: The delivery of the RAAF's final F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters is now predicted to be in the final months of this year as the F35 Program Office acceptance halt remains in place.

AMRAAM-ER Extended Range launched from NASAMS Ground Based Air Defence

POTENTIAL GBAD RANGE & ALTITUDE EXPANSION

NORWAY: The validation of extended range air interception missiles from the NASAMS Ground Based Air Defence System have enormous potential for the Australian Army's introduction of its Enhanced NASAMS missile system.

HMAS Choules CEAFAR Active Phased Array Radar system

HMAS CHOULES RADAR SYSTEM UPGRADE

AUSTRALIA: The RAN's Landing Ship Dock HMAS Choules emerged after the Xmas holidays with an advanced Active Phased Array Radar suite integrated into her superstructure.

Hawkei PMV-L Japanese Ground Self Defence Force trials

HAWKEI PMV-L UNDER ASSESSMENT IN JAPAN

JAPAN: The Australian designed and manufactured Hawkei PMV-L armoured vehicle has been shortlisted for the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force's LAV replacement program.

Australian donated Supacat SOV-Commando vehicles in action with Armed Forces of Ukraine

EX ADF SUPACATS IN COMBAT IN UKRAINE

UKRAINE: Reports and imagery emerging from Ukraine confirm that ex Special Operations Command - Australia Supacats are in combat in Ukraine.

Papua New Guinea Long Range Reconnaissance Unit training in Australia

PNGDF LONG RANGE RECONNAISSANCE UNIT

AUSTRALIA: Papua New Guinea Defence Force elite Special Operations personnel are in Australia undergoing training under the long running defence cooperation program.

RNZAF SH-2G(I) Seasprite retirement funding cuts Royal New Zealand Navy

RNZAF CONSIDERING SH-2G(I) EARLY RETIREMENT

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Defence Force is considering retiring its SH-2G(I) helo fleet to meet the Luxon Government defence funding cuts.

USAF 32nd Air Refueling Squadron KC-46A Pegasus RAAF Amberley Australia

1st USAF KC-46A DEPLOYMENT TO AMBERLEY

AMBERLEY QLD: The US Air Force has completed its first rotation of its new KC-46A Pegasus air to air refuelling tankers into RAAF Amberley.

RAAF AN/ASG-34A(V)1 Block II IRST

IRST21 OPERATIONAL TEST SYSTEMS FOR RAAF

USA: The US Navy has ordered advanced testing equipment to support the soon to enter service AN/ASG-34A(V) Infrared Search and Track Systems on the RAAF's F/A-18F fleet.

Australian Army AS21 Redback with Elbit MT30 Mark 2 turret

ISRAELI DIGITAL SYSTEMS FOR REDBACK TURRET

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army's future AS21 Redback IFV will field predominantly Israeli digital combat, survivability and surveillance systems.

Royal Australian Navy Virginia class SSGN

US NAVY CUTS VIRGINIA SSGN REQUEST

USA: The US Navy has reduced its 2025 budget request for Virginia class nuclear submarines which may complicate Australia's plans to introduce the type in eight years.

Narco submarine captured during cocaine smuggling to Australia

NARCO SUB INTERDICTION

COLOMBIA: The Armada de Colombia has intercepted and seized a sophisticated cocaine smuggling platform that was bound for Australia.

Royal Australian Navy future General Purpose Frigate acquisition

GP FRIGATE BUY RISKY

CANBERRA: The promised Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet program's fast tracked General Purpose Frigate buy is laden with massive risk of digital compatibility issues and potentially huge hidden costs.

Royal Australian Navy patrol boat fleet Arafura class OPV and Enhanced Cape class Patrol Boats

RAN PATROL BOAT FLEET RATIONALISED

CANBERRA: The RAN's border and constabulatory force will be reduced in numbers and capability to focus on the priority Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet.

Royal Australian Navy Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet future General Purpose Frigates

FUTURE GENERAL PURPOSE FRIGATE

CANBERRA: A proposed fleet of 11 future General Purpose Frigates will be fast tracked into service as the Tier 2 component of the RAN's future Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet.

Royal Australian Navy Surface Combat Fleet Review response RAN Hilarides

SURFACE COMBAT FLEET REVIEW DETAILS

CANBERRA: The Government response to the Hilarides Surface Combat Fleet Review has been released with immediate deep cuts to warships but a promise of a much larger fleet in the mid to late 2030s.

Chinese sonar attack on HMAS Toowoomba Divers in East China Sea

MORE DETAILS OF CHINESE SONAR ATTACK

CANBERRA: More details of the dangerous Chinese Navy sonar attack on Royal Australian Navy personnel during UNSCR operations off North Korea were revealed in Senate Estimates hearings.

RNZAF C-130J-30 Hercules lead aircraft rolls out of Lockheed Martin in Marietta Georgia

FIRST RNZAF C-130J-30 HERC ROLLS OUT

USA: New Zealand's first complete new C-130J-30 Hercules airlifter has emerged from Lockheed Martin's production facility in Georga USA.

Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessels delayed again. Delivery later in 2024

ARAFURA OPVs DELIVERY RESCHEDULED AGAIN

AUSTRALIA: The RAN's Introduction into Service of its problematic Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessels has been further delayed with rescheduling to later this year. Pic Trevor Powell

HMAS Supply propulsion shaft repair dry dock, returns to water in March 2024

HMAS SUPPLY REPAIR COMPLETE NEXT MONTH

AUSTRALIA: HMAS Supply's 14 month long propulsion shaft repair is approaching completion with the ship due to return to the water next month.

HMAS Anzac under assessment for early retirement

HMAS ANZAC IS UNDERGOING 'ASSESSMENT'

AUSTRALIA: Chief of Navy has confirmed that the RAN's only warship to have fired her weapons in anger is currently under threat of early decommissioning.

Australian Army eNASAMS Enhanced National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System

GBAD DELAYED BUT STILL ON TRACK

AUSTRALIA: The latest ANAO Major Project Report reveals further delays to the Australian Army's next generation Short Range Ground Based Air Defence but delivers a 100% Green assessment of the project.

Australian Army Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle, Lance 2 turret system. 2/14 Light Horse Regiment, Rheinmetall Unterluss deutschland

BOXER BLOCK II LANCE 2 TURRET

GERMANY: Australian Army Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle specialists travelled to Germany to work with Rheinmetall on the next generation Boxer turret system.

HMAS Warramunga South China Sea Freedom of Navigation FONOP

SOUTH CHINA SEA FONOP

SOUTH CHINA SEA: An RAN warship participated in a trilateral Freedom of Navigation operation in the South China Sea in defiance of Chinese demands.

RAAF MQ-28A Ghost Bat Collaborative Combat Aircraft

FUNDING FOR MQ-28A GHOST BAT UCAV

AUSTRALIA: New funding has been allocated to the Ghost Bat Collaborative Combat Aircraft's (CCA) ongoing Systems Design and Development program.

RAAF E-7A Wedgetail at Exercise Sentry Aloha 24 Hawaii

RAAF HUNTS WITH RAPTORS OVER HAWAII

HAWAII: The RAAF played a key role in US Indo Pacific Command's cutting edge Ex Sentry Aloha 24 alongside the US militaries most advanced and classified systems.

RAAF P-8A Poseidon Operation Argos North Korea sanctions surveillace

RAAF DEPLOYS ON NORTH KOREA SANCTIONS MISSION

JAPAN: The RAAF has deployed another aircraft to Japan to conduct surveillance of North Korean sanctions evasion for the United Nations Security Council.

Australian Army M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks

ARMY'S NEXT GEM ABRAMS INBOUND

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army will have its hands on its first next generation Abrams Main Battle Tanks as early as next month.

Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters

ARMY'S UH-60M BLACK HAWK DELIVERIES

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army will have to wait more than six years for all of its Black Hawks, but a squadron's worth should be flying locally by the end of this year.

Australian Army introducing H135 Juno helicopters

ARMY TO FILL MRH-90 VOID WITH NEW HELOS

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army has fast tracked efforts to fill the void left by the scrapping of the MRH-90 fleet by introducing interim light tactical helicopters.

Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Increment 3 upgrade

RAAF P-8A POSEIDON INCREMENT 3 RETROFIT A KITS

USA: The RAAF's upgrade of its P-8A Poseidon MMMAs to the latest Increment III configuration is underway with additional Retrofit A Kits under contract.

US Navy, Mark 54 Mod 2 Advanced Lightweight Torpedo, Royal Australian Navy

MARK 54 MOD 2 ADVANCED LIGHTWEIGHT TORPEDO

USA: Australia's participation in the US Navy's Advanced Lightweight Torpedo development program may soon bear fruit under the USN's expedited Early Operational Capability schedule.

US Navy Mark 15 Block 1B Baseline 2 CIWS Close In Weapon System, Red Sea, Royal Australian Navy

REPORTS OF CIWS FIRST COMBAT KILL

RED SEA: US based media are reporting the US Navy has employed the Mk15 Blk 1B BL 2 20mm gun to destroy a Houthi 'cruise missile' marking the type's combat validation and good news for RAN and RNZN.

Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawks Oakey Army Aviation Training Centre

NO QLD BASED BLACK HAWKS NEXT YEAR

OAKEY QLD: New UH-60M Black Hawks will not be flying out of the Australian Army Aviation Training Centre at Oakey in southeast Qld next year.

RAAF F-35A Lightning IIs Exercise Bamboo Eagle 2024 USA

EXERCISE BAMBOO EAGLE 24

USA: The RAAF is participating in the highly classified AUKUS only Exercise Bamboo Eagle designed to test and verify air combat tactics for a future Indo Pacific conflict.

RAAF C-27J Spartan, Exercise Cope North 2024 Andersen AFB Guam

ANOTHER TINY RAAF CONTINGENT FOR COPE NORTH

GUAM: The RAAF has only deployed a single transport aircraft to Guam for what was the premier high level trilateral USAF/Japan/Australia air combat training event.

HMAS Warramunga Indo Pacific Regional Presence Deployment 2024

INDO PACIFIC REGIONAL PRESENCE DEPLOYMENT 2024.1

PACIFIC OCEAN: The Royal Australian Navy has deployed its first warship for 2024 on the Indo Pacific Regional Presence Deployment operational cycle.

Australian Army PrSM Precision Strike Missile Increment 3 and Increment 4

AUSTRALIA JOINS PrSM INC 3 & INC 4 PROGRAMS

CANBERRA: The government has confirmed that Australia has joined the US Army's PrSM Increment 3 and Increment 4 missile programs.

RAAF F-35A LRIP 15 Technical Refresh 3 TR3

RAAF's LRIP 15 LIGHTNING II's DELAYED AGAIN

USA: Delivery of the RAAF's last few F-35As has been rescheduled again as Lockheed Martin struggl

es to complete its TR3 upgrade certification.

Royal New Zealand Navy Operation Prosperity Guardian Red Sea

RNZN TO DEPLOY TINY TEAM TO BAHRAIN

NEW ZEALAND: The Royal New Zealand Navy will mirror Australia's tiny contribution to Op Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea.

Prime Minister Albanese recommits to expanding defence capacity

MARINE ROTATIONAL FORCE - DARWIN WORKS UP

USA: US Marine Corps combat elements have been training hard in the working up exercises at Camp Pendleton in California for deployment to the Northern Territory with MRF-D 24.

Prime Minister Albanese recommits to expanding defence capacity

PRIME MINISTER RECOMMITS TO DEFENCE

CANBERRA: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed to refocusing on Defence as one of the key policies of his government after growing criticism over the loss of capability and capacity.

RAAF F-35A AGM-88E AARGM-ER integration, Australia Canada United Kingdom Reprogramming Lab

AARGM-ER INTEGRATION FOR RAAF F-35A

USA: The Australia Canada United Kingdom Reprogramming Lab is working on AARGM-ER integration onto RAAF F-35As.

Australian Army M142 HIMARS GMLARS Guided Multiple Launch Artillery Rocket Systems

227mm GMLARS MUNITION PRODUCTION

CANBERRA: The Department of Defence has contracted Lockheed Martin Australia to assemble an initial batch of 227mm GMLARS long range precision artillery munitions.

Australian Army M142 HIMARS PrSM Increment 1 Precision Strike Missile

GOVT REAFFIRMS PrSM INCREMENT 1 ACQUISITION

CANBERRA: The Australian Government has reconfirmed its commitment to the cutting edge PrSM long range strike missile for the Australian Army.

Australian M113AS4 Armoured Logistics Vehicle on operations in Ukraine

EX AUSSIE ARMY M113AS4 ALV IN UKRAINE

UKRAINE: An ex Australian Army ALV has been active in close combat with the AFU on Ukraine's frontlines.

RAAF 3 Squadron F-35A Nellis Air Force Base Exercise Red Flag 2024-1

EX RED FLAG 2024-1

USA: The RAAF has flown into Las Vegas Nevada for the high level AUKUS partner only air ex Ex Red Flag 2024-1.

Royal Australian Navy RGM-109E Tomahawk TLAM missile Hobart class DDG

US GOVT APPROVES ADDITIONAL TOMAHAWK TLAM SUPPORT

USA: The US Government has approved additional support systems to enable the RGM-109E Tomahawk TLAM introduction into RAN service.

7RAR Operation Kudu Rotation 5 Armed Forces of Ukraine Australian Army Op Interflex

7RAR ASSUMES UKRAINE TRAINING MISSION

AUSTRALIA: Adelaide based 7RAR has taken over the Op Kudu training team mission training Ukrainian infantry in England.

Royal Australian Navy Anzac class Mark 45 Mod 4 turreted guns

RAN ANZAC 127mm GUN UPGRADES

USA: All Anzac frigate Mark 45 127mm turreted guns will be upgraded to Mark 45 Mod 4 configuration under a new contract with BAE Systems.

New Zealand Army Vector eVTOL TUAS Skydio drone FLIR Black Hornet

NZ ARMY ACQUIRING VTOL TUAS

New Zealand: The New Zealand Army is acquiring an advanced Euro VTOL ISR and target acquisition MTUAS along with a suite of close combat drones.

Australian Defence Force retention bonuses

GOVT PAYS FIRST SERVICE RETENTION BONUS

AUSTRALIA: The Department of Defence has commenced paying retention bonuses to personnel completing their initial service periods.

MQ-28A USAF Collaborative Combat Aircraft trials

USAF FLYING CCA TRIALS WITH MQ-28A

USA: The US Air Force has confirmed it is flying its Collaborative Combat Aircraft trials with Aussie made MQ-28As.

Australian contingent to Operation Prosperity Guardian

TINY RAN CONTINGENT FOR PROSPERITY GUARDIAN

AUSTRALIA: Defence Minister Richard Marles has revealed Australia will send an embarrassingly small contingent of HQ staff to support international Red Sea ops.

Australian contingent to Operation Prosperity Guardian

RAN CONTINGENT FOR RED SEA - REPORTS

AUSTRALIA: Media outlets are reporting that Australia will deploy a small land based contingent but no warships to the Red Sea.

Insitu Integrator deploys Shryke Miniature Precision Munitions

TUAS WEAPONS DEPLOYMENT VALIDATED

USA: Flight trials have validated the Australian Army's new Integrator TUAS can be armed with advanced Miniature Precision Munitions.

Australian Operation Kudu training teams for Ukraine reinforced

OP KUDU TRAINING TEAM EXPANSION

UNITED KINGDOM: The Australian Army's Operation Kudu training teams to prepare Ukrainian soldiers will be enlarged next year.

US Senate AUKUS authorisation

US SENATE PASSES AUKUS LEGISLATION

USA: The US Senate has passed the 2024 National Defense Authorisation Bill authorising the AUKUS SSN sales to Australia.

Request for Australian warships to protect shipping in Red Sea from Houthi missile attacks

RED SEA WARSHIP REQUEST

AUSTRALIA: Media reports claim that Australia has been asked to deploy a warship to protect shipping from Houthi missile attacks in the Red Sea.

Australia in the F-35 United Operational Test Team

F-35 UNITED OPERATIONAL TEST TEAM

USA: Australia and the United Kingdom are partners in the US military led F-35 United Operational Test Team which will control future F-35 technical evolution.

KC-30A MRTT Crypto Remediation Project upgrade

LEAD KC-30A CRYPTO UPGRADE COMPLETE

AMBERLEY: The lead aircraft in the RAAF's Crypto Remediation Project upgrade has returned to Amberley from Spain.

Precision Guided Missile Increment 1 PrSM enters US Army service

PrSM PRECISION STRIKE MISSILE ENTERS US ARMY SERVICE

USA: The US Army has accepted its first delivery of the Precision Strike Missile Increment 1 long range tactical missile system.

RAAF AP-3C (EW) Orion electronic warfare fleet is retired from service

RAAF RETIRES ITS AP-3C (EW) ORION FLEET

EDINBURGH SA: The RAAF's highly classifed AP-3C (EW) electronic warfare aircraft have flown their final mission and the type is now formally retired.

RNZAF C-130J-30 Hercules now painted and ready for final systems integration

FIRST RNZAF C-130J-30 PAINTED

USA: The first of New Zealand's new C-130J-30 'Super Hercules' airlifters is now painted and ready for final advanced systems integration.

AS21 Redback IFV acquisition contract with Hanwha Defense Australia signed Project Land 400 Phase 3

AS21 REDBACK CONTRACT SIGNED

GEELONG VIC: The contract to build the AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle has been signed at a ceremony this morning.

France military recipricol access agreement with Australia

MIL RECIPROCAL ACCESS AGREEMENT WITH FRANCE

NEW CALEDONIA: Australia and France are finalising a  reciprocal access agreement to allow forces to operate into and out of others military facilities.

Royal New Zealand Navy leases Bluebottle Unmanned Surface Vessel USV

RNZN UNMANNED SURFACE VESSEL TRIALS

SYDNEY: The Royal New Zealand Navy has leased an Bluebottle Unmanned Surface Vessel to conduct trials on the capability.

AS9 Huntsman Self Propelled Artillery live firing in Australia

155mm HUNTSMAN LIVE FIRE TRIALS IN SA

PORT WAKEFIELD SA: Army is firing hundreds of 155mm rounds through an AS9 Huntsman trials vehicle in South Australia.

HMNZS Te Mana fires Sea Ceptor CAMM-M in East Australia Exercise Area Royal New Zealand Navy

HMNZS TE MANA LAUNCHES SEA CEPTORS

TASMAN SEA NSW: HMNZS Te Mana has successfully launched Sea Ceptor missiles during live fire missile trials in the East Australia Exercise Area off New South Wales.

USS Emory S. Land HMAS Stirling Fleet Base West 2024 AUKUS

AUKUS SURF-WEST SSN MAINTENANCE PREP

ROCKINGHAM WA: US Navy training of RAN technical specialists to support US Navy powered submarines in Western Australia will commence in 2024.

Hunter class Future Frigate Project Sea 5000 Preliminary Design Review

HUNTER FFG PRELIMINARY DESIGN REVIEW COMPLETE

AUSTRALIA: BAE Systems Australia has announced it has completed the Preliminary Design Review on the Hunter class Future Frigate.

Exercise Global Dexterity 23-3, RAAF Amberley Australia USAF and RAF

BRITS JOIN EX GLOBAL DEXTERITY 23-2

AMBERLEY QLD: A British C-17A Globemaster III will participate in the formerly bilateral USAF/RAAF Global Dexterity airlift interoperability training program.

European Union France, Germany, Spain expeditionary air wing for Exercise Pitch Black 24 Australia and Exercise RIMPAC 24 Hawaii. Eurofighter, Tornado, Rafale

LARGE EU COMBAT AIR DEPLOYMENT IN 2024

EUROPEAN UNION: France, Germany and Spain are planning a massive Combined Expeditionary Air Wing deployment to Australia next year.

Philippine Maritime Cooperative Activity HMAS Toowoomba

RAN PHILIPPINE COOPERATIVE ACTIVITY

PHILIPPINES: HMAS Toowoomba has conducted a combined naval presence mission with the Philippine Navy to demonstrate Australia's support for the Philippines' territorial integrity.

Royal Australian Navy Taiwan Strait transit

REPORTS OF RAN TAIWAN STRAIT TRANSIT

TAIWAN: The Taiwanese Defence Ministery has reported that an 'Australian warship' conducted a transit of the Taiwan Strait in defiance of China's demands.

additional Evolved Cape class Patrol Boats

TWO MORE EVOLVED CAPE CLASS PATROL BOATS

CANBERRA: The RAN will acquire two additional Evolved Cape class Patrol Boats to renew its Navigation Training Vessel capability.

Birdon Medium Landing Craft Project Land 8710 Phase 1A

BIRDON MEDIUM LANDING CRAFT TO REPLACE LCM8

CANBERRA: The Birdon Medium Landing Craft design has been selected to replace the venerable LCM8 under Project Land 8710/1A.

Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessel Royal Australian Navy

2ND OPV LAUNCHED WITHOUT VIABLE ARMAMENT

OSBORNE SA: The second Arafura class OPV was launched without any viable armament and the issue seemingly still unresolved.

1NZSAS Exercise Silver Dagger New Zealand Special Air Service

NZSAS SPECIAL RECOVERY EXERCISE

NEW ZEALAND: The 1st New Zealand Special  Air Service has completed a complex air mobile 'Special Recovery' exercise across New Zealand's South Island.

HMAS Toowoomba Operation Argos Chinese PLA-N sonar attack

CHINESE EW ATTACK ON RAN DIVERS

JAPANESE WATERS: A Chinese destroyer made a deliberate electronic attack that injured Australian divers from HMAS Toowoomba deployed on a United Nations mission.

Enhanced NASAMS Australian Army Intergrated Air and Missile Defence

ENHANCED NASAMS FIVE MISSILE LIVE FIRE

WOOMERA: The Army has validated its Enhanced NASAMS ground based air defence system shooting down five target drones.

RAAF Growler Block II and Super Hornet Block III upgrades

TACTICAL TARGETING NETWORK TECHOLOGY UPGRADE

USA: The US Navy has finalised contracts for TTNT upgrade A Kits for the RAAF's EA-18G Growlers and F/A-18F Rhinos within the Growler Block II and Super Hornet Block III upgrades.

RAAF E-7A Wedgetail Operation Okra support for Ukraine

DETAILS OF RAAF E-7A UKRAINE SUPPORT OPS

POLAND: Flight tracker software apps have revealed details of the RAAF's airborne surveillance mission in support of the NATO resupply effort for Ukraine.

RAAF GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb Increment 1, F-35A Lightning II Australia

RAAF REVEALS LIVE GBU-39/B DELIVERY

TINDAL NT: The RAAF has revealed its employment of live GBU-39/B All Up Rounds for the first time in a recent imagery release.

Mark 45 Mod4A 127mm turreted gun system Hunter class frigate Australia

HUNTER FRIGATE 127mm GUN BUY

USA: The Hunter class Future Frigates' 127mm primary turreted naval gun system contracts have been finalised.

Australian Army Aviation UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter 6th Aviation Regiment

ADF FINALLY RELEASES UH-60M IMAGERY

HOLSWORTHY NSW: The ADF has finally released some month old imagery of its new UH-60M Black Hawks in flight - three and a half months after delivery.

Solomons International Assistance Force Honiara Solomon Islands

SIAF EXPANSION TO SUPPORT PACIFIC GAMES

SOLOMON ISLANDS: RAAF airlifters and RAN ships have delivered more personnel and equipment to the Solomons ahead of the Pacific Games set to kick off this weekend.

HMAS Stalwart Replenishment at Sea RPD23.4

HMAS STALWART CONDUCTS FIRST DOUBLE RAS

PHILIPPINE SEA: The Supply class AOR HMAS Stalwart has conducted her first double refuelling with HMAS Brisbane and HMAS Toowoomba during RPD 23-4.

RAAF MQ-4C Triton first flight California USA

RAAF MQ-4C TRITON FLYING IN USA

USA: The first flight of an Australian MQ-4C Triton BAMS drone has been revealed on flight trackers over California this morning.

Hunter Enhanced Surface Strike Capability concept

HUNTER CLASS MISSILE BOAT CONCEPT

AUSTRALIA: BAE Systems Australia has unvieled an 'Enhanced Surface Strike' variant of the Hunter class Future Frigate packed with advanced missiles.

RAAF MQ-4C Triton UAS sustainment contracts

MQ-4C TRITON SUSTAINMENT CONTRACTS

AUSTRALIA: Interim maintenance and parts supply contracts for the RAAF near future MQ-4C Triton reconnaissance drones have been finalised with Northop Grumman Australia.

Royal Australian Navy first Naval Strike Missile

FIRST NAVAL STRIKE MISSILES IN 2024

AUSTRALIA: The Royal Australian Navy is expecting its first All Up Rounds of the advanced and stealthy Naval Strike Missiles next year.

HMAS Stuart returns to service after AMCAP upgrade

HMAS STUART RETURNS TO SERVICE

ROCKINGHAM WA: The Anzac class frigate HMAS Stuart is in the final phase of trails and evaluations after her AMCAP upgrade.

Hawkei ABS braking issue Wabco ZF ABS modulator

HAWKEI BRAKE ISSUE UNRESOLVED

CANBERRA: The introduction of the Austr

alian Army's Hawkei PMV-L is moving extremely slowly due to failure to find and fix the ABS braking system fault.

ADV Guidance Undersea Support Ship Royal Australian Navy

UNDERSEA SUPPORT SHIP ENTERS SERVICE

SYDNEY HARBOUR: The Royal Australian Navy's new Undersea Support Ship ADV Guidance has arrived At Fleet Base East in Sydney Harbour.

Australian Army MRH-90 test and evaluation report disclosed safety risks

MRH-90 SAFETY RISK REPORT DISCLOSED

AUSTRALIA: The MRH-90's pilot helmet vision systems were potentially dangerous according to a series of AAAvn tech reports issued in 2020 and 2021.

US Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2023 video

USMC MRF-DARWIN 23 FAREWELL VIDEO

DARWIN NT: Video: Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2023 have uploaded a farewell video to honour their six month tour.

RAAF Air Combat Group dispersed air operations and Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations

RAAF DEVELOPING DISPERSED OPS TTPs

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF is experimenting with new technologies and in situ resources to allow it to employ bush airstrips and even highways as Forward Arming & Refuelling Points.

RNZN Littoral Manoeuvre Craft

RNZN NEW LITTORAL MANOEUVRE CRAFT

NEW ZEALAND: The RNZN's new high speed Littoral Manoeuvre Craft will allow it to deliver divers, troops and mine counter measures on military operations.

Australian Army Recruit Training Centre Recruits

ADF RECRUITING BELOW TARGETS

CANBERRA: Australian Defence Force recruiting programs have not achieved anywhere near their required targets for new soldiers, sailors or aviators.

RAAF E-7A Wedgetail flying in USAF Air Weapons School Nellis Air Force Base

RAAF E-7A SUPPORTS USAF AIR WEAPONS SCHOOL

LAS VEGAS USA: An RAAF E-7A Wedgetail is supporting the USAF's elite Air Weapons School training program.

Ex Beech C-130Js for Israel Gaza evacuations

RAAF C-130J HERCS TO MIDDLE EAST

MIDDLE EAST: Two additional RAAF airlifters and an Army contingent has been forward deployed to the Middle East as a contingeny force to evacauate citizens from Israel and Gaza.

Exercise Noble Caribou South China Sea 2023 RAN, RNZN, USN, RCN, JMSDF

SOUTH CHINA SEA NAVAL ACTIVITY

SOUTH CHINA SEA: The RAN has joined a package of warships from the US, NZ, Canada and Japan to transit the South China Sea in defiance of Chinese demands.

Exercise Bersama Lima 2023 RAAF, RMAF, RSAF and RAF

BERSAMA LIMA 23

MALAYSIA: Photofeature. The RAAF deployed Super Hornets and KC-30A tankers to RMAF Butterworth to train with the Brits, Singaporeans and Malaysians.

Point Wilson Explosives Area Victoria

PT WILSON EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE PIER

CORIO BAY VIC: The Dept of Defence's Point Wilson Explosive Ordnance Pier has resumed operations after a major renovation program.

RAAF Wedgetail fly NATO Ukraine support operations

WEDGETAIL DEPLOYS ON OP KUDU

GERMANY: An RAAF E-7A has deployed to Germany to support the NATO military support mission for Ukraine.

US Navy Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem 23.1 Australia

USN ROBOTIC FLEET OFF QUEENSLAND

CORAL SEA: A US Navy AI controlled fleet of four medium and large unmanned surface vessels is transiting along Qld's coast.

Project Sea 1180 Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessels on listed as a Project of Concern by Australian Government

ARAFURA OPV ON CONCERN LIST

AUSTRALIA: The Department of Defence has formally placed the problematic Luerssen Australia run Offshore Patrol Vessel project on the Projects of Concern list.

Army moral low after IGADF, pandemic deployments and Albanese unit cuts

ARMY MORALE UNDER PRESSURE

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is shrinking under the combined influence of post pandemic anger, IGADF persecution and the Albanese Government's active cuts to units and weapons.

Italy Aeronautica Militare and Marina Militare deploy to Australia in 2024

ITALY TO DEPLOY LARGE AIR COMBAT ELEMENT

AUSTRALIA: The Italian Aeronautica Militare and Marina Militare will deploy a large air combat package and an aircraft carrier to Australia next year.

RAAF airlift out of Israel 2023

OP BEECH EVAC FLIGHTS END

ISRAEL: The Royal Australian Air Force airlift of Australians and partner citizens out of Israel has been completed.

Innovaero OWL One Way Loitering munition, Insitu Pacific Integrator TUAS

AUSSIE LOITERING MUNITION LONG RANGE STRIKE

AUSTRALIA: Insitu Pacific and Innovaero are proposing a partnered long range loitering munition precision strike capability to the Australian Army.

Royal Australian Navy, ADV Cape Pillar, Evolved Cape class Patrol Boat

ADV CAPE PILLAR ENTERS SERVICE

AUSTRALIA: The Royal Australian Navy has accepted the Evolved Cape class Patrol Boat ADV Cape Pillar into service.

Army Reserve 2nd Division northern security mission

ARMY RESERVE RESUMES SECURITY FOCUS

AUSTRALIA: The Army Reserve will return to its traditional domestic security focus with defined northern and offshore responsibilities under the current reorganisation.

Royal Australian Navy and RAAF Maritime Aerial Delivery exercise HMAS Warramunga

NAVAL LOGISTICS AIRDROP

AT SEA: The ADF has revived its Maritime Air Delivery naval logistics air drop capacity with an exercise involving C-130J Hercs and HMAS Warramunga.

Australian Army Boxer CRV 30x173mm Rheinmetall TP-T ammunition production Nioa

LOCAL PRODUCTION OF 30x173mm MUNITIONS

BENALLA VIC: Production of 30x173mm cannon munitions for Army's Boxer CRVs is underway at Benalla Munitions Facility.

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2023 completes deployment

MARINES COMPLETE MRFD23 ROTATION

DARWIN NT: Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2023 has completed its six month deployment and is returning home to the USA.

Australian Army M142 HIMARS introduction into service

HIMARS OPERATIONAL CONVERSION BEGINS IN 2024

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army will begin Operational Conversion to the M142 HIMARS and stand up its first artillery rocket regiment next year.

Australian Army cuts

ARMY REDUCTION STILL NOT CLEAR

CANBERRA: The Albanese Government's statement detailing the major cuts to the Army have raised as many questions as it provided answers for.

RNZAF C-130J-30 Hercules rolls out of Lockheed Martin Marietta Georgia

FIRST RNZAF C-130J-30 ROLLS OUT

USA: The first of the RNZAF's next generation C-130J-30 Hercules has rolled off the Lockheed Martin production line.

Mulwala Propellent Facility and Benalla Munitions factory upgrades BLU-111 and BLU-117 bomb units

AERIAL BOMB UNIT PRODUCTION TO INCREASE

AUSTRALIA: Upgrades at Mulwala and Benalla will facilitate local production of BLU-111 (Aus) and BLU-117 (Aus) bomb units for the RAAF.

Hunter Future Frigate program reduced to six hulls

SURFACE FLEET REPORT LEAK CLAIMS

CANBERRA: A major media outlet has reported that the Hilarides Surface Fleet Report recommends slashing the RAN's future frigate program.

Rand Connector Survivability in the Current Operating Environment

REPORT IDENTIFIES LANDING CRAFT VULNERABILITY

USA: A US Navy commissioned report has identified the extreme vulnerability of landing craft with massive implications for the Australian Army's new littoral operations focus.

F-35 Joint Simulation Environment digital combat trials

SSN AUKUS NUKE SUB DESIGN CONTRACTS

UNITED KINGDOM: The UK Government has contracted BAE Systems to complete the SSN Aukus design and commence the acquisition of long lead equipment for the boats.

F-35 Joint Simulation Environment digital combat trials

F-35 JSE COMBAT SIMULATIONS FINALLY COMPLETE

USA: The F-35 Joint Simulation Environment synthetic c

ombat trials have been completed paving the way for Full Rate Production.

Australian Army withdraws NHIndustries MRH-90 from service decades early

ARMY WITHDRAWS MRH-90 FROM SERVICE

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army has withdrawn the problematic MRH90 helicopter from service after years of non performance, nightmare costs and lives lost.

3RAR Australian Army to re equip with the AS21 Redback IFV

3RAR TO OPERATE AS21 REDBACK

TOWNSVILLE: The 3rd Battalion will soldier on as the Australian Army's only mechanised infantry unit and eventually re equip with the Redback IFV.

Australian Army reduced combat force

ARMY STRIPPED TO THE BONE

CANBERRA: The Albanese Government is radically reducing the Australian Army's combat power with the new Order of Battle far more restricted than predicted.

Australian Army Operation Kudu training team for Ukrainian Army in United Kingdom

OP KUDU AUSSIE TRAINING TEAM FOR UKRAINE

UNITED KINGDOM: Video: The Australian Army's Op Kudu Training Team remains active training Ukrainian infantry in England.

HMAS Larrakia and HMAS Maryborough will decommission

TWO MORE ARMIDALE PBs DECOMMISSIONING

DARWIN: The RAN will decommission two more of its Armidale class Patrol Boats at HMAS Coonawarra.

HMAS Farncomb Collins class submarine electrical fire

HMAS FARNCOMB FIRE

AT SEA: An electrical fire occured on the RAN's Collins class submarine HMAS Farncomb while she was underway.

Albanese government defence cuts

ARMY CUTS RUMOURS FIRMING

CANBERRA: A major media outlet report has confirmed A&NZD's early reports of major cuts to the Australian Army's order of Battle.

US Army NGSW XM-7 and XM-250 6.8x51mm roll out.

US ARMY NEXT GEN SQUAD WEAPON ROLLOUT

USA: The first US Army unit to re equip with the new Next Generation Squad Weapon small arms has commenced its operational conversion.

Regional Presence Deployment 2023, HMAS Toowoomba and HMAS Brisbane

REGIONAL PRESENCE DEPLOYMENT 2023

AUSTRALIA: The Royal Australian Navy has deployed two more warships for extensive cooperative activity in the Indo Pacific.

Exercise Bushido Guardian 23, RAAF and JASDF Komatsu Air Base Japan, F-35A

EXERCISE BUSHIDO GUARDIAN 2023 AERIALS

JAPAN: Photo feature. Outstanding aerial imagery of Australian and Japanese F-35A Lightning IIs, F-15Js and F-15DJs and F-2A fighters has emerged from Bushido Guardian.

Exercise Wantok Warrior 2023 Wewak PNG, 2RPIR, 3RAR, 3CER

EXERCISE WANTOK WARRIOR 2023

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Townsville based Diggers from 3RAR and 3CER travelled to Wewak in PNG to train with the 2nd Bn Royal Pacific Islands Regiment early this month.

Australian Surface Fleet Review by Vice Admiral Hilarides

RAN SURFACE FLEET REVIEW RESPONSE NEXT YEAR

CANBERRA: The Government will release its naval strategy for the surface fleet early next year after evaluating the Hilarides Surface Fleet Review.

4th MQ-4C Triton for RAAF

ADDITIONAL MQ-4C TRITON FOR RAAF

CANBERRA: The RAAF has contracted for another MQ-4C Triton Broad Area Maritime Surveillance drone after a two year halt in buys.

DSR23 Australian Army reorganisation unit cuts

ARMY DSR CUTS REORGANISATION DELAYS

CANBERRA: The Albanese Government has not yet disclosed its planned cuts to the Army, three weeks after halting the CA's public disclosure.

Exercise Elang Ausindo 2023

RAAF F-35As DEPLOY TO INDONESIA

INDONESIA: The RAAF has deployed a contingent of F-35A Lightning IIs to Indonesia for the very first time.

Safeguarding Australia's Military Secrets legislation

NEW FOREIGN TRAINING & ADVISING LAWS

CANBERRA: The Government is introducing new legislation to criminalise former Defence personnel training or advising non Five Eyes military forces without formal approval.

HMAS Anzac returns to Fleet Base West

HMAS ANZAC RETURNS TO AUSTRALIA

ROCKINGHAM WA: HMAS Anzac has returned home after five months of exercises in southeast asia and sanctions enforcement operations off North Korea.

US Army prepositioned equipment facility Australia

US ARMY PREPOSITIONED EQUIPMENT SITE ACTIVATED

BANDIANA VIC: Hundreds of US Army vehicles and containers are arriving at the Albury Wodonga Military Area for long term prepositioning.

Royal New Zealand Navy next generaton surface warships

NZ SHOPPING FOR NEW WARSHIPS

NEW ZEALAND: The NZ Dept of Defence has issued a Request For Information to industry seeking a next generation fleet of surface combatants and patrol vessels.

Australian RAAF F-35A Lightning II Japan Koku Jieitai Komatsu Air Base, Exercise Bushido Guardian 2023

EX BUSHIDO GUARDIAN - EAGLES & LIGHTNINGS

JAPAN: Australian F-35A Lightnings are training with their Japanese counterparts in Japan for the first time.

USS Rafael Peralta SM2 missile reload Australia Royal Australian Navy

US NAVY RELOADS MISSILE IN AUSTRALIA

EDEN NSW: The US Navy has successfully reammunitioned a warship with a missile in Australia for the first time.

US Army M1E3 upgrade program Australian Army

US ARMY ABANDONS M1A2 UPGRADE FOR MAJOR REDESIGN

USA: The US Army is radically changing its plans for its M1A2 Abrams in ways that could impact the Australian Army.

RAAF F-35A LRIP 15 TR3 delivery delays

RAAF F-35A ACCEPTANCE DELAYED

USA: The acceptance of new RAAF F-35As is being held up by software issues with the latest configuration of the Lightning II.

AN/ALQ-249(v)2 Next Generation Jammer - Low Band Increment 2

NEXT GENERATION JAMMER - LOW BAND

USA: The Next Generation Jammer - Low Band is progressing which is great news for the RAAF's Advanced Growler Airborne Electronic Attack Capability upgrade.

ER GMLRS Extended Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System

EXTENDED RANGE HIMARS ARTILLERY ROCKET

USA: Successful trials launches of the next generation Extended Range GMLRS munitions promise to exponentially improve the Australian Army's near future M142 HIMARS.

Australian Army Abrams MBTs Indonesia Exercise Super Garuda Shield 23

AUST ARMY ABRAMS IN INDONESIA

INDONESIA: 1st Armoured Regiment Abrams have trained in Indonesia, the second international deployment of the tanks in two weeks.

US Army logistics activity Australia

AUST ARMY SUPPORTING US ARMY LOGISTICS

AUSTRALIA: A major combined US Army and Australian Army logistics activity surrounding Talisman Sabre and linked events has stress tested war fighting supply systems.

South China Sea FONOP Spratley Islands, Royal Australian Navy, Japan Maritime Self Defence Force, US Navy

SOUTH CHINA SEA COMBINED NAVAL ACTIVITY

SOUTH CHINA SEA: The Royal Australian Navy, Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force and US Navy conducted a combined passage through the South China Sea in defiance of Chinese claims.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II Komatsu Air Base Japan Exercise Bushido Guardian 2023 JASDF

EXERCISE BUSHIDO GUARDIAN

JAPAN: The RAAF has deployed F-35A Lightning IIs to central Japan to train with the Japanese Air Self Defence Force within Ex Bushido Guardian.

RAAF Op Argos North Korean sanctions evasion surveillance flights DPRK

RAAF P-8A ON DPRK SANCTIONS ENFORCEMENT OPS

JAPAN: Another RAAF P-8A Poseidon has deployed to Japan to conduct surveillance of North Korean UNSCR sanctions evasion.

Royal Australian Navy RWM Italia Murena Asteria multi influence seamine

RWM ITALIA SEAMINE ACQUISITION

CANBERRA: The Dept of Defence has finalised the contract for advanced RWM Italia multi influence seamines.

Project Air 6502 Medium Range Ground Based Air Defence Australia, Patriot Missile, IRIS-T

MEDIUM RANGE GROUND BASED AIR DEFENCE

CANBERRA: The ADF's Medium Range Ground Based Air Defence program has been been fast tracked after recieving First Pass Approval.

Japan Air Self Defence Force 301st Tactical Fighter Squadron Australia

JAPANESE F-35A DEPLOYMENT

TINDAL NT: The inaugural Japanese F-35A deployment to Australia will wrap up today, with the aircraft completing their three day ex.

Exercise Alon Australian Army Philippines

AMPHIBIOUS EXERCISE ON LUZON

PHILIPPINES: (Updated) Australia has successfully completed a long range amphibious insertion exercise with the Armed Forces of the Philippines into the South China Sea.

US Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey crash Melville Island

MARINE MV-22B TILTROTOR CRASH IN NT

MELVILLE IS NT: A US Marine Rotational Force - Darwin MV-22B has crashed on Melville Island during a training flight north of Darwin.

RAAF MQ-4C Triton IFC4 retrofit upgrade kits

MQ-4C TRITON IFC4 RETROFIT KITS

USA: The US Navy has contracted Northrop Grumman for MQ-4C Triton IFC4 retrofit kits for the itself and the RAAF.

Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk

NIGHTSTALKERS MH-47G LANDS ON HMAS ADELAIDE

CORAL SEA: Video: The famour 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment has been active in Australia for Talisman Sabre and beyond.

Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk

FIRST GOOD LOOK AT ARMY'S NEW UH-60M

HOLSWORTHY: The first high resolution images of the Army's new UH-60M Black Hawks have been released by Defence more than two weeks after their arrival.

Australian RAAF F-35A Luke Air Force Base USA

RAAF F-35A's LONG USA STAY

USA: At least four of the RAAF's newest F-35A Lightning IIs have been flying and training in the USA since May in an odd alteration to the delivery schedule.

INS Vagir Australia

FIRST EVER INDIAN SUBMARINE VISIT

ROCKINGHAM WA: The Indian Navy has berthed a submarine at Fleet Base West, the first ever visit by an Indian submarine.

Australian Army 7RAR disbaned

RAR DISBAND SOCIAL MEDIA CLAIMS

EDINBURGH SA: Unconfirmed reports that a Royal Australian Regiment infantry battalion is facing a bleak future are circulating on the internet.

Australian Army second M142 HIMARS order

2ND HIMARS ORDER APPROVED BY US

USA: A second order for enough additional M142 HIMARS to equip a second Australian Army regiment has been approved by the US Department of State.

RAN Tomahawk Block V TLAM, AGM-88G AARGM-ER RAAF

RGM-109E TLAM, AGM-88G AARGM-EXTENDED RANGE & SPIKE LR2 APPROVALS

AUSTRALIA: The Government has approved the RGM-109E Tomahawk and AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles after delaying the programs for the DSR.

Raspberry Creek Urban Operations Live Fire Facility Oakleigh Urban Operations Live Fire and Training Facility

MASSIVE NEW URBAN OPS LIVE FIRE TRAINING FACILITIES

AUSTRALIA: Huge new live fire Urban Operations Training Facilities have been built at the expanded Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2023 Australian Army Abrams M1A1

1st AUST ARMY ABRAMS INTERNATIONAL TRIP

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army's Abrams MBTs are being sealifted to Indonesia by the US Army for combined training with the TNI.

Halfbreed Blades Large Breaching Axe

FULL SIZED BREACHING AXE FROM HALFBREED BLADES

AUSTRALIA: Halfbreed Blades have just released their first full sized breaching axe, the LBA-01.

OPEN ACCESS

Exercise Red Flag Alaska 23-3 RAAF Wedgetail

RAAF E-7A HEADLINE RED FLAG ALASKA 23-3

ALASKA USA: An RAAF E-7A Wedgetail is headlining the US military's classified Red Flag Alask 23-3 activities.

Australian Army Drifire flame resistant uniform

ARMY BROADENS FLAME RESISTANT UNIFORM ISSUE

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is issueing its specialist flame resistant uniform to combat engineers, armoured vehicle crews and fuel technicians as well as aircrew.

Exercise Alon 2023 Philippines

LONG RANGE AMPHIBIOUS EXERCISE

DARWIN: The Royal Australian Navy is mounting a long distance combined Australian, US Marine Corps and Philippine amphibious insertion exercise to the Philippines under Ex Alon 23.

Exercise Malabar 2023 Australia

EXERCISE MALABAR 2023

SYDNEY HARBOUR: The Royal Australian Navy is hosting the 27th iteration of Exercise Malabar in eastern Australian waters with US Navy, Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force warships.

Royal Australian Navy surface fleet review corvettes

OFFERS OF LIGHT COMBATANTS FOR RAN

AUSTRALIA: Naval shipbuilders are pre empting the surface fleet review making offers of smaller missile armed combatants for the RAN.

US Navy SEAL Naval Special Warfare Unit Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 Australia

US NAVY SEALS TALISMAN SABRE

AUSTRALIA: Photostory The US Navy deployed a contingent of SEALs from the Naval Special Warfare Unit for Exercise Talisman Sabre.

Lithgow Arms Australian Combat Assault Rifle ACAR Ukraine

LITHGOW ARMS ACAR RIFLES IN UKRAINE

UKRAINE: Australian made Lithgow Arms ACAR AR clones are in combat in Ukraine after being supplied by Australia within its military aid package.

USS North Carolina Virginia class submarine Fleet Base West Australia

INCREASED NUCLEAR SUBMARINE VISITS UNDERWAY

ROCKINGHAM WA: The increase in US Navy nuclear powered submarine visits to Australia agreed at AUSMIN is now under way at Fleet Base West.

US Army 4/6 Infantry 1st Armoured Division, 16 Combat Aviation Brigade Australia Ex Talisman Sabre 2023

US ARMY STAYS ON TO TRAIN AFTER TS23

TOWNSVILLE QLD: Elements of the US Army Talisman Sabre contingent are involved in additional exercises with Australia's 3rd Brigade after TS23 ended.

Australian Army Aviation UH-60M first flight delivery to Luscombe Army Airfield Holsworthy

ARMY'S FIRST UH-60M BLACK HAWK FLIGHT

HOLSWORTHY NSW: The first of the Australian Army's new UH-60M Black Hawks has flown into 6th Avaition Regiment's base in western Sydney.

2 Commando Regiment USAF 353rd Special Operations Wing, Norfolk Island Australia Ex Talisman Sabre 2023

TS23 NORFOLK ISLAND SPECIAL OPERATONS

NORFOLK ISLAND: Photofeature. Australian Commandos conducted a long range insertion and seizure exercise with help from the USAF's 353rd Special Operations Wing.

Republic of Korea Navy, Republic of Korea Marines, 72nd Marine Battalion, KAAV7A1 Australia Ex Talisman Sabre 2023

TS23 SOUTH KOREAN AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT

SHOALWATER BAY QLD: The South Korean Navy and Marines have conducted the nation's first ever amphibious landing training in Australia.

US Army MTM-140 ATACMS 17th Field Artillery Brigade Australia Ex Talisman Sabre 2023

FIRST ATACMS LAUNCH IN AUSTRALIA

DELAMERE NT: The long range ATACMS missile has been launched in Australia for the first time during Ex Talisman Sabre.

Australian Army Aviation fixed wing

AAAVN LEASING FIXED WING AIRCRAFT

AUSTRALIA: An RFI for a small fleet of leased light transport aircraft for Australian Army Aviation has been released.

US Army and US Navy rotational deployments to Australia

US ARMY & US NAVY ROTATIONAL DEPLOYMENTS TO AUSTRALIA

AUSTRALIA: Both the US Navy and US Army will follow the USMC and USAF and commence regular rotational deployments to Australia.

 US Coast Guard Port Security Unit 312 Australia Ex Talisman Sabre 2023

US COAST GUARD PORT SECURITY UNIT 312

GLADSTONE QLD: The US Coast Guard has deployed a Port Security Unit within Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023.

 MRH90 helicopter missing Ex Talisman Sabre 2023

SEARCH FOR MISSING MRH90 CREW

WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS: The search for survivors from the missing Australian Army MRH90 helicopter continues in the Whitsunday Islands.

EOS T2000 turret for AS21 Redback IFV not yet contracted

HANWHA HAS NOT YET CONTRACTED AUSSIE EOS TURRET

AUSTRALIA: An accidental Hanwha email of a sensitive document and an EOS advisory to the stockmarket confirm that the AS21 Redback's advanced Aussie turret systems is NOT yet contracted.

Australian Army selects AS21 Redback IFV

AS21 ACQUISITION CONFIRMED

CANBERRA: The Government has confirmed the acquisition of the AS21 Redback armoured vehicle pending successful negotiations with the Korean Hanwha company.

Australian Army selects AS21 Redback IFV

MEDIA REPORTS AS21 REDBACK IFV SELECTED

AUSTRALIA: Various media platforms are reporting that the Hanwha AS21 Redback IFV has been selected for Army's gutted close combat program.

USMC VFMA-242 EABO Talisman Sabre 2023

USMC F-35B EABO EX AT ROCKY

ROCKHAMPTON QLD: US Marine Corps F-35Bs have conducted an EABO 'hot lilly pad' exercise out of Rockhampton Airport within Ex Talisman Sabre 2023. Pics Jason Miller/J.M Photography

Australian Army Reserve recruit course

ARMY RESERVE RECRUIT COURSE SHORTENED

AUSTRALIA: The Army Reserve will introduce a new three week recruit course next month to replace the problematic five week course.

Australian Army SIG Sauer P320 pistol

$30 MILLION PISTOL CONTRACT

AUSTRALIA: The ADF has finalised a $30 million contract for its next generation pistol.

20 new C-130J-30 Hercules for RAAF

NEW C-130J-30 HERCS FOR RAAF

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF will acquire an expanded fleet of new C-130J-30 Hercules to replace the hard working inservice aircraft.

 US Army M1A2 Abrams Talisman Sabre 2023

KOREAN MARINES DEPLOY WITH K9A1 155mm GUNS

SHOALWATER BAY QLD: South Korean Marines have deployed with the K9A1 155mm SPA for Talisman Sabre demonstrating the Australian Army's next gen artillery system.

 US Army M1A2 Abrams Talisman Sabre 2023

M1A2 ABRAMS MAKES ITS AUSSIE DEBUT

AUSTRALIA: The US Army has deployed the latest variant M1A2 Abrams to Australia for the first time for Talisman Sabre 23.

USS Canberra commissioning Sydney Harbor

USS CANBERRA COMMISSIONED IN SYDNEY

SYDNEY HARBOUR: The US Navy commissioned the Freedom class Littoral Combat Ship USS Canberra in Sydney Harbour in its first overseas commissioning ceremony.

 2023 Exercise Talisman Sabre rifles

TALISMAN SABRE's ECLECTIC RIFLES

AUSTRALIA: International contingents have deployed to Australia with some very interesting and very accessorised rifles.

Australian Army Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office

ARMOURED MANNED UNMANNED - TEAMING MANOEUVRES

PUCKAPUNYAL VIC: The Army's Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office has conducted more complex field manoeuvres with its autonomous AI driven armoured and UAS fleets.

US Army Abrams damaged in road accident Rockhampton

US ABRAMS DAMAGED IN HWY CRASH

ROCKHAMPTON: A US Army M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank has been damaged in a serious multi vehicle road accident.

Australian Army Boxer Block II first pix

BOXER BLOCK II?

BRISBANE: A previously undisclosed turreted Boxer variant at Rheinmetall in Brisbane revealed in a German Army imagery release has us wondering could it be the Aussie Army's Boxer Block II.

 2023 Exercise Talisman Sabre

TS23 INTERNATIONAL CONTINGENTS SETTLE IN

AUSTRALIA: Military personnel and equipment from all over the world is concentrating in northern Australia for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023.

US Senate Foreign Relations Committee support AUKUS submarines and tech transfer

US SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES AUKUS ARRANGEMENTS

USA: The key US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved the AUKUS arrangements with specific legistalive amendments included in this year's defence funding act .

USAF AFSOC AC-130J Ghostrider Australia Exercise Teak Action 2023 Talisman Sabre

US SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND AC-130Js IN AUSTRALIA

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The USAF Special Operations Command has deployed AC-130J gunships to Australia for the first time ever.

RNZAF P-8A NZ4804

FINAL RNZAF P-8A POSEIDON INBOUND

NEW ZEALAND: The RNZAF's new P-8A Poseidon fleet is complete with the last aircraft inbound to Ohakea.

30 more Bushmasters to Ukraine

MORE BUSHMASTERS FOR UKRAINE

LATVIA: The Prime Minister has announced another Bushmaster PMV-M transfer to Ukraine during his visit to the NATO summit.

RAAF E-7A Wedgetail to Germany to support NATO Ukraine mission

RAAF WEDGETAIL TO SUPPORT NATO UKRAINE MISSION

GERMANY: The RAAF will deploy an E-7A Wedgetail to Germany to support the NATO military support mission for Ukraine.

Deutsches Heer Kampfboxer MILVEHCOE Australia

GERMANS BUY AUSSIE BUILT BOXER

GERMANY: The German Government will acquire a large fleet of Australian built turreted Boxer vehicles for the Deutsches Heer.

Operation Kudu Rotation 3 is in England training Armed Forces of Ukraine within Operation Interflex

OP KUDU ROTATION 3 OPERATIONAL

ENGLAND: The third Operation Kudu training team to deploy to England to train Ukrainian infantry is operational.

Australian Army reorganisation

ARMY ORDER OF BATTLE REORG

AUSTRALIA: The Chief of Army has revealed the first phase of the major reorganisation brought on by the Albanese Govt cuts.

Bushmaster PMV deliveries to Ukraine

AIRLIFT OF BUSHMASTERS TO UKRAINE

AMBERLEY QLD: More Bushmaster PMVs have been flown out of RAAF Amberley to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

SAAB FDC558 Fire Control Device for Australian Army 84mm M4 MRWS

ADVANCED 'SMART' SIGHT FOR 84MM M4

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army will equip its new 84mm M4 Carl Gustav with SAABs advanced Fire Control Device which allows employment of 'smart' rounds.

1 Space Surveillance Unit Harold E. Holt Naval Communications Station Exmouth WA

No 1 SPACE SURVEILLANCE UNIT OPERATIONAL

EXMOUTH WA: The Australian Defence Force's Joint Space Command's first space mission unit has been declared operational.

155mm Huntsman Self Propelled Artillery Australian Army live fire trials

AS9 HUNTSMAN LIVE FIRE TRIALS UNDERWAY

SOUTH KOREA: Live fire and ballistics data capture trials on the Australian Army's next generation AS9 Huntsman Self Propelled Howitzer System are underway.

1st Aviation Regiment AH-64Ev6 Apache, RAAF Base Townsville

1ST AVIATION REGT SURVIVES CUTS

DARWIN: The Australian Army's 1st Aviation Regiment has survived the Albanese govt cuts and will lead the AH-64Ev6 entry into service.

Australian Submarine Agency

AUSTRALIAN SUBMARINE AGENCY ACTIVATED

CANBERRA: The Australian Submarine Agency commenced activity on July 1 to manage and over see the introduction of nuclear powered submarines.

RNZAF P-8A Poseidon IOC certification Initial Operating Capability

RNZAF P-8A POSEIDONS OPERATIONAL

NEW ZEALAND: The RNZAF's new P-8A Poseidon fleet has been IOC certified and released for operational tasking.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II FOC Final Operating Capability

RAAF F-35 DELIVERIES MAY BE DELAYED

USA: The latest US DoD F-35 acceptance halt could delay the RAAF's F-35A deliveries and FOC certification of the fleet.

RAAF 737 Max 8 Special Purpose Aircraft 34 Squadron

LEASED 737 MAX 8s FOR RAAF

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF will replace its two long serving B737 BBJs with two new leased 737 Max 8's to modernise the Special Purpose Aircraft fleet.

Sweden approves RAN Collins class submarine Life of Type Extension

SWEDEN APPROVES COLLINS CLASS LOTE

SWEDEN: Australia has gained all the relevent approvals required to upgrade its inservice Collins class submarines from the Swedish government.

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023

TALISMAN SABRE FORCES DEPLOYING

AUSTRALIA: International military forces are deploying into Australia ahead of the massive Ex Talisman Sabre 2023 set to kick off mid next month.

Ukraine gifted Supacat Special Operations Vehicles by Australia

SOVs, M113AS4s & 40Ms FOR UKRAINE

CANBERRA: Australia's latest military aid to Ukraine includes Special Operations Vehicles, more APCs and even Army's latest medium trucks.

M4 Multi Role Weapons System Australian Army

THIRD M4 CARL GUSTAV CONTRACT FINALISED

CANBERRA: The Department of Defence has signed up for a third batch of new 84mm M4 MRWS from SAAB Dynamics in Sweden.

Evolved Cape  class Patrol Boat ADV Woolamai

RAN ACCEPTS ADV CAPE WOOLAMAI

AUSTRALIA: The Royal Australian Navy has accepted another ECCPB which will join the patrol fleet in northern waters.

Royal Australian Navy SM-6 RIM-174 ERAM, RGM-109E TLAM, RGM-184A NSM fast track

RAN EXPEDITES RIM-174, TOMAHAWK & RQM-184A

AUSTRALIA: The Royal Australian Navy is fast tracking next generation long range Anti Air/Anti Missile, long range Strike and Stealthy Anti Ship Missiles into service.

USMC VFMA-314 F-35C Lightning II arrive in Australia for the first time

USMC F-35C LIGHTNING IIs FLY IN

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The USMC has flown in four carrier variant F-35C Lightning IIs to Australia. The first ever visit of the type. Pics Glen Greathead

Army Reserve infantry battalions M252A1 81mm Mortar

RESERVE MORTARS RETURN TO INFANTRY BNS

AUSTRALIA: Army Reserve infantry battalions are regaining their mortar platoons under the latest reorganisation underway.

Hardcore Hardware Australia MILF folder blades

NEW MILSPEC FOLDERS FROM HARDCORE HARDWARE

AUSTRALIA: Hardcore Hardware Australia releases new MILSPEC Folder models for 2023.

OPEN ACCESS

TNI-AD Bushmaster PMV-M gifted by Australia

INDONESIANS TRAINED ON GIFTED BUSHMASTERS

DARWIN NT: Indonesian soldiers have undergone conversion training on the Bushmaster PMV to operate the vehicles gifted to them.

M142 HIMARS 227mm M30A2 M31A2 XM-404 Extended Range

GMLRS MANUFACTURE UNDER ANALYSIS

CANBERRA: The 227mm GMLRS guided rockets for HIMARS are a likely munition for Australian production under the GWEO initiative.

Abrams transfer between HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Choules Ex Sea Explorer

ABRAMS AFLOAT TRANSFER BETWEEN AMPHIBS

TOWNSVILLE: The Amphibious Ready Group has successfully transferred heavy armour from one amphibious ship to another using a Mexefloat powered raft.

HMAS Benalla, HMAS Shepparton decommissioned, Paluma class hydrographic survey vessels

FINAL PALUMA CLASS BOATS RETIRED

CAIRNS: The RAN has decommissioned its last Paluma class hydrographic survey vessels at a ceremony in Cairns.

Anzac Brigade Combat Team

ANZAC BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Army has revealed that plans for a deployable combined Anzac Brigade Combat Team within a larger Five Eyes division exist.

2 Combat Engineer Regiment CBRN decontamination exercise Gallipoli Barracks Brisbane

CBRN DECONTAMINATION EXERCISE

BRISBANE: 2CER has led a 7Bde Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear decontamination exercise at Gallipoli Barracks as Army gears up for the worst case scenarios.

HMAS Anzac and USS America East China Sea Operation Argos,m North Korea sanctions

ANZAC COMPLETES DPRK SANCTIONS OP

EAST CHINA SEA: HMAS Anzac has completed her Op Argos surveillance operations of North Korean sanctions violations.

Collins class UGM-109 Tomahawk TLAM

SUB LAUNCHED TOMAHAWKS 'UNDER ASSESSMENT'

CANBERRA: Arming the RAN's Collins class submarines with Tomahawk missiles is complicated and could be very expensive.

9 Squadron RAAF reactivated June 11, 2023 RAAF Edinburgh SA

9 SQUADRON RAAF REACTIVATED

EDINBURGH SA: The RAAF's iconic 9 Squadron has formally returned to service ready to fly the new MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance drones.

Insitu Pacific Integrator TUAS Australian Army Project Land 129 Phase 3

INTEGRATOR TUAS ENTERS SERVICE

SHOALWATER BAY QLD: 20th Regiment has flown the Army's new Integrator TUAS drones in the field for the first time at SWBTA.

US Army HIMARS sealift during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 Australia

US ARMY EXTREME SEALIFT EXERCISE

AUSTRALIA: The US Army will leverage the upcoming Ex Talisman Sabre to prove its extreme range littoral sealift logistics capacity.

Hawkei PMV-L ABS brake fault stopping entry into Australian Army service

HAWKEI PMV-L FAULTS UNRESOLVED

AUSTRALIA: The faults that halted Army acceptance are still unresolved with over 70 percent of the fleet still parked at the factory.

HMAS Launceston decommissioned

HMAS LAUNCESTON DECOMMISSIONED

DARWIN: The eighth Armidale class Patrol Boat has been decommissioned at a quiet ceremony at HMAS Coonawarra.

Clearance Diving Team 4 Royal Australian Navy

CDT4 IN SUCCESSFUL COCAINE SEIZURE

KWINANA WA: The RAN's elite Clearance Diving Team 4 seized over $300 million in cocaine during a police led search of a bulk carrier.

Australia to get Virginia Block III and Block IV Virginia class SSN

VERY GOOD NEWS FOR RAN VIRGINIAS

AUSTRALIA: The exact configuration of the initial transferred Virginia class SSNs have been revealed along with a very nice surprise off the US Navy production line.

ADV Cape Pillar Evolved Cape class Patrol Boat Royal Australian Navy

SIXTH EVOLVED CAPE PB LAUNCHED

HENDERSON WA: The RAN's sixth next generation Evolved Cape class Patrol Boat has been launched at Austal in Western Australia.

Australian Army M142 HIMARS additional vehicles Project Land 8113 Phase 2

ADDITIONAL M142 HIMARS FOR ARMY

AUSTRALIA: A second tranche of M142 HIMARS artillery rocket systems has been approved for the Australian Army by the new government.

Aukus class SSN nuclear submarine build only five boats approved

LESS AUKUS NUKE SUBS APPROVED

AUSTRALIA: The head of the nuclear powered submarine acquisition program has revealed that the Albanese Govt has only approved a first tranche of locally made Aukus class submarines.

Special Operations Command Australia changes

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND 'FUNCTIONAL REALLIGNMENT'

AUSTRALIA: Special Operations Command - Australia is undergoing a massive alteration to its mission focus and force generation.

Halfbreed Blades MIK-05P Medium Infantry Knife in K340 Steel

UPGRADED MIK-05P TANTO

AUSTRALIA: Halfbreed Blades have upgraded their MIK-05P Medium Infantry Knife to a new Bohler K340 Tool Steel for extreme toughness.

OPEN ACCESS

Australian Army L3Harris T7 T4 EOD robots Project Land 154 Phase 4

NEXT GEN EOD ROBOTS

AUSTRALIA: Follow on contracts for the Australian Army's next generation EOD and Counter-IED remotely operated robots have been finalised.

8/9RAR Char Cheneh valley Afghanistan 2012 pic by John Hunter Farrell

BREATH TESTS ZERO BLOOD ALCOHOL LIMIT

CANBERRA: In the latest insult to serving members, ADF command has instituted a zero blood alcohol limit and random breath testing in response to IGADF Afghan inquiry. Pic John Hunter Farrell

J3Seven Parachute Simulation System at the ADF Parachuting School Nowra

SOCAust PARACHUTE SIMULATION SYSTEM

NOWRA NSW: The Defence Special Operations Training & Education Centre has introduced an advanced parachute simulation training system for static and freefall training.

Virginia class SSN cost US Navy

US NAVY VIRGINIA SSN BUILD COSTS

USA: The actual cost the US Navy pays for a new build Virginia class SSN-774 sub is a lot less than some of the AUKUS costs thrown around suggest.

New Zealand Army Bushmaster PMV-M enter service

NZ BUSHMASTER PMV-M IN SERVICE

NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand Army has its first combat team lift tranche of new Bushmaster 5.5 PMVs.

5RAR training team for Ukraine Op Kudu UK

OP KUDU ROTATION 2 TRAINING TEAM

ENGLAND: The Australian Army training team in England is finalising its first Ukrainian infantry training course.

RAAF EA-18G Growler and E-7A Wedgetail Ex Northern Edge 23-1 Alaska

EXERCISE NORTHERN EDGE 23-1

ALASKA USA: The RAAF has been busy training in Alaska with AUKUS partners during Exercise Northern Edge 23-1.

Australian Army warfighting preparations

ARMY'S HIGH INTENSITY WARFIGHTING FOCUS

AUSTRALIA: Army's high intensity warfare training focus has been maintained in the wake of the govt's downgrade of ground combat capability.

RAAF AGM-158B-2 JASSM-ER B2 extreme range

RAAF JASSM-ER B-2 PRODUCTION CONTRACT

USA: Production of the RAAF's next gen extreme range strike missile has been contracted by the USAF.

USS Canberra commissioning in Sydney Harbour

US NAVY TO COMMISSION WARSHIP IN SYDNEY

USA: In an historic first, the US Navy will commission a warship at a foreign naval base with the commissioning of an LCS in Sydney.

Defence budget expands public service senior executives

MORE DEFENCE PUBLIC SERVANTS

CANBERRA: The latest Defence budget includes funds for more positions and lots of promotions for civilian pubic servants.

third RNZAF P-8A Poseidon delivery 5 Squadron Ohakea

NEW RNZAF POSEIDON DELIVERY UNDERWAY

NEW ZEALAND: The Royal New Zealand Air Force's latest P-8A Poseidon MMMA is due to arrive in NZ tomorrow.

HMS Tamar Fleet Base West Western Australia

BRIT OPV MAINTENANCE UNDERWAY IN WA

ROCKINGHAM WA: The Royal Navy's HMS Tamar is undergoing an extended maintenance period at Fleet Base West near Perth.

More Bushmaster PMV-Ms for Australian Army

MORE BUSHMASTERS FOR AUSTRALIAN ARMY

BENDIGO VIC: The Australian Army will acquire a new tranche of new build Bushmaster PMV-Ms under an industrial support arrangement.

ADF too Top Heavy with senior officers

TOP HEAVY ADF FORCE STRUCTURE

CANBERRA: The Australian Defence Force is extraordinarily top heavy with battalions of senior officers to command fewer and fewer and smaller combat units.

RAAF KA350 transferred to Sri Lanka

RAAF KA350 DONATED TO SRI LANKA

SRI LANKA: Australia has donated one of the RAAF's small fleet of KA350 King Airs to support Sri Lanka's efforts to stop illegal boats violating Australia's borders.

Australian Army Aviation flying hour allocations

BUDGET WEIRD AAAVN HELO FUNDING

CANBERRA: A close look at this year's Defence budget reveals some very odd Australian Army Aviation flying hour allocations.

Australian RAAF P-8A Poseidon Increment 3 upgrade

BUDGET DOCS CONFIRM P-8A INC 3 UPGRADE

EDINBURGH SA: The recent budget has confirmed the continuation of the RAAF's progressive P-8A spiral upgrade program.

Hunter frigate production contract ANAO report Project Sea 5000 Australia

ANAO REPORT SAVAGES SEA 5000 CONTRACT

CANBERRA: The Govt's Australian National Audit Office has concluded that the Hunter class frigate contract has serious 'value for money' issues.

Nuship Arafura OPV delays Project Sea 1180 Australia

ARAFURA OPV DELAYED AGAIN

OSBORNE SA: Nuship Arafura, the first of class OPV, has been further delayed and will not be offered for acceptance until late this year.

Defence budget 2023-24 Australia

DEFENCE BUDGET 2023-24

CANBERRA: The 2023-24 Defence Budget reveals no new weapons programs but increases overall Defence spending to over $52 billion.

Project Sea 129 Phase 5 Maritime Unmanned Aerial System cuts

RAN MTUAS ACQUISITION 'RESCOPED'

CANBERRA: The RAN's efforts to introduce a Maritime Tactical UAS for its surface fleet is another victim of the Albanese Govt funding cuts.

SURTASS-E towed sonar array Australia

RAN SEEKS SURTASS-EXPEDITIONARY ARRAYS

USA: The US State Department has approved an Australian request for the advanced SURTASS-Expeditionary towed sonar array submarine detection system.

Multi Ammunition Softkill System RAN Hobart class DDG Anzac class FFH

ADVANCED COUNTERMEASURES SUITE FOR RAN

CANBERRA: The RAN will equip its surface combatants with the advanced German anti missile countermeasures system.

16RAA eNASAMS NASAMS Mk II, CEAOPS radar, 16th Regiment Royal Australian Artillery

eNASAMS GBAD BREAKS COVER

BEECROFT NSW: Imagery of the Army's new eNASAMS Ground Based Air Defence System during its certification trials has been released.

Project Air 6016 JTAC Joint Terminal Attack Controller Training Capability cut by Albanese govt

NEW FAC/JTAC TRAINERS 'RESCOPED'

CANBERRA: The ADF's program to acquire a purpose built JTAC training support fighter has been officially 'rescoped' by the Albanese Government DSR cuts.

USAF E-7A Wedgetail training Australia

RAAF TO TRAIN USAF E-7A TEAMS

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The USAF will deploy a large contingent of air and technical personnel to Australia to train on the E-7A Wedgetail.

evacuation of Australian citizens from Sudan

SUDAN EVACUATION FLIGHT

SUDAN: An RAAF C-130J Hercules has successfully completed an airlift of Australian citizens and dependents out of wartorn Sudan.

UH-60M Black Hawk Australian Army introduction into service 6 Aviation Regiment

UH-60M OPERATIONAL CONVERSION 'SOON'

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army's Operational Conversion to the new Black Hawk helicopter will kick off in Sydney within weeks.

Mortar Ammunition Replacement Project rescoped Land 8115

NEXT GEN MORTAR AMMO 'RESCOPED'

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army's project to introduce modern mortar ammo has been 'rescoped' under the Albanese Government cuts.

RAAF KC-30A aerial refuelling Japanese F-15J and F-15DJ

RAAF AAR TRIALS WITH JASDF F-15J

JAPAN: The RAAF has conducted more air to air refuelling certification flight trials in Japan, this time on the Eagle.

RNZAF naval helicopter replacement project

NZ SEEKS NEXT GEN NAVAL HELO

NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand is shopping for a next generation naval aviation support capability and is looking at both helos and MTUAS.

RAAF outcomes in Defence Strategic Review 23

RAAF DSR UNCLASSIFIED OUTCOMES

AUSTRALIA: Outside of some already known missiles, the RAAF seems to have garnered very little attention in the unclassified DSR documents which may be a good or a bad thing.

Australian Army reductions

'SIGNIFICANTLY SMALLER' COMBINED ARMS CAPABILITY

AUSTRALIA: A video statement by Chief of Army has confirmed that the DSR will 'significantly' reduce Australia's close combat capacity.

Precision Strike Missile Australian Army

PrSM MISSILE APPROVAL

AUSTRALIA: The approval of the Precision Strike Missile for the Army's future HIMARS units is the only good news from the Government.

Defence Strategic Review most important details

DSR RELEASE MAJOR DECISIONS

AUSTRALIA: The Army has copped a flogging and the RAAF hasn't done very well out of the Albanese Government's Defence Strategic Review. With the RAN still facing the knife.

Defence Strategic Review Australian Army slashed

ARMY SLASHED IN DSR CUTS - REPORTS

AUSTRALIA: Simultaneous major media outlet reports claim that the Albanese Government will slash the Army's combat capacity under its new defence structure.

HMAS Anzac Operation Argos North Korea sanctions evasion

HMAS ANZAC SAILS FOR OP ARGOS

INDIAN OCEAN: HMAS Anzac is steaming north for five months of activity including monitoring North Korean violations.

Exercise Balikatan 2023 Philippines with 2 Commando Regiment

EXERCISE BALIKATAN 2023

PHILIPPINES: Pictorial - Australian Army conventional and Special Operations contingents are in the Philippines for Exercise Balikatan 2023 with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Plan Anzac Bilateral Service Cooperation Australian Army and New Zealand Army

PLAN ANZAC BILATERAL AGREEMENT

NEW ZEALAND: The Australan and New Zealand Armies have signed a closer engagement and interoperability agreement to expand sovereign combat capacity.

US Army Talisman Sabre 2023 Australia

US ARMY INBOUND FOR TALISMAN SABRE

AUSTRALIA: The US Army is planning a major expansion of its contingent to Talisman Sabre, with Abrams tanks and 400 other vehicles inbound.

5RAR Op Kudu training team England, Armed Forces of Ukraine

OP KUDU TRAINING TEAM RETURNS

DARWIN NT: The Australian Army's Operation Kudu training team has returned to the NT after completing its deployment training Ukrainians in England.

RAAF MQ-4C Triton Australia

RAAF & USN MQ-4C COOPERATION

USA: RAAF personnel are active in the US Navy's Triton persistent maritime surveillance program ahead of the Tritons arrival in Australia.

Integrator TUAS FLARES VTOL system

VTOL SYSTEM FOR INTEGRATOR TUAS

USA: Insitu has developed a Vertical Take Off and Landing ancilliary system for the inservice Integrator TUAS.

RAAF F-35A acceptance resumes Australia Lockheed Martin

RAAF F-35A LIGHTNING II ACCEPTANCE RESUMED

USA: RAAF acceptance processes for new F-35A Lightning IIs is back on track after LRIP14 restrictions lifted and flight trials resume.

Ukraine Bushmaster PMV-M General Valerii Zaluzhnyi

ZALUZHNYI MOVES IN BUSHMASTER PMV

UKRAINE: Ukraine's legendary General Valerii Zaluzhnyi has been spotted visiting the front in an Aussie Bushmaster PMV-M.

ADV Guidance Undersea Support Vessel

DEFENCE BUYS ANOTHER OSV

SINGAPORE: Defence has acquired another OSV as a dedicated Undersea Support Vessel for the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System. Pic D Meek

Exercise Waratah Run 23 5 Brigade 2/4RNZIR

ANZAC RESERVE URBAN EX

SINGLETON NSW: Photo story - Army Reservists from the NSW based 5th Brigade and the New Zealand Army Reserve 2/4RNZIR conduct combined training at the School of Infantry.

HMAS Armidale decommissioned in Darwin March 30

HMAS ARMIDALE DECOMMISSIONED

DARWIN: The RAN has decommissioned HMAS Armidale, the first of class of the Armidale class Patrol Boats.

Australian laser weapons sytem

QINETIQ LASER WEAPON PROTOTYPE FUNDED

AUSTRALIA: The Department of Defence has contracted QinetiQ Australia to build an advanced Laser Directed Energy Weapon prototype.

RAAF AN/ALQ-249(V1) Next Generation Jammer - Mid Band

RAAF NEXT GEN JAMMER IN PRODUCTION

USA: The first AN/ALQ-249(V1) Next Generation Jammer - Mid Band suites for the RAAF's Growlers has been contracted.

Ukraine buys Australian made EOS Remote Weapons Stations

UKRAINE BUYS AUSSIE EOS RWS SYSTEMS

CANBERRA: Ukraine has ordered more than 100 Australian designed and manufactured EOS Remote Weapons Stations.

RAN Kratos BQM-177A Subsonic Aerial Target SSAT Australia

RAN ORDERS BQM-177A SSAT

USA: The RAN is acquiring the advanced Kratos BQM-177A Subsonic Aerial Target system to validate its warships ASMD capability.

RAN Asteria and Murena multi influence sea mines Australia

MULTI INFLUENCE SEA MINE ACQUISITION

AUSTRALIA: The RAN will acquire a large amount of advanced Italian made 'smart' seamines with a production line in NSW.

F2 81mm Mortar M252A1 Australian Army

LEGACY F2 MORTAR STILL IN SERVICE

AUSTRALIA: The old 1980s era F2 Mortar is still in service, years after its scheduled replacement by the M252A1.

RNZAF C-130J-30 Hercules Operational Conversion Little Rock AFB

RNZAF C-130J-30 OPCON UNDERWAY

USA: The RNZAF has commenced its Operational Conversion to the next gen C-130J-30 Super Hercules in the United States.

2 Combat Engineer Regiment defensive line breaching Shoalwater Bay

7 BDE HIGH INTENSITY WARFARE TRAINING

SHOALWATER BAY QLD: The Brisbane based 1st Brigade is energising its combat engineering heavy combat support skills.

Carl Gustav M4 MRWS Australian Army

NEW 84mm ROLLOUT ALMOST COMPLETE

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army's pandemic interrupted introduction of the next gen 84mm DFSW system is almost complete.

Australian 5RAR instructors train Ukrainian infantrymen in the UK under Operation Kudu

OP KUDU TRAINING TEAM 2ND UKRAINIAN COURSE

UNITED KINGDOM: The 5RAR training team in England has commenced training its second combat team of Ukrainian infantrymen.

German potential Aussie made Boxer CRV buy

GERMAN BOXER BUY NEGOTIATIONS

CANBERRA: There is a lot more complexity and potential profit in the proposed German Boxer CRV buy than a dangled carrot to favour Rheinmetall for Land 400 Phase 3.

Combatant Craft Assault vessels SASR SEALS

SPEC OPS INTERCEPTORS IN WA

FREMANTLE WA: Some very interesting Special Operations watercraft were spotted in Freo harbour yesterday.

Army MRH90 helicopter ditched at sea during counter terrorism training

MRH90 HELO DITCHES DURING CT EX

JERVIS BAY: An Army MRH90 TTH helicopter has been lost during Counter Terrorism training in NSW.

RAAF Growler A46-313

GROWLER FLEET RESTORED TO FULL STRENGTH

AMBERLEY SEQ: The RAAF has restored its Growler fleet to full strength with a 12th aircraft. First pics of A46-313. Pic Michael Marston

Army focus on warfighting

MARCH RELEASE OF NEW MIK-08

OPEN ACCESS: Halfbreed Blades are releasing their new 2023 larger format Medium Infantry Knife based on the Tracker style.

Army focus on warfighting

ARMY ESCALATES WARFIGHTING FOCUS

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is altering its public messaging and training focusing on warfighting and warfighters.

HMAS Choules MH-60R FOCFT trials

HMAS CHOULES MH-60R ROMEO FOCFT

TASMAN SEA NSW: The RAN is conducting MH-60R Romeo First of Class Flight Trials aboard the Landing Ship Dock HMAS Choules.

Deutsches Heer to retire Tiger UHT gunship helicopter

GERMANY DUMPS TIGER HELO

GERMANY: The Deutsches Heer has announced it will retire it EC665 Tiger gunships, vindicating Australia's decision to retire its own fleet of undeployable Tigers ARH.

SOTG XVII veteran charged with murder from Afghanistan operation Baluchi Valley

SOTG VETERAN CHARGED WITH MURDER

AUSTRALIA: The ABC is reporting that Australian Federal Police have charged an SOTG Afghanistan veteran with murder over an incident in Afghanistan.

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2023

MARINE ROTATIONAL FORCE - DARWIN 2023 ARRIVALS

DARWIN NT: Advance elements of Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2023 have flown into the Top End ahead of the main force for this years Dry Season MAGTF deployment.

Australia RAN RGM-109E Tomahawk TLAM cruise missile

RAN RGM-109E BLOCK IV/V APPROVAL

USA: The US State Department has approved an Australian order for hundreds of very long range Tomahawk cruise missiles .

SSN AUKUS nuclear powered submarine armament and technical details

SOME SSN AUKUS DETAILS REVEALED

AUSTRALIA: The Australian and United Kingdom MoDs have revealed a few technical and armament details of the next gen SSN AUKUS nuclear powered subs.

RNZAF P-8A NZ4802 Poseidon

ANOTHER RNZAF P-8A POSEIDON INBOUND

NEW ZEALAND: Another RNZAF P-8A Poseidon has left the USA bound for New Zealand's RNZAF Base Ohakea.

SSN AUKUS nuclear submarine cost predictions

SSN AUKUS COSTS

AUSTRALIA: We examine US Navy and Royal Navy nuclear SSN costs to sort some rationality into the Government's next gen sub fleet predictions.

US Navy MQ-4C Triton program halt

RAAF IN LURCH AS US NAVY KILLS MQ-4C BUY

USA: US Navy ending MQ-4C Triton acquisition potentially leaving the RAAF in an expensive lurch.

AUKUS Virginia and SSN AUKUS subs US Navy and Royal Navy submarine basing Australia

AUKUS SSN DETAILS CONFIRMED

USA: The leaders of the USA, UK and Australia confirmed Australia's acquisition of Virginia and later more advanced AUKUS nuclear submarines along with Australian basing and international training arrangements.

Operation Vanuatu Assist 23

VANUATU ASSIST 23 OPERATIONS

VANUATU: The ADF disaster response contingent has disembarked at Port Vila and commenced HADR operations.

US Navy submarine basing Australia

US NAVY HAS MASSIVE PLANS FOR AUSTRALIA

USA: The US Secretary of the Navy has revealed massive plans for American SSN sub basing, maintenance and maybe even builds in Australia.

RAN Virginia class SSN Australia

VIRGINIA CLASS SSNs FOR RAN - REPORTS

USA: Reuters is reporting that Australia will acquire a fleet of Virginia class SSNs or SSGNs as a first tranche of AUKUS.

RAAF Super Hornet Block III Upgrade

RAAF F/A-18F UPGRADE

USA: The RAAF is planning to upgrade its F/A-18F Block II+ Super Hornets to maintain commonality with the US Navy.

FGM-148F Javelin Australian Army

LATEST JAVELIN ALL UP ROUND BUY

USA: The US State Department has approved an Australian acquisition of the most advanced Javelin missile for the Army.

FGM-148F Javelin Australian Army

HALFBREED BLADES CKC-01

OPEN ACCESS: Halfbreed Blades have designed a Covert Key Companion tool in response to the ongoing pandemic.

AUKUS announcement on March 13

AUKUS ANNOUNCEMENT DATE DISCLOSED

UNITED KINGDOM: The Brit Financial Times newspaper is reporting that the AUKUS 'preferred pathway' will be announced very shortly.

Operation Vanuatu Assist 23

OP VANUATU ASSIST 23

VANUATU: The ADF has launched a major HADR operation to support Vanuatu after two cyclones hit within a week.

Australian Army 105mm Hamel Light Gun Bakhmut Ukraine

EX AUST ARMY ARTY IN BAKHMUT

UKRAINE: Former Aust Army artillery guns are part of Ukraine's forces in the epic battle for Bakhmut currently raging.

AW139 Australian Army lease B Squadron 5th Aviation Regiment

MORE LEASED HELOS FOR ARMY

AUSTRALIA: Army is leasing two additional Leonardo helicopters to maintain rotary wing support to units on the east coast and Darwin .

RAAF MQ-4C Triton Introduction Into Service Australia

MQ-4C TRITON IIS GAINS MOMENTUM

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF's MQ-4C Triton drone's Introduction Into Service program is gaining momentum with the type's first flight trials and crew training about to commence.

RAAF F-35A F135 engine retrofit of fuel tube affected by harmonic resonnance

GLOBAL F-35A ENGINE FIX ORDERED

USA: The US government's F-35 Joint Project Office has ordered a quick compulsory engine modification which affects all RAAF F-35As.

Australian Army preferred AS21 Redback IFV

ARMY PREFERRED IFV IDENTIFIED - MEDIA

AUSTRALIA: A mainstream media outlet is reporting that it knows which IFV Army formally preferenced for the Albanese threatened Project Land 400/3.

Australian funded PAC750XL PNGDF Papua New Guinea

TWO MORE XSTOL AIRCRAFT FOR PNGDF

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Two additional Australian funded XSTOL aircraft will be delivered to the PNGDF's Air Transport Wing in the near future.

BAE Systems Australia Razer Low Cost Precision Guided Munition

RAZER LOW COST AIR LAUNCHED MUNITION

AVALON VIC: An Aussie advanced new very low cost air launched stand off precision munition has been revealed at Avalon airshow.

Boxer CRV Immersive Tactical Trainer simulator

BOXER IMMERSIVE TACTICAL TRAINER SIMULATORS

BRISBANE QLD: A fleet of highly realistic Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle training simulators is being built in Brisbane to support the new Boxer CRV fleet entering service next year.

AGM-88G AARGM-ER Extended Range RAAF Australia

RAAF AGM-88G AARGM-EXTENDED RANGE APPROVED

USA: The US State Department has approved an acquisition of the futuristic AGM-88G AARGM-ER air defence suppression missile for the RAAF.

Strix Tactical UAS BAE Systems Australia

ADVANCED AUSTRALIAN DESIGNED ARMED DRONE REVEALED

AVALON VIC: BAE Systems Australia has unveiled an advanced Australian

 developed low cost UCAV combat drone.

Mark 54 Lightweight Torpedo RNZAF P-8A Poseidon

RNZAF INTRODUCING ADVANCED TORPEDO

NEW ZEALAND: The RNZAF is introducing an advanced new Lightweight Torpedo to arm its new P-8A Poseidons.

EC-Paint Australian Army weapon camouflage

ARMY INDIVIDUAL WEAPON CAMOUFLAGE

AUSTRALIA: Army has adopted a specialist weapon paint system for individual weapon camouflage.

UH-60M Black Hawk and AH-64E Apache Guardian Australia

AH-64E & UH-60M OT&E TRIALS

AUSTRALIA: Both the US Army UH-60M Black Hawk and AH-64E Apache Guardian have more on their agenda than just the Avalon airshow.

F-35A engine mitigation accepted

F-35A ENGINE ISSUE 'MITIGATION' ACCEPTED

USA: The US Government's F-35 Joint Program Office has lifted the freeze on F135 engine acceptance clearing the way for Lightning deliveries to resume.

ADV Cape Naturaliste HMAS Coonawarra Darwin

FIRST ECCPB ASSIGNED TO DARWIN

HENDERSON WA: The first of the new Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat is enroute to HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin.

Australian Army Rifle Company Butterworth

RIFLE COMPANY BUTTERWORTH 137

MALAYSIA: Photostory. The current rotation of Rifle Company Butterworth is maintaining an Australian Army tradition dating back to 1970.

HMAS Stuart AMCAP upgrade

HMAS STUART RELAUNCHED AFTER AMCAP

HENDERSON WA: HMAS Stuart has been refloated after completing the hardstand component of the AMCAP systems upgrade program.

Australian developed JDAM-ER wingkits for Ukraine

AUSTRALIAN DEVELOPED JDAM-ER FOR UKRAINE

USA: US media is reporting that the US will deliver JDAM-Extended Range wing kits developed by Australia to Ukraine to improve stand off precision air strikes.

Australian Army MRH-90 FOC certification March 2023

MRH-90 STUMBLES TOWARDS FOC

AUSTRALIA: Army's problematic MRH-90 TTH helicopter is scheduled to be finally certified operational as it approaches withdrawal from service.

Australian Army training Ukrainian infantry Operation Kudu, United Kingdom

OP KUDU TRAINING TEAM 'AK' SMALL ARMS

ENGLAND: 5RAR Diggers are employing unconventional 'AK' type assault rifles in the Ukrainian infantry training program in the UK.

Op Kudu Training Team UK, Armed Forces of Ukraine

UKRAINE TRAINING TEAM URBAN OPS

ENGLAND: Video: The Australian Army puts Ukrainian trainees through urban close combat training at a Brit Army facility.

AH-64E Apache Western Sydney

APACHE FLYING IN WESTERN SYDNEY

RICHMOND NSW: Sharp eyed aviation photographer has snapped an interesting chopper flying out of a RAAF base in western Sydney. Pic Glen Greathead/GEG Aviation Photography

Uncrewed Mine Countermeasures Royal Australian Navy

RAN DIGITAL MINE COUNTERMEASURES

SYDNEY HARBOUR: The RAN's Maritime Deployable Robotic & Autonomous Systems Experimentation Unit is developing unmanned 'stand off' mine clearance.

RAAF P-8A Poseidon North Korea sanctions monitoring Operation Okra

RAAF NORTH KOREA SANCTIONS OPS

JAPAN: The RAAF has deployed an MMMA to Japan to monitor North Korean sanctions evasion activities.

RAN S100 S2 Camcopters

S100 S2 MTUAS STILL UNDER EVALUATION

CANBERRA: The RAN is still evaluating its options for a fleet MTUAS according to CASG statements.

UH-60M Australian Army Aviation 6th Aviation Regiment

UH-60Ms INBOUND + MAJOR AAAVN REORG

AUSTRALIA: The first UH-60M Black Hawks will be flying in Australian skies very shortly and it will be goodbye to the MRH-90 next year.

RAAF F-35A stuck at Lockheed Martin until flight restrictions lifted

RAAF F-35A FROZEN IN TEXAS

USA: Deliveries of RAAF F-35A Lightning IIs from the factory are frozen until the LRIP14 flight restriction is lifted.

ADV Cape Capricorn ECCPB

ECCPB CAPE CAPRICORN JOINS FLEET

HENDERSON WA: The fourth Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat has entered service with the RAN patrol boat fleet.

Armed Forces of Ukraine M113AS4 donated by Australia

FIRST UKRAINE M113AS4 CONFIRMED LOST

UKRAINE: Video of an Australian donated M113AS4 APC lost in Russian controlled territory has been broadcast on Russian TV

5RAR Training Team in the United Kingdom to support Ukraine, Op Kudu

5RAR UKRAINIAN TRAINING PROGRAM

ENGLAND: Pictorial The Australian Army training team in southern England is putting their Ukrainian trainees through their five week course.

Australian Army Littoral Manoeuvre Regiment

FUTURE LITTORAL MANOEUVRE REGIMENT

CANBERRA: The Army's planned Littoral Manoeuvre Regiment aims to revolutionise ADF regional combat capacity.

XM-7 NGSW-R 6.8x51mm Next Generation Squad Weapon - Rifle

US ARMY REDESIGNATES NEW NGSW-RIFLE

USA: A copyright issue over the M-5 small arms designation has forced the US Army to rename its new 6.8x51mm battle rifle.

ADV Woolamai launched ECCPB

5TH ECCPB PATROL BOAT LAUNCHED

HENDERSON WA: The fifth Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat for the RAN has been launched in Western Australia.

Rand Paul attempts to block Australian weapons purchases

US SENATOR OPPOSING ADF WEAPONS BUYS

USA: A prominant US Senator has made repeated attempts to block Australian weapons purchases from US suppliers.

RNZAF C-130H Hercules 40 Squadron withdrawal from service

RNZAF C-130H RETIREMENT COMMENCING

NEW ZEALAND: The RNZAF has begun the progressive retirement of its Vietnam era C-130H Hercules aircraft.

4RAR reraising frozen by Albanese Govt

RERAISING OF 4RAR FROZEN

AUSTRALIA: The planned reraising of 4RAR as an elite amphibious unit is currently frozen by the Albanese Government.

Advanced Growler CEA Technologies

ADVANCED GROWLER EW RANGE EMITTORS

AUSTRALIA: Contracts have been signed for a high tech Electronic Warfare range emittor suite to support the Advanced Growler program.

AUKUS SSGN submarine announcement

US BUDGET DOCUMENTS REVEAL AUKUS DETAILS

US: The US 2023 Defense Budget documents detail some exciting AUKUS developments.

AUKUS SSGN submarine announcement

AUKUS ANNOUNCEMENT ARRANGEMENTS UNDERWAY

CANBERRA: Reports that the Prime Minister is travelling to the USA for the AUKUS submarine announcement are strong signs that the program is progressing.

5RAR Training Team in the United Kingdom to support Ukraine, Op Kudu

OP KUDU TRAINING TEAM COMMENCES WORK

ENGLAND: Pictorial The Australian Army Training Team supporting the Ukrainian Army has commenced operations in southern England.

Australian Army Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle Block II Rolls Royce 8V199 T21 Allison 4800SP

UPRATED DRIVELINE FOR BOXER BLOCK II

BRISBANE: The Aust Army's next gen Boxer Block II Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle will have more powerful engines and higher spec transmissions that the inservice Block I.

RNZAF P-8A Poseidon Introduction Into Service flights out of RNZAF Base Ohakea

RNZAF POSEIDON IIS FLIGHTS BEGIN

NEW ZEALAND: The RNZAF Poseidon Transition Unit has commenced P-8A Poseidon Introduction Into Service flights out of Kiwi bases.

Joint Australian Training Team - Philippines 2023

JOINT AUSTRALIAN TRAINING TEAM - PHILIPPINES

BRISBANE: The Australian Army is deploying its latest training team to the Philippines to support the AFP's combat capability.

RAAF MQ-4C Triton

MQ-4C CERTIFICATION ISSUES

USA: US Navy digital testing delays will impact the RAAF's Triton oceanic surveillance drone's Introduction Into Service program.

RNZAF P-3K2 final flight

RNZAF RETIRES P-3K2 ORIONS

NEW ZEALAND: The RNZAF's P-3K2 Orions have flown their final operational task with a three ship formation over the capital.

RAAF AN/ASG-34(V)2 IRST21 Infrared Search and Track System

RAAF IRST21 INTRODUCTION

USA: Roll on pandemic affects have complicated the US Navy and RAAF introduction of the advanced IRST21 air to air combat sensor system.

Royal Australian Navy Multi Influence Sea Mine acquisiton Project Sea 2000

RAN SEA MINE ACQUISITION

CANBERRA: Advanced modern sea mines able to detect and engage hostile warships have been bought for the Royal Australian Navy.

RAAF E-7A Wedgetail Exercise Red Flag 23-1

RED FLAG 23-1

USA: The RAAF has returned to Nellis AFB in Las Vegas to play a central role in Red Flag 23-1.

5th Aviation Regiment relocation to Army Aviation Centre Oakey

HELICOPTERS TO HEAD SOUTH

TOWNSVILLE: North Queensland based helicopter squadrons set to fly the new Black Hawks will be relocated to the south.

RAAF Smith Houston Defence Strategic Review

DEFENCE SECURITY REVIEW SPECULATION - RAAF

AUSTRALIA: Just some of the rumours about the Smith Houston DSR's plans for the RAAF being thrown about by Labor Party linked journos and online private chat groups.

Australian Army Training Team Ukraine Operation Kudu

TRAINING TEAM DEPARTS FOR UK

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army's contribution to the training of the Ukraine Army is about to deploy to Britain.

Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk acquisition

BLACK HAWK ACQUISITION IS BACK ON

AUSTRALIA: The Albanese Government has reapproved the Army's critically needed replacement for the failed MRH90 helicopter.

Nioa Group acquires Barrett

BARRETT NOW AUSTRALIAN OWNED

AUSTRALIA: Queensland based military systems supplier Nioa Group has bought out the iconic Barrett rifle company.

Senator Jim Molan Australian Senator, veteran and stratagist

SENATOR JIM MOLAN DEAD AT 72

AUSTRALIA: Senator and former Major General Jim Molan, the foremost strategic policy expert in the Australian parliament has passed away.

Australian Defence Force MRH90 and CH-47F Op Flood Assist 23-1 Broome Western Australia

OP FLOOD ASSIST 23-1

KIMBERLEY WA: ADF aviation and ground assets are supporting isolated communities in Western Australia's remote Kimberley region.

Australian Army Active Protection Suite IAI-Elta Othello Threat Detection System

ISRAELI VEHICLE PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR IFVs

AUSTRALIA: Australian Army AFVs and MBTs will be fitted with advanced Israeli Fire Location sensors as part of their Active Protection System suites.

Lockheed Martin PrSM, M142 HIMARS, Australian Army

PrSM PRECISION STRIKE MISSILE

USA: The Aussie partnered long range PrSM Precision Strike Missile program is bearing fruit with US Army Introduction Into Service later this year.

Royal Australian Artillery M142 HIMARS AS9 Huntsman 155mm NASAMS

ARTY & MISSILES MAY BE SAFE FROM DSR CUTS

AUSTRALIA: Recent confirmations of artillery and rocket quarantine from the Smith Houston DSR cuts is good news for the Royal Australian Artillery.

Australian donated M113AS4 Svatove Kreminna Ukraine heavy combat FEBA

EX AUSSIE M113AS4 APCS IN COMBAT

UKRAINE: Australian donated M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carriers are in heavy combat in the battle for Luhansk in Ukraine.

AUKUS opposition Senate Armed Services Committee

US SENATORS OPPOSE AUSTRALIAN SSGN

USA: Top US Senators have gone public with their total opposition to Australian purchase of Virginia nuclear powered submarines.

RGM-184A NSM Naval Strike Missile RAN Australia

GOVT (RE)APPROVES ASM FOR RAN

CANBERRA: The Govt has given final approval of an expedited buy of Anti Ship Missiles orginally announced mid 2022 by the previous Government.

HiMARS M142 Australian Army contract

M142 HIMARS CONTRACT FINALISED

CANBERRA: The contract for Army's first regiment of the new HiMARS rocket artillery system has been signed.

F-35A Block 4 Lightning II AN/APG-85 radar

NEW F-35A BLOCK 4 RADAR REVEALED

USA: The US Department of Defence has revealed a next generation radar system for its Block 4 Lightnings.

Boxer CRV 30x173mm DM21 KETF

BOXER AMMO SUBJECT TO FOREIGN VETO

AUSTRALIA: The advanced 30mm ammo for the Army's new Boxer CRVs is not only extremely expensive, but is subject to a European neutral nation's harsh export controls.

Austal USA's nuclear submarine module production

NUCLEAR SUB WORK IN USA

USA: The US subsidiary of an Aussie naval firm is building hull components for the US Navy's Virginia SSGNs.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II delivery delay

RAAF F-35 DELIVERIES AFFECTED

AUSTRALIA: A limited flight ban on new F-35As will impact Lockheed Martin delivering RAAF F-35A Lightning IIs.

RAAF Pacific Edge Hawaii

EX PACIFIC EDGE 23

HAWAII: The RAAF teamed up with USAF, Hawaii ANG, US Navy and USMC with the largest ever assembly of 5th generation air combat power in the bilateral Ex Pacific Edge.

HMAS Warramunga Fleet Base East Sydney Harbour

HMAS WARRAMUNGA TRANSFERS TO SYDNEY

SYDNEY HARBOUR: HMAS Warramunga has been rebased at Fleet Base East after HMAS Parramatta was dry docked for upgrade.

Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment Training teams Ukraine UK 1RNZIR 2/1RNZIR

NZ UKRAINE TRAINING TEAMS HOME

NEW ZEALAND: The two New Zealand Army infantry training teams have returned home after completing their training program of Ukrainian infantry in the UK.

BAE Systems Australia Hunter class frigate program RAN

FUTURE FRIGATE BUILD MOMENTUM

OSBORNE SA: Finally a little good news is emerging from the RAN's Future Frigate shipbuilding program.

NZDF personnel shortage, Orion retirement

NZDF OPERATIONAL CRISIS

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Defence Force has been forced to tie up ships and retire its Orion fleet due to a personnel shortage.

Anduril Australian RAN Ghost Shark XLAUV

RAN XLAUV PROGRAM UNDERWAY

SYDNEY: The RAN, DSTG and Anduril Australia Ghost Shark XLAUV autonomous undersea drone program is underway in earnest

RAAF F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter A35-059 A35-058

TWO MORE LIGHTNING IIs DELIVERED

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: Two additional F-35As have flown into RAAF Williamtown bring the total to five in three days. Pic Zach Mason

MQ-4C Triton RAAF

RAAF ADDITIONAL MQ-4C ACQUISITION REVIVED

CANBERRA: The RAAF has restarted negotiations to acquire additional MQ-4C Triton advanced maritime surveillance drones.

New RAAF F-35A Lightning II arrive at RAAF Williamtown

NEW F-35As FLY IN TO WILLIAMTOWN

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The RAAF's F-35A Lightning II fleet is expanding with new aircraft arrivals after the long flight from the USA. Pics Zach Mason and Glen Greathead

HMAS Wollongong decommissioned Armidale class patrol boat

HMAS WOLLONGONG DECOMISSIONED

CAIRNS FNQ: The RAN's Armidale class Patrol Boat HMAS Wollongong has been decommissioned from service in Cairns.

Elbit Systems Skylark I LEX UAS Australian Army

ARMY SELECTS SKYLARK 1 LEX sUAS

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army has selected the Israeli Skylark I LEX Small Unmanned Aerial System as its next gen small battlefield surveillance drone.

RNZAF P-8A Poseidon delivered

BOEING DELIVERS FIRST RNZAF P-8A POSEIDON

USA: The first Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon has been delivered by Boeing Defence in the USA.

Indonesian Navy officers hosted on submarine HMAS Farncomb

INDONESIAN NAVY HOSTED ABOARD AUSSIE SUB

INDONESIA: The Royal Australian Navy has hosted a delegation of senior Indonesian Navy personnel aboard a Collins class submarine.

US military rotations into Australia to expand

EXPANSION OF US ROTATIONS INTO AUSTRALIA

USA: The US military will substantially expand the rotation of its military assets through Australia under an accellerated Australia United States Force Posture Initiative program.

Bell V280 Valor Future Long Range Assault Aircraft FLRAA US Army

US ARMY SELECTS BELL V280 TILTROTOR

USA: The US Army has selected the V280 Valor tiltrotor as its Future Long Range Assault Aircraft UH-60 replacement.

Ex Austra Hind 22, Australian Army 13th Brigade, Indian Army Dogra Regiment

FIRST AUST ARMY EX IN INDIA

INDIA: The Australian Army is conducting its first conventional training activity in India under Ex Austra Hind 22.

20RAA, 20th Regiment Royal Australian Artillery, Aviation Command, Insitu Pacific, Integrator

20RAA TRANSFERRED TO 16 AVN BRIGADE

BRISBANE: Army's TUAS operator 20th Regiment Royal Australian Artillery is now transferred to Army's new Aviation Command.

HMS Glasgow Type 26 Global Combat Ship, Hunter class Future Frigate

BRIT TYPE 26 FRIGATE LAUNCHED

UNITED KINGDOM: The first Brit Type 26 Global Combat Ship has been launched, taking some pressure off Australia's own Type 26 evolution delay

ed build.

B-21 Raider bomber Royal Australian Air Force RAAF B21

B-21 RAIDER BOMBER REVEALED

USA: Northrop Grumman has revealed the USAF's next generation B-21 Raider strategic bomber at a ceremony in California.

M252A1 81mm Mortar System Australian Army

3RAR MECH EMPLOY NEW 81MM MORTAR

TOWNSVILLE: Contrary to earlier Army HQ announcements at least one mechanised infantry battalion is employing the next gen 81mm mortar.

ATS Live Fire Range in a Box LFRiB Australian Army

LIVE FIRE RANGE IN A BOX

INDIAN OCEAN: The Australian Army has deployed an Aussie made advanced digital containerised live fire range aboard HMAS Adelaide for Indo Pacific Endeavour.

USS Mississippi Fleet COMSUBPAC Base West Western Australia

US NAVY OPEN TO SUB STATIONING

ROCKINGHAM WA: The US Navy's COMSUBPAC has confirmed the US Navy is interested in operating SSN submarines from Aussie bases.

Boxer CRV Australian Army Singapore

BOXER CRVs INTERNATIONAL DEBUT

SINGAPORE: Aussie 2/14LHR Boxer CRVs have conducted their first international training deployment with urban training in Singapore.

USS Mississippi Fleet Base West Western Australia

VIRGINIA SSN DOCKS AT FLEET BASE WEST

ROCKINGHAM WA: Fleet Base West is hosting the second US Navy nuclear powered submarine to conduct a port visit this year.

IGADF medal confiscation

CAMPBELL MOVES ON AFGHAN MEDALS

CANBERRA: The Chief of Defence Force Angus Campbell has officially commenced actions to strip medals from Afghanistan commanders.

Land 400 Phase 3 halted

ALBANESE GOVT HALTS ARMY UPGRADE

CANBERRA: The Government has halted the Australian Army's Armoured Fighting Vehicle replacement program.

M142 HIMARS Australian Army

HIMARS QUEUE GROWS WHILE AUSTRALIA DITHERS

USA: Multiple international orders for HIMARS are jumping the queue while Australia sits on its hands waiting for the DSR.

NORFORCE Border Protection USV Bluebottle

KIMBERLEY BORDER PROTECTION PATROL

KIMBERLEY WA: Army's Regional Force Surveillance Group is employing advanced drones to support its border protection patrols in remote northern Western Australia.

HMAS Stalwart AOR Philippine Sea USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group 5

RAN REFUELS US CARRIER AT SEA

PHILIPPINE SEA: An RAN Supply class AOR has completed the First of Class refuel and resupply of a US Navy aircraft carrier at sea.

RAAF P-8A High Altitude Anti Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability

US NAVY P-8A HIGH ALTITUDE TORPEDO IOC

USA: The US Navy has certified its game changing anti submarine torpedo system paving the way for the RAAF introduction into service.

Australian Army Experiment Project Convergence 22

PROJECT CONVERGENCE 22

USA: Video: The Australian Army is testing its next gen tech alongside the US and UK in the US Army Future's Command's Experiment Project Convergence 22 in the California desert.

Royal Australian Navy MQ-27 ScanEagle retirement

RAN RETIRES MQ-27 SCANEAGLE TUAS

NOWRA NSW: The RAN has retired its ScanEagle trials UAS fleet ahead of the introduction of its next gen MTUAS.

Army downgrade Greg Sheridan

CATASTROPHIC ARMY COMBAT DOWNGRADE

CANBERRA: A leading media commentator is reporting he has been 'told' details of the Albanese Govt's DSR advice and it is catastrophic for Army.

NZDF Unimog and Pinzgauer LOV replacement program

NZDF UNIMOG & PINZGAUER REPLACEMENT

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Dept of Defence is seeking next generation light and medium tactical vehicles.

RAAF F-35A deliveries

F-35A DELIVERIES SLOW BUT STEADY

USA: New RAAF F-35A Lightnings are rolling off the Texas assembly line slowly but steadily due to post pandemic supply chain issues.

Chinese EW attack on US, Japanese, Australian warships in the South China Sea

CHINESE EW ATTACK ON RAN, USN, JMSDF WARSHIPS

SPRATLY ISLANDS: A trilateral Australian, US and Japanese surface action package was targeted by the Chinese military in the South China Sea in October.

RAAF ROKAF Air to Air Refuelling agreement Ex Vigilant Storm 23-1

RAAF ROKAF REFUELLING AGREEMENT

SOUTH KOREA: The RAAF and Republic of Korea Air Force are alligning Air to Air Refuelling procedures to allow AAR of each other's aircraft.

Indo Pacific Endeavour 2022 HMAS Adelaide

INDO PACIFIC ENDEAVOUR 2022

INDIAN OCEAN: The ADF has deployed an integrated amphibious element to the Indian Ocean under IPE22 for multilateral training activities.

Navantia corvettes and additional Hobart class DDGs

NAVANTIA OFFER OF EXPEDITED WARSHIPS

AUSTRALIA: The Department of Defence is evaluating an expedited Spanish offer to build more warships.

Hawkei PMV-L safety restrictions braking issue

HAWKEI OPERATIONAL RESTRICTIONS

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army has banned Hawkei PMV-Ls from public roads while it investigates another braking issue.

HMAS Arafura Nuship Offshore Patrol Vessel Luersson

OPV ARAFURA DELIVERY DELAYED

OSBORNE SA: The RAN will recieve its first Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessel a few months late in 2023.

Hanwha K9 AS9 Huntsman 155mm artillery firing video

HANWHA SPH VIDEO

USA: Video: Hanwha has released a video of the Korean Army version of the Aust Army's next gen AS9 155mm arty system.

14th Regiment Royal Australian Artillery M142 HiMARS PRSM Australian Army

NEW ROCKET ARTILLERY REGIMENT

CANBERRA: Army has revealed which Royal Australian Artillery regiment will operate its future precision rocket artillery systems.

Australian Army MRH-90 problems Senate hearings

MRH-90 'EXTREMELY PROBLEMATIC'

CANBERRA: Senate defence estimates hearings have seen a torrent of extremely negative ADF responses on the poorly performing MRH-90 helicopter.

Australian Defence Force Impactful Projection

NEW ADF FOCUS 'IMPACTFUL PROJECTION'

CANBERRA: The Government has stated the ADF will be reorganised to deliver a new strategy of 'Impactful Projection'.

HMAS Parramatta AMCAP upgrade BAE Systems Australia Henderson WA

FINAL ANZAC DRY DOCKED FOR AMCAP

HENDERSON WA: The last RAN Anzac frigate has been dry docked to commence her major combat systems upgrade.

Australian Army funding cuts

GOVT HINTING AT MAJOR ARMY DEFUNDING

CANBERRA: Prime Minister Albanese is openly hinting he plans to strip the Army of its combat capability

ADV Cape Naturaliste Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat RAN

ADV CAPE NATURALISTE DELIVERED

HENDERSON WA: The third new build ECCPB patrol boat ADV Cape Naturaliste has been delivered to the RAN.

Enhanced NASAMS Ground Based Air Defence Australian Army

GROUND BASED AIR DEFENCE MOMENTUM

AUSTRALIA: The first fully integrated vehicle mounted elements of Army's next generation anti aircraft and missile defence systems will soon be delivered.

Special Operations Command Australia refoc
      us on war fighting away from counter terrorism

SOC-AUST AOF EVOLUTION VIDEO

AUSTRALIA: Video: Special Operations Commander Australia talks about the new direction Australian Spec Ops is going.

Special Operations Command Australia refocus on war fighting away from counter terrorism

SOC-AUST DEPRIORITISES COUNTER TERRORISM FOCUS

AUSTRALIA: Special Operations Command - Australia will deprioritise Counter Terrorism and refocus on high intensity warfare operations under the latest Army reorganisation.

RAAF C-130J-30 buy Project Air 7404 Phase 1

US CONFIRMS RAAF HERC FLEET DOUBLING

USA: The US Department of State has officially approved a doubling of the RAAF's Hercules fleet with new aircraft.

Daniel Defence Mark 18 Solomon Islands Australian Federal Police

AUSTRALIA GIFTS WEAPONS TO SOLOMONS

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Australia has delivered more top shelf custom carbines and tactical vehicles to the Solomon Islands.

Swedish Air Force NH90 replacement

SWEDEN ABANDONS NH-90 HELO

SWEDEN: The Swedes will replace the NH-90 (MRH-90 in ADF service) with new UH-60M Blackhawks backing up the Aust Army's decision to do the same.

RAAF AP-3C(EW) Orion electronic warfare 10 Squadron

RAAF's ELECTRONIC WARFARE AIRCRAFT EXTENDED

EDINBURGH SA: The RAAF's top secret electronic warfare aircraft fleet has been extended to cover the MC-55A Peregrine delays.

RAAF Tindal upgrade for USAF bombers

USAF BOMBER FACILITIES IN AUSTRALIA

TINDAL: The ABC's sensationalist reporting of works at RAAF Tindal are nothing new, with the original aggreement signed in 2012 by PM Gillard and President Obama.

RAAF C-130J Hercules fleet expansion under Project Air 7404

EXPANDED FLEET OF NEW HERCS CONFIRMED

CANBERRA: The Dept of Defence has confirmed we are negotiating a big buy of the latest C-130J Hercules airlifters.

Schiebel S100 S2 Camcopter Royal Australian Navy First of Class Flight Trials

RAN S100 S2 CAMCOPTER FOCFT

INDIAN OCEAN: The RAN is leveraging Op Indo Pacific Endeavour to conduct First of Class Flight Trials for its Camcopter MTUAS.

HMAS Arunta Op Argos North Korea

HMAS ARUNTA NORTH KOREAN MONITORING OPS

EAST SEA: HMAS Arunta has joined United Nations sanctions monitoring of DPRK sanctions violations.

Australian Army heavy armoured 9th Brigade

NEW ARMOURED BRIGADE ACTIVATED

EDINBURGH SA: The Army has commenced its major ORBAT reorganisation with the activation of the new heavy armoured brigade.

RAAF C-27J Spartan communications upgrade

RAAF C-27J SPARTAN COMMUNICATIONS UPGRADE

AMBERLEY: The RAAF's fleet of C-27J Spartans will have secure communications systems installed under a new upgrade.

Australian Bushmaster PMV-Ms to Ukraine

MORE BUSHMASTERS FOR UKRAINE

CANBERRA: Australia will gift a fourth tranche of additional Bushmaster PMV-Ms to Ukraine's war effort.

Australian Army training team for Ukraine

UKRAINE TRAINING TEAM CONFIRMED

CANBERRA: The Government has confirmed the deployment of an Australian training team to Britain to train Ukrainian combat personnel.

Australian Defence Budget 2022/23

DEFENCE FUNDING MAINTAINED

CANBERRA: The Albanese Government has maintained the expanded Defence funding program but has announced few new initiatives.

Australian Army Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Spike LR2 missile

BOXER ATGW MISSILES INBOUND

CANBERRA: The first tranche of Israeli missiles for the Australian Army's Boxer CRV Block IIs are inbound.

Australian Army SIG Sauer MCX-300B-9B .300 Blackout 7.62x35mm

MCX PERSONAL DEFENCE WEAPON DETAILS

AUSTRALIA: The correct configuration and technical specification of the Australian Army's new 7.62x35mm MCX PDW to put to rest the wild rumours.

Fiji Australia Status of Forces Agreement

FIJI AUSTRALIA STATUS OF FORCES AGREEMENT

FIJI: Fiji and Australia have signed a Status of Forces Agreement to formalise the legal status of each other forces in each others country.

New Zealand Army Bushmaster 5.5 PMV-M

FIRST KIWI BUSHMASTER PMVs SOON

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Army is about to get its hands on the first of its new Bushmaster 5.5 PMV-Ms.

Exercise Kokoda Wantok Special Forces exercise

KOKODA WANTOK SPECWAREX

AUSTRALIA: Special Forces from Australia, PNG, the USA, New Zealand and France got together for some training prior to walking the Kokoda Track together.

Major General Chris Smith Indo Pacific lecture

ALLIES, LSCO & THE INDOPACIFIC

USA: An Aussie Major General gives a lecture with some insights on the Indo Pacific security threat. Analysis by Maj Gen Chris Smith

Investigation into PLAAF training

INVESTIGATION INTO CHINA AIR COMBAT TRAINING

CANBERRA: The Dept of Defence has launched an investigation to establish if any ex RAAF aircrew are involved in the training of Chinese PLAAF.

HMNZS Aotearoa East China Sea RNZN

HMNZS AOTEAROA RETURNS TO OPERATIONS

EAST CHINA SEA: New Zealand's HMNZS Aotearoa is back at work refuelling partner warships in East Asia after a month in dry dock in Singapore.

Rheinmetall KF41 Lynx Australian made Lance II turret

FIRST KF41 LYNX DELIVERED TO HUNGARY

HUNGARY: The first production configuration KF41 Lynx complete with its advanced Australian made turret has been delivered.

Joint Australian Training Team - Philippines First Scout Ranger Regiment

JOINT AUSTRALIAN TRAINING TEAM - PHILIPPINES

PHILIPPINES: The 3RAR led Land Mobile Training Team 4, part of the Joint Australian Training Team - Philippines has trained hundreds of Filipino recon scouts.

Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle IOC Australian Army

BOXER CRV CERTIFIED IOC

BRISBANE: The Australian Army's new Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles have been Initial Operating Capability certified.

Australian M113AS4 Ukraine

M113AS4s ON UKRAINE FRONTLINE

UKRAINE: First pix - Armed Forces of Ukraine have deployed Australian donated M113AS4s into the combat zone in northern Ukraine.

Australian Army AH-64Ev6 Apache

SOME MOVEMENT ON ARMY'S APACHE BUY

USA: Contracts for sub systems for the Australian Army's AH-64Ev6 Apaches have been signed but the Albanese Govt hasn't confirmed the chopper buy.

Australian Army RDM Assegai 155mm ammunition

NEW 155mm AMMO MID 2023

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army will introduce its next generation extended range rocket assisted 155mm munitions into regimental service mid next year.

Australian Defence Force Pacific Islands train and equip program

EXPANSION OF MILITARY LINKS WITH PACIFIC ISLANDS

CANBERRA: The Government is proposing a significant expansion of its military train and equip program for Pacific Island nations and Timor Leste.

Australian Defence Force Training Team to United Kingdom to train Ukrainian

AUSTRALIA CONSIDERING UK UKRAINE TRAINING TEAM

CANBERRA: The Government is considering deploying a combat training team to the UK to support the training of Ukrainian soldiers.

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2022, Australia, 3rd Battalion 7th Marines

MARINE ROTATIONAL FORCE - DARWIN 22 ENDS

DARWIN NT: The US Marine Corps has successfully completed its 11th extended Dry Season large force deployment to Australia.

ADV Cape Capricorn, Austal Henderson WA, Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat RAN, Royal Australian Navy

4TH ECCPB PATROL BOAT LAUNCHED

HENDERSON WA: The fourth Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat is in fit out at Austal in Western Australia after launch.

Bushmaster PMV battle loses in Ukraine

BUSHMASTER COMBAT LOSSES IN UKRAINE

UKRAINE: Ukraine is employing Aussie made Bushmasters as infantry fighting vehicles at the very Foward Edge of Battle Area.

RAN missile corvette concept

RAN MISSILE CORVETTE FLEET?

CANBERRA: The Government is exploring the potential of a large fleet of fast missile armed corvettes for the RAN.

Lockheed Martin Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk negotiations

LOCKHEED MARTIN BACKS UH-60M BUY

BRISBANE: Lockheed Martin has confirmed that it can still meet the Army's expedited Black Hawk buy if the Govt signs contracts.

HMAS Glenelg decommissions HMAS Coonawarra Darwin

FIFTH ARMIDALE PATROL BOAT DECOMMISSIONS

DARWIN: Another Armidale class Patrol Boat has been decommissioned from service in a ceremony at HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin.

RAAF P-8A Poseidon Naval Air Station Signonella Italy Mediterrainean Sea

RAAF P-8A POSEIDON TO SUPPORT NATO

ITALY: The RAAF has deployed a P-8A Poseidon to Sicily to support NATO maritime surveillance missions.

Lithgow Arms Close Combat Family of Weapons, 6.8x51mm TAR6.8-16 AR Australian Army Project Land 159

TWO NEW LITHGOW 6.8mm RIFLE PROTOTYPES

AUSTRALIA: Lithgow Arms has developed two advanced 6.8mm prototype battle rifle designs which will soon enter Australian Army trials.

Accuracy International AX-SR Nightforce ATACR L3Harris SPEAR INOD Australian Army Project Land 159

NEW SNIPER RIFLE TARGETING SUITE

AUSTRALIA: We examine the next generation AI sniper rifle's advanced optical scope and digital accuracy support suite of sub systems.

Benelli M3A1 shotgun Australian Army Project Land 159

AUST ARMY'S NEW AUTO SHOTGUN

AUSTRALIA: We take a look at the Army's next generation 12 gauge dual action Combat Shotgun and its high end accessories.

SIG Sauer P320 XCarry Pro pistol Australian Army Project Land 159

AUST ARMY'S TOP SHELF NEW HANDGUN

AUSTRALIA: The Army's next generation SIG Sauer is an advanced modern handgun at the cutting edge of pistol tech.

Project Land 159 sniper rifles Accuracy International AX-SR Mark 24 Advanced Sniper Rifle Barret M107A1 Australian Army

AUSTRALIAN ARMY'S NEXT GEN SNIPER RIFLES

AUSTRALIA: Two top shelf sniper rifles and an advanced digital optics, laser and ballistics computer are inbound to RAR sniper cells.

Project Land 159 sniper rifles, Personal Defence Weapon SIG P320 XCarry Pro Australian Army

ARMY ANNOUNCES GUCCI NEW SMALL ARMS

AUSTRALIA: The Army has revealed an advanced line up of new subguns, sniper rifles, shotguns and a gucci new handgun for our Anzacs.

Navantia three more Hobart class DDG offer

NAVANTIA PRESENTS DDG OFFER

CANBERRA: Navantia has formally presented its unsolicited offer to quickly build more destroyers for Australia to the Government.

RAN Fleet Air Arm 808 Squadron MH-60R Romeo

CURRENT NAVAL LOGISTICS SQN WILL FLY NEW MH-60Rs

NSW: The RAN Fleet Air Arm's inservice logistics support squadron will fly the new fleet of MH-60Rs.

Op Render Safe 2022 Tuvalu RNZN RAN RCN USMC

OPERATION RENDER SAFE 2022

TUVALU: Clearance Divers and EOD specialists from New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the US Marines embarked on HMNZS Manawanui to locate WW2 bombs in Tuvalu.

Ex Cartwheel 2022, Fiji Military Forces, 8/9RAR, 2/1RNZIR, Gurkhas

EXERCISE CARTWHEEL 2022

FIJI: 8/9RAR and 2/1RNZIR deployed contingents to Fiji to participate in the US Army led cooperative exercise with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces in the Fiji highlands.

OPV4 Illawarra keel laying ceremony

OPV5 ILLAWARRA KEEL LAYING

HENDERSON WA: The keel laying ceremony for Arafura class OPV5 Illawarra has been conducted in Western Australia.

Exercise Kakadu 2022

EXERCISE KAKADU 2022

TIMOR SEA: Photostory The RAN's premier international exercise has wrapped up after the largest ever contingent participated in Kakadu 22. Pic Tauri Minogue

Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2022 Shoalwater Bay Australia

SINGAPOREANS RETURN TO QLD IN STRENGTH

SHOALWATER BAY QLD: The Singapore Armed Forces have resumed brigade plus training in Australia after the pandemic suspension of exercises.

TACREDEPLOY Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 Darwin MRF-D22

USMC OSPREYS HEAD HOME

HAWAII: USMC Osprey Tiltrotors have flown all the way to Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii after completing their deployment in Australia with Marine Rotational Force - Darwin.

Marles reviews urgent Black Hawk acquisition

ALBANESE GOVT REVIEWING BLACK HAWK BUY

CANBERRA: The Minister of Defence has officially disclosed that he has authorised a 'review' of the previous govt's Black Hawk helicopter acquisition.

Sea 5000 Future Frigate delay

1ST FUTURE FRIGATE DELIVERY DATE

SCOTLAND: The Minister of Defence has reconfirmed the delayed delivery date of the first Hunter class Future Frigate.

RAAF MC-55A Peregrine ISREW

RAAF MC-55A PEREGRINE DELAY

USA: The RAAF has announced that the first MC-55A Peregrine Electronic Warfare aircraft will be delivered a little late.

Australian Army Land Force Forward Staging

ARMY FORWARD STAGING EQUIPMENT

AUSTRALIA: Army is planning to remove significant quantities of equipment and weapons from units.

Integrator TUAS Insitu Pacific Australian Army

INTERGRATOR TUAS PRODUCTION UNDERWAY

BRISBANE: The Australian Army's next generation Insitu Pacific Integrator TUAS is in production with IIS next year.

RAAF F-35A Project Air 6000 Phase 7 second tranche acquistion

SLIGHT CUT IN FINAL F-35A NUMBERS

CANBERRA: A heavily redacted document released by the Government reveals the final number of F-35As to be acquired. Pic Jeff DeAth

Boeing Defence Australia Helicopter Aircrew Training System HATS

BOEING HATS EXPANDS AIRCREW OUTPUT

NOWRA NSW: The contractor run Helicopter Air Training System is expanding aircrew output for the ADF's new helicopter fleets.

The Combat Doctor by Dr Dan Pronk

THE COMBAT DOCTOR

REVIEW: Dank Pronk's The Combat Doctor is a true, sometimes brutal, insight into battlefield trauma medicine in the kinetic action of SOTG's multiple Afghanistan tours.

Australia's first MQ-4C Triton BAMS

AUSTRALIA'S FIRST MQ-4C TRITON BAMS UNVEILED

PALMDALE USA: Australia's first MQ-4C Triton Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) unmanned aerial platform has been unveiled in a ceremony at Palmdale, California.

New Zealand Army MRZR ATV

NZ ARMY MRZR ARV IIS

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Army's new Polaris MRZRs are inservice with the Royal New Zealand Infantry Corps.

restoring Army helicopter capability a key test for Richard Marles

RESTORING ARMY AIR MOBIITY KEY TEST OF MARLES

CANBERRA: Restoring the Australian Army's air mobility by replacing the failed MRH-90 will be a key determinant of the Albanese Govt's defence credentials.

Bushmaster PMV combat video Izium September 2022

BUSHMASTER IN KHARKIV OFFENSIVE VICTORY

UKRAINE: Video: Aussie Bushmaster PMVs' have played a key role in the Kharkiv counteroffensive and the elite forces victory at Izium.

OPEN ACCESS

USAF assessing MQ-28A Ghost Bat UCAV Collaborative Combat Aircraft

USAF TO TRIAL MQ-28A UCAV

USA: The US Air Force will trial an Australian made MQ-28A Ghost Bat UCAV for a top secret next gen program.

HMAS Sydney hits land target with RGM-84L Harpoon Block II missile

RAN DDG HITS LAND TARGET WITH MISSILE

GUAM: An Australian Hobart class destroyer has hit a land target with a Surface to Surface Missile for the first time.

Bushmaster PMV Armed Forces of Ukraine Izium

BUSHMASTERS IN UKRAINE SPEARHEAD

UKRAINE: Aussie made Bushmaster PMV-Ms are operating at the Forward Edge of Battle Area during the massive Ukrainian breakthrough in Kharkiv Oblast.

New RAAF F-35A Lightning IIs delivered to Australia

NEW F-35As FLY IN

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: New RAAF F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters have been delivered to Williamtown.

Pitch Black 2022 pictorial

PITCH BLACK FINALE

NORTHERN TERRITORY: Pictorial Ex Pitch Black 22, the largest ever, has ended after three weeks of intense international air combat training.

Australian RAAF flights Tonopah Test Range Airport

AUSTRALIA GIFTING BUSHMASTERS TO INDONESIA

INDONESIA: Australia is gifting a significant fleet of Bushmaster PMVs to the Indonesian Army for peacekeeping ops.

Australian RAAF flights Tonopah Test Range Airport

RAAF FLIGHTS INTO TOP SECRET USAF BASE

NEVADA USA: RAAF airlifters having been quietly conducting flights into the USAF ultra secret 'Area 52' near Groom Lake.

NZDF SureFire Suppressor MARS-L

NZDF ACQUIRING MORE SUREFIRE SUPPRESSORS

NEW ZEALAND: The NZDF and NZ Police are acquiring SureFire small arms suppression systems for their rifle systems.

Sogavare backs down and partially lifts warship ban

SOGAVARE BACKS DOWN ON WARSHIP ENTRY

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The pro Chinese Prime Minister of the Solomons has partially lifted a ban on warships from ANZUS ahead of his stay in Australia as the PM's honoured guest.

ADV Reliant enters ADF service

ADV RELIANT ENTERS SERVICE

BRISBANE: The ADF's new Pacific Support Ship ADV Reliant has entered service after a flag raising ceremony in Brisbane on Wednesday.

Australian Army training team for Ukraine

ADF EXPLORING TRAINING TEAM FOR UKRAINE

AUSTRALIA: Australia is considering sending Australian Army training teams to the UK to join the Brit Army led Ukrainian military training program.

Sogavare bans Aussie warships under Chinese direction

SOGAVARE BANS RAN, USN & UK WARSHIPS

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The Solomon Island's rapid take over by Communist China is gaining momentum with US, UK and Australian warships now banned from its waters.

Australia gifts PAC750XL STOL aircraft to PNGDF

AUST GIFTS XSTOL AC TO PNGDF

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Australia is gifting additional extreme STOL aircraft to the PNGDF's Air Transport Wing.

RAN submariners on Royal Navy Asture class SSGNs

RAN SUBMARINERS TO TRAIN ON BRIT SSGNs

UK: Aussie submariners will train on and eventually serve on British nuke SSGN submarines under an AUKUS arrangement.

Bushmaster Electronic Warfare EW

ELECTRONIC WARFARE BUSHMASTER

USA: First image and tech details of the Australian Army's next generation Bushmaster based Electronic Warfare capability.

B-21 Raider RAAF

RAAF B-21 ACQUISITION PRACTICALITY

CANBERRA: The B-21's price and planned large production run may make it a good fit in the RAAF's force projection line up if US approval was possible.

NZ Army Infantry Training Team in UK for Ukraine Army training

NZ INFANTRY TRAINING TEAM DEPARTS

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Army's two new Infantry Training Teams have departed for UK to train the Ukrainian Army with the Brits.

Marles resumes race and gender discrimination

ADF RESUMES DISCRIMINATORY RECRUITMENT & PROMOTION

CANBERRA: Defence Minister Richard Marles has resumed discriminatory recruitment and promotion within the ADF.

Marles cans UH-60M Black Hawk Australian Army

MARLES THREATENS BLACK HAWK ACQUISITION

CANBERRA: The Albanese Government's new Defence Minister Richard Marles has threatened the Australian Army's emergency Black Hawk helo acquisition.

UH-60M Black Hawk Australian Army

AUSTRALIAN ARMY UH-60M BLACK HAWK APPROVAL

USA: The US State Department has approved a large Black Hawk acquisition for the Australian Army's two air mobility regiments.

HAAWWC High Altitude Anti Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability

POSEIDON HIGH ALTITUDE TORPEDO CAPABILITY

USA: The US Navy has approved the new HAAWC high altitude stand off torpedo capability for the Poseidon paving the way for the RAAF to acquire the weapon.

Ex Pitch Black 22

PITCH BLACK TANKERS

NORTHERN TERRITORY: Tankers from Australia and seven other countries are supporting Exercise Pitch Black.

additional Hobart class DDG destroyers Navantia Australia

PUSH TO BUILD MORE HOBART DDGs

AUSTRALIA: The government will examine accepting Navantia Australia's offer to build additional Hobart class AWDs to fill possible capability gap.

Anduril XLAUV Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

ANDURIL XLAUV READY IN 2023

AUSTRALIA: Anduril claims that it will complete the first of the RAN's XLAUV unmanned autonomous submarines next year.

Bushmaster ePMV electric combat vehicle prototype.

BUSHMASTER ePMV CAPABILITY

AUSTRALIA: The Aust Army's prototype battery driven Bushmaster ePMV has potential demonstrating extraordinary speed and offroad capability.

Ex Chapel Gold 22

EXERCISE CHAPEL GOLD 22 THAILAND

THAILAND: The Australian Army has resumed training with the Royal Thai Army after the pandemic during Ex Chapel Gold 22.

USAF PACAF B-2A Stealth Bomber RAAF EA-18G E-7A Wedgetail formation

USAF/RAAF DETERENCE OPS

PACIFIC OCEAN: US Pacific Air Forces has released a striking image of a cutting edge combined RAAF and USAF B-2A stealth bomber package to deter CCP aggression.

Pitch Black 2022 RAF FGR4 Typhoon Darwin

PITCH BLACK 22 KICKS OFF

NORTHERN TERRITORY: Photostory - Pitch Black 2022 has commenced with an unpredecented gathering of advanced combat aircraft in the Northern Territory.

Ex Pacific Dragon 22 BMD RAN

BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENCE EXERCISE

HAWAII: The RAN participated in a US Navy led air and missile defence ex off Hawaii that saw both air and ballistic missile target drones intercepted.

RNZAF P-8A Poseidon first flight out of Boeing Field in the USA.

RNZAF P-8A POSEIDON FIRST FLIGHT

USA: The lead aircraft in New Zealand's P-8A Poseidon acquisition has completed its first flight.

3RAR Duke of Gloucester Cup 2022

3RAR D.O.G. TEAM OFF TO UK

SINGLETON: 3RAR's victorious Duke of Gloucesters Cup 2022 team is off to the United Kingdom to represent the Australian Army.

Lithgow Arms 40x46mm SL40 Standalone Stock module

GLA STANDALONE STOCK INSERVICE

AUSTRALIA: The new 40mm Standalone Stock module is now in service across Army's close combat elements.

5RAR Zodiac FZ470 littoral maneouvre small rubber raiding craft

DARWIN DIGGERS REROLLING TO LITTORAL OPS

DARWIN: NT based infantry are transitioning from motorised infantry to Littoral Manoeuvre specialists.

New Zealand Army infantry training team for Ukraine

NZ ARMY UKRAINE INFANTRY TRAINING TEAMS

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Army is deploying a second, larger, training element to England to support Ukraine.

Exercise Pitch Black 2022

PITCH BLACK 22 AIR FLEET ASSEMBLES

DARWIN: Early arrivals from international contingents have already flown into the Northern Territory ahead of Ex Pitch Black 22.

RAAF Black Flag 2022, AIM-260 JATM

TOP SECRET TECH USED AT BLACK FLAG

USA: The RAAF was involved in highly classified next gen technology validation during Ex Black Flag at Nellis AFB in Nevada back in May.

5RAR Indonesia Exercise Super Garuda 2022 US Army

EX SUPER GARUDA 22

INDONESIA: Photostory: 5RAR trains with US Army, Indonesian KOSTRAD and Singaporean troops in Indonesia's South Sumatra.

Bushmaster ePMV electric

BATTERY POWERED BUSHMASTER TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATOR

ADELAIDE: The Australian Army has revealed a battery powered Bushmaster ePMV techology demonstrator prototype.

HMAS Carpentaria, Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessel OPV

STEEL CUT FOR SIXTH ARAFURA OPV

HENDERSON WA: Work on the sixth Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessel has commenced in Western Australia.

AN/ALQ-249 Increment 1 Next Generation Jammer - Mid Band RAAF

NEXT GEN JAMMER ENTERS USN SERVICE

USA: The RAAF's IIS of the Next Generation Jammer is approaching with the US Navy accepting its first pods.

Ex Australian Army L119 Hamel Guns Ukraine

EX AUSTRALIAN HAMEL GUNS IN COMBAT

UKRAINE: Former Australian Army 105mm Hamel Guns are now in action against the Russians in eastern Ukraine.

Luftwaffe Australia

LUFTWAFFE INBOUND FOR EXTENDED STAY

GERMANY: A German expeditionary air combat element is heading for an extended stay in the Top End.

ADV Cape Peron Evolved Cape class Patrol Boat

RAN ACCEPTS ADV CAPE PERON

HENDERSON WA: The RAN has accepted the second of eight new Evolved Cape class Patrol Boats from builder Austal.

Exercise Red Flag Alaska 2022-3 RAAF

RED FLAG ALASKA ACTIVITY

ALASKA: Photostory - the first imagery to emerge from bilateral US/Australian Ex Red Flag Alaska 22.

UK Royal Navy HMS Spey Darwin Australia

BRIT OPV NT RESUPPLY

DARWIN: The permanently deployed Brit OPV HMS Spey has followed sister ship HMS Tamar to conduct a resupply visit to Australia.

HMAS Canberra RIMPAC 22 USMC air assault operations

CANBERRA'S RIMPAC USMC AIR OPS

HAWAII: HMAS Canberra has been a key staging site for multiple US Marine Corps aircraft and a launch pad for air assault exercises during RIMPAC 22.

Rheinmetall Nioa Munitions Assegai 155mm artillery ammunition

FIRST LOCALLY PRODUCED 155mm ROUNDS

MARYBOROUGH QLD: The first Australian manufactured 155mm Rheinmetall Nioa Munitions Assegai artillery projectiles have rolled off the assembly line in Queensland.

Chief of Army Lt Gen Stuart expands Indonesia training

ARMY TO INCREASE COOPERATION WITH TNI

INDONESIA: The Chief of Army has stated that the Australian Army will expand its training with the Indonesian armed forces.

Albanese Defence Review

GOVT LAUNCHES 'REVIEW' FREEZING REARMAMENT PROJECTS

CANBERRA: Prime Minister Albanese has launched yet another 'defence review' effectively freezing the major ADF rearmament program underway.

Zawahiri hilled in Kabul Afghanistan by CIA

AL QAIDA'S ZAWAHIRI KILLED

AFGHANISTAN: Al Qaida boss Ayman al Zawahiri has been killed in a US strike in Afghanistan, making a mockery of the US deal with the Taliban to keep al Qaida out of the country.

RAN HMAS Parramatta Regional Presence Deployment, East China Sea, South China Sea, FONOP

HMAS PARRAMATTA RETURNS

SYDNEY HARBOUR: HMAS Parramatta has returned to Fleet Base East after her southeast and northeast Asia deployment and Chinese military harrassment.

RIMPAC 22 fleet concentration video

RIMPAC 22 MASSIVE FLEET CONCENTRATION

PACIFIC: Video: The massed warships and submarines of RIMPAC 22 concentrated for a photo and video opportunity.

RAAF Martin Baker ejection seat CAD fault

MARTIN BAKER EJECTION SEAT ISSUE

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF has not yet announced any groundings in the wake of the ejection seat CAD fault discovery. Pic Ian Hitchcock

Red Flag Alaska 22-3 RAAF

RED FLAG ALASKA 22-3

ALASKA: The RAAF has returned to Alaska in strength for Ex Red Flag Alaska 2022-3 with the USAF.

Koolendong 2022 Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2022, 5RAR, 16RWAR

EXERCISE KOOLENDONG 22

THE KIMBERLEY & TOP END: Photostory - Aussie Diggers and US Marines conduct high tempo combat training across the top of WA and the NT.

VMM363 MV-22B tiltrotors HMAS Canberra RIMPAC 2022

MV-22B AAV HANGAR DECK DEBUT

HAWAII: Photostory - RIMPAC has provided the opportunity to validate MV-22B Ospreys can be stowed in an Aussie AAV's Hangar Deck.

RAN Australians on Royal Navy nuclear submarine courses

RAN SUBMARINERS TRAIN ON UK NUKE SUB COURSES

UNITED KINGDOM: Australians have commenced training within British Royal Navy nuclear submarine propulsion courses.

USAF 393rd Bomb Squadron B-2A Spirit stealth bomber and RAAF 75 Squadron F-35A Lightning II Kimberley Australia Exercise Koolendong 2022

USAF STEALTH BOMBERS & RAAF F-35As

KIMBERLEY WA: Photostory - Amazing imagery of USAF B-2A Stealth Bombers and Aussie F-35A Lightning IIs over the remote far northwest.

first RNZAF P-8A Poseidon

FIRST RNZAF P-8A POSEIDON ROLLS OUT

USA: The first of the RNZAF's new P-8A Poseidon MMMAs has rolled off the Boeing assembly line in the USA.

RAAF AGM-158B-2 JASSM-ER Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile - Extended Range

RAAF ACQUISITION OF AGM-158B JASSM-ER APPROVED

USA: The US State Department has approved a large tranche of advanced JASSM-ER missiles for the RAAF.

CEA Technologies AESAR radar, Joint Air Battle Management System, Project Air 6500

NEW MOBILE AESAR RADARS FOR RAAF

CANBERRA: The RAAF is acquiring a next generation CEA Technologies long range radar system.

RAAF 77 Squadron F-35A Lightning II JSF RAAF Townsville

77 SQN AT RAAF TOWNSVILLE

TOWNSVILLE: The RAAF's 77 Squadron and its F-35A Lightning IIs is temporarily rebased at RAAF Townsville.

Royal New Zealand Navy upgrade Anzac frigate video

RNZN UPGRADED ANZAC VIDEO

NEW ZEALAND: Video: Official RNZN video revealing the new systems and capabilities of the upgraded Anzac frigates.

2RAR (Amphib) recon helocasting RIMPAC 22

2RAR (AMPHIB) RIMPAC 22

HAWAII: Photostory - 2RAR (Amphib) leads the Australian Amphibious Element's Joint Pre Landing Force and is conducting high level training with USMC Marine Recon.

Sweden considers early retirement of NH-90 identical to Australian MRH-90

SWEDEN HATES NH/MRH-90 TOO

SWEDEN: Sweden has threatened to follow the Australian Defence Force's lead and join Norway in dumping the problematic underperforming NH/MRH-90 helicopter.

Project Air 6016 JTAC Training System RFI

ADF SEEKS NEW JTAC AIRCRAFT

AUSTRALIA: Defence has released an RFI for new light attack aircraft and simulators to train Aussie JTACs.

Arafura Offshore Patrol Vessel OPV crew training

RAN OPV CREW TRAINING

WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Crew training for the first RAN Offshore Patrol Vessel is underway.

1RAR, 18 Royal Malaysian Regiment, Sri Lanka Marines RIMPAC MOUT urban ops

1RAR URBAN TRAINING RIMPAC

HAWAII: Photostory - 1RAR leads USMC, Tongan, Sri Lankan and Malaysian combat elements in RIMPAC air assault and urban ops.

HMAS Canberra USMC MV-22B VMM-363

USMC MV-22B EMBARKED ON HMAS CANBERRA

HAWAII: The USMC has embarked its awesome MV-22B Osprey tilt rotors on an Aussie warship for the first time for RIMPAC 22.

Australian Army Electronic Warfare suite

ARMY ELECTRONIC WARFARE EXPANSION

AUSTRALIA: Army is expanding its EW capability with more high fidelity Electronic Warfare system to detect and jam enemy threats.

Australian Defence Force and US National Reconnaissance Office surveillance satellite

JOINT AUST/US SPY SATELLITE LAUNCH

NEW ZEALAND: A joint US National Reconnaissance Office & Australian Defence Force surveillance satellite was launched from NZ.

HMAS Parramatta East China Sea China escalation

CHINESE NAVY HARRASSES HMAS PARRAMATTA

EAST CHINA SEA: Chinese warships and submarines have attempted to disrupt HMAS Parramatta's transit of the East China Sea.

B-2A Stealth Bomber RAAF Amberley

MORE B-2A STEALTH BOMBERS AT AMBERLEY

AMBERLEY QLD: Additional US Air Force B-2A Stealth Bombers flew into RAAF Amberley yesterday. Pic Aviation Studio

RIMPAC 22 snipers, 2RAR 338 Lapua Magnum

RIMPAC 2022 SNIPER INTERGRATION ACTIVITY

HAWAII: Aussie snipers have integrated with their USMC, Mexican, South Korean and Indonesian opposites for sniper competitions at RIMPAC.

Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Mk18 SBR CCW

AUSTRALIA REARMS RSIPF WITH ADVANCED CCW

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Australia has funded the rearmament of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force with a gucci Close Combat Weapon.

B-2A Stealth Bomber RAAF Amberley

B-2A SPIRIT BOMBERS AT AMBERLEY

AMBERLEY QLD: US Air Force Stealth Bombers flew into RAAF Amberley this afternoon. Pic Aviation Studio

HMNZS Te Mana returns to Auckland New Zealand RNZN

HMNZS TE MANA RETURNS HOME

NEW ZEALAND: The RNZN's HMNZS Te Mana has returned to Devonport Naval Base in Auckland after completing her FCSUP upgrade.

HMAS Parramatta, East China Sea FONOP Freedom of Navigation Exercise

RAN JOINS EAST CHINA SEA FONOP

EAST CHINA SEA: An RAN warship has participated in a Freedom of Navigation Operations in the East China Sea in defiance of Chinese demands.

Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile RGM-184A Royal Australian Navy

RAN RGM-184A NSM MISSILE CONTRACTS

NORWAY: The RAN's fast tracked next gen Anti Ship Missile acquisition is underway with contracts for initial systems finalised.

Boxer CRV Amphibious Operations HMAS Adelaide

BOXER CRV BLK 1 AMPHIB VIDEO

CORAL SEA: Video: The Australian Army is introducing its Boxer CRV guncar to amphibious operations off North Queensland.

13th Engineer Regiment Karrakatta Army Reserve

NEW WA ENGINEERING REGIMENT RAISED

WESTERN AUSTRALIA: The Army has established a new Engineering Regiment in Western Australia to support the major land combat expansion underway.

HMAS Ararat decommissioned

PATROL BOAT DECOMMISSIONED

DARWIN NT: The RAN decommissioned its fourth Armidale class Patrol Boat from service over the weekend.

Australian L119 Hamel Guns for Ukraine

AUSSIE 105mm 'HAMEL GUNS' FOR UKRAINE

ENGLAND: Former Australian Army Hamel Guns are being gifted to Ukraine after being bought by the Brits from Aussie stores.

Australian Bushmaster PMV-M and M113AS4 for Ukraine

ALBANESE GOVT MILITARY AID TO UKRAINE

UKRAINE: The Prime Minister announced the latest Australian gift of armoured vehicles and funding for ammunition for Ukraine in Kiev.

Guardian class Patrol Boat exhaust issue

GUARDIAN PB EXHAUST ISSUE

AUSTRALIA: Defence has detected a potential technical fault with the Guardian class Patrol Boats gifted to Pacific nations.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter production

NEW RAAF F-35A PRODUCTION

USA: Four more RAAF F-35A Lightning IIs are flying in Texas ahead of their handover to Australia in the near future.

RAN RNZN RIMPAC 2022 Pearl Harbor

RIMPAC 2022 KICKS OFF

HAWAII: The Royal Australian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy are berthed at the US Navy's famous Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam for RIMPAC 2022.

US Army Mobile Protected Firepower light tank

NEW US ARMY LIGHT TANK

USA: The US Army is introducing an entirely new light tank to support its Infantry Brigade Combat Teams in close combat.

USAF B-1B Lancer bomber RAAF Darwin Australia

USAF LANCERS OVER DARWIN

DARWIN NT: Two USAF B-1B Lancer heavy bombers briefly operated out of RAAF Darwin during Ex Diamond Storm 2022.

General Angus Campbell Chief of Defence Force Australia

CONTROVERSIAL CDF CAMPBELL EXTENDED

CANBERRA: The Albanese Government has extended the tenure of controversial Chief of Defence Force General Angus Campbell.

RAN joins Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group RIMPAC 2022

NAVAL SHOW OF FORCE

CENTRAL PACIFIC: Photostory - the Royal Australian Navy has joined up with the US Navy and Japanese JMSDF in an impressive display of naval combat power.

RNZAF 4o Squadron C-130H Hercules RAF Brize Norton Ukraine airlift

RNZAF UKRAINE AIRLIFT ENDS

NEW ZEALAND: The RNZAF's mission to Europe to support the NATO military aid mission to Ukraine mission is complete.

RAAF 4 Squadron Combat Controllers, 2 Commando Regiment Ex Diamond Storm 2022

TOP END SPECIAL OPERATIONS

NORTHERN TERRITORY: Photostory: Australian Special Opertions Forces conduct parachute, vehicle mounted and fast rope exercises in the NT Top End.

Insitu Integrator TUAS Australian Army

ARMY INTEGRATOR TUAS OPCON

TOWNSVILLE: The Australian Army's has commenced preliminary training for the introduction of the next generation Integrator Tactical Unmanned Aerial System.

additional CH-47F Chinooks Australian Army

ADDITIONAL CH-47F CHINOOKS DELIVERED

TOWNSVILLE: The Australian Army's Chinook fleet has expanded with the delivery of new helicopters to Townsville.

Australian gifted Bushmaster PMV-Ms Ukraine Donbas

UKRAINE FRONTLINE BUSHMASTER OPS

UKRAINE: New imagery of Australian gifted Bushmaster PMV-Ms on the frontline in Ukraine's heavily contested 'east' have emerged.

AGM-88E2 AARGM-ER Royal Australian Air Force EA-18G Growler RAAF

US APPROVES AARGM-E2 FOR RAAF

USA: The US Government has approved the latest anti radar missile for use on the RAAF's Growler Airborne Electronic Attack aircraft.

Australian Army M252A1 81mm Mortar System

NEW 81mm MORTAR OPERATIONAL CONVERSION

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army's transition to the new 81mm Mortar System is almost complete.

Pacific Support Vessel ADV Reliant

PACIFIC SUPPORT VESSEL INBOUND

PACIFIC OCEAN: The new Pacific Support Vessel ADV Reliant is inbound to Fleet Base East with operational deployment later this year.

Project Land 400 Phase 3 Armoured Fighting Vehicles

RUMOURS - LAND 400 PHASE 3 SLASHED

CANBERRA: Mainstream media is reporting that the Albanese Government is preparing to slash Army's key Project Land 400/3 AFV buy.

Australian M113AS4 APCs for Ukraine

AUSSIE M113AS4s IN UKRAINE

UKRAINE: The first of the M113AS4 APCs gifted to Ukraine are in Armed Forces of Ukraine service.

ADV Otway Evoved Cape class Patrol Boat

ADV OTWAY DEPLOYS TO DARWIN

DARWIN: The first of the RAN's next generation patrol boats has deployed to the Northern Territory.

Australia-US Submarine Officer Pipeline Act

US GOVT LEGISLATION FOR RAN SSGN TRAINING

USA: The Congressional AUKUS working group has tabled legislation authorising nuclear submarine training for RAN officers.

RAAF EA-18G Growler F/A-18F Rhino 82 Wing

RAAF 82 WING PHOTEX

PACIFIC OCEAN: Photostory: The RAAF Amberley based 82 Wing showed off its Rhinos and Growlers in a very cool Photography Exercise over the sea of Queensland.

SMArt155 M1156PGK M795 Royal Australian Artillery

SWBTA 155mm PGM PRECISION FIRES

SHOALWATER BAY: The RAA is expanding its training with advanced precision guided, discriminating, semi loitering and course correcting munitions.

KMW Tracked Boxer

TRACKED 'BOXER' COMBAT VEHICLE

FRANCE: German tank legend KMW has released a new 'Tracked Boxer' platform that integrates the Boxer CRV mission modules in service with the Australian Army.

RIMPAC 2022 Australian Defence Force

ADF CONTINGENT SAILS FOR RIMPAC

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Defence Force contingent for Ex RIMPAC 2022 has sailed for Hawaii and the mega ex.

RIMPAC 2022 Australian Defence Force

NEW MCK-01 FROM HALFBREED BLADES

AUSTRALIA: Halfbreed Blades has just released their new spear point Medium Clearance Knife.
OPEN ACCESS

Norway withdraws NH90 from service demands refund

NORWAY DITCHES FRENCH HELO

NORWAY: The Norwegian Navy has followed Australia's lead and has withdrawn the NH90 from service. And, it also wants its money back.

Sea 1000 cancellation termination payment Naval Group

$830 MILLION FRENCH SUB TERMINATION PAYMENT

CANBERRA: The Albanese Government has approved a French demand for a $830 million termination payment for the never designed Attack class subs.

MQ-4C Triton IFC4 testing US Navy RAAF

US NAVY MQ-4C TESTING PROGRESSES

USA: The RAAF's MQ-4C Triton BAMS acquisition is regaining momentum after the US Navy resumed its own introduction into service testing.

Virginia class submarine Australia RAN

VIRGINIA CLASS SSGN BUY

CANBERRA: The former Government was negotiating to buy two new Virginia class nuclear submarines directly from the US production line.

Super Hornet ejection DFSB report A44-223

A44-223 DAMAGE REPORT REVEALED

CANBERRA: The ADF Defence Flight Safety Bureau report into the December 2020 Super Hornet ejection at Amberley has been revealed.

China threatens Australian Defence Force

CHINA DIRECTLY THREATENS ADF

CHINA: The Chinese foreign ministry has made a veiled but direct threat towards Australian military aircraft and ships.

Australian Army eNASAMS Ground Based Air Defence

FIRST eNASAMS LAUNCHERS IN AUSTRALIA

ADELAIDE: The first eNASAMS cannister launchers have arrived in Australia ahead of their entry into Australian Army service.

Australian nuclear powered submarine project

GOVERNMENT COMMITS TO SSGN

CANBERRA: The new Defence Minister has stated that the Government'

s highest priority is the introduction of a nuclear powered submarine fleet.

Samoa Guardian class Patrol Boat replaced by Australia

WRECKED SAMOAN GPB TO BE REPLACED

CANBERRA: Australia will fund the replacement of the almost brand new Samoa Police Service patrol boat wrecked in 2021.

RAAF P-8A threatened by Chinese fighter

CHINESE FIGHTER THREATENS RAAF P-8A

SOUTH CHINA SEA: A Chinese fighter conducted a reckless and extremely dangerous interception of an RAAF P-8A Poseidon.

SIR JOHN MONASH & GREAT POWER CONFLICT IN WORLD WAR 1

SIR JOHN MONASH & GREAT POWER CONFLICT IN WORLD WAR 1

OPINION: The Australian Army Knowledge Centre has analysed the key attributes of General Sir John Monash with a view to preparing modern Anzacs.

HMNZS Te Mana departs Canada

HMNZS TE MANA DEPARTS CANADA

CANADA: The Royal New Zealand Navy over budget and over schedule upgrade is finally over with HMNZS Te Mana bound for home.

Richard Marles

MARLES SWORN IN AS MINISTER OF DEFENCE

CANBERRA: Prime Minister Albanese has appointed Richard Marles, an outspoken advocate for China's move into the Pacific Islands, as Minister of Defence.

Australian M777A2 LTH Lysychansk

AUSSIE ARTY IN ACTION

UKRAINE: The former Australian Army 155mm artillery guns donated to Ukraine are now engaging Russian targets in the East.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II fleet A35-050

RAAF F-35A FLEET EXPANDS

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: At least two new F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters have joined the RAAF fleet.

Australian Army M57 ATACMS MOD HIMARS ATACMS M142

AUST ARMY TACTICAL BALLISTIC MISSILE CAPABILITY

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army's acquisition of the M142 HIMARS also means the introduction of a ballistic missile capability which changes everything.

Ex Diamond Storm 2022 Northern Territory

EX DIAMOND STORM KICKS OFF

NORTHERN TERRITORY: The RAAF's premier advanced combat course is in the final straight with Ex Diamond Storm in the NT Top End underway. Pic Sid Mitchell

Bushmaster PMV-M Ukraine destroyed in Luhansk

FIRST BUSHMASTER LOST IN UKRAINE

UKRAINE: The first confirmed loss of an Aussie Bushmaster in Ukraine has been published on Russian social media.

Australian Army HIMARS ATACMS M142

US APPROVES AUSSIE M142

USA: The US Army has approved a major acquisition of M142 HIMARS and guided rockets and missiles for the Australian Army.

Lavarack Barracks Operational Training Facility

LAVARACK OPERATIONAL TRAINING FACILITY

TOWNSVILLE QLD: A new Operational Training Facility has opened at Lavarack Barracks enabling inhouse digitally supported non lethal munitions urban training.

HMAS Stalwart refuelling RAS HMAS Parramatta

STALWART COMPLETES FIRST RAS

PACIFIC OCEAN: The RAN's new tanker HMAS Stalwart has completed her first operational refuelling of an RAN warship at sea.

Albanese Government Defence policy

NEW GOVT WILL MAINTAIN DEFENCE SETTINGS

CANBERRA: The new Prime Minister has stated his Government will maintain current defence policy settings, but has already promised a new review.

New Zealand Army Ukraine artillery training team United Kingdom

NZ ARMY TRAINING UKRAINIANS

UNITED KINGDOM: New Zealand has deployed an Army training team to Britain to train Armed Forces of Ukraine soldiers.

RAAF E-7A Wedgetail Ex Black Flag 22-1 Nellis AFB

RAAF WEDGETAIL CENTRAL TO BLACK FLAG

NEVADA USA: The RAAF's flagship E-7A Wedgetail was a major focus of the USAF's highly classified Black Flag 2022-1 activities.

Australan Army M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams acquisition possible delays

UKRAINE WAR MAY DELAY NEXT GEN TANK

USA: Russia's invasion of Ukraine looks set to complicate the Australian Army's transition to next gen Abrams MBTs.

6RAR 1RNZIR RIMaP-NC New Caledonia Ex Tagata Toa 22

EX TAGATA TOA

NEW CALEDONIA: Photostory. 6RAR and 1RNZIR train with the French RIMaP Marines in Nouvelle Caledonie.

Bushmasters and M113AS4 APCs for Ukraine

MORE BUSHMASTERS & APCs BOUND FOR UKRAINE

UKRAINE: Australia is donating more PMVs and some upgraded APCs to support Ukraine's fight against the Russian invasion.

RAAF F-35A Lightning E-7A Wedgetails Exercise Black Flag 2022-1 Nellis AFB

RAAF INVOLVED IN SECRETIVE EX BLACK FLAG

NELLIS: Australian F-35A Lightning IIs are involved with the USAF's cutting edge and secretive Exercise Black Flag 2022-1 underway outside Las Vegas.

Australian Bushmaster and M777A2 155mm Ukraine

EX ADF WEAPONS IN ACTION IN UKRAINE

UKRAINE: Ex Australian Army Bushmaster PMV-Ms and 155mm artillery guns are in action against the Russian invasion on Ukraine's eastern front.

RAAF MQ-28A Ghost Bat UCAV Loyal Wingman

MORE MQ-28A UCAV FUNDING

AUSTRALIA: The Government has announced a major increase in funding for the MQ-28A combat drone and the first batch of operational airframes.

Chinese Auxiliary General Intelligence Ship spying on Western Australia

ADF TRACKS CHINESE SPY SHIP OFF WA

INDIAN OCEAN: Another Chinese intelligence gathering warship is conducting an aggressive mission close to classified ADF installations.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II Low Rate Initial Production Lot 14 LRIP14

NEW RAAF LRIP14 F-35As FLYING IN USA

TEXAS USA: The first of 15 new RAAF LRIP14 Lightning IIs have been photographed flying out of Lockheed Martin in Texas.

RAN Autonomous Underwater Vehicle programs

RAN FUNDS THREE AUV PROGRAMS

AUSTRALIA: The RAN is involved in three separate very high tech Autonomous Undersea Vehicle development programs.

EOS R400-Marine Remote Weapons Station Australian Army Project Land 8710

EOS R400M RWS FOR LCM8 REPLACEMENT

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army's next generation landing craft will be armed with the EOS R400-Marine Naval Remote Weapons Station.

HMAS Maitland Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial

UNMANNED PATROL BOAT TRIALS

AUSTRALIA: The Royal Australian Navy will modify a decommissioned ACPB to conduct autonomous and remotely piloted surface warship technology trials.

US aviation bulk fuel storage RAAF Tindal Northern Territory

US BULK FUEL STORAGE AT TINDAL

TINDAL NT: The US Navy is building a tactical fuel storage facility at RAAF Tindal.

Peoples Republic of China armed security team Honiara Embassy, Solomon Islands

ARMED CHINESE IN HONIARA

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The first armed Chinese security personnel are now active in Honiara with approval of the Sogavare government.

MH-60R Romeo RAN replacement

LOST RAN HELO TO BE REPLACED

CANBERRA: The PM's reconfirmation of the AH-64Ev6 Apache and additional MH-60R Romeo acquisitions also announced the replacement of the helo lost in 2021.

MC-55A Peregrine RAAF

FIRST LOOK AT RAAF's MC-55A PEREGRINE

GEORGIA USA: One of the RAAF's highly classified MC-55A Peregrine's has been photographed by Plane Spotters in the USA. Pic Aaron Perlupe

RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile Block II ESSM Blk 2

NEXT GEN MISSILE ENTERS RAN SERVICE

AUSTRALIA: The RAN has introduced the ultra advanced new ESSM2 into service.

Australian Bushmaster PMV and M777A2 donated to Ukraine

LAST BUSHMASTERS & ARTY IN EUROPE

UKRAINE: The last of the Australian donated Bushmaster PMV-Ms and M777A2 guns are in Ukrainian hands.

Rafael MK30C Tyhoon HMAS Hunter frigate Australia

HUNTER FFG CLOSE DEFENCE GUNS

AUSTRALIA: The RAN's next generation Hunter class Future Frigates will be armed with multiple Israeli Typhoon gun systems.

RAAF F-35A E-7A Nellis Air Force Base

RAAF FLYING OUT OF NELLIS AFB

NEVADA USA: RAAF fighters and an AEW&C are quietly operating out of Nellis AFB near Las Vegas.

Army personnel qualification and skills crisis

ARMY QUALIFICATION & TRAINING CRISIS

AUSTRALIA: Two and a half years of back to back pandemic and disaster relief ops, the IGADF exodus and politicisation has resulted in serious Army skill qualification shortcomings.

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2022

MRF-D22 COMMENCES FIELD TRAINING

DARWIN NT: Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2022 has commenced small unit and skills training in the Northern Territory.

US Navy RAN recipricol submarine rearmament

US NUKE SUB EXPEDITIONARY REARMAMENT

FLEET BASE WEST: The RAN has quietly validated its ability to rearm US Navy nuclear submarines during an Ex in WA.

51FNQR Regional Support Craft

51RNQR REGIONAL SUPPORT CRAFT

TORRES STRAIT: The new Regional Support Craft has entered service with 51RNQR to conduct patrols from Thursday Island.

Schiebel S100 S2 RAN Project Sea 129

RAN VTOL MTUAS ACQUISITION

AUSTRALIA: The RAN will acquire a large fleet of new VTOL Maritime Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems under Project Sea 129.

HMAS Maitland decommission HMAS Coonawarra Darwin

HMAS MAITLAND DECOMMISSIONED

DARWIN NT: The RAN has decommissioned its second Armidale class Patrol Boat at a ceremony in Darwin Harbour.

Australian Bushmaster PMV-M Ukraine

UKRAINE INTRODUCES BUSHMASTER PMV

UKRAINE: The first imagery of Ukrainian soldiers training on the Bushmaster PMV has emerged from the warzone.

Australian Army M777A2 155mm artillery Ukraine

AUSSIE 155mm ARTY FOR UKRAINE

AMBERLEY QLD: The RAAF has airlifted gifted Australian Army 155mm artillery guns to Poland for Ukraine.

RNZAF C-130H airlift of military aid to Ukraine around Europe

RNZAF AIRLIFTER FLYING UKRAINE AID

BRIZE NORTON UK: An RNZAF C-130H Herc is flying intra-theatre airlift support missions in support of Ukraine across Europe.

Bushmaster PMV-M Ukraine EOS R400S Remote Weapon Stations

BUSHMASTERS FLOW TO UKRAINE

AMBERLEY QLD: Australia's gifted Bushmaster PMVs are mostly already in theatre and some are surprisingly tooled up.

USS Springfield HMAS Stirling Fleet Base West Western Australia

US NUKE SSG DOCKS IN WA

ROCKINGHAM WA: A US Navy nuclear powered submarine has returned to Fleet Base West for the first time since the pandemic commenced.

New Zealand Army NZLAV sale Chilean Marine Corps

NZDF SELLS MODERN AFVs

NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand has sold off 20 percent of its modern armoured fighting vehicle fleet to the Chilean Marine Corps.

RAAF, Australia, Growler AN/ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer - Mid Band, NGJ-MB

AN/ALQ-249/1 NEXT GENERATION JAMMER IIS

USA: Preliminary personnel qualification ahead of the RAAF's introduction of the game changing Next Generation Jammer for the Growler fleet has commenced.

USMC F-35B Lightning II Exercise Pitch Black 2022, Northern Territory Australia

USMC F-35Bs FOR PITCH BLACK 2022

AUSTRALIA: In a first, the US Marine Corps will deploy a contingent of F-35B Lightnings to the Northern Territory for Exercise Pitch Black 22.

HMAS Toowoomba AMCAP upgrade BAE Systems Australia

HMAS TOOWOOMBA RELAUNCHED AFTER UPGRADE

HENDERSON WA: HMAS Toowoomba has completed the dry dock phase of her AMCAP upgrade and is set to commence sea and harbour trials.

XM-5 NGSW-Rifle, M250 NGSW-Automatic Rifle, Next Generation Squad Weapon

US ARMY SELECTS NGSW RIFLE & MG

USA: The US Army has announced the selection of its Next Generation Squad Weapons to replace the M4 and M249 SAW.

Australian 2 Commando Regiment Philippines US Navy SEALs Philippine Navy SOG Combat Craft Assault

AUSSIE CDO, US NAVY SEAL, FILIPINO SOG SPECIAL RECOVERY

PHILIPPINES: Photostory - Australian Special Operations Forces and US Navy SEALs in Direct Action missions in ultra stealthy SEAL assault craft.

additional Austal Evolved Cape class Patrol Boats, Royal Australian Navy, RAN

DJIBOUTI & SOGAVARE'S DEAL WITH CHINA

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The Australian Strategic Policy Insitute has detailed the potential risk to Australia of the Solomon's alliance with China's totalitarian regime.

additional Austal Evolved Cape class Patrol Boats, Royal Australian Navy, RAN

TWO ADDITIONAL PATROL BOATS

HENDERSON WA: The RAN will acquire two new build Patrol Boats for its expanded sovereignty enforcement fleet.

Marine Rotational Force -Darwin 2022, Air Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced)

MRF-D22 AIR COMBAT ELEMENT

DARWIN NT: Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2022's Air Combat Element is operational in support of Northern Territory based US and Australian elements.

Project Land 159 Tranche 1, sniper rifles, pistols, compacts PDWs shotguns Australian Army

NEXT GEN SNIPER & CLOSE COMBAT WEAPONS APPROVED

AUSTRALIA: The Army's new sniper rifles, pistols, ultra compacts, PDWs, shotguns and combat knives have been approved but not publicly revealed.

AGM-158B JASSM-ER, AGM-158C LRASM

JASSM-ER & LRASM WILL REVOLUTIONISE RAAF

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF's next gen long range missiles will transform Australia's ability to smash an opponent from a distance.

2 Commando Regiment, US Navy SEALs, Philippine Navy SOG Balikatan 2022 live fire

COMMANDO & SEAL SHOOT

PHILIPPINES: Video: Elite 2 Commando Regiment specialists team up with US Navy SEALs and Philippine Navy SOG for a combined M4 and pistol shoot. OPEN ACCESS

NZDF Ukraine aid, C-130H,lethal aid

NZ DEPLOY C-130H & LOG TEAM TO NATO

NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand has commenced funding weapons and is deploying an airlifter and ground teams to NATO to support Ukraine.

Australian 2 Commando Regiment Philippines US Navy SEALs Philippine Navy SOG Balikatan

AUSSIE COMMANDOS IN PALAWAN

PHILIPINNES: Photofeature - Australian Special Operations Forces with Philippine Navy SOG and US Navy SEALs.

AMCU cap

ARMY INTRODUCING AMCU CAP

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is rolling out a new baseball style AMCU camouflage cap as an alternative field dress head wear.

Australian Bushmaster PMV-M Ukraine

BUSHMASTERS AIRLIFT UNDERWAY

AMBERLEY QLD: The first C-17A load of Bushmaster PMV-Ms for Ukraine is airborne and bound for eastern Europe.

Australian Bushmaster PMV-M Ukraine

MCK-02 FROM HALFBREED BLADES

AUSTRALIA: A look at the new Medium Clearance Knife from Halfbreed Blades.
OPEN ACCESS

ADV Reliant Pacific Support Vessel

PACIFIC SUPPORT VESSEL ACQUIRED

CANARY ISLANDS: The Department of Defence has acquired an advanced Offshore Support Ship as the Pacific Support Vessel.

RAAF F/A-18F A44-223 crew ejection repaired

DAMAGED F/A-18F BACK IN SERVICE

AMBERLEY QLD: The RAAF Super Hornet fleet is back to full strength after the crashed aircraft was repaired.

Australian Army Project Land 400 Phase 3, AS21 Redback, KF41 Lynx

RUMOURED LAND 400/3 IFV CUTS

CANBERRA: Mainstream media is reporting rumours that Army's premier armoured vehicle upgrade program is facing cuts and rescheduling.

Australian Bushmaster PMV-M Ukraine

FIRST UKRAINIAN BUSHMASTERS INBOUND

BRISBANE: The first Bushmaster PMV-Ms bound for Ukraine have been repainted and shipped to Amberley for airlift to the battlefront.

Australian AGM-158B JASSM-LR and RGM-154A NSM

LONG RANGE STRIKE MISSILES & SMART SEA MINES INBOUND

CANBERRA: The ADF is tooling up fast, with expedited long range stand off air and sea launched missiles and advanced smart mines.

Replacement EA-18G Growler for Australian RAAF

REPLACEMENT EA-18G GROWLER

CANBERRA: An EA-18G Growler is being acquired to restore the RAAF's Growler based Airborne Electronic Attack capability.

RAAF MQ-9B Skyguardian buy cancelled

RAAF MQ-9B TUAS CANCELLED

CANBERRA: The RAAF's impending acquisition of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian Reaper derivitive armed drone has been cancelled.

Ukraine aid, Zelenskyy asks for Bushmasters

BUSHMASTERS BOUND FOR UKRAINE

CANBERRA: Australia will airlift Bushmaster PMVs to Poland after a direct request from the Ukranian President for the combat proven armour.

Ukraine aid, Zelensky asks for Bushmasters

THIRD UKRAINE MILITARY AID PACKAGE

CANBERRA: Australia will provide a third military aid package to Ukraine to assist in its defence against the Russian invasion.

US Army MIM-104 Patriot Missile, M142 HIMARS Darwin Australia MRF-Darwin

US ARMY FIRE POWER INBOUND

DARWIN: The US Army contingent deploying to Darwin will pack some serious firepower.

RAAF Ukraine weapons airlift

UKRAINE WEAPONS AIR LIFT CONTINUES

POLAND: The RAAF airlift of military aid to Ukraine continues and will soon include New Zealand military supplies.

Solomon Islands China military agreement

CHINA SECURITY TEAM ACTIVE IN HONIARA

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Chinese paramilitary police are already active teaching population control techniques to the RSIPF.

RAAF KC-30A MRTT in Japan for refuelling trials with F-2 fighter

RAAF KC-30A IN JAPAN FOR TRIALS

TOKYO: A RAAF KC-30A has deployed to Japan to conduct inflight refuelling trials with the Japanese JASDF.

RAAF MQ-4C US Navy Triton

US NAVY RENEWS MQ-4C TRITON REQUESTS

USA: The US Navy has resumed MQ-4C Triton requests, potentially stabilising the RAAF's acquisition of the HALE surveillance drone.

Hanwha Defense Australia

REDBACK AS21 VIDEO

GEELONG VIC: VIDEO Hanwha Defense Australia has released a video showing the AS21 Redback's case to win Project Land 400 Phase 3.

Royal Canadian Air Force F-35 Lightning II

CANADA SELECTS F-35 LIGHTNING

CANADA: Canada has resellected the F-35 Lightning II seven years and over a billion dollars after cancelling its original requirement for advanced 5th gen aircraft.

6.8mm General Purpose NGSW round M240 machine gun

US COMMITMENT TO 6.8mm EXPANDS

USA: The US Army is seeking options to rechamber its existing 7.62mm machine guns to the next gen round. Could it be goodbye to 5.56 and 7.62mm.

Solomon Islands China military agreement

SOLOMONS MILITARY PACT WITH CHINA

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The anti Australian government of the Solomon Islands has finalised a military entry agreement with Communist China.

RAAF Exercise Diamond Shield 2022 Australia 18AGRS Aggressors

EXERCISE DIAMOND SHIELD 2022

WILLIAMTOWN/AMBERLEY: Pictorial of outstanding images from Diamond Shield captured by aviation photographers at Williamtown and Amberley. Pic Caelan McDougall.

RAAF airlifts Australian military aid for Ukraine

RAAF DELIVERS MORE WEAPONS FOR UKRAINE

POLAND: The RAAF has completed another airlift of military aid and weapons for Ukraine to Poland.

USAF B-2A Spirit RAAF Amberley Australia

B-2A STEALTH BOMBER IN AUSTRALIA

AUSTRALIA: An advanced USAF Stealth Bomber and a very high level US commander has flown into an RAAF base.

ADV Cape Otway RAN Evolved Cape class Patrol Boat

RAN ACCEPTS ECCPB ADV CAPE OTWAY

HENDERSON WA: The RAN has accepted its first Evolved Cape class Patrol Boat from builder Austal.

RAAF Defence Space Command

DEFENCE SPACE COMMAND COMMENCES OPS

FAIRBAIRN ACT: The RAAF's Defence Space Command commenced operations today, managing Australia's exo atmospheric military operations.

RAAF MQ-28A Ghost Bat Uncrewed Combat Aerial Vehicle Boeing Defence Australia

LOYAL WINGMAN UCAV DESIGNATED

AMBERLEY: The Boeing/RAAF developed Loyal Wingman ATS advanced UCAV has been officially christened with a new common name and systems designation identifier.

HMAS Arunta South China Sea passage Australia RAN

TRILATERAL SOUTH CHINA SEA TRANSIT

SOUTH CHINA SEA: HMAS Arunta has participated in a combined transit of the South China Sea with US and Japanese destroyers.

New Zealand RNZAF P-8A Poseidon

RNZAF P-8A BUILD GAINS MOMENTUM

USA: New Zealand's acquisition of the P-8A Poseidon is gaining momentum with two airframes under assembly ahead of entering service next year.

Australian military support of Ukraine.

SECOND WEAPONS PACKAGE FOR UKRAINE

AUSTRALIA: The Government is preparing a second, larger, weapons and military aid package for Ukraine.

weapons systems deliveries

ADF MUNITIONS DELIVERIES COMPROMISED

HIGH SEAS: Deliveries of ADF munitions and weapons system have been compromised by the sanctions on Russia which includes bans on Russian seafarers.

Fleet Base West upgrade for US Navy and Royal Navy submarine operations

US & UK NUKE SUBS SUPPORT

ROCKINGHAM WA: The RAN is expanding a major base to support allied nuclear submarines.

RNZN Lake class IPV Rotoiti and Pukaki sold to Ireland

RNZN SELLS TWO IPVs

NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand is selling two of its problematic Lake class Inshore Patrol Vessels after decommissioning them early in 2019.

Australian Army JTAC JFO Safran JIM Compact, Moskito Ti and Sterna

NEXT GEN DTCS TARGETING SYSTEMS

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is acquiring advanced man portable digital multispectral target surveillance and grid reference generation systems for JTACs and JFOs.

Australian military support of Ukraine. C-17A

THIRD RAAF AIRLIFT FOR UKRAINE

POLAND: An RAAF C-17A has completed the third airlift of military supplies and weapons to Poland for the Ukraine Armed Forces.

18th Agressor Squadron F-16C RAAF Amberley Australia

USAF AGGRESSORS DEPLOY TO AUSTRALIA

AMBERLEY QLD: Elite camouflaged F-16C Aggressors are flying out of RAAF Amberley to support the RAAF's air combat training program. Pic Full Throttle Photography

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2022

MRF-D MARINES RETURN TO DARWIN

DARWIN: The first elements of Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2022 have arrived in Darwin from California with US Army elements to follow.

AS9 Huntsman SPH Kongsberg ODIN CORETEX fire control system Australian Army

HUNTSMAN FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM

NORWAY: Contracts for the Australian Army's future Huntsman Self Propelled Artillery System digital command and fire control systems have been finalised.

Iran missile attack on CJTF-OIR Erbil Airport

IRAN MISSILE ATTACK ON CJTF-OIR

IRAQ: Iran has attacked the Coalition facility at Erbil Airport, where Australian military personnel are known to operate, with ballistic missiles.

Insitu Integrator TUAS Project Land 129 Phase 3 Australian Army

ARMY SELECTS RQ-7B TUAS REPLACEMENT

CANBERRA: Army has announced the replacement to its combat proven RQ-7B Shadow 200 TUAS drone.

KF41 Lynx AS21 Redback Land 400 Phase 3 Close Combat Capability Australian Army

LAND 400 PHASE 3 DECISION IMMINENT

CANBERRA: The announcement of which AFV has won the Land 400/3 contract is imminent with one mainstream media outlet claiming it has inside info and has named a 'winner'.

Australian military aid to Ukraine

2ND RAAF AIRLIFT OF WEAPONS FOR UKRAINE

UKRAINE: The RAAF has delivered a second shipment of Australian funded military equipment for Ukraine to a forward NATO airbase.

Australian Defence Force expansion

MAJOR ADF PERSONNEL EXPANSION

CANBERRA: The Australian Defence Force will undergo the largest personnel expansion in almost 60 years as the security situation deteriorates.

Australian Army M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams MBT

NEW ABRAMS WILL BE US ARMY SPEC

CANBERRA: Forget the rumours, the Australian Army's next gen M1A2 will be all but identical to the latest US tanks.

HMNZS Te Mana Frigate Combat Systems Upgrade

TE MANA IN FINAL SEA TRIALS

CANADA: New Zealand's second Anzac frigate HMNZS Te Mana is completely upgraded and undergoing final trials before sailing for home.

Australian Army Interim Battle Management System

INTERIM BMS COMMAND & CONTROL ENTERS SERVICE

TOWNSVILLE: 3 Brigade headquarters, signals and joint fires specialists have been trained on the new Interim - Battle Management System.

new RAN Naval Base

NEW EAST COAST NAVAL BASE

CANBERRA: The Government has announced a shortlist of three locations for a new major Royal Australian Navy base to support surface fleet and submarine operations.

Evolved Cape class Patrol Boat 315

EVOLVED CAPE CLASS PB LAUNCHED

HENDERSON WA: Another Evolved Cape class Patrol Boat for the RAN has been launched in WA.

Hawkei PMV-L Protected Mobility Vehicle Australian Army

HAWKEI PMV-L ACCEPTANCE DELAYS

BENDIGO VIC: Hawkei Protected Mobility Vehicle - Light entry into service across the Australian Army has been delayed again by a minor safety issue.

Kongsberg Strikemaster missile launcher RGM-184A NSM Naval Strike Missile Australia

LAND 4100 STRIKEMASTER RGM-184A NSM

AUSTRALIA: Kongsberg has developed the Bushmaster mounted Naval Strike Missile mobile launcher for the Aussie Army's Project Land 4100.

Australian military aid to Ukraine

RAAF UKRAINE MILITARY AID DELIVERY

NATO TERRITORY: The RAAF has completed the first delivery of ADF military stores to Europe to resupply Ukraine's war effort as the Govt with more help inbound.

Op Queensland Flood Assist 2022

QUEENSLAND FLOOD ASSIST

SE QLD: The Australian Defence Force has deployed to southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales in response to the massive flooding event.

Australia to fund Ukraine weapons

AUSTRALIA TO FUND UKRAINIAN WEAPONS

AUSTRALIA: Australia will donate significant sums to the NATO led fund to buy new weapons for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Editorial John Hunter Farrell

WEAKNESS HAS DELIVERED US WAR

EDITORIAL: The humiliation of Western military power in Afghanistan enabled the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Editorial by John Hunter Farrell

Exercise Cope North 2022 RAAF JASDF USAF USN USMC Mariana Islands Guam Andersen AFB

EXERCISE COPE NORTH PICTORIAL

GUAM: Outstanding aerial imagery of the Australian, US and Japanese contingents over the Philippine Sea and Mariana Islands during Cope North 22.

Type 163 Laser Target Designator Australian Army

ARMY ACQUIRES NEW LASER TARGET DESIGNATOR

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is acquiring a new advanced lightweight manportable Laser Target Designator for JTACs and JFOs.

AN/AAQ-24(V)N LAIRCM Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure

RAAF UPGRADE'S AIRLIFTER MISSILE DEFENCE

USA: The US Government has approved an upgrade of the missile defence systems on RAAF airlifters and tankers to the latest configuration.

Hanwha Defense Australia AS9 Huntsman

HANWHA ARMOURED VEHICLE FACTORY

GEELONG: The new factory to build the Army's next gen 155mm Self Propelled Howitzers is underway.

Australian Antarctic Territory surveillance and sovereignty enforcement

AUSTRALIA TO EXPAND ANTARCTIC SURVEILLANCE CAPABILITY

ANTARCTICA: Australia will deploy new specialist surveilence assets to Antarctica to monitor hostile incursions into our territory.

RAAF Hawk 127 Lead In Fighter Trainer

RAAF TO RETAIN & UPGRADE HAWK 127

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF has opted to upgrade its Hawk 127+ Lead In Fighter Trainers rather than replace them with a new fast jet trainer.

Chinese naval incursion Timor, Arafura and Coral Seas

CHINESE NAVAL INTIMIDATION

ARAFURA/CORAL SEAS: The aggressive Chinese Navy incursion into Australian waters was bigger, more provocative and a lot closer than the public realises.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II  Operation Lightning Ferry 22-1

MORE RAAF F-35A LIGHTNINGS

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: New F-35A Lightnings fresh off the assembly line are being delivered to Williamtown for the RAAF fleet.

ADF airlift in Solomon Islands

EMERGENCY AIRLIFT INTO SOLOMON

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The ADF is conducting a major emergency airlift of medical supplies and foodstuffs into the Solomons.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II flying hour reduction

RAAF DEFENDS F-35A FLEET

AUSTRALIA: The Chief of Air Force's has aggressively rejected claims made in mainstream media about the RAAF F-35A fleet.

Relevance of modern armoured combined arms manoeuvre warfare

HEAVY ARMOUR RELEVANCE

AUSTRALIA: Despite all the talk about 'digital war', Russia, Ukraine and NATO have all opted for heavy armour and armoured artillery as their primary provocation/defence/deterrence tools in the face off in Ukraine.

RAAF South China Sea surveillance operations

RAAF SOUTH CHINA SEA SURVEILLANCE

SOUTH CHINA SEA: RAAF P-8A Poseidon operations are watching Chinese military activities in the South China Sea as Russia threatens war in Europe.

HADR operations commence on the ground in Tonga.

ATATA ISLAND TSUNAMI CLEAN UP

TONGA: The pandemic delayed Op Tonga Assist HADR response element is hard at work on the Tongan island of Atata.

HMNZS Aotearoa Antarctic resupply mission

RNZN ANTARCTIC SUPPLY MISSION

ANTARCTICA: The Royal New Zealand Navy has conducted its first resupply voyage to Antarctica for 50 years.

Hanwha AS21 Redback OMFV prototype

HANWHA AUST TO SUPPORT REDBACK US ARMY BID

AUSTRALIA: Hanwha Defense Australia will play a direct role in support of the Oshkosh/Hanwha bid aimed at the US Army.

Project Sea 5000 Hunter class Future Frigate design process

HUNTER CLASS SDR REVIEW COMPLETE

OSBORNE SA: The Hunter class Future Frigate Systems has progressed with a major design review complete and the next phase underway.

USAF E-7A Wedgetail acquistion

USAF MOVES ON WEDGETAIL

USA: The USAF is following in the RAAF's footsteps and has formally released an RFI which is likely to result in an urgent E-7 Wedgetail acquisition.

RAAF Pilatus PC21 Pilot Training System

ADF PILOT TRAINING SYSTEM FINAL ACCEPTANCE

AUSTRALIA: The final components of the ADF's joint Pilot Training System have achieved formal acceptance by the Dept of Defence.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II JSF A35-048 Australia

RAAF F-35A LIGHTNING II DEVELOPMENTS

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF's F-35A fleet is expanding with new capabilities added now that it has assumed the Australian air defence mission. Pic Adams Aero Pix

HADR operations commence ashore in Tonga.

HADR OPERATIONS NOW ASHORE IN TONGA

TONGA: Australian Defence personnel and Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade crisis response team members are ashore in Tonga.

RAAF Airfield Defence Guards Military Working Dogs Guam

EXERCISE PACIFIC DEFENDER 22

GUAM: Australian RAAF and US Air Force security ground combat elements are conducting an expert subject matter exchange bilateral training event.

AGM-179 JAGM USMC Australia

HELLFIRE REPLACEMENT ENTERS USMC SERVICE

USA: The USMC has completed trials of the new missile intended to replace the long serving Hellfire II.

MQ-4C Triton Integrated Functional Capability 4 IFC4

DEDICATED MEDIUM INFANTRY KNIFE MIK-02

AUSTRALIA: A profile of the new role dedicated Medium Infantry Knife, the MIK-02 from Halfbreed Blades.
OPEN ACCESS

RAAF Exercise Cope North 2022 Guam

EXERCISE COPE NORTH 22

GUAM: The annual combined US, Japan and Australian air exercise in the Mariana islands is underway.

MQ-4C Triton Integrated Functional Capability 4 IFC4

FULL CAPABILITY MQ-4C TRITON ENTERS SERVICE

USA: Finally some positive outcomes in the RAAF'S MQ-4C Triton drone saga from the US Navy.

HMAS Arunta Regional Presence Deployment (RPD) 2022

HMAS ARUNTA DEPLOYS

SYDNEY HARBOUR: The RAN's first warship of 2022 has departed for the Indo Pacific to continue regional presence operations.

Tonga response mission HMAS Adelaide

HMAS ADELAIDE RECOVERY

TONGA: The ADF has launched an emergency recovery operation for HMAS Adelaide after onboard power failures.

Project Sea 5000, Hunter class Future Frigates engineering problems

HUNTER CLASS FFG DESIGN ISSUES

OSBORNE SA: Troubling issues in the design and engineering of the Future Frigates have been confirmed and are worse than expected.

Enhanced - NASAMS Ground Based Air Defence System Australian Army

ARMY'S NEW AIR DEFENCE MISSILES INBOUND

WOODSIDE SA: Army's introduction of advanced surface to air missiles remains on track despite pandemic complications.

Tonga response mission HMAS Adelaide

TONGA HADR UPDATE

TONGA: The distribution of aid and the deployment of the recovery team aboard HMAS Adelaide has been complicated by the pandemic.

Tonga response mission HMAS Adelaide

OP TONGA ASSIST UPDATE

TONGA: Disaster relief operations in Tonga are gaining momentum with an major airlift underway and the arrival of HMAS Adelaide.

Indonesia Dassault Rafale fighter TNI-AU

INDONESIA BUYS RAFALE FLEET - MAYBE?

INDONESIA: Indonesia has confirmed it has signed contracts for a fleet of new fighters but is waiting on finance approval.

RAAF Exercise Red Flag 2022-1 Nellis AFB

EX RED FLAG 22-1

USA: The RAAF is a key participant in this year's exclusive US, British and Australian Ex Red Flag 2022-1 at Nellis AFB Las Vegas.

Operation Tonga Assist

OP TONGA ASSIST

TONGA: Slideshow - ADF and NZDF Humanitarian Aid & Disaster Relief operations are in full swing in volcano and tsunami damaged Tonga.

Thales Lithgow Arms

NEW LITHGOW ARMS FACTORY

LITHGOW NSW: Construction of the new high tech Lithgow Arms factory able to produce the ADF's advanced future small arms is about to commence.

HMAS Adelaide CH-47F Chinook, Tonga volcano eruption

TONGA HADR OP UNDERWAY

TONGA: CH-47F Chinook helicopter have embarked on HMAS Adelaide as the first RAAF C-17A's touch down in Nuku'alofa with emergency aid and communications gear.

RAAF C-130J-30 Hercules AN/AAQ-28(V) Litening Pod

AUGMENTED C-130J's FIRST RECON OP

TONGA: The RAAF's Litening Pod augmented C-130J Hercules completed its first official overseas operational mission in support of the Tonga volcano HADR.

German Army criticism of EC665 Tigre Tiger and NH90 helicopters

ANOTHER SCATHING GERMAN TIGER & NH90 REPORT

GERMANY: The German Bundeswehr has tabled another scathing report on its versions of the Tiger ARH and NH-90 (MRH-90) helicopters.

USAF Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, Darwin Australia

USAF BULK FUEL DEPOT WORK BEGINS

DARWIN: Work on the USAF's massive strategic bulk fuel storage facility at East Arm io Darwin's fringe has commenced.

HMAS Adelaide sails from Fleet Base East, Tonga volcano eruption

ADF PREPOSITIONS SHIPS & AIRCRAFT FOR TONGA

AUSTRALIA: The ADF is prepositioning ships and aircraft to respond to any Tongan requests for assistance in the wake of the volcanic eruption.

11 Squadron RAAF P-8A Poseidon Tonga volcano eruption

RAAF RECON FLIGHT TO TONGA

TONGA: The RAAF is conducting a reconnaissance mission to assess the volcano eruption and tsunami damage to the Kingdom of Tonga.

RAAF P-8A Poseidon, RAAF Edinburgh damage

RAAF P-8A POSEIDONS DAMAGED

EDINBURGH SA: A significant proportion of the RAAF's advanced P-8A fleet was damaged in a severe storm last year.

RAAF C-130J Hercules Block 8.1 upgrade

RAAF C-130J HERCULES UPGRADE

RICHMOND NSW: The RAAF is undertaking a block upgrade of its C-130J Hercules fleet with the first aircraft upgrade already complete.

LCM8 replacement, Project Land 8710 Phase 1

LCM8 REPLACEMENT PROJECT HALTED THEN RESUMED

CANBERRA: UPDATED The Department of Defence withdrew and then almost immediately reissued its program to replace the Australian Army's venerable war worn LCM8 Landing Craft.

Vortex Optics XM157 Next Generation Squad Weapon - Fire Control, NGSW-FC

US ARMY SELECTS NGSW - FIRE CONTROL

USA: The US Army has selected the Next Generation Squad Weapon sighting system ahead of its selection of the M-4A1 carbine and M249 SAW replacement combat weapons with advanced 6.8mm small arms.

SAAB Bofors HE448 Multipurpose 84mm round

PROGRAMMABLE MULTIPURPOSE 84mm ROUND

SWEDEN: The next gen HE448 expanded lethality multi purpose programmable round for the 84mm M4 Multi Role Weapons System has been operationally certified.

RAAF C-27J Spartan, Light Tactical Fixed Wing airlifter

C-27J SPARTAN REVISED FMR & FOC

AMBERLEY: The RAAF's fleet of C-27J Spartans are aiming at a mid year FMR and FOC after being reroled as lower tier Light Tactical Fixed Wing airlifters.

RAAF MQ-4C Triton, Project Air 7000 Phase 1B

AIR 7000 UNDER 'FUNDAMENTAL REVIEW'

CANBERRA: The Department of Defence is conducting a 'fundamental review' of the already underway MQ-4C Triton Broad Area Maritime Surveillance acquisition due to US Navy repositioning.

JS Kaga Darwin Harbour, Australia Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement

AUSTRALIA JAPAN RECIPROCAL ACCESS SIGNED

CANBERRA: Australia and Japan have formalised the Reciprocal Access Agreement that allows both nations military access to each other's facilities.

HMAS Ballarat AMCAP upgrade BAE Systems Australia

HMAS BALLARAT AMCAP UPGRADE

HENDERSON WA: HMAS Ballarat has entered the Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program upgrade in Western Australia.

UH-60M Black Hawk Australian Army

ARMY'S NEXT GEN BLACK HAWKS

USA: The Army's next generation 'latest version' Black Hawks are a far more sophisticated platform than the now retired S-70As that hauled our Diggers around Timor Leste back in the day.

HMNZS Te Mana Esquimalt Canada RNZN Frigate Combat Systems Upgrade

HMNZS TE MANA STILL STUCK IN CANADA

CANADA: The RNZN's HMNZS Te Mana is still stuck in Canada due to pandemic and contractual disputes months after her upgrade engineering was completed.

GBU-53/B StormBreaker Small Diameter Bomb Increment 2 RAAF Australia

GBU-53/B SDB2 OPERATIONAL

USA: The USAF has employed the cutting edge GBU-53/B accellerating the RAAF's introduction of the advanced Precision Guided Munition.

1MP 1st Military Police Battalion Honiara, Solomon Islands

OP LELIA JTF-637.4 STRENGTH REDUCTION

SOLOMON ISLANDS: A large percentage of the Australian Defence Force personnel in the Solomon Islands have been returned to Australia after completing their mission.

Australian Army MRH-90 Black Hawk

AIRBUS DENIES MRH-90 REPLACEMENT

FRANCE: Senior French Airbus executives are directly contradicting the Australian Defence Minister, claiming that no decision to replace the disastrous MRH-90 with the UH-60M Black Hawk has been made.

3RAR Digger Honiara, Remington 870 shotgun, Australian Army, Operation Lelia

CHINESE SECURITY FORCES GOING TO SOLOMONS

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The Chinese influenced Sogavare Government has approved a deployment of Chinese paramilitaries and crowd control equipment in the wake of the Australian led restoration of law and order in Honiara.

Evolved Cape class Patrol Boat sea trials

FIRST ECCPB SEA TRIALS OFF WA

HENDERSON WA: The first of the RAN's interim Evolved Cape class Patrol Boats is currently undergoing contractor sea trials off Perth.

MRH-90 Tactical Transport Helicopter  Australian Army

MRH-90 FMR FOC DELAYS

CANBERRA: The Australian Army and RAN's doomed MRH-90 helicopters Final Material Release and Final Operational Capability are delayed again.

AGM-114R2 Hellfire II missile Australian Army

LARGE ARMY AGM-114R2 HELLFIRE II BUY

USA: The US Government has approved a very large quantity of the latest Hellfire II laser guided missiles for the Australian Army's helicopters.

Australian Army M1A2C Abrams M1A2 SEPv3, M1150 ABV, M1074 JAB 9th Brigade

ARMY TOOLS UP NEW HEAVY COMBAT BRIGADE

CANBERRA: Contracts for new Huntsman Self Propelled Howitzers and approvals for new M1A2C Abrams, M1150 Armoured Breacher Vehicles, M1074 Joint Assault Bridges and additional M88A2 Hercules are paving the way for the new South Australian based heavy combat brigade.

HMAS Sirius decommissioning

HMAS SIRIUS DECOMMISSIONING

ROCKINGHAM WA: The RAN's massive underway oiler HMAS Sirius will be withdrawn from service tomorrow after 15 years supporting the fleet.

Arafura class OPV

ARAFURA OPV OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED

OSBORNE SA: The RAN has officially launched Nuship Arafura, the first of class OPVs at a ceremony at Osborne, South Australia.

Arafura class OPV, OTO Marlin 40 gun

ARAFURA OPV GUN CANCELLED

OSBORNE SA: The RAN has cancelled the original prime gun system for the Arafura class OPVs and is seeking a more capable alternative.

Hobart class guided missile destroyers

HOBART DESTROYER AEGIS SYSTEM UPGRADE

CANBERRA: Lockheed Martin Australia has been appointed primary agent for the upgrade of the Hobart DDGs to Aegis Baseline 9 capability.

Royal New Zealand Navy Solomon Islands HMNZS Wellington

RNZN JOINS RAN OFF HONIARA

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The Royal New Zealand Navy is operating beside the Royal Australian Navy in Iron Bottom Sound off Honiara.

Solomon Islands stablisation operations Gary Ramage

HONIARA EARLY OPS

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Slideshow. Former Aussie Digger now awarded photojournalist Gary Ramage's outstanding imagery from the early intervention in the Solomons. Including multiple new Australian Army and AFP Tactical Response Team weapons and weapon accessories operational debuts.

Hanwha AS9 Huntsman Australian Army Self Propelled Howitizers

SELF PROPELLED HOWITZER CONTRACT SIGNED

MELBOURNE: The Australian Army has finalised the contract for its next generation Hanwha tracked artillery guns and armoured vehicles.

S-70A-9 Black Hawk Australian Army retirement

CLASSIC BLACK HAWKS RETIRED

HOLSWORTHY: The Australian Army has quietly retired its inservice S-70A Black Hawks on the same day the new Black Hawk acquisition was announced.

Solomon Islands stablisation operations New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND SOLOMONS OPS

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Slideshow. The New Zealand Defence Force and New Zealand Police are supporting stabilisation operations in the Solomon Islands.

UH-60M Black Hawk Australian Army

NEW BLACK HAWKS FOR ARMY

CANBERRA: The Australian Army will acquire a large fleet of new UH-60 Black Hawks to replace the problematic MRH90 TTH.

Royal Australian Navy RAN MRH90 Supply class AOR First of Class Flight Trials

SUPPLY CLASS AOR TROPICAL FOCFT

CORAL SEA: Navy has conducted tropical First of Class Flight Trials on its Supply class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment off North Queensland.

RAAF F-35A Lightning Tindal Northern Territory

TOP END LIGHTNING OPS

TINDAL NT: The Department of Defence has revealed a few details of the F-35A Lightning IIs assumption of the key northern air defence mission.

Project Land 400 Phase 3 RMA KF41 Lynx & AS21 Redback amphibious compatability trials video

LYNX & REDBACK IFV AMPHIB COMPATIBILITY TRIALS

SYDNEY HARBOUR: Video: The Land 400 Phase 3 trials confirmed both the Redback and Lynx AFVs were compatible with the RAN's amphibious ships and landing craft.

AH-64E Version 6 Apache Guardian Australian Army

AH-64Ev6 APACHE ACQUISITION TIMELINE

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army has revealed the timeline for its transition from the old Tiger ARH to the advanced AH-64Ev6 Apache Guardian gunship helo.

Thales Australia M795 Artillery Projectile 155mm

AUSSIE 155mm M795 PRODUCTION

BENALLA VIC: Local production of the 155mm M795 high explosive fragmentation artillery shell will commence early next year.

HMAS Sirius returns to Fleet Base West

HMAS SIRIUS COMPLETES FINAL MISSION

FLEET BASE WEST WA: The RAN's underway oiler HMAS Sirius has returned to base for the last time after completing her final mission.

GBU-12 Laser Guided Bomb, BLU-111 (Aus) B/B G.P. Bomb Unit, F-35A Lightning II JSF, 3 Squadron RAAF

AUSSIE MADE BLU-111 BOMB UNIT ENTERS SERVICE

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The RAAF has introduced the new Aussie made 217kg BLU-111 (Aus) B/B G.P. Bomb Unit into service on its combat aircraft.

F-35A Lightning II JSF, 75 Squadron RAAF

TOP END LIGHTNING IIs

TINDAL NT: 75 Squadron is re equipping with the cutting edge F-35A Lightning II after the retirement of the final F/A-18HUG 'classic' Hornets.

Solomon Islands stablisation operations Joint Task Force 637.4

SOLOMONS STABILISATION OPERATIONS

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The Australian Defence Force's Joint Task Group 637.4 expands its support for the Australian Federal Police led stablisation operations as Papua New Guinea, Fiji and New Zealand deploy forces.

Army Aviation Command

ARMY AVIATION COMMAND ACTIVATED

AUSTRALIA: Army Aviation Command has assumed administrative and capability delivery responsibility for all of Army's helicopters and Tactical UAVs.

USS Howard visits Wellington New Zealand

US WARSHIP VISITS NZ CAPITAL

NEW ZEALAND: The first US Navy warship to visit NZ's capital Wellington in 38 years has received a warm joint NZDF welcome.

HMAS Perth AMCAP upgrade Anzac class frigate

HMAS PERTH RETURNS TO RAN

FLEET BASE WEST WA: HMAS Perth has returned to RAN control after an extraordinary five year dry docking due to crewing issues and the AMCAP upgrade.

RAAF F/A-18HUG Hornet retirement from service

RAAF RETIRES THE CLASSIC HORNET

WILLIAMTOWN: The RAAF has officially retired its long serving and combat proven F/A-18 'classic' Hornet fleet with a small ceremony at RAAF Williamtown.

Australian military personnel patrol a market in the Solomon Islands on November 27 2021

AUSTRALIAN AFP AND ADF BUSY IN HONIARA

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The deployment of a compact Australian Federal Police and Australian Defence Force joint task group has suppressed anti government riots in the Solomon Island's capital.

RAAF C-130J-30 Hercules replacement project KC-130J

RAAF SHOPPING FOR MORE NEW HERCS

UNITED KINGDOM: Reports that the RAAF is negotiating for a much larger new build Hercules fleet have emerged from well placed sources.

Australian response to Solomon Island security assistance request

AFP ADVANCE TEAM IN HONIARA

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The AFP advance force mission element was airlifted into Honiara last night in response to broadscale rioting.

Australian response to Solomon Island security assistance request

ADF DEPLOYMENT TO THE SOLOMON ISLANDS

CANBERRA: Australia is deploying a security assistance force to the Solomon Islands after communal unrest has seen widespread arson and rioting in Honiara.

Australian SASR SOER, KOPASSUS Det 81, Ex Komodo Dawn 2021

SASR TRAINING IN INDONESIA

JAVA: Australian SASR and SOER specialists have trained with Indonesian KOPASSUS personnel in Indonesia's Banten region in Java. Pic Twitter

HMAS Brisbane, Philippine Sea, Annual Exercise 2021, JMSDF, RAN

JAPAN LED ANNUALEX 21

PHILIPPINE SEA: Photostory - The RAN has teamed up with the US Navy, Royal Canadian Navy and German Deutsches Marine for the Japanese led Annual Exercise 2021.

2 Commando Company, 1st Commando Regiment, Australian Army, Ex Star Leopard

COMMANDO PARACHUTE EX

AVALON VIC: Photostory 2 Commando Company parachute training into the fields around Avalon airport at Geelong in Victoria during Ex Star Leopard.

Australian Army M-113AS4 Optionally Crewed Combat Vehicle

FINAL AUTONOMOUS OCCV DELIVERED

AUSTRALIA: The last of autonomous 20 M-113AS4 Optionally Crewed Combat Vehicles has been delivered to the Australian Army for its robotics trials.

36 Squadron RAAF C-17A Globemaster III, Exercise Global Dexterity 2021

EXERCISE GLOBAL DEXTERITY 2021

WESTERN PACIFIC: The RAAF contributed two C-17As which flew a 9000km round mission with their USAF counterparts during Ex Global Dexterity.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, RAAF Williamtown, A35-045

MORE RAAF F-35As DELIVERED

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: New RAAF F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters have flown in from the USA with more expected very soon. Pic Jeff De Ath

TNI-AU A400M Atlas airlifter buy

NEW COMPACT CLEARANCE KNIFE FROM HALFBREED BLADES

AUSTRALIA: Halfbreed Blades have released their new Tanto style Compact Clearance Knife, the CCK-02.
OPEN ACCESS

TNI-AU A400M Atlas airlifter buy

INDONESIA ORDERS A400M ATLAS

INDONESIA: Indonesia has ordered a small fleet of the huge Airbus A400M Atlas airlifter to augment its air transport capacity.

USS Newport, Austal Spearhead class Expeditionary Fast Transport

AUSTRALIAN EXPEDITIONARY FAST TRANSPORTS

AUSTRALIA: No foreign design Pacific Support Ship would be half as impressive to our Pacific Island neighbours as an all Aussie sovereign Expeditionary Fast Transport.

HMAS Warramunga, JS Inazuma, Exercise Nichi Gou Trident 2021

AUSTRALIA JAPAN ASSET PROTECTION MISSION

JAPAN: A Japanese warship has 'protected' an Australian warship during the first formal activation of the Australia - Japan Asset Protection Mission.

GaardTech Jaeger C Autonomous Combat Robot

ARMY ACQUIRES JAEGER-C HUNTER KILLER BOT

BRISBANE: The Australian Army is acquiring a fleet of Aussie made GaardTech Jaeger-C AI driven Autonomous Ground Combat Robots to trial long range/long endurance hunter killer missions.

Thales Lithgow Arms 6.8mm combat rifle

NEXT GEN SOVEREIGN 6.8mm RIFLE

LITHGOW: The Australian Army and Thales Lithgow Arms are developing an all Aussie next generation advanced 6.8mm combat rifle that fires an unconventional high lethality round.

New Zealand Police Special Tactics Group counter terrorism assault team fast rope

NZ COUNTER TERRORISM ASSAULT TRAINING

NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand's elite Special Tactics Group has been busy conducting counter terrorism training with RNZAF NH-90 helicopters.

Luftwaffe Eurofighter Typhoon Ex Pitch Black 2022 Australia

FIRST LUFTWAFFE DEPLOYMENT TO AUSTRALIA

GERMANY: The German military has confirmed it will deploy a significant air element to Australia next year.

HMAS Stalwart Supply class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment

AOR STALWART COMMISSIONING

ROCKINGHAM WA: The RAN's second Supply class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment Stalwart will be officially commissioned into service on November 13.

EOS T2000 DE Hero turret concept with High Energy Laser

EOS INTEGRATES LASER INTO T2000 TURRET

CANBERRA: Aussie evolved weapons maker EOS Defence Systems has integrated a High Energy Laser Counter UAS/Counter Loitering Munition self defence system to its advanced T2000 turret.

RAAF F-35A Infra Red Countermeasure flares Glen Greathead

RAAF F-35A COUNTERMEASURES DEPLOYMENT

WILLIAMTOWN: Aviation photographer Glen Greathead has captured an F-35A IRCM flare deployment, possibly the first time that an Aussie Lightning has been snapped using its advanced survivability systems.

M252A1 81mm Mortar System Australian Army

ARMY TRANSITION TO M252A1 MORTAR IMMINENT

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army's pandemic delayed migration from its legacy F2 to the new M252A1 81mm Mortar System is finally getting serious.

USAF B-1B Lancer, RAAF KC-30A MRTT, Darwin Northern Territory, Enhanced Air Cooperation

USAF B-1B ACTIVITY OVER TOP END

DARWIN: USAF B-1B Lancers have been active over the Northern Territory again with support from RAAF KC-30A tankers. Pictorial.

RNZAF P-3K2 Orion Kadena Air Base Japan North Korea surveillance operations DPRK

RNZAF DEPLOYS P-3K2 FOR DPRK SURVEILLANCE

JAPAN: Another Kiwi P-3K2 has deployed to Japan to fly surveillance missions targeting North Korean sanctions evasion operations.

Tiger Mark 3 Upgrade, Australian Army EC665 Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter

FRENCH LED TIGER MARK 3 UPGRADE FALTERS

FRANCE: The Australian Army's wisdom in deciding to retire its problematic Tiger helos in favour of new Apaches has been validated with the French led 'next gen' Tiger upgrade faltering.

75 Squadron RAAF F/A-18 classic Hornet magpie colourscheme

2022 NORTHERN AIR DEFENCE

TINDAL NT: The RAAF has revealed its plans for RAAF Tindal and the primary northern air defence mission after it retires its Top End based classic Hornets.

RAN Clearance Diving Team, US Navy EOD Mobile Unit 5, Western Australia

EXERCISE DUGONG 2021

ROCKINGHAM WA: Aussie and US Navy Mine Countermeasures specialists have completed Exercise Dugong 2021 in waters off Fleet Base West.

Loyal Wingman UCAV flight tests Woomera Australia, Boeing Air Teaming System

LOYAL WINGMAN FLIGHT TESTING PROGRAM

WOOMERA: Video: The RAAF and Boeing have two BATS Loyal Wingman flying trials missions out of RAAF Woomera in the central desert as the program gains speed.

Bell 429, Special Operations Command - Australia, Project Land 2097 Phase 4

LIGHT SPEC OPS HELO DECISION DUE

CANBERRA: A final decision on which helicopter will fulfill SOCAust's Light Special Operations Aviation Capability requirement should be announced soon if the program schedule is to be maintained.

RAN 816 Squadron MH-60R Romeo replacement Yokota Air Base Japan

HMAS BRISBANE'S LOST MH-60R REPLACED

JAPAN: The RAN has airlifted a replacement MH-60R Romeo for HMAS Brisbane into Japan to allow the advanced destroyer to complete her mission.

ASPI Delivering a Stronger Navy, Faster

ASPI CALLS FOR URGENT WARSHIP BUILDS

CANBERRA: The Australian Strategic Policy Institute is calling for urgent redirection of Defence efforts to build more warships rapidly.

RAAF Boeing Airpower Teaming System Loyal Wingman

BOEING ATS LOYAL WINGMAN PRODUCTION

FISHERMANS BEND VIC: Boeing Australia is moving rapidly through the production of the RAAF Loyal Wingman fleet at its advanced facility in Melbourne.

Royal Australian Navy nuclear submarine acquisition

RAN NUCLEAR SUB PREFERENCES

CANBERRA: The Department of Defence revealed a few of its preferences for the future nuclear submarine for the RAN in recent Senate hearings.

Royal Navy Astute class submarine, Fleet Base West, HMAS Stirling, Western Australia

BRIT NUKE SUB DOCKS IN WA

FLEET BASE WEST WA: An unidentified British Royal Navy Astute class nuclear hunter killer submarine is having a brief holiday in Western Australia.

Singapore RSAF AH-47F Chinook, Exercise Wallaby 2021

SINGAPORE EX WALLABY 2021

SHOALWATER BAY QLD: The Singapore Armed Forces have successfully completed Ex Wallaby 2021, resuming major Australian based training after the pandemic closures.

HMAS Warramunga sanctions monitoring North Korea DPRK East Sea Yellow Sea, Sea of Japan

WARRAMUNGA ON NORTH KOREA MONITORING OPS

EAST/YELLOW SEA: HMAS Warramunga has joined UN sanctions monitoring of North Korea violations under Operation Argos.

Unmanned truck logistics technology

HX40M DRIVERLESS LOGISTICS TECH

AUSTRALIA: Video: Defence has developed an integrated system that allows one driver to control multiple HX logistics vehicles on missions

Australian Pacific Support Vessel

PACIFIC SUPPORT VESSEL EXPEDITED

CANBERRA: The Government has expedited its acquisition of a Pacific Support Vessel, hinting that it could enter service next year.

The Battle for Shaggy Ridge by Phillip Bradley

THE BATTLE FOR SHAGGY RIDGE

REVIEW: Phillip Bradley's excellent history of the Australian 7th Division's clearance of the Ramu Valley and extermination of the Japanese in the Finisterre Mountains of New Guinea in 43/44.

Lockheed Martin PrSM Precision Strike Missile

PrSM MISSILE FLIGHT TESTS

USA: The US Government is exploring the relocation of some next generation PrSM Precision Strike Missile flight tests to Australia to maintain secrecy of the cooperative US Army/Australian Army program.

Australian Army Leonardo AW139 helicopter

ARMY'S LEASED AW139 HELOS BUSY

TOWNSVILLE: Army's leased AW139 helicopters are being kept busy flying missions that should have been filled by the problematic MRH-90 Tactical Transport Helicopter.

HMAS Ararat, KRI Kerapu and KRI Sura, AusIndo CorPat

AUSINDO COOPERATIVE PATROL 2021

TIMOR/ARAFURA SEA: The Royal Australian Navy and the Indonesian TNI-Angkatan Laut have completed their 11th combined security patrol of the two nations' shared maritime border.

Tiger ARH in California Ex Griffin Eagle

TIGER ARH IN CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA: Video: Australian Army 1Avn Tiger ARH helicopters in live fire exercise with USMC Vipers and Ospreys in California for Ex Griffin Eagle.

Boxer Combat Reconniassance Vehicle production commenced

BOXER BLOCK 2 PRODUCTION UNDERWAY

BRISBANE: Manufacture of the final configuration Australian Army Boxer Block 2 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle has commenced at Rheinmetall's MILVEHCOE in Qld.

DSTG Transonic Wind Tunnel testing of F-35A GBU-31v1 JDAM separation

F-35A MUNITION SEPARATION SIMULATION EXPERIMENTS

AUSTRALIA: Australia's Defence Science and Technology Group is playing a key role in the scientific support of the F-35A weapons certification efforts.

RNZN, HMNZS Te Kaha, HMNZS Aotearoa, South China Sea

NEW ERA RNZN TASK GROUP

AT SEA: The Royal New Zealand Navy's new look naval task group has been active in the South China Sea with upgraded Anzac frigates and the new underway oiler.

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2021 1/7 Marines

MARINE ROTATIONAL FORCE - DARWIN 2021 COMPLETE

DARWIN NT: The US Marines of Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2021 are heading home after completing their six month deployment to Australia.

Hanwha AS21 Redback, Rheinmetall KF41 Lynx, Project Land 400 Phase 3 Risk Mitigation Activity Australian Army

LAND 400 PHASE 3 AFV TRIALS COMPLETE

PUCKAPUNYAL VIC: The Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group has completed its competitive trials of the Hanwha AS21 Redback and Rheinmetall KF41 Lynx Armoured Fighting Vehicles.

Evolved Cape class Patrol Boat RAN

FIRST EVOLVED CAPE CLASS PBF

HENDERSON WA: The first of six new Evolved Cape class Patrol Boats for the Royal Australian Navy was quietly launched by builder Austal last month.

Lynx Combat Support Vehicle CSV Rheinmetall Defence Australia

AUSTRALIAN MADE LYNX COMBAT SUPPORT VEHICLE

BRISBANE: Rheinmetall has unveiled its new Lynx Combat Support Vehicle, the basis of at least four of the ten Land 400/3 AFV variants required if the company wins the contract.

Cyborg Dynamics Engineering Warfighter Combat Unmanned Ground System

CYBORG DYNAMICS ENGINEERING COMBAT-UGS

BRISBANE: Defence is funding the continued development of a cutting edge tracked Combat-UGS that uses Artificial Intelligence and weapons from mini guns through to Javelin missiles to fight semi autonomously beside infantry platoons.

GDLS Griffin II Mobile Protected Firepower US Army

US ARMY MOBILE PROTECTED FIREPOWER

USA: The US Army is in the final stage of trials for its next generation light tank, the first new tank to enter service since the prototype M1 Abrams in the late 1970s.

Land 2110 Contaminated Casualty Handling System 2CER

CONTAMINATED CASUALTY HANDLING SYSTEM

TOWNSVILLE: The Australian Army's new Chemical Biological Radiological & Nuclear protective systems include advanced casualty evacuation and decontamination systems.

RAN MH-60R Romeo N48-016 Nomad crash

RAN MH-60R ROMEO LOST

PHILIPPINE SEA: An RAN MH-60R Romeo helicopter has been lost after making a forced landing at sea during routine night operations.

RAN Hunter class Future Frigate

HUNTER FFG PROTOTYPING PROGRESS

OSBORNE SA: Sub components of the first prototype Hunter class frigate modules to validate the shipbuilding skills at the Osborne Naval Shipyard have been completed.

HMAS Sirius refuels HMAS Canberra South China Sea September 2021

HMAS SIRIUS APPROACHES RETIREMENT

SINGAPORE: The RAN will lose an exceptional bulk fuel resupply capacity when it retires the underway oiler HMAS Sirius in December, a capacity that would be critical if push comes to shove with the CCP.

L40-2 Mark 47 Mod 1 40x53mm HV LWAGL 10th Light Horse Regiment Hawkei PMV-L

TOOLED UP 10LHR HAWKEI PMV-Ls

KARRAKATTA WA: The 10th Light Horse Regiment re raising parade revealed some very modern new weapons systems on the new Hawkeis entering service with the next gen Army Reserve/regular formation.

MRF-Darwin 2021 FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS Low Altitude Air Defence Australian Army

USMC & 16RAA SURFACE TO AIR MISSILE SHOOT

BRADSHAW NT: Marine MRF-D21 fired the FIM-92 Stinger Surface to Air Missile for the first time in Australia during a SAM shoot with 16RAA.

Mk234 Mod 1 Nulka ADAP Active Missile Decoy

NEXT GEN NULKA DECOY PAYLOAD ACQUISITION

USA: An upgraded payload for the Australian made Mk 234 Nulka Active Missile Decoy is entering production for the US Navy and Royal Australian Navy.

additional RAN MH-60R Romeo helicopter

MORE MH-60R ROMEOS FOR RAN

USA: A major Australian acquistion of more advanced MH-60R Romeo naval combat helicopters for the RAN's Fleet Air Arm is underway.

RAN Maritime Multicam Pattern Uniform

RAN ROLLING OUT ITS NEW MMPU UNIFORM

DARWIN NT: The RAN has commenced issuing its new Maritime Multicam Pattern Uniform to sailors based at Cairns FNQ and Coonawarra NT.

Boxer CRV Australian Army information video

BOXER CRV INTRO INTO SERVICE

TOWNSVILLE: Video: Excellent Army video on the progress in the Boxer CRV as it replaces the ASLAV in Australian Army service.

Boxer CRV 76mm Multi Spectral Obscurant munitions Australian Army

BOXER LIVE FIRE - 30mm + MSO SMOKE

TOWNSVILLE: The Australian Army's new Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles were deployed north to Townsville for Diamond Dagger and a live shoot with obscurants for added effect.

HMNZS Te Kaha HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group 21

RNZN EMBEDS IN MASSIVE CARRIER CONCENTRATION

PHILIPPINE SEA: The RNZN's HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Aotearoa participated in the massive four carrier strike group concentration in the Philippine Sea.

Project Land 2110 Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Personal Protective Ensemble 6RAR 2CER

LAND 2110 CBRN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE ENSEMBLE IN SERVICE

TOWNSVILLE: The new AMCU patterned Land 2110 CBRN Personal Protective Ensemble is rolling out across Army's combat manoeuvre brigades.

Australian Army Stealth Reconnaissance E-Bike

AUSTRALIAN ARMY STEALTH RECONNAISSANCE E-BIKE

 

TOWNSVILLE: The Australian Army's 7th Brigade is trialling very quiet, dust plume suppressed battery powered E-Bikes to equip its Recon Scouts.

RAAF E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C USAF

USAF ASKS FOR WEDGETAIL AFTER FLYING WITH RAAF

USA: The US Air Force is lobbying hard for the acquisition of the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail to replace its E-3G Sentry AWACs after borrowing a RAAF aircraft for three weeks and verifying its outstanding capability.

Singapore Army personnel Shoalwater Bay Training Area Australia Exercise Wallaby 2021

SINGAPORE EX WALLABY UNDERWAY

SHOALWATER BAY: Singapore has resumed its Exercise Wallaby training manoeuvres in Queensland with a small contingent after cancelling last year's activities due to the pandemic.

RAAF 6 Squadron EA-18G Growler and KC-30A MRRT tanker . Australia

ADDITIONAL EA-18G GROWLER FOR RAAF

USA: The US State Department has approved an additional EA-18G Growler Airborne Electronic Attack aircraft to replace the one lost in 2018.

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2021 AH-1Z Viper, UH-1Y Venon, MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor Australia

MRF-D 21 AIR COMBAT ELEMENT SHIPS OUT

DARWIN: Pictorial - Marine Rotational Force - Darwin shipped out its tiltrotors and gunship helicopters after completing the 2021 deployment.

US Army MIM-104F PAC-3 Patriot Missile. Australia

AUSTRALIA IS SHOPPING FOR ADVANCED SAMS

AUSTRALIA: Australia is seeking to buy advanced Medium Range Ground Based Air Defence missiles capable of destroying enemy aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.

FGS Bayern Fremantle Australia Indian Ocean

GERMAN WARSHIP DOCKS IN WA

FREMANTLE: A German Navy frigate has docked in Western Australia during the first Deutsche Marine extended Indian Ocean operation since WW2.

RNZAF P-3K2 Orion NZ4203 retires RNZAF Woodbourne RNZAF Auckland

FIRST RNZAF P-3K2 ORION MPA RETIRED

NEW ZEALAND: The RNZAF has retired the first of its P-3K2 Orion MPAs as it prepares to introduce its new P-8A Poseidons.

Boxer CRV Mark 30 Mod 2 Air Burst Munition cannon Australian Army

LITHGOW BUILD FOR 30x173mm MK30-2/ABM

LITHGOW NSW: The turreted Boxer 'Guncar' 30mm Mauser/Rheinmetall cannon will be built at Thales Australia Lithgow from Aussie made parts.

JS Shiranui Australia Darwin Harbour Reciprocal Access Agreement

2ND JAPANESE NAVAL RESUPPLY IN DARWIN

DARWIN: Another Japanese warship has resupplied in Darwin under the Japan Australia Reciprocal Access Agreement.

USAF F-22A Raptor Australia

EXPANDING USAF PRESENCE IN AUSTRALIA

USA: The USAF's Pacific Air Force's commander has revealed plans for a major expansion of his aircraft into and out of Australian bases under the AUKUS partnership.

Bale Defence Death Adder Rough Terrain Vehicle RTV 2 Commando Regiment

40 MORE DEATH ADDER RTVs

PORT MACQUARIE: The ADF has ordered a second tranche of Aussie made Bale Defence Death Adder RTVs for specialist combat elements.

Boeing Australia Air Teaming System Loyal Wingman UCAV

LOYAL WINGMAN FACTORY SITE ANNOUNCED

TOOWOOMBA: Boeing Australia has announced it will build the Loyal Wingman autonomous UCAV in Toowoomba when the RAAF acquisition commences in 2025/26.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II A35-041 at RAAF Williamtown

NEW F-35A LIGHTNING IIs ARRIVE

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: New F-35As flew into Australia last week as the RAAF closes in on the completion of the transition from the F/A-18HUG 'classic' Hornet.

Rapid Dragon long range strike system RAAF

RAPID DRAGON AIRLIFTER STRIKE CAPABILITY

USA: Trials of the Rapid Dragon containerised missile system that turns airlifters into long range strikers holds great promise for the RAAF.

Australian C Squadron 5th Aviation Regiment CH-47F Chinook Ex Talisman Sabre 21

ARMY AVIATION COMMAND

CANBERRA: Army has separated out its helicopters and drones into a new dedicated Command separate from the manoeuvre elements of Forces Command.

JS Kaga Australia Darwin Harbour Reciprocal Access Agreement

JAPANESE WARSHIPS DEPLOY INTO NT

DARWIN: A Japanese naval task element has arrived in Darwin as part of new reciprocal access arrangements between the ADF and JSDF.

Australian interim nuclear powered submarine US Navy Los Angeles class SSN and UK Royal Navy Trafalgar class SSN

INTERIM SSN LEASE UNDER INVESTIGATION

CANBERRA: Australia is seeking an 'interim' leased nuclear fast attack submarine capability for the RAN in the immediate future.

US Navy Virginia class Block V SSN and UK Royal Navy Astute class SSN

US & UK NUCLEAR FAST ATTACK SUB OPTIONS

US & UK: The latest generation of US Navy and UK Royal Navy fast attack submarines are exponentially more capable than the RAN's planned diesel powered SSG.

RAAF AGM-158B JASSM-ER Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile - Extended Range

AGM-158B JASSM-EXTENDED RANGE FOR RAAF

CANBERRA: The RAAF is acquiring long range stealthy cruise missiles that can penetrate advanced air defence systems and smash key enemy targets.

RGM-109E Tomahawk TLAM Australia RAN Hobart class

RGM-109E TOMAHAWK FOR HOBART DDGs

CANBERRA: Australia will arm its Hobart class destroyers with the latest variant Tomahawk Block V long range surface strike cruise missile.

Australian nuclear submarines

NUCLEAR SUBMARINES FOR AUSTRALIA

WASHINGTON DC: Australia will be given access to US nuclear submarine technology under a new strategic aggreement.

10th Light Horse Hawkei PMV-L XLH

10TH LIGHT HORSE HAWKEI PMV-Ls

KARRAKATTA WA: The Perth based 10th Light Horse has its first new Hawkei PMV-Ls for its new ISR Squadron ahead of its reestablishment as a full light cavalry regiment.

Sentinel Littoral Manoeuvre Craft RNZN

AUSSIE MADE SENTINEL LMC FOR RNZN

NEW ZEALAND: The Royal New Zealand Navy is acquiring Tasmanian built Littoral Manoeuvre Craft for its Mine Countermeasures and Naval Special Warfare missions.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter

F-35 SUSTAINMENT COSTS FALL DRAMATICALLY

USA: Lockheed Martin has signed new sustainment contracts with the F-35 Joint Project Office which will see already decreasing support costs fall dramatically in the next year.

RNZN HMNZS Aotearoa HMNZS Te Kaha Bersama Gold 2021 South China Sea

AUSTRALIA EXPANDS SOUTH KOREA MILITARY LINKS

SOUTH KOREA: Australia and South Korea are negotiating expanded military to military links and possible infantry exercises.

RNZN HMNZS Aotearoa HMNZS Te Kaha Bersama Gold 2021 South China Sea

RNZN DEPLOYS TO SOUTHEAST ASIA

PACIFIC OCEAN: New Zealand has deployed a frigate and a tanker to Southeast Asia in that nation's sovereign regional presence activity.

Tantara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Darat TNI-AD 5RAR Exercise Wirra Jaya

HALFBREED BLADES NEW MEDIUM INFANTRY KNIFE

AUSTRALIA: Halfbreed Blades have just released another Medium Infantry Knife to complement their range - the partially serrated, drop point MIK-03.
OPEN ACCESS

Tantara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Darat TNI-AD 5RAR Exercise Wirra Jaya

ADF TO EXPAND LINKS WITH INDONESIA

INDONESIA: Australia and Indonesia are negotiating a new agreement that will see a major expansion of TNI training in Australia and attendance at Australian military colleges.

HMAS Stalwart Supply class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment

RAN ACCEPTS AOR STALWART

ROCKINGHAM WA: The Royal Australian Navy has officially accepted its new Supply class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ship Stalwart.

RAN Armidale class Patrol Boats HMAS Wollongong, HMAS Launceston

PATROL BOAT CONCENTRATION PERIOD

DARWIN HARBOUR: Pictorial - the RAN's Darwin based Armidale patrol boats have conducted combined exercises to maintain skills across the fleet.

AusIndEx 2021 Indian Navy and RAN in Arafura Sea Australia

BILATERAL TRAINING WITH INDIAN NAVY

ARAFURA SEA: Pictorial - the Indian and Royal Australian Navies are conducting a bilateral maritime warfare training exercise in waters off Darwin.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II A35-038 at RAAF Williamtown

AUSSIE BASED F-35A LIGHTNING FLEET GROWS

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: A new F-35A flew into Williamtown on Saturday with more to follow as the RAAF rolls towards two operational combat squadrons of Lightning IIs. Pic Jeff De Ath/Williamtown Plane Spotters

Exercise Koolendong 2021, 1st Battalion 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Brigade Australian Army

EXERCISE KOOLENDONG 2021

BRADSHAW NT: Pictorial - more great pix from the USMC's Marine Rotational Force - Darwin and Australian Army 1st Brigade's EABO tactical ex in the Top End.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II Eielson Air Base, Red Flag Alaska -21-3

EXERCISE RED FLAG ALASKA 21-3

FAIRBANKS ALASKA: Pictorial - the RAAF expeditionary air element for Red Flag Alaska was the first overseas training trip for our Williamtown based F-35As.

JS Kaga and HMAS Warramunga Ex Malabar 2021

EXERCISE MALABAR 2021

PHILIPPINE SEA: Pictorial - the combined US Navy, Indian Navy, Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force and Royal Australian Navy sea wargames off Guam.

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Exercise Koolendong Northern Territory Australia

EXERCISE KOOLENDONG 2021

TOP END NT: Pictorial - Marine Rotational Force - Darwin has integrated with 1 Brigade to conduct Exercise Koolendong 2021 at Bradshaw FTA in the Top End.

1NZSAS NZ Special Operations Forces team Kabul evacuation flights

NZSAS EVACUATION OPS

KABUL: 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment operators played a critical role in the short Kiwi airlift of its citizens and approved Afghans out of Kabul.

Two dead in truck accident in Townsville

TWO DIGGERS KILLED IN TRUCK INCIDENT

TOWNSVILLE: Two 7th Brigade personnel have been killed in a truck accident during Ex Diamond Dagger 21.

Defeat complete in Afghanistan

US DESERTS KABUL

AFGHANISTAN: The final US military airlifter has flown away and the Taliban are in complete control of HKIA.

HMAS Paluma and HMAS Mermaid final mission

HMAS PALUMA & MERMAID FINAL MISSION COMPLETE

CAIRNS: The RAN's two oldest commissioned vessels have completed their final operational tasking and returned to base to decommission.

Australian armed security Kabul, 1RAR, Airfield Defence Guards, Special Operations

AFGHANISTAN EVACUATION ENDS

AFGHANISTAN: The Australian Defence Force's emergency Noncombatant Evacuation Operation into Kabul has ended with the last Diggers flown out to AMAB.

Australian armed security Kabul, 1RAR, Airfield Defence Guards, Special Operations

1RAR, SPEC OPS, ADGs IN KABUL

AFGHANISTAN: Pictorial The Australian armed security elements in Kabul including 1RAR, Airfield Defence Guards, Special Operations Command. Photostory from August 24.

Exercise Malabar Guam HMAS Warramunga 127mm Mark 45 Mod 4 gun system

EXERCISE MALABAR 2021

GUAM: The RAN's HMAS Warramunga is operating beside US Navy, Indian Navy and Japanese warships in the Philippine Sea for Ex Malabar 2021.

RIM-174 SM6 and SM2 Block IIIC missile production Australia

RIM-174 & SM2 IIIC APPROVAL

USA: The US Government has approved Australian production of RIM-174 SM6 and SM2 Block IIIC Standard naval missiles for the Royal Australian Navy and export.

RNZAF C-130H 1NZSAS Kabul airport evacuation

KABUL AIRLIFT EXPANDS

AFGHANISTAN: The Australian airlift out of Kabul has gained momentum with a doubling of flights and evacuations, and the New Zealanders have joined the effort.

USAF 355th Fighter Squadron F-35A Lightning II Red Flag Alaska 21-2

EX RED FLAG ALASKA 21-3

ALASKA USA: An RAAF multi type offensive air operations element is participating in the bilateral Red Flag Alaska 21-3 with high end USAF Pacific units.

HMAS Ballarat returns to Australia Fleet Base West Rockingham WA

BALLARAT BACK AT FLEET BASE WEST

ROCKINGHAM WA: HMAS Ballarat has returned to her home port Fleet Base West in WA after a very busy four month deployment of operations and exercises.

RAAF C-17A Globemasters  Kabul evacuation

RAAF C-17A KABUL EVACUATION

AL MINHAD: Photostory - RAAF C-17A Globemasters have conducted their first evacuation airlift flights out of Kabul's HKIA airport as the Taliban expand their control.

HMNZS Te Mana in Canada

RNZN ANZAC COMMUNICATIONS UPGRADE

NEW ZEALAND: The Royal New Zealand Navy will integrate a new digital communications suite into its upgraded Anzac class guided missile frigates.

Editorial by John Hunter Farrell

AGONY OF UNNECESSARY DEFEAT

EDITORIAL: Trying to live with the awful reality of the Coalition's unnecessary and deliberate defeat in Afghanistan. Editorial by John Hunter Farrell - Open Source

RAAF C-17A Globemasters Al Minhad Air Base Dubai for Kabul evacuation

RAAF EVAC FLEET AT AMAB

AL MINHAD: Two RAAF C-17A Globemasters have joined the RAAF C-130J and KC-30A at Al Minhad Air Base near Dubai to support the airlift of Australians and Afghans with Australian links out of Taliban controlled Kabul.

USMC NMESIS and Expeditionary Advance Base Operations Naval Strike Missile EABO

USMC TESTS NMESIS MISSILE SYSTEM

HAWAII: The USMC has successfully demonstrated its high tech robotic Anti Ship Missile System by destroying a decommissioned frigate at sea during EABO exercise trials last week.

RAAF C-130J Hercules and Air Security Operations Team Kabul evacuation

FIRST RAAF EVAC OUT OF KABUL

AFGHANISTAN: The RAAF has successfully completed the first evacution of Australians and Afghan employees out of Kabul today.

Operation Argos North Korea Sanctions RAAF P-8A Poseidon

P-8A NORTH KOREA SANCTIONS SURVEILLANCE

JAPAN: The RAAF has deployed another P-8A Poseidon to Japan to support surveillance operations on North Korean regime sanctions evasions.

Afghanistan emergency evacuation

SPECIAL OPERATIONS TASK GROUP 632 IN KABUL

AFGHANISTAN: Reports of an Aussie Special Operations Task Group 632 contingent in Kabul to facilitate the evacuation of Australians is circulating in the international media.

Emergency  evacuation fall of Kabul

ADF DEPLOYS TO AL MINHAD TO SUPPORT KABUL EVAC

AMBERLEY: The first contingent of ADF personnel has departed Amberley for the United Arab Emirates to support the emergency evacuation from Kabul after the catastrophic collapse of Afghanistan.

HMAS Hobart, HMAS Sydney, HMAS Brisbane, DDG Hobart class guided missile destroyers

HOBART DDGs CERTIFIED FOC

AUSTRALIA: The Royal Australian Navy has formally declared Final Operating Capability for its advanced fleet of Hobart class destroyers.

New Zealand Army Bushmaster PMV-M vehicle

NZ BUSHMASTER PRODUCTION UNDERWAY

BENDIGO: The first of the New Zealand Army's new Bushmaster 5.5 combat vehicles are rolling down the assembly line at Thales Australia in Victoria.

RAN HMAS Supply Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment

HMAS SUPPLY COMPLETES FIRST REFUELLING

PACIFIC OCEAN: The RAN's new Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) HMAS Supply has successfully refuelled her first warship at sea and is progressing towards operational tasking.

Precision Strike Missile Australian Army

AUSTRALIA JOINS PrSM MISSILE PROJECT

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is a paid up partner in the US Army's advanced long range Precision Strike Missile Increment 1 program with a view to kick start local production and entry into service.

Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle Mk30/2 ABM cannon Lance Turret

BOXER AMMO, GUN, TURRET ISSUES CONFIRMED

AUSTRALIA: Rheinmetall has confirmed A&NZD's reports that the primary cannon is limited to one top end expensive round and has very serious turret weapons and systems integration issues that will be resolved at Australian expense.

HMAS Canberra, Expeditionary Strike Group 7, USS America, Coral Sea CJBP

CJBP FLEET FIRES & X-DECKING

CORAL SEA: The integrated Australian, US and Japanese warships in the Coral Sea have completed their Combined Joint Battle Problem manoeuvres with live fires and aviation operations.

M45A1 MEUSOC Close Quarter Battle Pistol USMC Marine Special Operations Command

MARSOC M45A1 MEUSOC CQBP PISTOL

CORAL SEA: Talisman Sabre saw some cutting edge weapons systems in action, but in our (biased) view the coolest of them all was the USMC's Spec Ops super old school M45A1 CQBP evolution of the epic but Colt 1911 'forty five'.

HMAS Canberra, Expeditionary Strike Group 7, USS America, Coral Sea CJBP

COMBINED JOINT BATTLE PROBLEM

CORAL SEA: Australian, US and Japanese warships and amphibious ground combat elements are operating together within the Combined Joint Battle Problem manoeuvres at sea off Queensland.

DefendTex Drone155 RPG40 Trajectory Corrected Munition

DEFENDTEX RPG-40G LASER GUIDED PGM

AUSTRALIA: Victorian advanced military systems developer DefendTex has upgraded its revolutionary 40mm RPG40 rocket propelled grenade with laser guidance and integrated it on its Drone155 for very low cost precision aerial attack missions.

USAF Special Operations Command Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element DAGRE special forces Talisman Sabre 2021

USAF SPECIAL OPERATIONS DAGRE TEAM VIDEO

TALISMAN SABRE: Video. USAF DAGRE team special forces operations in northern Australia during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021.

ADF institutional response to IGADF warcrimes allegations

CDF's AFGHAN INQUIRY SMOKESCREEN

EDITORIAL: The ADF's official response to the IGADF's public Afghan warcrimes allegations is a artful exercise in linguistic avoidance all about the sins of the little people and no mention of senior commander responsibilities. By John Hunter Farrell
OPEN ACCESS

Project Land 400 Phase 3 KF41 Lynx and AS-21 Redback AFVs live fire video

LYNX & REDBACK LIVE FIRE VIDEO

PUCKAPUNYAL: Video. CASG has released the first video of Redback & Lynx AFVs conducting live fire with mechanised infantry dismounts during the Land 400/3 trials.

M1A1 Abrams 2 Cavalry Regiment Australia Talisman Sabre 2021

TS21 FINAL PHOTOS

NORTHERN AUSTRALIA: Pictorial: Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 has wound up, but we couldn't help ourselves with one final dig into their photofile.

RAAF AP-3C(EW) Orion electronic warfare Chinese general intelligence ships

RAAF AP-3C(EW)s TARGETED CHINESE SPY SHIPS

CORAL SEA: The RAAF was busy flying active missions gleaning electronic intelligence from the Chinese intelligence ships trying to spy on Talisman Sabre 2021. Pic Sid Mitchell

MRH-90 Tactical Transport Helicopter grounding Talisman Sabre 2021

MRH-90 TTH FLIGHTS MYSTERY

TOWNSVILLE: Confirmation of at least two VIP transport missions and multiple undisclosed flights from bases on online flight trackers indicate that the MRH-90 grounding may at least be partially lifted.

USMC Marines 1/7Marines Forrest Beach Ingham Australia Talisman Sabre 2021

TS21 AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT

INGHAM NTH QLD: Pictorial: Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 culminated with a combined USMC, Japanese, Brit Royal Marine Commando and Australian over the beach assault at Ingham.

Hunter class Future Frigate Type 26 Global Combat Ship

HUNTER FUTURE FRIGATE BUILD DELAY

CANBERRA: The Minister of Defence has confirmed that the RAN's Future Frigate program is already off the rails and faces a significant delay in entering service.

RAAF EA-18G KC-30A MRTT F-35A USMC F-35B B-52H USAF Talisman Sabre 2021

TS21 FAST AIR

TALISMAN SABRE: Pictorial: The Royal Australian Air Force, US Air Force, US Marine Corps and US Navy all contributed jets to Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021.

3rd Battalion 509th Infantry Regiment 3/509 Australian CH-47F  Talisman Sabre 2021

TS21 509PIR AIR MOBILE INSERTION

TOWNSVILLE FTA: Pictorial: Aussie CH-47F Chinooks redeploy US Army 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment airborne elements into Townsville Training Area for ground manoeuvre exercises with Australian elements during TS21.

353rd Special Operations Support Squadron DAGRE  Talisman Sabre 2021

USAF AFSOC DAGRE TEAMS

TINDAL: Pictorial: The USAF's 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron's Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element (DAGRE) delivers ground combat capability to MC-130J Commando II operations during TS21.

75 Squadron 'Magpie' Hornet A21-018 in glossy black and white

75 SQN 'MAGPIE' HORNET

TINDAL NT: The RAAF's 75 Squadron has repainted one of its F/A-18 classic Hornets in glossy magpie black and white to commemorate its final six months flying the battle proven fighters.

3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment Talisman Sabre 2021

509th JUMP INTO TS21

CHARTERS TOWERS: Pictorial: The US Army's elite 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) parachuted from RAAF C-17A Globemasters directly into Talisman Sabre.

Commando SASR Green Berets 160 SOAR Nightstalkers CJSOTF Talisman Sabre

TS21 COMMANDO + NIGHTSTALKERS FAST ROPE

TINDAL NT: Video: Australian Commandos and US Green Berets fast rope from 160th SOAR Nightstalkers MH-60s during Talisman Sabre in the Top End.

USS America Amphibious Ready Group HMAS Ballarat Coral Sea Talisman Sabre 2021

TS21 REPLENISHMENT AT SEA

CORAL SEA: Pictorial: The US Navy's USS America refuels the Australian Anzac class frigate HMAS Ballarat in the Coral Sea to reconfirm the ability of the US Navy to support the RAN anywhere on the high seas.

1RAR 3RAR 2 Cavalry Regiment Talisman Sabre 2021

TS21 BG EAGLE COMBINED ARMS ASSAULT

TOWNSVILLE: Video: An outstanding ADF clip of 3 Brigade's Battle Group Eagle conducting a combined arms assault with armour at Townsville Training Area during TS21.

RAAF Hawk 127 LIFT GBU-12 Paveway II Laser Guided Bomb

RAAF HAWK PAVEWAY II/TIGER TEAMING

DELAMERE: The RAAF has validated the deployment of the GBU-12 Paveway II LGB from the Hawk 127 LIFT with target designation by Tiger ARH helos.

Talisman Sabre 2021 JGSDF 50 Regiment 2nd Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade Bowen Qld

TS21 JAPANESE GROUND FORCES

BOWEN NTH QLD: Pictorial: Japanese amphibious infantry are embedded with 3RAR during the security exercise activities in Bowen within TS21.

New Zealand Defence Force budget cuts

NEW ZEALAND TO CUT DEFENCE REFOCUS NZDF

NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand will abandon its NZDF modernisation after budget cuts and refocus the NZDF towards ideological goals of the Ardern government.

Talisman Sabre 2021 RAAF C-17A USMC 3/12 Marines M142 HiMARS HIRAIN

RAAF FLIES USMC HIRAIN INSERTIONS

TALISMAN SABRE: Pictorial: The RAAF's C-17A Globemasters have been airlifting the USMC's M142 HiMARS rocket artillery systems around southern Qld in simulated HIRAIN rocket bombardments within TS21.

Talisman Sabre 2021

TS21 FIELD MANOEUVRE

TALISMAN SABRE: Pictorial: Talisman Sabre hits its stride with major field manoeuvres at Townsville Field Traing Area and at the Whitsunday's town of Bowen.

3 Squadron RAAF Ex Red Flag Alaska 21-3 F-35A Lightning II

NEW RAAF F-35As IN ALASKA

ALASKA: An element of 3 Squadron is at Eielson AFB in Alaska for Ex Red Flag Alaska with a flight of brand new F-35As directly off the Lockheed Martin assembly line.

2 Commando Regiment 160 SOAR MH-60 Black Hawk Australia Talisman Sabre 2021 CJSOTF

TS21 COMMANDO FAST ROPE

TINDAL NT: Pictorial. Australian Commandos fast rope from elite American 160th SOAR Nightstalkers Black Hawks at RAAF Tindal in the Top End within the TS21 CJSOTF.

160 SOAR MH-60 Black Hawk Australia Talisman Sabre 2021 CJSOTF

TS21 160th SOAR NIGHTSTALKERS

TINDAL NT: Pictorial. The US Army Special Forces Command's elite 160th SOAR Nightstalkers flying out of RAAF Tindal in the Top End within the TS21 CJSOTF.

Talisman Sabre 2021 Scheibel S100 Camcopter VTOL MTUAS

TS21 S100(S2) VTOL MTUAS

CORAL SEA: The Royal Australian Navy has deployed one of its interim MTUAS drones to operate off a frigate within TS21.

Talisman Sabre 2021 navy RAN, US Navy, RCN, JMSDF, ROKN

TALISMAN SABRE 21 FLEET

CORAL SEA: Pictorial. A 15 warship naval element composed of Royal Australian Navy, US Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, Japanese and South Korean warships is training in the Coral Sea within TS21.

CJSOTF SASR 2 Commando Regt, 160th SOAR MH-60 US SOC Green Berets USAF Special Reconnaissance Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021

TS21 SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES HALO

TOP END NT: Pictorial. First images of the Talisman Sabre Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - MC-130Js HALO jumps and Night Stalker helos.

Australian Army 1st Aviation Regiment EC665 Tiger ARH RIMPAC 2020

DEFENCE PUTS TIGER ARH UP FOR SALE

AUSTRALIA: The Department of Defence has listed the Army's Tiger ARH helicopters for sale in its 2021 arms sale catalogue.

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021

TALISMAN SABRE 21 SLIDESHOW

TALISMAN SABRE: Pictorial. A torrent of excellent images is emerging out of Ex Talisman Sabre 2021 as the exercise picks up momentum.

Combined Task Force 150 Counter Narcotics Operations

RNZN ASSUMES COMMAND OF CTF150

MIDDLE EAST REGION: The Royal New Zealand Navy has assumed command of Combined Task Force 150 conducting Counter Narcotics and Counter Terrorism operations in Arabian waters.

31MEU Marine Force Reconnaissance Talisman Sabre 2021

TS21 31MEU MARINE FORCE RECON

CORAL SEA: Slideshow: US 31MEU Marine Force Recon and Rubber Raiding Craft crews in the Coral Sea during Talisman Sabre 2021.

US Army extended Australian deployments

US ARMY EXTENDED DEPLOYMENTS

AUSTRALIA: The Australian and US governments are in the final stages of negotiation over extended US Army deployments operating from Australian bases.

USS Rafael Peralta Talisman Sabre 2021 127mm gun Australia HMAS Ballarat

TS21 NAVAL GUNFIRE SUPPORT

SHOALWATER BAY: Slideshow: Australian, US Navy and Japanese warships bombard SWBTA from gunline in the Coral Sea during Talisman Sabre 2021.

M142 HIMARS Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 Australia Shoalwater Bay 3/12 Marines 12th Field Artillery Brigade

TS21 M142 HIMARS BARRAGE

SHOALWATER BAY: Slideshow: A closeup pictorial of the joint USMC and US Army M142 HIMARS High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems participating in Ex Talisman Sabre 2021.

Combined Joint Special Operations Command Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 Australia SAS SASR SEAL Special Forces Group USAF Pararescuemen

TS21 SPECIAL OPERATIONS

TALISMAN SABRE WIDE: Special Operations Command Australia and United States Special Operations Command have raised a very low profile integrated Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF) which is already active in Talisman Sabre.

AH-1Z Viper helicopter USS America Expeditionary Strike Group Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 Australiae

TS21 FIREPOWER DEMONSTRATION

SHOALWATER BAY: The Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and RAAF teamed up with the US Navy, USMC and US Army to conduct a naval, air, helicopter, artillery and missile barrage at SWBTA.

First MIM-104 Patriot Missile Launch in Australia. Ex Talisman Sabre 2021 38th Air Defence Artillery Brigade

TS21 PATRIOT SAM LAUNCH VIDEO

SHOALWATER BAY: Video: The US Army's 38th Air Defence Artillery Brigade's successful launch of an MIM-104D PAC 2 GEM Patriot Surface to Air Missile during Talisman Sabre 21.

USS America Expeditionary Strike Group Talisman Sabre 2021 Australia

USS AMERICA EXPEDITIONARY STRIKE GROUP INBOUND

SOLOMON SEA: The US Navy's USS America Expeditionary Strike Group and its embarked airwing are inbound for the Coral Sea off Queensland and Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021.

MIM-104 F PAC3 Patriot 38th Air Defence Artillery Brigade Talisman Sabre 2021 Australia

TS21 OPENS WITH US ARMY SAM LAUNCH

SHOALWATER BAY: Ex Talisman Sabre 2021 will kick off with the first ever US Army advanced Surface to Air Missile launch in Australia.

The Blind Strategist by Stephen Robinson

THE BLIND STRATEGIST

BOOK REVIEW: An Aussie Army Reservist's stunning analysis of the most widely followed Anglo American military strategic theories and doctrines may well rewrite the way the US led alliance approaches combat campaigns.

Australian Army Boxer CRV Lance turret live fire

TURRETED BOXER CRV BLK 1 OPCON

WIDE BAY QLD: Lighthorsemen have successfully completed the first unit level turreted Boxer CRV 30mm live fire event.

RNZAF P-8A Poseidon

RNZAF P-8A POSEIDON OPERATIONAL CONVERSION

FLORIDA USA: The Royal New Zealand Air Force's transition to the P-8A Poseidon is gaining momentum as entry into service approaches.

Chinese Navy Electronic Warfare Surveillance vessel Tianguanxing Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021

TALISMAN SABRE 21 KICKS OFF

AMBERLEY: Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 has kicked off with an opening ceremony at RAAF Amberley and a Chinese Navy surveillance ship heading towards the Torres Strait.

EF-88 Airsoft conversion kit Australian Army

ARMY AIRSOFT EF-88 TRAINING WEAPONS

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army has introduced a new EF-88 Airsoft conversion kit to augment its reality based dismounted Close Quarter Combat training programs.

Australian Army abandons combat force generation cycle

ARMY DUMPS COMBAT FORCE GENERATION CYCLE

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army has dumped its brigade based deployable combined arms battle group generation cycle in favour of ad hoc arrangements, less exercises and more barracks level basic skills and simulator training.

Australian withdrawal from Afghanistan

AFGHANISTAN ENDS

AFGHANISTAN: Photostory - The ADF has finally bothered to release the imagery of the final moments of our long and brutal war in Afghanistan almost a month after the last Anzacs were withdrawn in secrecy.

Australian Army RQ-7B Shadow 200 TUAS

RQ-7B TUAS MANNED UNMANNED TEAMING

TOWNSVILLE: The Australian Army has revalidated its Manned Unmanned Teaming fire support capability using the RQ-7B Shadow 200 TUAS to designate targets.

RAAF C-27J Spartan 35 Squadron

C-27J SPARTAN EWSP MTC TERMINATED

CANBERRA: The RAAF has abandoned its efforts to certify the C-27J Spartan's Electronic Warfare Self Protection suite seriously limiting its wartime utility.

Two new CH-47F Chinooks 5 C Squadron Aviation Regiment Australian Army

TWO NEW CHINOOKS DELIVERED

TOWNSVILLE: The Australian Army has accepted two new CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helos with two more new helicopters inbound next year.

Talisman Sabre warships

TALISMAN SABRE SURFACE ACTION GROUP

AUSTRALIA: The RAN led international warship surface action group is assembling and working up ahead of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021.

Abrams Main Battle Tank Puckapunyal Australian Army

EX GAUNTLET STRIKE 2021

PUCKAPUNYAL: The most recent crop of young mechanised infantry, combat reconnaissance and main battle tank platoon and troop commanders were tested in the field under realistic live fire conditions during Ex Gauntlet Strike in June.

New Zealand Army HDT M8R 81MM Mortar

NZ ARMY INTRODUCES NEW HDT 81mm MORTAR

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Army has commenced its replacement of its old 1970s era L16 mortars with a new Austrian made 81mm mortar system and digital ballistics system.

HMAS Perth

HMAS PERTH FINALLY BACK IN THE WATER

HENDERSON WA: HMAS Perth, a few years ago considered the most advanced frigate on earth, is finally back in the water after a ridiculously long dry dock period before her eventual AMCAP upgrade.

2nd Commando Regiment SIG MCX Rattler 300 AAC Blackout

SOC-AUST USING SIG MCX

HOLSWORTHY NSW: Special Operations Command - Australia has introduced the SIG MCX into service, rumoured to be chambered in .300 AAC Blackout.

ASLAV-S Counter sUAS trials 2 Cavalry Regiment DroneShield RfOne MkII

ARMY COUNTER sUAS TRIALS

TOWNSVILLE: 3 Brigade's 2 Cavalry Regiment is conducting ASLAV-S based field trials of the advanced Aussie DroneShield RfOne MkII UAS detection and tracking system.

ADF Operation Highroad Afghanistan

AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL

AFGHANISTAN: The Australian Defence Force has completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan ahead of the US final deadline of September 11, in a regrettable end to our longest war.

AS21 Redback IFV ROK Army trials

SOUTH KOREA TO TRIAL AS21 REDBACK AFV

SOUTH KOREA: The Republic of Korea Army will trial the AS21 Redback IFV prototype IFVs after the Australian Army's Mounted Close Combat Capability trials are finished.

RAAF AN/ALQ-249 Increment 1 Next Generation Jammer - Mid Band production approval

RAAF AN/ALQ-249 MID BAND PRODUCTION APPROVAL

USA: The joint US Navy/RAAF funded project to field the Next Generation Jammer - Mid Band on their EA-18G Growlers has moved forward with low rate production approved.

Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2021 5RAR MRF-D21 JGSDF Australia

SOUTHERN JACKAROO SNIPERS

MT BUNDEY NT: Slideshow - Snipers from Australia, Japan and the US Marine Corps got together for a cooperative shoot in the Northern Territory during Exercise Southern Jackaroo in June.

Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2021 5RAR MRF-D21 JGSDF Australia

EX SOUTHERN JACKAROO

MT BUNDEY NT: Slideshow - Australian, Japanese and US Marine Corps ground forces conduct live fire and field training manoeuvres in the Northern Territory.

RAAF Space Surveillance Telescope Exmouth WA

SPACE SURVEILLANCE TELESCOPE WORKING UP

EXMOUTH WA: The RAAF Space Division is working up its personnel and technology to brings its new WA based advanced exo-atmospheric surveillance systems to fully operational status.

HMAS Warramunga after AMCAP upgrade

WARRAMUNGA RETURN TO SERVICE DUE

FLEET BASE WEST: The third RAN frigate to emerge from the AMCAP upgrade program in WA was scheduled to return to general RAN tasking this month.

Boxer CRV Lance Block 1 Turret training

TURRETED BOXER CRV OPCON UNDERWAY

BRISBANE: Army Operational Conversion training on the new turreted Boxer CRV Block 1 Lance turret is underway at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane.

HMPNGS Ted Diro Guardian class Patrol Boat

AUSTRALIA TO ARM PNGDF MINOR WARSHIPS

AUSTRALIA: Australia has agreed to a Papua New Guinea government request to arm the new patrol boats we are gifting the Pacific Island nation.

RAAF F-35A A35-041. Pic Tim Wurth

RAAF LIGHTNING II MOMENTUM

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The RAAF's 41st F-35A is flying in Texas and its second squadron is close to completing its initial Operational Conversion Course on the new strike fighter. Pic Tim Wurth

USAF MC-130J Commando II RAAF Richmond Photo by Glen Greathead

USAF MC-130J COMMANDO IIs FLY IN

RICHMOND NSW: A mission package of advanced USAF MC-130J Commando II special operations airlifters have quietly flown into RAAF Richmond as international military contingents head into Australia for the primary exercise period. Pic Glen Greathead

A Flight 4 Squadron RAAF PC-21 JTAC Victoria Cross VC

RAAF HONOURS ITS VC HEROES

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The RAAF has named its four JTAC support PC-21s in honour of the service's four historical Victoria Cross heroes.

RNZN HII REMUS 300 AUV

RNZN TO ACQUIRE HII REMUS 300 AUV

NEW ZEALAND: The RNZN has ordered a next generation Autonomous - Unmanned Underwater Vehicle for its mine countermeasures and hydrographic survey operations.

Modern War Institute at West Point

OLD HABITS DIE HARD

OPINION: A British special operations analyst points out serious threats to modern Special Warfare operators in the social media and digital biometric software age.

HMAS Stalwart Supply class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment

AOR STALWART ARRIVES IN AUSTRALIA

FLEET BASE WEST: The RAN's second Supply class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment has arrived in Western Australia ahead of her final systems integration and commissioning into RAN service.

Australian 5RAR and 2/1RNZIR Quick Reaction Platoon, rocket attack, Taji Military Complex 2020 Op Okra Op Manawa CJTF Operation Inherent Resolve, Islamic State

NCO DECORATED FOR TAJI ROCKET ATTACK RESPONSE

AUSTRALIA: An Australian Army infantry NCO has been decorated for his leadership during the mass casualty rocket attack on the Coalition facility at Taji near Baghdad in March 2020.

2nd Combat Engineer Regiment 2CER M1A2 bangalore torpedo

2CER WIRE OBSTACLE EXPLOSIVE BREACHING

SHOALWATER BAY: Photostory - Sappers from the Brisbane based 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment breach wire obstacles with explosives during Ex Diamond Walk 21.

40 Commando Royal Marines 2RAR (Amphib) Air Assault operation Mourilyan Harbour Australia

MOURILYAN HARBOUR AIR ASSAULT

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND: Photostory - 2RAR Amphib and 40 Commando Royal Marines conducted an air mobile assault in Chinooks to clear and secure the Mourilyan sugar terminal at the culmination of Ex Sea Explorer.

MRH-90 TTH grounded 2021

ENTIRE MRH-90 FLEET GROUNDED

AUSTRALIA: The ADF's entire fleet of MRH-90 Tactical Transport Helicopters are grounded again, right in the middle of the ADF's intense covid training rebound.

DroneShield DroneGun Tactical counter small UAS C-SUAS C-UAS soft kill jamming system

AUSSIE DRONESHIELD C-UAS SYSTEMS SUCCESS

AUSTRALA: The cutting edge Aussie made DroneShield Counter - Small UAS (C-SUAS) systems are being snapped up by international countries, including major NATO and Five Eyes partners.

40 Commando Royal Marines in Australia

40 COMMANDO ROYAL MARINES RETURN

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND: Royal Marines from the elite 40 Commando are back in Australia attached to 2RAR (Amphib) after a pandemic related absence.

Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2021 Australia

EX SOUTHERN JACKAROO 21

NORTHERN TERRITORY: Japanese infantry, Marine Rotational Force - Darwin and the NT based 1st Brigade have commenced Ex Southern Jackaroo 2021, the event returning after missing 2020 due to the pandemic.

2 Cavalry Regt M1A1 SA Abrams amphibious extraction Ex Sea Explorer 21

AMPHIBIOUS BATTLE GROUP EXTRACTION

COWLEY BEACH FNQ: Photostory - The 3RAR combined arms battle group's amphibious extraction from Cowley Beach back to HMAS Canberra and HMAS Choules.

Australian Army L3Harris ENVG-B Enhanced Night Vision Goggle - Binocular

'GAME CHANGER' GOGGLE INBOUND

AUSTRALA: A&NZD has identified the vague 'cutting edge fused night vision goggle system' announced by the Minister in February and agree it will revolutionise ground combat as we know it.

Halfbreed Blades CCK-03 Tuhon Raptor Knife

TUHON RAPTOR CQC KNIFE

AUSTRALA: Halfbreed Blade's new Spec Op's specialist designed Close Quarter Combat blade.

RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet Rhino Exercise Arnhem Thunder 2021

EXERCISE ARNHEM THUNDER

NT TOP END: Photostory: More outstanding imagery from the RAAF's expeditionary air wing deployment to the Top End and Tindal's home based 75 Squadron during Ex Arnhem Thunder.

Exercise Diamond Walk 2021

EX SEA EXPLORER AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT

COWLEY BEACH FNQ: Photostory The ADF's Amphibious Ready Group is exercising its over the beach force emplacement capacity in Far North Queensland.

HMAS Waller Collins class upgrade Life of Type Extension

URGENT COLLINS CLASS SUB UPGRADE

CANBERRA: The Government has approved an expanded and expedited systems upgrade and lethality improvement to the RAN's inservice Collins class submarines to hedge against the failure of the Attack class SSG build.

RAAF KC-30A MRTT Multi Role Tanker Transport Automated Air to Air Refuelling (A3R)

MRTT AUTOMATED REFUELLING TRIALS SUCCESSFUL

SPAIN: Airbus Military has successfully completed Automated Air to Air Refuelling (A3R) flight trials approving the amazing new capability to enter service in RAAF KC-30A MRTT tankers.

Knights Armaments Company M110K3 Semi Automatic Sniper System Australia Land 159 Tranche 1

KAC OFFERING CUSTOM SASS FOR AUST ARMY

AUSTRALIA: The Knights Armaments Company are offering a custom Semi Automatic Sniper System evolution of the inservice M110 to fulfill the Land 159 Medium Range Anti Personnel Sniper Rifle requirement.

Hawkei PMV-L IOC declared and safety restrictions will be lifted after software patch

EXERCISE DIAMOND WALK

SHOALWATER BAY: Photostory The Brisbane based 7 Brigade is supporting 6RAR (Mech) with Abrams, Boxers and artillery during the three week Exercise Diamond Walk.

Hawkei PMV-L IOC declared and safety restrictions will be lifted after software patch

HAWKEI PMV-L IOC DECLARED & RESTRICTIONS LIFTING

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army has declared IOC after accepting a Hawkei PMV-L fix developed by Thales Australia and subcontractors which should allow all offroad and rough track restrictions to be lifted.

Force Ordnance APRS QTD1 .338 Lapua Magnum sniper rifle

AUSTRALIAN PRECISION SNIPER RIFLE

AUSTRALIA: Adelaide based Force Ordnance's advanced 'take down' QTD1 sniper rifle is a stunning example of local 'sovereign' defence industrial excellence but is blocked from Army's next gen sniper rifle trials due to petty bureaucratic issues.

Australian Army Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle CRV

BOXER 30mm CANNON JAMMING ISSUES

AUSTRALIA: Delays caused by systems integration issues in the Boxer's new Lance turret and problems with its main cannon jamming have been revealed in Senate estimates hearings.

Australian Army AH-64E Version 6 Apache Guardian helicopter

AUSSIE APACHE WILL BE TOP SHELF

USA: A close analysis of the US Govt approval of the Australian Army's AH-64Ev6 Apache buy reveals a combat helicopter chock full of the most advanced avionics, sensors and weapons systems.

Chief of Defence Force General Angus Campbell

CDF CAMPBELL'S AFGHAN SOTG CREDIBILITY BLASTED

CANBERRA: Chief of Defence Force General Angus Campbell's credibility and honesty over his claims to have known 'nothing' of Afghan SOTG inquiry claims have been seriously called into question in Senate hearings.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II Beast Mode

RAAF LIGHTNINGS COMPLETE ARNHEM THUNDER

NORTHERN TERRITORY: Slideshow of the RAAF's new F-35A Lightnings during their first fully loaded training activity in the NT's Top End. Outstanding RAAF pix.

FibroTex Multi Spectral Combat Uniforms

NEXT GEN GROUND COMBAT STEALTH

AUSTRALIA: High tech materials are set to revolutionise military uniforms and introduce low observable 'stealth' technology to the ground combat elements.

LMT Defense MARS-LA Personal Defence Weapon

LMT PERSONAL DEFENCE WEAPONS

AUSTRALIA: SA's Force Ordnance is tendering LMT Defense's compact for the Australian Defence Force's Low Profile and Personal Defence Weapon requirement.

Maxim PDX505 Personal Defence Weapon

MAXIM PERSONAL DEFENCE WEAPONS

BRISBANE: Weapon's companies are revealing their solutions for the ADF's next gen subguns with some very gucci gear like the Maxim range of PDWs tendered by Precision Technic Defence.

US Navy MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance drone

US NAVY ZERO MQ-4C BUDGET FOR 2021/22

USA: The US Navy has extended its 'freeze' on MQ-4C Triton drone acquisitions, further destabilising the RAAF's already contracted buy of the advanced maritime surveillance system.

HMAS Supply AOR Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment

HMAS SUPPLY DEPARTS ON FIRST TASK

PACIFIC OCEAN: The RAN's new AOR HMAS Supply has left Fleet Base East in Sydney Harbour on her first training task since commissioning in April.

Singapore CH-47F Chinook

RSAF CH-47F CHINOOKS QLD BOUND

SINGAPORE: The Republic of Singapore Air Force's new upgraded CH-47F Chinook helicopters will be long term based in Australia.

HMAS Larrakia Solomon Islands

RAN SOLOMON ISLANDS OPERATIONS

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The RAN's Armidale class Patrol Boat has completed a two week operational deployment to support the Solomon Islands' border security and fisheries protection.

IAI Green Dragon Compact Loitering Munition System

IAI OFFERING ADVANCED LOITERING MUNITIONS TO ADF

AUSTRALIA: Israeli advanced weapons developer IAI is offering its advanced suicide UAS and a local Australian owned sovereign manufacturing capacity to the Australian Army for its Loitering Munitions requirement.

HMAS Parramatta French Marine Nationale Jeanne d'Arc 21 Task Group

2ND FRENCH AUSTRALIAN SOUTH CHINA SEA OP

SOUTH CHINA SEA: HMAS Parramatta has embedded within the French Jeanne D'Arc 21 Task Group to transit the South China Sea in defiance of Chinese claims.

USAF B-2 Spirit RAAF Tindal Northern Territory

US SEEKS TO EXPAND AUSSIE FOOTPRINT

CANBERRA: The US Government has proposed building an equipment and munitions 'war stores' pre positioning facility in the Northern Territory amongst other military cooperation initiatives.

2/14 Light Horse Regiment Boxer MRV Ex Diamond Walk Shoalwater Bay

BOXER MRVs FIRST FIELD EX

SHOALWATER BAY: Video: 2/14 Light Horse Regiment has deployed some of its new Boxer MRVs to SWBTA for Exercise Diamond Walk with 6RAR and M1A1 Abrams MBTs.

Australian Defence Force CBRN Personal Protective Ensemble

NEW CBRN KIT ENTERS SERVICE

KAPOOKA NSW: The Australian Defence Force's next generation Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear personnel protection equipment has entered service.

HMAS Adelaide Captain Cook Graving Dock Fleet Base East Sydney Harbour

HMAS ADELAIDE REFIT & PROPULSION UPGRADE

SYDNEY HARBOUR: The Amphibious Assault Ship HMAS Adelaide has entered dry dock for a major refit and replacement of her problematic Azimuth Thruster propulsion drive.

Rheinmetall Australian Army Boxer Block 1 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle CRV Introduction into Service 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment Gallipoli Barracks

BOXER BLOCK 1 GUNCAR IIS?

BRISBANE: Army has declined to comment, but the first turreted Boxer Block 1 CRVs are scheduled to enter service with 2/14LHR in Brisbane 'mid year'.

HMAS Stalwart AOR Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment

AOR STALWART INBOUND

SPAIN: The RAN's second Supply class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment is Western Australia bound on her maiden voyage after completing her build in Fene Ferrol in northern Spain.

AGM-88G Advanced Anti Radiation Guided Missile - Extended Range AARGM-ER

AGM-88G AARGM-ER TRIALS

USA: The RAAF is closely watching the US Navy's AGM-88G Advanced Anti Radiation Guided Missile - Extended Range trials which promises to revolutionise SEAD/DEAD operations.

Australian Army Hawkei High Mobility Launcher E-NASAMS

ENHANCED NASAMS GBAD DEVELOPMENTS

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army's next generation E-NASAMS Ground Based Air Defence missile system is shaping up for entry into service in the near future under Project Land 19 Phase 7B.

 3 Squadron F-35A's Exercise Arnhem Thunder 2021

F-35A's TOOL UP IN TOP END AIR EX

DARWIN: The RAAF's new F-35A Lightning IIs have been bombed up in beast mode for the first time within Ex Arnhem Thunder in the NT Top End.

Australian Defence Force Space Division RAAF

ADF TO RAISE SPACE DIVISION HQ WITHIN RAAF

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Defence Force will stand up a Space Division Headquarters within the RAAF to command and control all extra atmospheric military support systems.

Project Currawong Medium SATCOM Terminal

'CURRAWONG' COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES ROLL OUT

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Defence Force is introducing additional elements of its modern secure Project Currawong communications and networking technologies.

2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment M1A1 SA Abrams MBT

MOLAN DEFENDS ABRAMS UPGRADE

OPINION: Former general and Iraq War veteran Senator Jim Molan defends the Australian Army's upgrade of its heavy armour upgrade program and slaps down opinionated 'defence' commentators in The Australian

HMAS Ballarat South China Sea Op Okra DPRK

BALLARAT ON NORTH KOREA SANCTIONS OPS

JAPAN: The RAN's HMAS Ballarat has deployed to Japan under Op Argos to support United Nations monitoring of North Korean sanctions avoidance activities.

HMAS Sydney RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile CSSQT Southern California Exercise Area

HMAS SYDNEY IN CANADA AFTER CSSQT IN CALIFORNIA

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN: HMAS Sydney is conducting Anti Submarine Warfare systems trials off Canada after completing her CSSQT off Southern California.

HMNZS Wellington New Zealand Southern Ocean Patrol Vessel

RNZN SEEKS ANTARCTIC PATROL VESSEL

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Department of Defence has issued an RFI for an ice strengthened armed Offshore Patrol Vessel to defend NZ's Southern Ocean, Ross Sea and Antarctic sovereignty.

2nd Commando Regiment 2Cdo Temora parachute insertion Ex Titan Pegasus

EXERCISE TITAN PEGASUS 21

TEMORA NSW: SOCAust's 2nd Commando Regiment has conducted parachute insertion training in the lead up to multinational Special Operations during Ex Talisman Sabre 21 in Queensland next month.

Army leased Leonardo AW139  utility helicopter

5 AVN LEASED AW109 HELO

TOWNSVILLE: Army's 5 Aviation Regt is operating the first of a rumoured three leased Leonardo AW109 helicopters to make good MRH-90 TTH lack of availability.

Ex RAAF Hornets in RCAF Canadian service

FINAL RAAF 'FLYING' HORNET IN CANADA

CANADA: The Royal Canadian Air Force has taken delivery of the last of the retired RAAF F/A-18HUG Hornets it intends to fly in combat squadrons.

Australian Iraq Operation Okra activities 2021 CJTF Operation Inherent Resolve

ONGOING AUSTRALIAN IRAQ OPERATIONS

IRAQ: While wound down from their 2017/18 high, Australian operations in Iraq continue with Special Operations and Combat Support personnel still active.

FN Herstal EVOLYS 7.62mm ultralite machine gun

FN REVEALS MAG-58 SUCCESSOR

BELGIUM: Euro small arms ground breaker FN Herstal has revealed its new EVOLYS ultralite GSMG -successor to the legendary MAG-58 and Minimi family of combat automatics in service with the ADF

RAAF F-35A Lightning II A35-022 in Beast Mode with six external underwing weapons pylons. Pic Glen Greathead

BEAST MODE PYLONS ON 3 SQN F-35A

RAAF WILLIAMTOWN: A sharp eyed aviation photographer has snapped the first image of an RAAF F-35A Lightning II flying with all six external weapons pylons affixed. Photos by Glen Greathead

HMCS Calgary record Middle East heroin seizure

RCN BREAKS AUSSIE HEROIN SEIZURE RECORD

ARABIAN SEA: The Canadian frigate HMCS Calgary has broken the Middle East heroin seizure record set by the Aussie frigate HMAS Darwin way back in 2014.

HMAS Larrakia Solomon Islands mission

RAN PATROL BOAT DEPLOYS TO SOLOMONS

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The RAN has deployed an Armidale class Patrol Boat to the Solomon Islands to support the nation's border security during the pandemic.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II A35-036 77 Squadron

77 SQUADRON F-35A LIGHTNINGS ARRIVE

RAAF WILLIAMTOWN: The RAAF's F-35A fleet has expanded to over half strength with four new Lightning IIs arriving at RAAF Williamtown, including three for the working up 77 Squadron. Photos by Glen Greathead

Australian warships South China Sea RAN FONOPS

SOUTH CHINA SEA FONOP

SOUTH CHINA SEA: The RAN has completed another transit of the South China Sea in defiance of Chinese claims, this time with four warships.

HMAS Rankin MH-60R transfer

URGENT COLLINS CLASS SUB UPGRADE

CANBERRA: Reports that the Department of Defence is planning on expediting a major upgrade to the Collins class submarines are emerging from Canberra.

Textron Cottonmouth Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle

USMC ADVANCED RECONNAISSANCE VEHICLE

USA: The US Marine Corps is looking for a light, lethal, smart and aware Advanced Recon Vehicle to replace its inservice LAVs.

Royal Marine Commando jet suit Ship Underway Recovery training

ROYAL MARINE JET SUIT VIDEO

UNITED KINGDOM: Video. Brit Royal Marine Commandos employ a radical new technology jet suit in Ship Underway Recovery training.

HMNZS Te Kaha in Haze Grey

RNZN FRIGATE UPGRADE GAINS MOMENTUM

NEW ZEALAND: The Royal New Zealand Navy's Frigate Combat Systems Upgrade program is moving ahead, with one warship returning to service and the other near completion of its upgrade in Canada.

M1150 Armoured Breacher Vehicle M1074 Joint Assault Bridge Australian Army

ARMOURED ENGINEER ASSAULT SUPPORT

WASHINGTON DC: The Royal Australian Engineers' next generation heavy armour assault vehicles were also approved by the US DSCA during the clearance publications.

RAAF E-7A Wedgetail F-22A Raptor Ex Pacific Edge 2021 Hawaii

RAPTOR & WEDGETAIL INTEGRATION IN HAWAII

HAWAII: The RAAF has very quietly integrated its E-7A Wedgetail with the USAF's top shelf F-22A Raptor in interoperability exercises to develop the ultimate air combat partnership.

Australian Army CH-47F Chinook

MORE CHINOOKS FOR ARMY

WASHINGTON DC: The US Government has approved a request to sell additional Chinook helicopters to the Australian Army.

M1A2C M1A2 SEPv3 Australian Army

M1A2C ABRAMS FOR AUSTRALIAN ARMY

WASHINGTON DC: The US Government has approved a request for an expanded fleet of the latest M1A2C Abrams for the Australian Army.

Task Group Taji X 2/1RNZIR rocket attack decorations

NZ DECORATES TAJI ROCKET ATTACK RESPONDERS

NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand has decorated 2/1RNZIR infantrymen and medics for their actions in response to the mass casualty rocket attack on Taji in Iraq in March 2020.

M1156 Precision Guidance Kit Australian Army

M1156 PGK INTEGRATED ON ASSEGAI ARTY ROUND

SOUTH AFRICA: The M1156 Precision Guidance Kit is being integrated onto the long range rocket assisted Assegai 155mm rounds entering service with the Australian Army.

Northern Territory field training area upgrade

TOP END TRAINING AREAS UPGRADE

NORTHERN TERRITORY: The Australian Army's major field and close training areas in the Northern Territory will undergo major upgrades to facilitate multi domain combat training.

KRI Nanggala heavily encrusted with marine growth

HEAVILY ENCRUSTED KRI NANGGALA PIX

INDONESIA: Imagery of the lost Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala taken in October 2020 and published by A&NZD last December reveals a heavily encrusted hull and control surfaces in dire need of maintenance.

RAAF GBU-58 Paveway II MQ-9B Skyguardian armed remotely piloted aircraft

RAAF GBU-58 PAVEWAY II LASER GUIDED BOMBS

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF will introduce the advanced GBU-58 Paveway II Laser Guided Bomb to arm its future MQ-9B Skyguardian fleet.

RAAF MQ-9B Skyguardian armed remotely piloted aircraft

US APPROVES 12 MQ-9B RPAS FOR RAAF

USA: The US State Department has approved a sale for up to 12 MQ-9B Skyguardians and a large weapons package for the RAAF.

HMAS Ballarat Indonesian submarine search

AUSTRALIA JOINS SEARCH FOR MISSING SUB

AUSTRALIA: Australia has redirected HMAS Ballarat and Sirius from their current Regional Presence deployments to join the multi-national search for Indonesia's missing submarine.

AGM-158C LRASM-Surface Launch with rocket booster

LOCAL LRASM-SURFACE LAUNCH CONSORTIUM

AUSTRALIA: Lockheed Martin and Thales Australia have teamed up to produce the stealthy and tactically adept AGM-158 LRASM-Surface Launch in Australia for the RAN and the Army's requirements.

DefendTex RPG-40 rocket propelled grenade

AUSSIE ROCKET PROPELLED GRENADE

AUSTRALIA: Aussie advanced encapsulated munitions developer DefendTex has developed a lethal long range rocket propelled grenade which is launched from standard inservice 40mm GLAs.

RNZAF P-3K2 Orion North Korea sanctions Kadina AFB Japan

RNZAF P-3K2 ON NORTH KOREA SANCTIONS OPS

NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand is deploying a P-3K2 Orion to Japan to fly surveillance missions to monitor North Korea sanctions violations in the East Sea and Sea of Japan.

Australian and French warships South China Sea transit 16/4/21 Op Jeanne D'Arc 2021

COMBINED AUSTRALIAN/FRENCH SOUTH CHINA SEA NAVAL TRANSIT

SOUTH CHINA SEA: A package of four Australian and French warships completed a transit of the South China Sea in mid April in defiance of Chinese territorial claims.

Gaardtech Jaeger-C Anti Armour Unmanned Ground Vehicle

JAEGER-C UGV AUTONOMOUS SMART MUNITION

AUSTRALIA: Qld's Gaardtech has produced a smart wheeled armoured small UGV able to autonomously hunt and kill hostile armoured vehicles.

Australian Army 84mm M4 Multi Role Weapons System

84mm M4 MRWS ENTERS SERVICE

AUSTRALIA: The new lighter and more accurate 84mm M4 Multi Role Weapons System has been introduced into service at the SOI ahead of roll out to combat units.

Afghanistan Special Operations Task Group Meritorious Unit Citation

AFGHAN SOTG MUC REVOCATION REVERSED

CANBERRA: The new Defence Minister has reversed the General Campbell's group punishment revocation of the SOTG Meritorious Unit Citation and restored the award to SOTG Afghanistn veterans.

HMLA-367 UH-1Y Venom RAAF Darwin Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2021

MRF-D 21 ACE FLYING IN TOP END

DARWIN NT: The USMC has deployed an Air Combat Element (ACE) of Vipers, Venoms and Ospreys into Darwin to support Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2021

Editorial comment by John Hunter Farrell

US RAISES THE WHITE FLAG IN AFGHANISTAN

EDITORIAL: The US President's unconditional retreat from Afghanistan by September 11, will escalate not 'end these forever wars'. Editorial by John Hunter Farrell
OPEN ACCESS

8/9RAR Char Cheneh Afghanistan 2012 Helmand River Tinsley Shahid e Hassas

AUSTRALIAN END OF AFGHAN MISSION TIMELINE

AFGHANISTAN: The Prime Minister's official Afghanistan 'end of mission' statement brings a finality to Australia's longest modern war. Pic John Hunter Farrell

HMAS Ballarat departs Fleet Base West for Regional Presence Deployment 2021-2

REGIONAL PRESENCE DEPLOYMENT 2021 -2

AUSTRALIA: The RAN has deployed a second task group of two warships to the western Pacific in the second phase of its 2021 regional surge.

AN/ALQ-249 Increment 1 Next Generation Jammer Mid Band RAAF EA-18G Growler

GROWLER BLOCK II UPGRADE

AUSTRALIA: The US Navy's commencement of the Growler Block II upgrade sets the timeline for the RAAF's Growler enhancement program.

Oceania Defence 5.56 Ratchet Lock Inconel Suppressor for EF-88

EF-88 SUPPRESSOR FOR RAR BATTALIONS

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is introducing suppressors for the EF-88 MWS rifle in its Royal Australian Regiment infantry battalions next month.

Australian Army S-70A-9 Black Hawk Special Operations Aviation 2 Commando Regiment 171 Squadron 6 Aviation Regiment

GOVT ADVERTISES BLACK HAWKS FOR SALE

CANBERRA: The Australian Army's days flying the Black Hawk are numbered with the Dept of Defence seeking buyers interested in the surviving helicopters.

AN/ALE-55 towed missile decoy deployed from P-8A Poseidon

ALE-55 DECOY INTEGRATED ON P-8A

USA: The US Navy has integrated the AN/ALE-55 towed missile decoy onto its P-8A Poseidons using an innovative and low cost solution.

HMAS Supply AOR Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment

AOR SUPPLY COMMISSIONING

SYDNEY HARBOUR: The RAN's new Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment will enter service as HMAS Supply after her commissioning service at Fleet Base East tomorrow.

RAAF Armament Tech load an F/A-18F with GBU-38v4 JDAMs at Al Dhafra during Op Inherent Resolve against Islamic State

RAAFIES RENAMED 'AVIATORS'

CANBERRA: The RAAF has ditched the old term 'airmen' for its serving personnel, replacing it with 'aviators' as a generic descriptor for RAAFies.

11/28 RWAR Royal Western Australia Regiment combat shooting

11/28RWAR COMBAT SHOOTING PROGRAM

BINDOON WA: Photostory: Slideshow, 11/28RWAR Diggers undergo advanced combat shooting training on the EF-88M rifle and L9A1 pistol.

RAAF F-35A Lightning A35-036

HALF OF RAAF F-35A FLEET BUILT & FLYING

TEXAS USA: The RAAF has hit a key F-35A milestone with half of the currently ordered fleet having rolled off the production line and in flight.

Australian Pacific Island Regiment

POLLIES WANT A PACIFIC ISLAND REGT

CANBERRA: A Canberra parliamentary sub committee has recommended Australia raise a Pacific Island Regiment using high pay and easy citizenship to recruit foreign mercenaries instead of Aussie Anzacs.

Exercise La Perouse Bay of Bengal

EXERCISE LA PEROUSE

BAY OF BENGAL: Photostory: The RAN has joined in the French led Ex La Perouse with the Indian, Japanese and US navies to demonstrate united resolve to defend freedom of the seas.

RAAF EA-18G Growler DEAD SEAD HARM AARGM AGM-88E

RAAF TO ARM GROWLER WITH AARGM & HARM

AMBERLEY SEQ: The RAAF will introduce the top shelf AARGM and combat proven HARM anti radar missiles to its Growlers this year - transforming our Airborne Electronic Attack into a lethal DEAD capability.

The Integrated Visual Augmentation System Capability Set 3

RPD21-1 INDO PACIFIC NAVAL OPERATIONS

INDO PACIFIC: Photostory: The RAN's Regional Presence Deployment activity with the US Navy and Japanese in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea.

The Integrated Visual Augmentation System Capability Set 3

US ARMY ACQUIRES IVAS SMART GOGGLE

USA: The US Army will introduce the revolutionary IVAS combat vision system which allows high resolution tactical feeds as well as next gen fused Optical/IR feeds to be fed directly into a soldier's eye piece.

YWE Regional Support Craft Whiskey Project Group Regional Force Surveillance Units

REGIONAL SUPPORT CRAFT COMPLETES SEA TRIALS

YAMBA NSW: The Army's new Regional Support Craft has successfully completed it's manufacturers' sea trials prior to delivery to the Regional Force Surveillance Group in the Torres Strait.

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 beach landing

EX HOWLING WOLF

WIDE BAY QLD: Video: C Squadron 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment's M1A1 SA Abrams MBTs cut loose during crew certification.

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 beach landing

EX TALISMAN SABRE 21 GOING AHEAD

QUEENSLAND: Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 is going ahead in July with some international and a large ADF contingent.

Australian RIM-66M SM2 missile launch from HMAS Hobart

LOCAL SMART MUNITION PRODUCTION SURGE

AUSTRALIA: Production of advanced military munitions, missiles, rocket fuels and explosives is expanding exponentially under Government initiatives as China threat grows.

NZDF flag lowering ceremony NATO Resolute Support Mission Headquarters Kabul Afghanistan

LAST KIWIS OUT OF AFGHANISTAN

AFGHANISTAN: The final New Zealand Defence Force personnel are home in New Zealand after completing the nation's two decade mission in that country.

Halfbreed Blades Rhino

LARGE FORMAT RESCUE AXE by HALFBREED BLADES

The latest release from Halfbreed Blades, the Large Rescue Axe perfect for MOE.
OPEN ACCESS - CLICK HERE

BIA5 Warfighter UGS with EOS R150 Remote Weapons Station

AUSTRALIAN COMBAT ROBOTICS DEMO

TOWNSVILLE: Australian developed digital combat robotics systems have been demonstrated at Lavarack Barracks to 3 Brigade.

RAAF MQ-4C Triton HALE BAMS UAS

MQ-4C TRITON PRODUCTION STABLISED

USA: The US Congress has bought another Triton for the US Navy which has stabilised the production run and lowered the risk to the RAAF acquisition of the type.

3RAR Ready Combat Team Jungle Training Wing Tully

3RAR EX JUNGLE TRAINING WING TULLY

FAR NORTH QLD: Slideshow: 3RAR's Ready Combat Team conducted a short notice air mobile evacuation operation into Jungle Training Wing Tully in Qld's Wet Tropics rainforest.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton

DEFENCE MINISTER REPLACED

AUSTRALIA: The Government has appointed Peter Dutton to replace Linda Reynolds as Defence Minister.

Operation NSW Flood Assist 21-1

OP NSW FLOOD ASSIST UNDERWAY

NEW SOUTH WALES: Slideshow: Military HADR operations across the flood zone in eastern NSW are fully engaged in Operation NSW Flood Assist 21-1.

British RAF Hercules C4 C-130J-30

BRIT HERC SALE COULD INTEREST RAAF

AUSTRALIA: The Brit decision to flog off their heavily accessorised Special Operations capable C-130J-30 fleet should attract the RAAF and Special Operations Command - Australia.

Australian Army Strategic Assessment Q1 2021

AUSTRALIAN ARMY STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT Q1 2021

CANBERRA: The Australian Army Research Centre has published its Strategic Assessment Quarter 1 2021. Read it here....

Operation NSW Flood Assist 21-1

OPERATION NSW FLOOD ASSIST

NEW SOUTH WALES: The ADF is responding to the flooding in NSW with an expanding Operation NSW Flood Assist 21-1.

CTMD 7.5 metre Multi Purpose Vessel Australian Army

NEW MULTI PURPOSE VESSELS

CANBERRA: A small fleet of next generation safety and support mission vessels for the Australian Army will be built in Cairns.

Leonardo AWHero Vertical Take Off and Land Maritime Tactical Unmanned Aerial System MTUAS

AWHERO V-MTUAS IN SEA 129/5 RACE

CANBERRA: Northrop Grumman Australia has disclosed it will be offering the advanced Leonardo AWHero V-MTUAS for Sea 129/5.

Insitu RQ-21A Blackjack MTUAS

RAN MTUAS CONTENDERS SHORTLISTED

CANBERRA: Five contenders for the Navy's Maritime Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (MTUAS) requirment have been shortlisted for Sea 129 Phase 5.

HMAS Maitland USCGC Kimball Iron Bottom Sound Guadalcanal Solomon Islands

ADF COMPLETES SHORT SOLOMONS OPS

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The ADF has completed a short operation in the Solomon Islands, deploying a patrol boat and a surveillance aircraft to support Solomons sovereignty and fisheries protection.

future HMAS Stalwart Navantia Bay of Biscay Spain

RAN's 2ND NEW AOR SEA TRIALS

BAY OF BISCAY: The RAN second new Supply class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment has commenced contractor sea trials off Spain prior to her delivery to Australia.

HMAS Canberra azimuth propulsion pod replacement Amphibious Assault Ship

RAN FIXES CANBERRA CLASS DRIVE

SYDNEY HARBOUR: The RAN has succesfully replaced the problematic azimuth propulsion pods on its Amphibious Assault Ship Canberra with sea trials 'performing very well'.

AH-64E Apache Spike NLOS long range missile

LONG RANGE APACHE MISSILE CAPABILITY

USA: The US Army has integrated a missile that quadruples the AH-64Ev6 Apache bought by Australia beyond visual range precision land and sea engagement.

Army Reserve reorganisation under Army Objective Force 2028

END OF THE ARMY RESERVE AS WE KNOW IT

AUSTRALIA: The Army Reserve is about to be stripped of its combat brigade status and its iconic regiments and re organised for domestic 'contingency response' to events like pandemics and natural disasters.

Boxer MRV EOS R400S Mk2 30x113mm M-230LF

30x113mm CANNON & EOS RWS INTEGRATED ON BOXER

NETHERLANDS: EOS has demonstrated its Aussie made R400S Mk II RWS armed with the lethal 30mm M230LF Cannon on a Dutch Boxer MRV like those entering service in the Australian Army.

Mk 234 Nulka Active Missile Decoy

NEW MK 234 NULKA PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT FUNDING

CANBERRA: The Australian Government has awarded BAE Systems Australia a number of contracts to further develop and manufacture the Aussie Mk 234 Nulka Active Missile Decoy.

AH-1Z and AH-1Y Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367

USMC TO CEASE ALL HAWAII HELO OPS

HAWAII: The US Marine corps is disbanding all its Hawaii based helicopter squadrons under its radical new reorganisation including two who deploy to Australia with MRF-Darwin.

AS21 Redback Spike LR II missile Iron Fist Light Decoupled EOS T2000 Turret

AS21 REDBACK IRON FIST APS & SPIKE LR2 VALIDATED

ISRAEL: Pic and tech details of the Hanwha AS21 Redback advanced Active Protection System and Spike LR2 missile systems and their integrated suites.

Hanwha Defence Australian config AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle launching Spike LR II missile

AS21 REDBACK MISSILE LAUNCH VIDEO

ISRAEL: Video. Hanwha AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle in full Australian specification during Spike LR2 live missile launch and targeting validation. WATCH HERE

FIM-92 J Block 1 Stinger integrated on FGM-148 Javelin

JAVELIN SURFACE TO AIR CAPABILITY

USA: The FIM-92J Block 1 has been integrated as an alternate munition for the FGM-148 Javelin missile system turning the type into a flexible ground/air engagement system.

AN/ALQ-249 Increment 2 Next Generation Jammer - Low Band trials L3Harris'

NEXT GEN JAMMER LOW BAND FREEZE

USA: The US Navy has withdrawn AN/ALQ-249 Increment 2 Next Generation Jammer - Low Band development contracts almost certainly delaying the RAAF's acquisition of the Airborne Electronic Attack suite.

Project Land 400 Phase 3 competing vehicle 'unveil'ceremony Canberra

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF LAND 400 PHASE 3 RMI

CANBERRA: The Army has conducted an official 'unveilling' ceremony for the public and press of both Project Land 400 Phase 3 candidates currently under trial.

HMAS Sydney departs Fleet Base East bound for Naval Base San Diego California

HMAS SYDNEY ENROUTE TO CALIFORNIA FOR CSSQT

SYDNEY HARBOUR: The RAN's new Hobart class destroyer HMAS Sydney is enroute to California to undergo her Combat Systems Sea Qualification Trials.

RAAF base to be built at Cocos Keeling Airport in Indian Ocean

COCOS KEELING RAAF FACILITY

CANBERRA: The RAAF will establish a new operating base at Cocos Keeling Airport deep in the north east Indian Ocean to conduct surveillance operations over Australia's sea based trade.

RAAF Air Mobility Task Element SECFOR ADG and C-130J-30 CJTF-OIR Erbil Iraq

RAAF MIDDLE EAST AIRLIFT OPS

MIDDLE EAST: Photostory - The RAAF's C-17A Globemaster and C-130J Hercules airlift operations across the Middle East under Op Accordion.

Australian Strategic Policy Insititue

AUSTRALIA SHOULD DO MORE THAN WAIT FOR ATTACK CLASS SUBMARINES

OPINION: Michael Shoebridge argues the case for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUWS) within the RAN's submarine acquisition strategy in ASPI's The Strategist.

77 Squadron RAAF F-35A Lightning II

FIRST 77 SQUADRON F-35A FLIES

TEXAS USA: The first Australian F-35A Lightning II wearing 77 Squadron tail art has been revealed during its first flight in Texas.

F-35 Integrated Training Centre RAAF Williamtown Operational Conversion

RAAF F-35A OPCON GAINS PACE

RAAF WILLIAMTOWN: The RAAF's F-35A Lightning II entry into service is gaining momentum with the first new pilots undergoing OpCon at the F-35 Integrated Training Centre.

Boxer Skyranger 30/1 Air Defence turret

BOXER AIR DEFENCE OPTION

GERMANY: Rheinmetall has developed an Air Defence Boxer turret optimised for the latest battlefield threats from UAS and Precision Guided Munitions that will be very attractive to the Australian Army.

Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle - Medium PMV-M Project Land 4107

BUSHMASTER REPLACEMENT PROJECT

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army has commenced the search for its Bushmaster PMV-M replacement with a view to the new capability entering service in seven to eight years.

RAAF Loyal Wingman Boeing Air Teaming System USAF AFRL Skyborg Vanguard Ex Orange Flag

USAF TRIALS FOR AUSSIE LOYAL WINGMAN UCAV

USA: The Australian designed and built Boeing/RAAF BATS Loyal Wingman UCAV is being trialled by the USAF Skyborg program and will fly in the highly classified Ex Orange Flag.

HMNZS Aotearoa refuels HMAS Hobart video

HMNZS AOTEAROA REFUELS HMAS HOBART

PACIFIC: Video: The RNZN's new Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment HMNZS Aotearoa refuels the Australian destroyer HMAS Hobart in the Tasman Sea, the first RAS between Aotearoa and the RAN.

Vaccine distribution by ADF

ADF TO SUPPORT VACCINE DISTRIBUTION

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Defence Force will play a pivotal role in the Covid 19 vaccination program across the nation.

RAAF Loyal Wingman first flight at Woomera Boeing Air Teaming System

LOYAL WINGMAN FIRST FLIGHT

WOOMERA: The RAAF sponsored Boeing BATS Loyal Wingman, the most advanced Australian combat aircraft for 50 years, has successfully taken to the air at Woomera successfully completing its first flight.

HMAS Anzac Regional Presence Deployment 2020-1

ANZAC & SIRIUS REGIONAL PRESENCE OP

INDO PACIFIC: The RAN's recently upgrade warship HMAS Anzac and the underway oiler HMAS Sirius have deployed north into Asia on Regional Presence Deployment 21-1.

HMAS Pirie RAN Armidale class patrol boat

HMAS PIRIE TO DECOMMISSION

DARWIN: The Armidale class Patrol Boat HMAS Pirie will be decommissioned in a few weeks as the RAN transitions to its next gen patrol fleet.

RAAF E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C over Iraq Op Okra

USAF PACIFIC ASKS FOR WEDGETAILS

USA: The commander of USAF Pacific Air Forces has publicly stated that he wants E-7 Wedgetails like the RAAFs to augment his aging AWACS.

AGM-158C LRASM Long Range Anti Ship Missile launch testing by US Navy

RAAF LRASM PRODUCTION

USA: Production of the RAAF's advanced next generation AGM-158C LRASM Long Range Anti Ship Missile have been awarded to Lockheed Martin by the US Department of Defence.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter landing at RAAF Williamtown

EX LIGHTNING FERRY 21-1

RAAF WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The RAAF now has two full strength F-35A units after the successful delivery of A35-031/32/33. Slideshow of the 12500km delivery flight.

RAAF F/A-18F Block II+ Super Hornet A44-223 after crash

DAMAGED F/A-18F UNDERGOING REPAIR

RAAF AMBERLEY SEQ: RAAF engineers are repairing the Super Hornet damaged during the crew ejection incident in December.

Austal USA Independence class Littoral Combat Ship

AUSTAL INVESTIGATED BY US GOVT

USA: The highly successful US based subsidiary of Western Australian warship builder Austal is under investigation by the US Govt over financial statements to investors.

digital impression of Attack class diesel electric SSG submarine

NAVAL GROUP CEO TALKS

CANBERRA: The head of Naval Group is scheduled for intense meetings with Government ministers unhappy with the progress of the Attack class submarine build program.

GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb Increment I Golden Horde Cooperative Small Diameter Bomb

COLLABORATIVE SWARMING MUNITIONS

USA: The USAF is trialling 'Collaborative' swarming munitions that talk to each other and use AI to conduct coordinated multi munition attacks.

HMNZS Aotearoa RNZN AOR

HMNZS AOTEAROA INBOUND TO AUSTRALIA

TASMAN SEA: The RNZN's new Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment HMNZS Aotearoa is inbound to Australia for her first exercises with the Royal Australian Navy.

Army CH-47F Chinook crews evacuate the elderly during Op Bushfire Assist 2019/20

NATIONAL SECURITY AT RISK WITHOUT UNITY ON THREAT PREPARATION

OPINION: Senator Jim Molan calls for a unified sovereign approach to national security including civil , economic and cyber defence in The Australian...

New Zealand Army LAV NZ Bamiyan Afghanistan 2013 NZ PRT

NZ GOVT ANNOUNCES END OF AFGHAN OPS

AFGHANISTAN: The New Zealand Government has officially announced its end of operations in Afghanistan with the final NZDF personnel returning in the next few months.

Protected Mobility Tactical Training System

BUSHMASTER VR SIM UPGRADED

ENOGGERA QLD: The Army's Bushmaster PMV training simulator has been upgraded to improve full immersion simulated battle spaces to improve training outcomes.

171 Sqn S-70A9 Black Hawk emergency landing Sydney Harbour

TAG BLACK HAWK EMERGENCY LANDING

SYDNEY HARBOUR: A 6Avn Black Hawk made an emergency landing at a Sydney Harbour side park after sustaining damage during an SUR counter terrorism exercise. Pic K.H. Media

BGM-109 Tomahawk Land Attack Missile launch from Arleigh Burke DDG

DOES THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY NEED TOMAHAWK MISSILES?

OPINION: Senior ASPI member Marcus Hellyer analyses the tactical numerics of potential RAN long range land strike missions for the Australian Strategic Policy Institute ...

DARPA LongShot air to air capable UAS

DARPA's LONGSHOT CONCEPT

USA: The US Government's Defense Advanced Research Project Agency is funding the development of an Air Launched Drone that can fly ahead and launch its own Air to Air Missiles.

Halfbreed Blades Rhino

NEW COMBAT RESCUE AXE by HALFBREED BLADES

Halfbreed Blades have just released a new very compact, Combat Rescue Axe, perfect for MOE, CQB, ER and Survivalist roles.
OPEN ACCESS - CLICK HERE

Hanwha Defense Australia AS21 Redback IFV

LAND 400 PHASE 3 TRIALS UNDERWAY

PUCKAPUNYAL VIC: The Australian Army has commenced its field and lab trials to select its next generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle under Project Land 400 Phase 3.

HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group 21

RAN WILL TAKE PART IN BRIT SE ASIA OPS

AUSTRALIA: The Royal Australian Navy will contribute a warship to the UK Royal Navy led Carrier Strike Group 21 when it deploys to the Pacific later this year.

USAF research laboratory digital image of a 'future' 6th Gen combat aircraft.

RAAF HINTS AT 6TH GEN CAPABILITIES

CANBERRA: The Chief of Air Force has hinted that the RAAF may be looking at far more exciting things than more Lightning IIs in the not so far distant future.

RAAF F/A-18HUG Hornet A21-55 flying in Canadian RCAF colours

RETIRED RAAF HORNETS CANADA BOUND

WILLIAMTOWN: Retired RAAF F/A-18HUG 'classic' Hornets will be transferred to Canada at higher rates to bolster that nation's miserable air defence capability.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II A35-032

MORE F-35As INBOUND TO WILLIAMTOWN

HAWAII: Additional new F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters have stopped over in Hawaii on their way to RAAF Williamtown in NSW.

HMAS Perth Counter Narcotics Ops western Indian Ocean Op Manitou 2016

HMAS PERTH's LONG DRY DOCK

HENDERSON WA: HMAS Perth, the youngest of the RAN's Anzac class frigates will have spent a full one third of her 15 year life in dry dock by the time she emerges from the AMCAP upgrade.

F/A-18F Block III Super Hornet

F/A-18F BLOCK III UPGRADE ISSUES

USA: The US Navy has revealed issues with key components in the Super Hornet Block III upgrade which have implications for the RAAF's own fleet upgrade.

US Marines MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor

MRFD-21 MARINES INBOUND

NORTHERN TERRITORY: Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2021 is inbound for an extended deployment to Australia in a pandemic mitigation based phased force arrival.

Defendtex Drone40 40mm precision guided loitering munition

BRIT ARMY ADOPTS DEFENDTEX DRONE40

UK: The British Army has acquired the cutting edge Aussie developed Defendtex Drone40 multimission 40mm GLA launched long range precision guided loitering munition.

Australian Army Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle

NETWORKED DIGITAL ARMOUR SIMULATOR TRAINING

TOWNSVILLE: The Australian Army is introducing advanced simulator based networkable cross platform armoured vehicle training and mission rehearsal capacity.

Australian Army LARC-V amphibious vehicle

LARC-V REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

CANBERRA: The Government has released an RFI seeking a designed and built in Australia, combat capable Amphibious Vehicle to replace the 1960s era LARC-V amphibian.

L3Harris Enhanced Night Vision Goggle - Binocular

ADF NEXT GEN L3HARRIS GOGGLE

CANBERRA: L3Harris will provide the ADF's next gen 'Fusion Goggle System' which will introduce advanced capabilities right out of a science fiction film that will revolutionise Close Quarter Battle.

US Navy MQ-4C Triton BAMS at Andersen Air Base in Guam

MQ-4C TRITON COMBAT CAPABILITY

USA: The RAAF's Triton BAMS UAS will be upgraded with a targeting capability care of a USN funded upgrade - first sign since 2020 that the USN is still onboard with the joint USN/RAAF MQ-4C Triton program.

Exercise First Shot

EX FIRST SHOT

GREENBANK QLD: Slideshow. Excellent imagery of 8/9RAR platoon command elements putting rounds down range using the latest combat shooting techniques.

US Marine Corps Marine Littoral Regiment Archepelegic Operations

USMC COMMENCES RADICAL PACIFIC REORG

HAWAII: The US Marine Corps has commenced its major reorganisation for Pacific Archipelagic Ops with the first Marine Littoral Regiment forming in Hawaii which will likely have a major impact on the ADF/NZDF.

Bastard Behind the Lines

BASTARD BEHIND THE LINES

BOOK REVIEW: Tom Gilling's exploration of Jock McLaren's escape from the Japs after Singapore and the Anzac role in the Philippine armed insurgency.

AH-64Ev6 Version 6 Apache Guardian

AH-64Ev6 ENTERS US ARMY SERVICE

USA: The advanced variant of the Apache helicopter ordered by Australia is entering service with a US Army attack/recon unit for the first time.

M1074 Joint Assault Bridge Australian Army

M1074 JOINT ASSAULT BRIDGE RELEASED

USA: The US Army's conditional Material Release of the next gen M1074 Joint Assault Bridge clears the way for the Australian Army to acquire the capable vehicle.

RAN MH-60R Romeo combat helicopter Sentient Vision Systems Kestrel ViDAR

SIKORSKY TRIALS ViDAR TECH

AUSTRALIA: Helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky is trialling the Australian Kestrel ViDAR technology for integration into the MH-60R Romeo helo ISR suite.

The new Sea 1905 Phase 1 MCM and Hydro vessels will be an evolution of the Arafura/Lurssen OPV80

NEW MINE COUNTERMEASURES AND HYDROGRAPHIC SHIPS

AUSTRALIA: The Government has announced an additional five Arafura evolution mine countermeasures and hydrographic survey ships for a total of eight to replace the Huons, Leeuwins and Palumas.

HMAS Brisbane RIM-66M-09 SM2 Block IIIB launch

RAN CRUISE, STRIKE, AIR & MISSILE DEFENCE SHOPPING SPREE

AUSTRALIA: Navy has repackaged a bunch of programs into a single shopping list for Cruise Missiles, Air/Ballistic Missile Defence, long range sea and land strike, ASMD defence and new torpedoes to expedite their entry into service.

F-35 armed with AGM-158C LRASM Long Range Anti Ship Missile

LRASM F-35 INTEGRATION

USA: Early phases of the integration of the AGM-158C LRASM Long Range Anti Ship Missile onto the F-35 for the US Navy are underway.

RM277 Next Generation Squad Weapon - Rifle

US ARMY'S NGSW FINAL TRIALS

USA: The US Army is about to commence final trials of its Next Generation Squad Weapons prototypes ahead of a type selection and introduction into service as early as next year.

Operation Fiji Assist

FIJI HADR COMPLETE

FIJI: The ADF's Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief operation in Fiji is complete with the task force returning home.

Phoenix Aerial Target Systems

ADF EMPLOYS ADEPT TACTICAL TARGETS

AUSTRALIA: The ADF is employing contractor flown tactically adept jet drones to simulate advanced modern threats to validate missile and sensor accuracy and AI assisted commander decision making.

RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile BLOCK II ESSM2

ESSM BLOCK 2 NEXT YEAR

AUSTRALIA: The next generation Raytheon RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile Block II will be introduced into RAN service next year.

SAAB Kockums A26 diesel electric submarine. The Australian government is reporting to be seeking alternatives to the French Naval Group design.

GOVT EXPLORES SUBMARINE ALTERNATIVES

CANBERRA: Well placed reports that the Govt is exploring alternatives to the $90 billion French Attack class submarine design have been leaked.

HMAS Supply Fleet Base East

SUPPLY DEPLOYS TO FLEET BASE EAST

SYDNEY HARBOUR: The new underway oiler replenishment has arrived at her home port Fleet Base East ahead of her commissioning into service as HMAS Supply.

AH-64Ev6 Apache Guardians for Australian Army

AH-64Ev6 APACHE GUARDIAN INBOUND

CANBERRA: The Government has confirmed an acquisition of the AH-64Ev6 Apache Guardian to replace the expensive and underperforming Airbus Tiger ARH.

MH-60R First of Class Flight Trials FOCFT MV Sycamore

MH-60R MV SYCAMORE TRIALS

AUSTRALIA: The RAN completed MH-60R Romeo First of Class Flight Trials on the Multi Role Aviation Vessel in December clearing the way for the type to fly off the training ship.

Operation Fiji Assist

OPERATION FIJI ASSIST

FIJI: Slideshow of the Australian Defence Force's Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief operations in Fiji after Cyclone Yasa.

Hanwha Defence Australia AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle

AS21 REDBACK VIDEO

AUSTRALIA: Video. Hanwha AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle in full Australian specification in motion.

Hanwha AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle Project Land 400 Phase 3

AS21 REDBACK LAND 400/3 IFV REVEALED

AUSTRALIA: The Hanwha AS21 Redback IFV contender for Land 400/3 has been revealed in full Aussie configuration for the first time. First pics

Hawkei Protected Mobility Vehicle - Light PMV-L

ANAO HAWKIE REDACTIONS REVEALED

CANBERRA: Redacted elements of an ANAO report have been declassified, revealing bureaucratic cover up and, surprise surprise, it would have been cheaper to buy US gear.

RAN future HMAS Supply Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment

AOR SUPPLY ACCEPTED

FLEET BASE WEST WA: The RAN has formally accepted the new AOR Supply from contractor Navantia ahead of her movement to Sydney Harbour where she will enter service.

HMAS Hobart launching a RIM-66M-09 SM2 Block IIIB Standard Missile

NAVAL MISSILE COSTS

USA: Using a mix of known Australian acquistion costs and published US Navy figures we have tried to calculate the cost of missile load outs for RAN warships.

AN/ALQ-249 Block/Increment 2 Next Generation Jammer - Low Band NGJ-LB

NEXT GEN JAMMER LOW BAND FUNDING

USA: The joint US Navy/RAAF funded Next Generation Jammer for the EA-18G Growler is moving forward with Low Band prototyping commencing this month.

TNI-AD Bell 412EPI Indonesia

BELL 412EPI ENTERS INDON ARMY SERVICE

INDONESIA: The first Bell 412EPI helicopter has entered Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Darat service.

Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessel

OPV GIPPSLAND BUILD BEGINS

HENDERSON WA: Welding of hull components on the fourth next generation Arafura class OPV Gippsland has commenced at Civmec in WA.

Lockheed Martin F-35 production line in Texas

F-35 FULL RATE PRODUCTION DELAYED

USA: The US Government has delayed its approval for F-35 full rate production due to capability validation and technology finalisation delays.

M-134D-H MRH-90 Multi Weapon Gun Mount

THIRD MRH-90 GUN MOUNT

AUSTRALIA: A new foldaway gun mount and minigun is promising to improve if not entirely resolve the MRH-90's vulnerability issues.

opinion: women in ground close combat

RETHINKING WOMEN IN GROUND CLOSE COMBAT

OPINION: An experienced British Army officer puts women in ground close combat under scientific analysis with some disturbing military outcomes. Reproduced from the UK military think tank the Wavell Room ...

Sea Wing UUS captured near Indonesian bases

HOSTILE DRONES CAPTURED NEAR INDON BASES

INDONESIA: The Indonesian Navy's capture of three Chinese UUWS drones very close to its naval bases and strategic shipping lanes has direct and worrying implications for Australia.

HMAS Adelaide 6ESR Op Fiji Assist Cyclone Yasa

ADF FIJI HADR

FIJI: The ADF disaster response element has arrived in northern Fiji ready to provide assistance to victims of Cyclone Yasa.

RAAF P-8A Poseidon Multi Mission Maritime Aircraft

TWO MORE P-8A POSEIDONS FOR RAAF

CANBERRA: The RAAF will acquire an additional two P-8A Poseidons after Australia exercised its contractual options.

RAN Collins class submarines

SSG SONAR UPGRADE

FLEET BASE WEST WA: The RAN's Collins class submarines will be upgraded with new mine detection and situational awareness sonars and electronic warfare detection arrays.

HMAS Toowoomba escorts tankers through the Strait of Hormuz in June 2020 during IMSC Combined Joint Task Force Sentinel ops

ADF COMPLETES IMSC OPS

BAHRAIN: The ADF has completed its IMSC Combined Joint Task Force Sentinel security ops in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab El Mandeb.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II 3 Squadron 2 Operational Conversion Unit IOC Initial Operating Capability

RAAF DECLARES F-35A OPERATIONAL

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The RAAF has certified its F-35A Lightning II units as operational declaring IOC achievement.

Boeing AH-64Ev6 Apache Australian Army

ADF CONFIRMS AH-64Ev6 'LIKELY'

AUSTRALIA: The ADF has confirmed the AH-64Ev6 Apache will replace the Tiger ARH according to media reports emerging from Canberra.

Hanwha Defense Australia AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle

FINAL AS21 REDBACK INBOUND

KOREA: Hanwha Defense has shipped its final AS21 Redback IFV for Australia and the Land 400 Phase 3 RMA field and tech trials that kick off next month.

RAAF Boeing Air Teaming System Loyal Wingman

LOYAL WINGMAN WILL FLY IN 2021

AUSTRALIA: The Boeing/RAAF codeveloped ATS Loyal Wingman is scheduled to fly in 2021 after a rapid development and build of the prototypes.

Boeing Air Teaming System Loyal Wingman

LOYAL WINGMAN FAST TAXI VIDEO

AUSTRALIA: Video of the cutting edge, developed in Australia, Boeing Air Teaming System 'Loyal Wingman' prototype fast taxi trials somewhere in central Australia.

Fiji HADR Cyclone Yasa

ADF LAUNCHES FIJI CYCLONE RESPONSE

FIJI: The Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces have conducted damage assessment reconnaissance flights and delivered emergency aid to Fiji in the wake of Cyclone Yasa.

Delta Squadron 1NZSAS LMT Defense LMK MWS

GUCCI NZSAS GEAR

NEW ZEALAND: An image of Delta Squadron 1NZSAS reveals that some very advanced weaponry and kit has entered service across the ditch.

HMNZS Te Kaha in full Frigate Combat Systems Upgrade configuration

HMNZS TE KAHA HOME TOMORROW

NEW ZEALAND: The RNZN's upgraded HMNZS Te Kaha returns to Auckland on Dec 20, late and overbudget but reborn as a very capable modern naval combatant. First decent pics of her new configuration.

2RAR Amphib. WA forces to be upgraded with arty, light armour and amphib elements

MAJOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA ARMY EXPANSION

WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Army is planning to radically upgun its WA based conventional forces with more regular troops, light armour, amphib, recon and artillery elements.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter IOC Initial Operating Capability

RAAF F-35A LIGHTNING IOC

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The RAAF's F-35A Lightning IOC operational certification is looming as the December 2020 deadline approaches.

UN North Korea sanctions monitoring DPRK RNZAF ADF NZDF.

ADF & NZDF MAINTAIN NORTH KOREA OPS

JAPAN: The Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces have maintained their commitments to the UN sanctions monitoring ops against North Korea while other nations have ceased contributions during the pandemic.

John Hunter Farrell Managing Editor

WOKE WAR ON THE ANZAC SPIRIT

OPEN SOURCE EDITORIAL: The Minister and the Top Brass have legitimised a social media troll war on our Anzacs that is evolving into an all out woke war on the Anzac Spirit. Editorial by John Hunter Farrell

New Zealand Army Bushmaster 5.5 PMV-Medium

KIWI BUSHMASTER 5.5 DETAILS

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Army's new Bushmaster PMV-Ms will be substantially more capable than the legacy Australian Army Bushies.

Regional Force Surveillance Unit Reconnaissance & Surveillance Vehicle. 12/40RTR Royal Tasmanian Regiment

NEW TASMANIAN REGIONAL FORCE SURVEILLANCE UNIT

HOBART: A famous old Tasmanian infantry battalion will transition into a new Regional Force Surveillance Unit under the Army's new Order of Battle.

HMAS Hobart (DDG39) HMAS Brisbane (DDG41) and HMAS Sydney (DDG42) during AN/USG-7B Cooperative Engagement Capability exercises

THREE HOBART CEC SYSTEMS FUSION

PACIFIC OCEAN: All three RAN Hobart class destroyer successfully achieved systems fusion and missile engagements during a first ever three DDG Cooperative Engagement Capability activity off NSW.

RAAF 75 Squadron F/A-18HUG Hornets launch from RAAF Tindal. Groundings and retirements have reduced the RAAF temporarily to one operational combat jet squadron

ONLY ONE OPERATIONAL RAAF FIGHTER SQN

AUSTRALIA: The combination of the grounding of the Rhinos and Growlers and operational conversion to the Lightning II has seen the RAAF accidently reduced to one operational combat jet squadron. Pic Sid Mitchell

Rheinmetall KF41 Lynx Armoured Mortar Vehicle Land 400 Phase 3

LAND 400/3 VARIANT RATIONALISATION

AUSTRALIA: Army is finalising the number and configurations of the Land 400/3 tracked armoured vehicle it wants to equip its future assault elements with.

2RAR (Amphibious) Fused Goggle System acquisition

FUZED NITE VISION BINOCULAR

AUSTRALIA: Army is acquiring a next gen Fuzed Goggle System that integrates night vision, thermal and augmented reality in the one unit.

RAN Hobart class guided missile destroyers

THREE SHIP HOBART DDG EX

PACIFIC OCEAN: All three of the RAN's Hobart class Guided Missile Destroyers are operating together for the first time conducting combined training off NSW. Pic Matthew Montague

77 Squadron RAAF F/A-18 HUG 'classic' Hornet

FINAL WILLIAMTOWN HORNET OPS

RAAF WILLIAMTOWN NSW: Bad weather forecasts have seen the RAAF hedge its bets for the final 77 Sqn Hornet formation flight rescheduling a formation for today with an option to do it again tomorrow.

M4 MRWS 84mm Carl Gustav

NEXT GEN M4 MRWS INBOUND

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army will commence its roll out of the next generation 84mm 'Charlie Gutsache' next year.

RAAF F/A-18F A44-223

RAAF F/A-18F INCIDENT

AMBERLEY: An RAAF F/A-18F Block II+ Super Hornet has been involved in a serious incident on take off from RAAF Amberley with the crew forced to eject. Pic Kieron Ball

6RAR fire an F2 81mm mortar from an M113AS4 Mortar Carrier

81mm MORTAR OPCON

AUSTRALIA: The Army's Operational Conversion from the F2 to the M252A1 81mm mortar is progressing despite the pandemic restrictions and some difficult technical complications.

8/12RAA fire the 155mm M777A2 at Cultana

ARMY RESTOCKS M825A1 WP

USA: Army is restocking its 155mm M825A1 WP munitions and advanced fuzes as part of its revitalisation of Joint Fires.

2 Squadron SASR SOTG operators airlifting into the Battle of Shah Wali Kot in 2010.

MASS SASR RESIGNATIONS/ REFUSALS TO PARADE

SWANBOURNE WA: A large number of serving SASR Operators have resigned from the Australian Army in protest at their treatment after the IGADF report was released.

M1150 Assault Breacher to enter service with RAE Project Land 8160

PLANNED HEAVY ARMOURED BRIGADE

AUSTRALIA: Army is planning on raising a heavy armoured brigade for high intensity peer to peer warfare operations as part of the objective 2028 Order of Battle.

1st Armoured Regiment Hawkei PMV-L

1AR TRIALS HAWKEI COMBAT RECON

EDINBURGH SA: The 1st Armoured Regt has been issued a fleet of new Hawkei PMV-L to trial as Combat Reconnaissance platforms.

Halfbreed Blades Rhino

COMPACT CLEARANCE UTILITY KNIFE FROM HBB

A new release from Halfbreed Blades, the CCK-05 has plenty of grunt and bridges the gap between full length fixed blades and folders.
OPEN ACCESS - CLICK HERE

HMNZS Te Kaha departs Esquimalt Canada for home

HMNZS TE KAHA COMPLETES UPGRADE

NORTH PACIFIC: The new look HMNZS Te Kaha is homeward bound from Canada after completing her comprehensive combat systems upgrade.

KOPASKA - Komando Pasukan Katak Satkopaska Koarmada

RARE INDONESIAN NAVAL SOF PICS

INDONESIA: Rare imagery of Komando Pasukan Katak (KOPASKA Underwater Special Unit) divers operating with a TNI-AL Type 209 submarine have emerged

HIFiRE 8 lift vehicle SCIFiRE

AUS/US HYPERSONIC MISSILE DEVELOPMENT

AUSTRALIA: Australia and the USA are codeveloping a next gen hypersonic strike missile system for the RAAF and US military under a rapid development and demonstration program.

Courage Under Fire Daniel Keighran VC

COURAGE UNDER FIRE

BOOK REVIEW by John Hunter Farrell: Daniel Keighran VC's superb, honest biography about growing up hard in the bush before finding himself in Australia's modern wars. Highly recommended

RAAF MQ-4C Triton BAMS RPA

RAAF 'RE-BASELINE TRITON BUY'

AUSTRALIA: The Dept of Defence is renegotiating the Project Air 7000/1B MQ-4C Triton acquisition agreement in response to concerns arising from the US Navy budget freeze on the platform.

Chief of Army General Angus Campbell

CAMPBELL BACK FLIPS ON SOTG AFGHAN MUC

AUSTRALIA: The Chief of Army appears to be backflipping on the revocation of the SOTG Meritorious Unit Citation in the wake of ScoMo's intervention, or is he still just dodging any responsibility?

155/L52 AS9 Huntsman Self Propelled Howitzer

NEW REGT TO OPERATE HUNTSMAN SPH

AUSTRALIA: Army will raise a new new regular Royal Australian Artillery regiment to operate the next gen Hanwha AS9 Huntsman Self Propelled Artillery.

Evolved Cape class Patrol Boat

3RD RAN CAPE CLASS PB BUILD

HENDERSON WA: Work has commenced on the third of six Evolved Cape class patrol boats for the RAN at Austral's WA shipyard.

SOTG operators load up in a Task Force No Mercy (101 Combat Aviation Bde) UH-60 at MNB Tarin Kowt in October 2010. Pic DVIDs

ARMY MOVES AGAINST 13 EX SOTG

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army has issued administrative action notices to 13 serving members connected to allegations published in the IG ADF Afghanistan Inquiry Report.

HMAS Arunta Op Argos

ARUNTA RETURNS FROM NORTH KOREA OPS

ROCKINGHAM WA: HMAS Arunta has returned home to Fleet Base West after conducting monitoring of North Korean attempts to avoid UN trade sanctions .

1st Commando Regiment operators during Ex Diamond Strike 15

NEW COMMANDO ELEMENT FOR QLD

AUSTRALIA: Special Operations Command Australia will raise a new Commando detachment in Queensland under the upcoming Army reorg and expansion.

Precision Strike Missile launching form an M142 HIMARS. 2028 Army Objective Force 8th Fire Brigade will host all of Australian Army's advanced missile systems

PLANNED MISSILE 'FIRES' BRIGADE

AUSTRALIA: Army will concentrate the advanced long range missile systems about to enter service under Land 19/7B, Land 8113 and Sea 4100/2 in a new brigade structure.

2028 Army Objective Force orbat - reorg. 7RAR route march Cultana

MASSIVE ARMY ORBAT EVOLUTION PLANNED

AUSTRALIA: Army has plans for a massive OrBat reorganisation that involves new brigades and re-raising RARs, as well as acquiring staggering new capabilities that dwarf the current combat capacity.

Andrew Hastie in Afghanistan during operations with SOTG XIX

HASTIE RESPONDS TO IGADF REPORT

AUSTRALIA: Federal Member of Parliament and SOTG Afghanistan veteran Andrew Hastie weighs in on the IGADF Afghanistan Report in The Australian.

RAAF C-130J Hercules Honeywell Ka-Band SATCOM

2ND C-130J HERC SATCOM UPGRADE

RICHMOND NSW: The RAAF has upgraded a second C-130J-30 Hercules with high bandwidth inflight satellite communications.

Australian SASR Operators embark on a targeted operation from Tarin Kowt in 2010

KILCULLEN RESPONDS TO IGADF ACCUSATIONS

AUSTRALIA: Australia's leading counter insurgency expert David Kilcullen gives context to the IGADF Afghanistan Report disclosures and accusations in The Australian.

Chief of Defence Force Gen Angus Campbell IGADF release

WAR CRIMES REPORT ABSOLVES BRASS

CANBERRA: The IGADF Afghanistan Report has absolved all officers of criminal liability with all recommendations for criminal investigation confined specifically to the footsloggers.

Chief of Defence Force Gen Angus Campbell IGADF release

IGADF WAR CRIMES REPORT RELEASE

CANBERRA: The Chief of Defence Force has released a redacted form of the IGADF report on SOTG Afghanistan Operations with many allegations.

Australian Boxer Block 1 CRV amphibious emplacement

BOXER & HAWKEI BEACH LANDINGS

COWLEY BEACH FNQ: Pictorial - Army's new Boxer CRV and operational Hawkei PMV-L have been inserted over the beach for the first time during Ex Sea Wader.

RAN MH-60R monitoring possible North Korean DPRK sanctions violations

ARUNTA ENDS NORTH KOREA MONITORING OP

JAPAN: HMAS Arunta has completed her UNSCR North Korea sanctions monitoring operations in the DPRK's maritime approaches.

Hanwha Defense Australia AS9 Huntsman Self Propelled Howitzer

ODIN FIRE CONTROL FOR HUNTSMAN SPH

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army's future AS9 Huntsman SPH will feature a very advanced Norwegian digital Fire Control System that will interface with Army's digital command and control.

HMAS Arunta in Japan under Op Argos

ADF LINKS WITH JAPAN TO EXPAND

TOKYO: Australia and Japan will sign a reciprocal military access agreement to allow both nations better access to each other's military bases.

RAAF F-35A A35-032 takes off from NAS Fort Worth

RAAF LIKELY TO REACH F-35 IOC NUMBERS

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The two delayed F-35A Lightnings will fly into RAAF Williamtown today and the 32nd RAAF F-35A has been photographed in flight in Texas. Pic Jacob Metzger

Eleven Bats by Anthony 'Harry' Moffitt

ELEVEN BATS

BOOK REVIEW: Harry Moffitt's autobiographical history of his 11 operational deployments with the SASR and the personal price he paid for his service to Australia reviewed by John Hunter Farrell.

RAAF F-35A A35-001 one of nine new arrivals at Williamtown

NINE MORE LIGHTNINGS

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The RAAF has seven more F-35A Lightnings at RAAF Williamtown with two more inbound as the Aussie Joint Strike Fighter age gains momentum. Pic Emil Cooper 

Rheinmetall KF41 Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle in Australian Project Land 400 Phase 3 configuration

LAND 400/ 3 KF41 LYNX IFV REVEALED

BRISBANE: Rheinmetall has revealed its KF41 Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle trials prototype in Aussie Land 400/3 configuration for the first time.

RAN Polaris Deployable Geospatial Survey craft

RAN RAPID GEOSPATIAL SURVEY CAPABILITY

CORAL SEA: The RAN has successfully trialled its new Polaris Deployable Geospatial Survey craft from an Amphibious Assault Ship during testing off Townsville.

Australian Defence Force Chief General Angus Campbell will strip Afghan SAS of medals

CAMPBELL TO TAKE AFGHAN VETS MEDALS

CANBERRA: ADF boss Gen Angus Campbell is preparing to sack Aussie Special Operations Afghan veterans accused in the IGADF inquiry and strip them of their decorations for valour prior to any charges being laid or soldiers tried and proven guilty.

Warcrimes accusations threaten Five Eyes by John Hunter Farrell

GOODBYE FIVE EYES

EDITORIAL: Open Access. The Australian Army's determined effort to criminalise itself has serious implications for broader national security and our Five Eyes alliance.

HMAS Ballarat Exercise Malabar 2020

RAN RETURNS TO EX MALABAR

MALABAR COAST: Pictorial: HMAS Ballarat is the first RAN warship to participate in Ex Malabar for 13 years.

Australian Army FGM-148 Javelin Missile System 3RAR

ARMY BUYS LATEST JAVELIN MISSILES

USA: The US Govt has approved an Australian order of a significant quantity of the latest FGM-148E Javelin missile to restock depleted Australian Army warstores.

RAAF C-17A withdraws Bushmasters and Unimogs from Kabul

MIDDLE EAST MISSION REDUCTIONS

AFGHAN & IRAQ: The Australian military withdrawal from the Middle East is gaining momentum with troops and gear heading home and numbers going dramatically down.

RAN MH-60R AGR-20A APKWS 2

RAN FIRES APKWS2

HMAS ALBATROSS: The RAN has launched the new laser guided APKWS2 rockets from an 816 Sqn MH-60R Romeo helicopter during recent training.

HMAS Arunta Op Argos North Korean sanctions monitoring

HMAS ARUNTA JOINS DPRK SANCTIONS OPS

JAPAN: The RAN's Anzac class frigate HMAS Arunta is in Japan and about to start sanctions monitoring ops against North Korea's evolved sanctions violation activities.

1 Squadron RAAF F/A-18F loaded with GBU-38v4 JDAM Al Dhafra Air Base for war against Islamic State.

RAAF OPS FROM AL DHAFRA END

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: The RAAF's contingent at Al Dhafra in the UAE has returned home marking the end of the Aussie six year air combat campaign against Islamic State .

Tactical Assault Group - East TAG-East Counter Terrorism CT Ex

TAG-EAST SHIP UNDERWAY RECOVERY EX

SYDNEY HARBOUR: Slideshow. Sensational imagery of a TAG-East Ship Underway Recovery operation conducted in Sydney Harbour during the latest Commando HR/CT Ex.

RAAF 75 Squadron Hornet A21-22 bound for the Australian War Memorial

CLASSIC HORNET FOR AWM

CANBERRA: A multi combat tour veteran RAAF F/A-18HUG Hornet has been transferred to the Australian War Memorial to honour the type's service into perpetuity.

Singaporean 127 Squadron CH-47D Chinook on HMAS Adelaide

SINGAPORE TRAINING RECOMMENCES

AUSTRALIA: Small footprint Singaporean training has recommenced with Chinooks working with the RAN and RSAF fighters flying out of Darwin.

HMAS Toowoomba Task Force Sentinel Strait of Hormuz June 2020

RAN COMPLETES MIDDLE EAST MISSION

CANBERRA: Slideshow. The RAN has announced that it has concluded Middle East Region maritime security operations after 30 years and more than 60 warship rotations.

Boeing Air Teaming System Loyal Wingman

LOYAL WINGMAN TAXI TRIAL

QUEENSLAND: Video. Boeing has released video of the BATS Loyal Wingman prototype conducting its first independent taxing trials.

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2020

USMC MRF-D20 HEADING HOME

NORTHERN TERRITORY: The pandemic affected Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2020 is heading home after completing an abbreviated seasonal deployment to the Top End.

RAN USN and JMSDF in South China Sea

ARUNTA'S SOUTH CHINA SEA FONOP

SOUTH CHINA SEA: Slideshow. HMAS Arunta joined US Navy and Japanese warships for two days of naval training activity in Chinese claimed waters off Malaysia.

RAAF KC-30A MRTT and P-8A Poseidon Air to Air Refuelling AAR

KC-30A TO P-8A AAR

QUEENSLAND: The RAAF has successfully completed Air to Air Refuelling trials between KC-30A MRTTs and P-8A Poseidons off the Qld coast.

Kord Defence RIC/RACU Rifle Input Control/Rifle Accessory Control Unit

KORD AWARDED TECH DEVELOPMENT FUNDS

CANBERRA: Aussie Kord Defence has won funds to develop its tech that enables a soldier to shuttle through comms nets and weapon accessory modes via a wireless pistol grip mounted unit.

RAAF & USAF F-35A Grand Canyon flight 61st Fighter Squadron

AUSSIE LIGHTNING GRAND CANYON RUN

ARIZONA: Slideshow. Spectacular aerial images of Aussie F-35As flying over American icons in honour of the final flight of the combined USAF/RAAF 61st Fighter Squadron.

RNZAF 5 Squadron P-3K2 Orion MPA

RNZAF DPRK SANCTIONS OPS

NEW ZEALAND: An RNZAF P-3K2 Orion will return to Japan to conduct surveillance missions against North Korean sanctions evasion at sea.

digital art of future HMAS Attack SSG

NEXT GEN SUB RFI REQUESTS

OSBORNE SA: The first Local Manufacturing Package RFI for the future Attack class submarines has been released as early work on the boats shifts from France to Adelaide.

NH90 TFRA Standard 2

FRENCH TTH SPEC OPS UPGRADE

FRANCE: Airbus Helicopters has revealed its Spec Ops upgrade for the NH-90 TTH that it hopes to sell to Australia to improve our MRH90s.

Land 400 Phase 3 KF41 Lynx AFV prototype

KF41 LYNX DELIVERED TO AUSTRALIA

AUSTRALIA: The first Australianised Rheinmetall KF41 Lynx AFV prototype has been airlifted into Australia ahead of the Land 400 Phase 3 trials. Pics and analysis. Pic D Malyasov

ADF Bushmaster PMV ANA Officer Academy Qargha ANAOA

ADF ENDS ANAOA MISSION

AFGHANISTAN: Australian operations at the Afghan National Army Officer Academy at Qargha outside Kabul have ended after seven years of deployments.

RAAF KC-30A MRTT

KC-30A MRTT UPGRADE

SPAIN: Airbus Military has been contracted with the next tranche of KC-30A digital upgrades to allow the aircraft to fully network with RAAF's latest C4I and with 5th gen aircraft.

RAAF F-35A Luke AFB Arizona 61st Fighter Squadron

RAAF LUKE AFB F-35A OPCON ENDS

ARIZONA USA: The RAAF's operational conversion element at Luke AFB in Arizona flew its final mission on Friday ending five years of US based Lightning II OpCon.

Boxer CRV video

DFHSL BOXER CRV REVEAL VIDEO

QUEENSLAND: Video. Rheinmetall has released a video of the first turreted DFHSL Boxer CRV Block 1 assembled in Queensland which will enter service in 2021.

Mosul by Ben McKelvey

MOSUL

BOOK REVIEW: Ben McKelvey's excellent study into Australia's role in the apocalyptic battle to liberate the ancient city of Mosul from the barbaric Islamic State.

Australian Tiger ARH Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter

TIGER LOBBY TRIES TO STOP NEW GUNSHIP

AUSTRALIA: A bizarre media campaign to halt the replacement of the Army's ultra expensive and barely operational Tiger ARH is gaining traction just as an announcement of new gunships is imminent.

AN/ASG-34(V) IRST21 Infrared Search and Track on US Navy F/A-18F Block II

IRST21 EMPLOYS ON COMBAT OPS

MIDDLE EAST REGION: The RAAF's near future IRST21 stealth tracker sensor for its F/A-18Fs has been flown in combat for the first time by the US Navy.

HMAS Hobart Regional Presence Video

HMAS HOBART REGIONAL PRESENCE VIDEO

PACIFIC: Video: HMAS Hobart's activities during the Regional Presence Deployment including RIMPAC missile launches and Naval Gun Support.

US Army M1A2C SEPv3 Abrams MBT

ARMY ABRAMS OPTIONS

AUSTRALIA: With less than 11 months to go before a final decision, Army has reduced its M1A1 Abrams replacement options to two possibilities.

Halfbreed Blades Rhino

NEW HBB MEDIUM INFANTRY KNIFE

Halfbreed Blades have just released their new Medium Infantry Knife and it comes in a choice of two blade formats.
OPEN ACCESS - CLICK HERE

Army additional helicopter lease. Leonardo AW 139

ARMY SEEKS LEASED HELICOPTERS

TOWNSVILLE: Reports have emerged indicating the Australian Army is seeking to lease additional helicopters to augment capacity at 5th Aviation Regiment.

Nuship Supply AOR

NUSHIP SUPPLY DELIVERED

FLEET BASE WEST: The first of the RAN's two new Supply class AORs is safely berthed at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia after her voyage from Spain.

2/14 Light Horse Regiment Boxer CRV operational conversion

BOXER CRV OPERATIONAL CONVERSION

WIDE BAY QLD: Photostory. Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle operational conversion is well underway in Qld as the acquisition gains momentum.

HMAS Warramunga AMCAP Henderson WA

WARRAMUNGA COMPLETES AMCAP DRYDOCK

HENDERSON WA: HMAS Warramunga is back in the water after completing the dry dock phase of her AMCAP upgrade at Henderson WA.

KF41 Lynx Project Land 400 Phase 3 RMA

VIRUS DELAYS LAND 400 TRIALS

AUSTRALIA: The global pandemic has caused an unavoidable delay to the start of the Land 400 Phase 3 AFV field trials between the German KF41 Lynx and Korean AS21 Redback.

Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessel

RAN DELIBERATELY DOWNGRADING OPV

CANBERRA: The RAN has deliberately downgraded the Arafura class OPVs under construction to make them too weak to land all inservice and planned ADF helicopters.

EOS R400S Mark 2 Heavy Duty Remote Weapons Station

BUSHMASTER & HAWKEI RWS CONTRACT

CANBERRA: The Government has finalised the contract to equip Army's Bushmaster and Hawkei PMVs with the advanced Aussie made R400S Mk2 HD Remote Weapon Station.

M4 84mm with Aimpoint FCS13RE Fire Control System

FCS13 DFSW SIGHT TRIALS

SINGLETON: The Army is conducting live fire trials of the advanced FCS13 sighting system for Direct Fire Support Weapons.

RAN Clearance Diving Team 1 CDT1

LORD HOWE UXO CLEARANCE

LORD HOWE IS: The RAN's Clearance Divers have completed a clearance of unexploded ordnance from protected reefs around Lord Howe Island.

RAAF P-8A Poseidon North Korea surveillance Op Argos

OP ARGOS P-8A DEPLOYMENT

JAPAN: The RAAF is deploying another P-8A to conduct surveillance operations against North Korean sanctions avoidance operations.

RAN MH-60R Mk 54 Lightweight Hybrid Torpedo

RAN MK 54 TORPEDO LAUNCH EX

JERVIS BAY: Slideshow- Brilliant photographic sequence of an RAN MH-60R deploying a Mk 54 Lightweight Hybrid Torpedo off Jervis Bay.

Hunter class frigate

HUNTER FRIGATE BUILD ISSUES

AUSTRALIA: The RAN's next generation Hunter frigate program has been affected by virus restrictions that have delayed important work and now threatened UK ship reductions could leave the RAN a near orphan FFG operator.

YWE 12.5 metre Regional Support Craft 51FNQR

51FNQR NEXT GEN REGIONAL SUPPORT CRAFT

AUSTRALIA: The new Regional Support Craft being built for 51FNQR will substantially improve Army's Torres Strait rough water mobility and response.

RAAF F-35As A35-029 and A35-030

RAAF ACCEPTS 30TH LIGHTNING II

USA: The RAAF has accepted its 30th F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter at its US acceptance area in Arizona USA.

RAAF C-17A Globemaster III pic John Hunter Farrell

USAF C-17 BOMBER TRIALS

USA: The USAF has successfully used C-17As to drop palletised JDAM Precision Guided Munitions in trials that have major relevance to the RAAF.

Ex Koolendong 2020 Mt Bundey Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2020

MRF-D20 A SUCCESS AMIDST EXPANDING ALLIANCE

NORTHERN TERRITORY: Marine Rotational Force - Darwin is successfully completing its pandemic abbreviated deployment to Darwin as Australian/USA military cooperation expands across the board.

HMAS Hobart HMAS Sirius JMSDF South China Sea

RAN IN SOUTH CHINA SEA

SOUTH CHINA SEA: The RAN and Japanese JMSDF are conducting bilateral naval operations in international waters claimed by China.

RAN General Dynamics Mission System Bluefin 9 Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

RAN MCM DRONE AUTONOMY RESEARCH

AUSTRALIA: The RAN has funded the development of autonomous Mine Countermeasure Unmanned Underwater Vehicle launch and recovery to allow true 'unmanned' mine clearance operations.

General  Atomics next generation ISR UAV concept

GA-ASI REVEALS MQ-9 REPLACEMENT

USA: General Atomics has revealed its concept of a stealthy MQ-9A Reaper replacement which has implications for the RAAF's plans to buy the old school MQ-9B SkyGuardian.

KF41 Lynx Armoured Fighting Vehicle

LAND 400 AFV PRICE MYSTERY

HUNGARY: Why has Army estimated it will cost taxpayers three to four times what Hungary paid for the Lynx AFV with the same Australian made turret.

Boeing ATS Loyal Wingman engine run video

LOYAL WINGMAN ENGINE RUN VIDEO

QUEENSLAND: Video. Boeing has released video of the BATS Loyal Wingman prototype conducting its first ground engine testing.

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2020 Ex Koolendong

EX KOOLENDONG 2020

MT BUNDEY NT: Exercise Koolendong, the major field exercise between Marine Rotational Force - Darwin and the ADF has been completed.

Multinational Group Sail Philippine Sea

RAN IN MULTINATIONAL FLEET

PHILIPPINE SEA: The RAN's HMAS Stuart and Arunta are part of a four-nation combined show of force heading for Guam.

Singaporean F-15SG Darwin Pitch Black 2018

RSAF RETURNING TO NT

NORTHERN TERRITORY: The Republic of Singapore Air Force is returning to the NT to conduct a major air exercise after completing quarantine.

Boeing cognitive AI driven drone

'COGNITIVE' UAS FLIGHT TRIALS

QUEENSLAND: Boeing's Phantom Works International has demonstrated Aussie developed 'cognitive' AI driven UAS machine learning and tactical decision making in flight trials.

RAAF E-7A Wedgetail Op Okra Iraq Syria

RAAF ENDS ISLAMIC STATE MISSIONS

IRAQ SYRIA: RAAF E-7A Wedgetails and KC-30A MRTTs have flown their last CJTF-OIR missions against Islamic State remnants.

HMNZS Te Kaha sea trials Canada

HMNZS TE KAHA SEA TRIALS

CANADA: The new look HMNZS Te Kaha has commenced post upgrade sea trials off Victoria in Canada after completing the Frigate Systems Upgrade work.

Lynx AFV with Lance 2 turret

LYNX LANCE 2 TECH DETAILS

GERMANY: The Lance 2 turret on the soon to arrive in Australia Lynx AFV prototypes are more advanced than the Lance 1 turrets seen on the Boxer CRV.

Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle DFHSL

CRV EATS EXPENSIVE AMMO

AUSTRALIA: Army's next gen Boxer CRV is limited to expensive 30mm munitions due to German Army failure to fully certify more ammunition types.

RAAF 3 Squadron F-35A Lightning II JSF

3 SQN F-35 IIS ACTIVITY

WILLIAMTOWN: The RAAF's 3 Squadron is conducting high tempo operations aiming towards IOC certification scheduled for December.

Hanwha Defense K9/AS9 Self Propelled Howitzer

AS9 HUNTSMAN 155 SPH RFT

CANBERRA: Defence has invited Hanwha Defence Australia only to tender its AS9 Huntsman for Project Land 8116 Mobile Protected Fires.

Hawkei PMV-L assembly Bathurst

HAWKEI ENTERS FULL RATE PRODUCTION

BALLARAT: The Australian Hawkei Protected Mobility Vehicle - Light has been approved for full rate production of the large fleet.

AS21 Redback

TURRETED AS21 REDBACK EMERGES

ISRAEL: An Elbit Systems video has revealed an operational Hanwha AS21 Redback with an almost complete T2000 turret integrated ahead of the Australian Army trials.

exUSS Durham takes missile hits at RIMPAC Sinkex

RAN LEADS RIMPAC SINKEX

HAWAII: Slideshow - The Royal Australian Navy has played a central role in RIMPAC 2020's culminating live missile fire ship sinking exercise.

Supply class AOR

NUSHIP SUPPLY INBOUND

SPAIN: The RAN's first new Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment Nuship Supply is taking on final provisions for her maiden voyage ahead of sailing for Australia.

RAAF HoloLens remote C-17A maintenance

REMOTE DIGITAL MAINTENANCE SUPPORT

AMBERLEY: The RAAF has introduced high tech systems that allow US experts unable to travel due to the Pandemic to advise C-17A work conducted in Australia.

Cyborg Dynamics Warfighter Hero armed UGCV

DEFENCE FUNDS LOCAL ARMED COMBAT BOTS

BRISBANE: Aussie firms have developed an ultra smart armed UGCV that uses advanced AI to autonomously navigate the battlefield, and detect and destroy hostile forces.

HMAS Sydney AN/USG-7B Cooperative Engagement Capability

HMAS SYDNEY COOPERATIVE ENGAGEMENT TRIALS

SYDNEY: HMAS Sydney has successfully demonstrated systems fusion using her advanced Cooperative Engagement Capability with sister ship HMAS Brisbane.

Halfbreed Blades Rhino

MULTI-FUNCTION RHINO TOOL

GEAR: Special Operations Engineer tool now available to the public.
OPEN ACCESS - CLICK HERE

RIMPAC RIM-162B ESSM HMAS Arunta

ARUNTA FIRES ESSM AT RIMPAC

HAWAII: HMAS Arunta has fired an ESSM using her advanced new Australian radar during a combined air and missile defence training serial at RIMPAC 2020.

2/14LHR 6RAR Timor Dry Season Offensive 2000

TIMOR 2000: ANZAC DRY SEASON VICTORY

TIMOR: FEATURE & PHOTO ESSAY We remember the 20th anniversary of the 2000 Timor Dry Season Offensive where the 6RAR and 2/1RNZIR Battle Groups eliminated the Indonesian sponsored insurgency along the Timor/Indonesia border. By John Hunter Farrell

Task Group Taji X TGT10 Digger Iraq

F-35A GBU DROP VIDEO

EVANS HEAD: Video of 2 OCU F-35A Lightnings deploying inert GBU-12 Paveway IIs onto Evans Head Air Weapons Range.

Task Group Taji X TGT10 Digger Iraq

TAJI HANDED BACK TO IRAQ

IRAQ: CJTF-OIR has handed all Coalition Taji Military Complex facilities back to the Iraqi Army and redeployed from the base.

F-16 Full Mission Flight Simulator

AI SMASHED ACE PILOT IN SIM TRIALS

USA: Artificial Intelligence program has smashed a top gun USAF fighter pilot in every dogfight in the latest DARPA simulator based machine learning trials.

RAF MQ-9A Reaper. RAAF officers are flying Brit combat ops in Iraq

RAAF FLYING BRIT MQ-9 COMBAT OPS

IRAQ: RAAF exchange officers are conducting lethal combat missions against Islamic State remnants 'flying' British MQ-9A Reapers.

HMAS Sirius refuels the Japanese helicopter carrier JS Ise

RIMPAC 2020 ACTIVITY

HAWAII: Slideshow of the early multinational naval training activities being conducted off Hawaii for RIMPAC 20.

3rd Brigade 1 Military Police Battalion Ex Brolga Run 2020

3 BRIGADE WORKING UP

TOWNSVILLE: The 3rd Brigade is training hard towards Ready Brigade certification after their normal readying exercise program was disrupted by the pandemic.

The Commando Way by Bram Connolly

THE COMMANDO WAY

BOOK REVIEW: Bram Connolly's personal improvement roadmap is also a great soldier's story from Somalia, Timor, TAG and Afghanistan.

Aegis Mark 6 Mod 1 Baseline 9

RAN AEGIS BASELINE 9 UPGRADE

AUSTRALIA: The RAN's Hobart class DDGs will soon commence their upgrade to the latest Aegis Baseline 9 with missile defence and true fused sea/air/land battlespace capability.

RIMPAC 2020 HMAS Hobart and HMNZS Manwanui Oahu

RAN & RNZN IN HAWAII FOR RIMPAC

HAWAII: The Australian and New Zealand contingents have commenced RIMPAC 2020 activities in an exercise reduced due to Pandemic restrictions.

M-777A2 Excalibur M892 Block III

ARMY SEEKS EXCALIBUR BLOCK III

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is seeking to upgrade its inservice 2007 vintage 155mm M892 Excalibur with Excalibur Block III 'smart and discriminating' APGMs.

RAN 808 Squadron MRH-90 Tactical Transport Helicopter

RAN TO REPLACE MRH-90

AUSTRALIA: The RAN will replace the MRH-90 TTH helicopter with a new type for its resupply and fleet support misison.

Australian Matilda tank Bougainville 1945

OUR PACIFIC APOCALYPSE 1941-45

EDITORIAL: August 15 is the 75th anniversary of Japan's surrender in 1945 and a good time to remember the sacrifice and loss suffered to ensure our national survival against a depraved and energetic enemy..

Army Combat Rescue Operator

ARMY COMBAT RESCUE OPERATOR

BRISBANE: Army has introduced a Combat Rescue Operator specialist employment category to conduct personnel rescue from vehicles, aircraft and dangerous locations.

2RAR Amphibious video 2020

2RAR AMPHIB VIDEO

PACIFIC: Video of the 2RAR (Amphib) Pre Landing Team at work aboard HMAS Canberra during the Regional Presence Deployment.

AN/ALQ-249 Increment 1 Next Generation Jammer - Mid Band

NEXT GEN JAMMER - MID BAND FIRST FLIGHT

USA: The RAAF's expanded Next Generation Jammer - Mid Band took a step closer with the first flight of a prototype system on a Growler in the USA only two days after new contracts were signed.

Special Operations Craft Riverine

ARMY RIVERINE PATROL CRAFT

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army will introduce a Riverine Patrol Craft capability as part of its pivot to Archipelagic Operations doctrines to augment its ability to operate effectively in the tropics.

Edward 'Teddy' Sheean Victoria Cross

RETROSPECTIVE VC FOR TEDDY SHEEAN

AUSTRALIA: The Prime Minister has agreed to retrospectively award a Victoria Cross to RAN sailor Teddy Sheean KIA for his extraordinary valour and sacrifice for his mates in 1942.

AN-ALQ-249 Increment 2 Low Band Jammer - Low Band NGJ-LB

RAAF ACQUIRES AN/ALQ-249 NGJ-LOW BAND

USA: Australia has injected funds into the development of the AN/ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer program which will exponentially expand our Electronic Attack capability.

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2020

MARINE MRF-D 20 AT FULL STRENGTH

NORTHERN TERRITORY: The USMC's Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2020 is complete and training after the final Marines were released from pandemic quarantine.

Australian Tactical Assault Group and GhostRobotics Vision V60 Recon Bot

TAG CQB ROBOT TRIALS

AUSTRALIA: Special Operations Command - Australia has trialled four legged combat support robots in Close Quarter Battle and Special Recovery training scenarios.

M-113AS4 Optionally Crewed Combat Vehicle

ARMY TO EXPAND AUTONOMOUS ARMOUR FLEET

AUSTRALIA: The Army will expand its autonomous armoured vehicle fleet 400 percent to expedite unmanned combat trials and has funded more robotic combat support research.

SAAB AUV62-AT Intermediate Anti Submarine Warfare Training Target

SUBMARINE TARGET SIMULATOR FOR RAN

AUSTRALIA: The RAN is acquiring an advanced underwater target system that accurately simulates hostile submarines and torpedoes producing ultra realistic training.

Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment HMAS Supply

NUSHIP SUPPLY COMMENCES SEA TRIALS

SPAIN: The RAN's next gen Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment nuship Supply has commenced sea trials in Spain ahead of sailing to Australia.

RQ-7B TUAS Border Protection Ops

RQ-7B BORDER PROTECTION OPS

CAPE YORK: Army RQ-7B TUAVs have been deployed to Torres Strait to protect Australia's northern approaches during the pandemic emergency.

Bushmaster PMV Upgrade

BUSHMASTER COMMON CONFIGURATION UPGRADE

AUSTRALIA: The entire Australian Army Bushmaster PMV fleet will be progressively rebaselined to a new 'Common Configuration' which incorporates all the latest upgrades.

HMAS Canberra Regional Presence Deployment 2020

CANBERRA RETURNING TO AUSTRALIA

PACIFIC OCEAN: After repeated ministerial and departmental statements that HMAS Canberra was RIMPAC bound, the huge Amphibious Assault Ship is returning home.

RAAF 75 Squadron F-35A A35-029

FIRST 75 SQUADRON F-35A

TEXAS USA: The first RAAF F-35A Lightning featuring the tail art of the elite NT based 75 Squadron has flown for the first time. Pic by Texasafterburner.

2RNZIR infantry in new NZ Multi Terrain Pattern NZMTP uniform

NZ ROLLS OUT NEW MULTICAM

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Army is rolling out its new multicam uniform to its soldiers in volume after successful user trials and positive feedback.

The Last Navigator by Paul Goodwin

THE LAST NAVIGATOR

BOOK REVIEW: The story of an RAAF navigator's multi tour airwar with Bomber Command against Nazi Germany flying Wellingtons and Lancasters.

RAAF KC-30A refuels USAF F-35A over Iraq

AL DHAFRA AL UDIED MISSILE ALERT

MIDDLE EAST REGION: RAAF teams at Al Dhafra and Al Udied in the Arabian Gulf were subject to an Iranian missile provocation on July 28.

Ballarat fires a RIM-162 ESSM missile

BALLARAT ESSM LAUNCH VIDEO

TASMAN SEA: Video of HMAS Ballarat mission readiness work ups including RIM-162B Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile launching from Mk41 VLS.

4 Sqn RAAF Combat Controller parachute ops

RAAF COMBAT CONTROLLER PARACHUTE EX

AUSTRALIA: Photo story - RAAF 4 Squadron Combat Controllers maintain their parachute insertion capability currency during jumps over Wagga Wagga.

HMNZS Aotearoa

HMNZS AOTEAROA COMMISSIONED

NEW ZEALAND: The RNZN's new Polar class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment HMNZS Aotearoa has been commissioned into service in Auckland.

HMAS Arunta Project Sea 1408

ANZAC FFH SONAR UPGRADE

AUSTRALIA: The RAN's anti submarine and anti torpedo capability has been vastly improved with a new Aussie designed sonar processing unit.

AS21 Redback AFV prototype

1ST AS21 REDBACK PROTOTYPE REVEALED

SOUTH KOREA: Hanwha Defence has revealed its first two AS21 Redback Armoured Fighting Vehicle prototypes for the Australian Army's Project Land 400 Phase 3.

Regional Presence Task Group South China Sea

RAN SOUTH CHINA SEA FONOP

SOUTH CHINA SEA: Australia quietly conducted a large warship Freedom of Navigation operation (FONOP) in the South China Sea in open defiance of Chinese threats just prior to our UN rejection of the Chinese annexation.

RAAF KC-30As refuel each other and F/A-18HUG Hornets inbound to Guam

BIG RAAF FORCE IN GUAM

GUAM: The RAAF has deployed a large expeditionary combat force to Guam as part of the ADF's Regional Presence Deployment to recommence integrated training with the US.

1RAR Force Protection Element 14 Afghanistan

FPE 14 AFGHANISTAN BOUND

TOWNSVILLE: Force Protection Element 14 is about to rotate into Afghanistan to replace 5RAR who are completing their six month tour.

RAAF AP-3C(EW) Orion Electronic Warfare Aircraft. Pic by Eric Kuan

RAAF SOUTH CHINA SEA EW OPS

SINGAPORE: RAAF Electronic Warfare aircraft have been photographed flying out of Singapore on long daily ops as China ramps up South China Sea seizure. Pic by Eric Kuan

Tiger ARH, HMAS Canberra RIMPAC 2020

TIGER EMBARKED FOR RIMPAC

PACIFIC OCEAN: 1 Avn Regt Tigers are embarked with the RAN surface action group bound for Hawaii and Exercise RIMPAC 2020.

M1A2C Abrams

US ARMY M1A2C OPERATIONAL

AUSTRALIA: The US Army's roll out of the next gen M1A2C Abrams paves the way for Australia's planned acquisition of the type for our Armoured Cavalry Regiments.

US Navy, Royal Australian Navy, Japanese JMSDF Trilat 2020

TRILATERAL SHOW OF FORCE

PHILIPPINE SEA: An RAN expeditionary surface group has concentrated with the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group and a Japanese destroyer in a show of force in western Pacific waters.

8/12RAA 155mm M-777A2 Lightweight Towed Howitzer

M-777A2 GUNS REPAIRS

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army's M-777A2 required immediate repairs after issues with the system were identified by the US and Canadian Armies.

S100 Camcopter VTOL MTUAS flies off HMAS Ballarat. Pic RAN

INDONESIA SEEKS EUROFIGHTERS

INDONESIA: Indonesia has put in a formal offer for Austria's corruption tainted Eurofighter Typhoon fleet which is set to be retired due to internal politics.

S100 Camcopter VTOL MTUAS flies off HMAS Ballarat. Pic RAN

VTOL MTUAS AT SEA FLIGHT TRIALS

AUSTRALIA: The RAN is conducting VTOL Maritime Tactical Unmanned Aerial System flight trials off an Anzac frigate at sea off NSW.

Boeing Airpower Teaming System BATS Loyal Wingman

LOYAL WINGMAN UCAS ACQUISITION

AUSTRALIA: The 2020 Force Structure Plan reveals that the Aussie Loyal Wingman UCAV concept has morphed from advanced research project to hard capability requirement with a huge budget.

2RAR Sniper with XTEK Tac2 .338 LM Sniper Rifle

NEW SNIPER RIFLES, PISTOLS, SHOTTIES, SMGs & COMPACT ARs

AUSTRALIA: The ADF has kicked off its Small Arms Replacement program with new Sniper Rifles, pistols, shotties, SMGs and Compact SDW/ARs being acquired first.

M-889 81mm Mortar round 9RAA

CLASSIFIED 81mm PGM PROGRAM

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is partnering the US military in a classified project to develop an ultra lethal precision 81mm mortar round.

Supply class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment

AOR SUPPLY DUE SOON

SPAIN: Nuship Supply, the first of two new AORs, will be delivered to Australia soon after being delayed by pandemic shutdowns at Spanish shipyards.

RAAF MQ-4C Triton BAMS UAS

10 SQN TO 'FLY' MQ-4C

AUSTRALIA: A recently released RAAF document has ended speculation over which unit will operate the new MQ-4C BAMS fleet.

EF-88M rifle 2RAR Amphib

8500 ADDITIONAL EF-88 RIFLES

AUSTRALIA: The Government has funded the manufacture of 8500 additional EF-88s to complete re equipping the Army Reserve 2nd Division.

Halfbreed Blades LBF-01

NEW LARGE BUSH FOLDER

GEAR: Halfbreed Blades have followed up the success of their Large Bush Knife with a folding counterpart, the LBF-01.
OPEN ACCESS - CLICK HERE

RQ-12A Wasp AE SUAS

ARMY BUYS MORE RQ-12A SUAS

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army has signed up for a second tranche of improved RQ-12A Wasp AE SUAS drones for its combat manoeuvre units.

HMAS Toowoomba IMSC CJTF Sentinel Strait of Hormuz

5TH ANZAC ENTERS AMCAP UPGRADE

HENDERSON WA: The fifth of the RAN's eight Anzac class frigates is being prepared for its Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program upgrade in WA.

Polaris MRZR ATV

NZ ARMY ACCEPTS SIX MRZR

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Army has received its first tranche of Polaris MRZR military All Terrain Vehicles for its combat manoeuvre elements.

M7 smart mine MCU dispensor

ADF SEEKS 'SMART' AT MINES

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is seeking networked wireless smart Anti Tank 'mine' dispensors that use onboard sensor arrays that can identify hostile armour from friendlies and civilians and are fired by a soldier in a remote location after ID of the target.

NZ Army Bushmaster 5.5 Protected Mobility Vehicle - Medium

NZ ARMY ORDERS BUSHMASTER PMV FLEET

NEW ZEALAND: The NZ Government has approved the purchase of a decent sized fleet of late model Australian made Bushmaster PMV-Ms to enter service in two years.

Bushmaster PMVs and RAN landing craft to be defended by Active Protection Systems

MAJOR ACTIVE PROTECTION SYSTEM ROLL OUT

AUSTRALIA: The ADF will equip all combat and combat support armour and protected trucks and even landing craft with advanced 'hard kill' Active Protection Systems that shoot down missiles, rockets and shells.

TNI-AD MV-22 Block C tiltrotor

INDONESIAN MV-22 TILTROTOR BUY

INDONESIA: The US State Department has approved an Indonesian request for MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft for the TNI - Angkatan Darat.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II

ADDITIONAL AIR COMBAT CAPABILITY

AUSTRALIA: The 2020 Force Structure Plan has revealed that the Additional Air Combat Capability budget is in train with a healthy budget. Pic Mathieu Macey

RAAF AGM-158C LRASM

RAAF AGM-158C POTENTIAL

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF's next generation AGM-158C LRASM is extremely stealthy, sneaky, smart and dangerous and will exponentially improve Australia's sea denial capacity.

Iraqi Special Operations Qwat al Khasah Tier 2

CJTF-OIR IRAQ TRANSITIONS TO ADVISORY OPS

IRAQ: CJTF-Op Inherent Resolve in Iraq has officially transitioned to Military Advisory ops in the wake of the end of the Anzac Build Partner Capacity mission at Taji in June.

Australian M224A1 60mm mortar

2RAR (AMPHIB) IIS M224A1

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is introducing the M224A1 to 2RAR (Amphib), the first time the system has been issued outside Special Operations.

Precision Strike Missile Australian Army

THEATRE STRIKE FOR ARMY

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is involved in the development of the US Army's next generation PrSM and will soon acquire long range hitting power.

EOS R400S Mk2 D-HD Remote Weapons Station

LARGEST EVER ADF REMOTE WEAPONS STATION BUY

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army has just signed its largest ever Remote Weapons Station contract with Aussie systems leader Electro Optical Systems.

A-9A1 Aussie Thunder digital impression

RAA SET TO DOUBLE

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army's Joint Fires are set to exponentially expand with two regts of self propelled guns and the M-777A2s uprated to ultra long range or replaced with next gen arty systems alone.

John Hunter Farrell

A CALL TO ARMS

EDITORIAL: The surprise release of the 2020 Defence Strategic Update signals a new era of robust defence of our interests, a reinvigorated ADF and an Australia prepared to fight for its survival. Analysis by John Hunter Farrell
OPEN ACCESS - CLICK HERE

Belgian NH-90 Tactical Transport Helicopter

BELGIUM REDUCES TTH OPS

BELGIUM: Another military user is reducing its exposure to the NH/MRH-90 Tactical Transport Helicopter - with future ramifications for the ADF and NZDF.

HMAS Warramunga AMCAP Sea 1448 Radar Mast

WARRAMUNGA REMASTED UNDER AMCAP

HENDERSON WA: HMAS Warramunga's new Sea 1448 Radar Mast has been integrated by BAE Systems Australia within the AMCAP upgrade process.

RAAF F-35A Full Mission Simulator

LOCAL F-35A FMSim UPGRADE

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The RAAF and Lockheed Martin Australia have conducted the first ever F-35 Full Mission Simulator upgrade using local technicians.

RNZN Aoteroa

AOTEAROA ARRIVES IN NZ

NEW ZEALAND: The Royal New Zealand Navy's new Polar class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment Aotearoa has arrived at home in Auckland.

4RAA M-777A2 Airnesco Barrel Cleaning System

RAA INTRODUCES AUTOMATED BARREL CLEANING

AUSTRALIA: The Royal Australian Artillery has introduced a labour saving automated barrel cleaning system for the 155mm M-777A2 LTH.

2/14 Light Horse Regt ASLAV-25

COMBAT BRIGADE's AT WORK

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army's three Multirole Combat Brigades have spent the month rebuilding capacity as pandemic mitigation measures have been relaxed.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II JSF

F-35A VULNERABILITY TO LIGHTNING ISSUE

USA: The F-35 Joint Program Office has released an advisory to limit F-35A flying in certain weather conditions which will affect the RAAF fleet.

AN/ALQ-249 Increment 2 Next Generation Jammer - Low Band

NEXT GEN JAMMER - LOW BAND DEVELOPMENT

USA: The RAAF's eagerly anticipated Next Generation Jammer suite for the EA-18G Growler continues to progress towards operational release with both low and mid band pods in trials.

HMNZS Manawanui RIMPAC

HMNZS MANAWANUI TO RIMPAC 20

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Defence Force will centre its RIMPAC 2020 contribution on the Diving Support Ship HMNZS Manawanui.

Mark 15 Block 1B Baseline 2 CIWS

RAN MK 15 BLOCK 1B/2 CIWS OIC

AUSTRALIA: The Navy's latest gen Mk 15 Block 1B Baseline 2 Close In Weapons System has achieved Initial Operating Capabililty.

HMAS Toowoomba Arabian Gulf CJTF Sentinel

TOOWOOMBA COMPLETES MER OPS

MIDDLE EAST: HMAS Toowoomba is returning to Australia after completing a six month deployment conducting Maritime Security Ops in the Middle East Region.

US Navy MQ-4C Triton RAAF

3RD RAAF TRITON LOCKED IN

AUSTRALIA: The Dept of Defence has confirmed the acquisition of a third MQ-4C Triton UAS, originally revealed in US Government disclosures in April.

The Dragons and the Snakes by David Kilcullen

THE DRAGONS AND THE SNAKES

BOOK REVIEW: Former Australian Army major David Kilcullen's erudite analysis of new multi dimension hostilities and how they are used against the Western democracies.

RAN warships depart Fleet Base East

RAN FLEET AT SEA

AUSTRALIA: The RAN has returned to sea in force, recommencing warfighting training as pandemic mitigation restrictions ease.

Digital impression of future Attack class SSG

MORE SUB BUILD SCHEDULE DELAYS

AUSTRALIA: The design of the RAN's next gen Attack class submarines is running late with another key component incomplete.

Jamaica Defence Force Bushmaster PMV-M

MORE AUSSIE BUSHMASTERS FOR JAMAICA

JAMAICA: The Jamaica Defence Force has put in another order for Australian Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle - Mediums. Pic Loop

Rocket Labs F12 launch

ADF MICROSAT LAUNCHED IN NZ

NEW ZEALAND: An RAAF/UNSW developed research micro satellite was launched into space by Rocket Labs from New Zealand.

RAAF KC-30A MRTT tanker

ONLY TWO ADDITIONAL KC-30A MRTTs

AUSTRALIA: The Government is looking at two not three additional KC-30A MRTT tankers to expand its inflight refuelling capacity.

Raytheon GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb Increment II

GBU-53/B SMB2 PROBLEMS

USA: Problems with the GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb Increment II could impact the RAAF's transition to the F-35A Lightning II.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II

3 SQUADRON APPROACHING FULL STRENGTH

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The RAAF's first F-35A Lightning II squadron is approaching a full complement of jets and working towards operational status in December. Pic by Stephen Baldwin

C-130J based remote UAS operation

C-130J BASED REMOTE UAS RECONNAISSANCE

EDINBURGH: The RAAF has successfully trialled remote operation and video upload from a UAS to an airborne C-130J using SATCOMM.

Aussie SOTG Nexus counter narcotics op Helmand 2012

SOTG HELMAND VIDEO 2012

AFGHANISTAN: Video of SOTG Commando Nexus counter narcotics op extraction in late August 2012. Helmet cam from Commando Merv McDonald KIA via twitter.

8/9RAR resumes training Greenbank TA range

ARMY PROGRESSIVELY RESUMING TRAINING

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is progressively resuming its training program as pandemic mitigation restrictions are eased in northern and western states.

Textron Scorpion

RFI FOR RAAF HAWK REPLACEMENTS

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF has commenced the search for a next generation Lead In Fighter Trainer more suitable for training modern combat aircrew.

digital impression of future RNZAF C-130J-30 Hercules

NZ CONTRACTS FIVE C-130J-30 HERCS

NEW ZEALAND: The RNZAF will get five C-130J-30 Hercs fitted with the most advanced self defence, satellite communications and surveillance systems in operations globally.

Australian Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle

GERMANS ARE ADOPTING AUSSIE BOXER GUNCAR

GERMANY: The German Deutsches Heer is participating in the development of the final spec turreted Australian Boxer CRV and will also introduce the type into service.

Task Group Taji Iraq BPC mission

TASK GROUP TAJI MISSION COMPLETE

IRAQ: The combined Anzac Task Group Taji has completed its five year/ten rotation Build Partner Capacity mission in Iraq.

AN/ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer Increment 1 (midband jammer)

NEXT GENERATION JAMMER ISSUES

USA: The US Government Accountability Office has identified some technical issues with the Next Generation Jammer under development for the US Navy and the RAAF.

RAAF F/A-18F Rhino Super Hornet

F/A-18F OPERATIONAL CONVERSION AT AMBERLEY

AMBERLEY: The RAAF's trial of F/A-18F Super Hornet operational conversion training at RAAF Amberley is progressing smoothly.

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin M777A2 gun

MARINE ROTATIONAL FORCE - DARWIN ARRIVE

DARWIN: The first contingent of Marine Rotation Force - Darwin 2020 has flown into the Northern Territory and commenced a 14 day quarantine period.

USAF F-15E Syria with RAAF Weapons Officer

RAAF AIRMEN FLYING OIF STRIKE OPS

SYRIA/IRAQ: RAAF combat aircrew are still directly fighting Islamic State, only now they fight from the cockpits of US fighterbombers.

ADF Weapon Training Simulation System

MORE BLUEFIRE EF88 SIMULATORS

AUSTRALIA: The ADF has contracted Meggitt Training Systems for more digital BlueFire EF88 simulated weapons for its high resolution WTSS combat shooting training simulators.

MD902 Special Operations helicopter

SPEC OPS LIGHT HELO PROGRAM

AUSTRALIA: Special Operations Command Australia's expedited light assault helo acquisition program will soon be shortlisted for tenders.

Cargo Launch Expendable Air Vehicles with Extended Range

'CLEAVER' PALLETISED PRECISION STRIKE

USA: The US Air Force Special Operations Command's CLEAVER is aiming to turn airlifters into low cost massive airborne cruise missile carriers with implications for the RAAF.

F-89A2 Light Support Weapon

STANDARD MINIMI LSW UPGRADE

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is upgrading over half of its standard (tactical long barrel) F-89A1 Light Support Weapons to F-89A2 specification following on from the short barrel 'Para' upgrade.

1st Armoured Regt M1A1 AIM SA MBT

EVOLVED ABRAMS OPTIONS

CANBERRA: The future Australian Abrams upgrade will closely leverage the two next generation M1A2 upgrades currently being validated by the US Army.

HMAS Armidale

RAN MAINTAINING BORDER PROTECTION

DARWIN: The RAN is employing multiple strategies to ensure the Patrol Boat fleet maintains border protection operations during the pandemic restrictions.

Australian Code Breakers

AUSTRALIAN CODE BREAKERS

BOOK REVIEW: James Phelp's Great War history of the RAN's capture of German codebooks and the intelligence bonanza the Royal Navy ignored until the disaster at Coronel before recognising it and getting revenge.

Royal New Zealand Engineers FC530 Combat Engineer Watercraft

RNZE COMBAT ENGINEER WATERCRAFT

NEW ZEALAND: The Royal New Zealand Engineers have introduced their new FC530 Combat Engineer Watercraft inflatable boats.

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Mk 153 SMAW

MARINE ROTATIONAL FORCE - DARWIN 20 INBOUND

OKINAWA: Marine Rotation Force - Darwin 2020 has commenced a 14 day quarantine in Japan ahead of deployment to the Northern Territory.

USAF 58th Fighter Squadron F-35A Lightning IIs

FIRST US MADE F-35A CRASH

FLORIDA USA: The first US built F-35A Lightning with the same specification as the RAAF's Lightning IIs has been lost during flight ops.

Defence Minister Stephen Smith and Prime Minister Julia Gillard

THE HAND THAT SIGNED THE PAPER

EDITORIAL: If we are seeking accountability for war crimes why not start with Julia Gillard and Stephen Smith, the Prime Minister and Minister for Defence in May 2012, rather than persecuting junior soldiers and NCOs for the sins of the battlefield.
OPEN ACCESS - CLICK HERE

HMAS Sydney

HMAS SYDNEY ENTERS SERVICE

TASMAN SEA: The RAN's third and final Hobart class destroyer was commissioned at sea after stringent pandemic control measures saw her entry into service delayed.

Halfbreed Blades LIK01 Large Infantry Knife

NEW AUSTRALIAN DESIGNED INFANTRY BLADE

AUSTRALIA: Specialist blade maker Halfbreed Blades reinterprets an old classic into a new Infantry blade design. OPEN ACCESS - CLICK HERE

Maj Gen Roger Noble Urban Close Combat in Mosul podcast

URBAN COMBAT AGAINST ISLAMIC STATE

USA: PODCAST: A brilliant US military thinktank analytic podcast about urban close combat against Islamic State in 2016 interviewing Australian veteran Major Gen Roger Noble on his time as CJTF-OIR ground 2IC during the assault on Fallujah and Mosul.

Lockheed Martin F-35 production Fort Worth Texas

AUSSIE F-35 PART PRODUCTION THREATENED

USA: The US President has stated he plans to return F-35 Joint Strike Fighter component production back to the USA threatening Australian aerospace participation in the JSF Program.

Singaporean Army Light Strike Vehicle Mk II

SINGAPORE CANCELS AUSTRALIAN TRAINING

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Armed Forces has cancelled its planned training deployments to Queensland as part of its pandemic mitigation efforts.

Aeronautics Orbitor 4 TUAS

RQ-7B TUAS REPLACEMENT OPTIONS

AUSTRALIA: Four advanced US, Israeli and European Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems are under evaluation to replace the inservice RQ-7Bv1 'eye in the sky'.

Future HMAS Sydney

UPDATED - SYDNEY COMMISSIONING

SYDNEY HARBOUR: The pandemic safe commissioning ceremony for the new destroyer Sydney V may be the first RAN 'underway' commissioning at sea since the Second World War.

7RAR Battle Group Boar Ex Hamel 2019

READINESS CYCLE ADJUSTED - HAMEL 20 CANCELLED

AUSTRALIA: Mandatory pandemic mitigation measures and state border closures have forced Army to adjust its ready brigade rotation certification program.

The Battles for Kokoda Plateau by David W. Cameron

THE BATTLES FOR KOKODA PLATEAU

BOOK REVIEW: David W. Cameron's excellent new history of the brutal struggle by Victorian conscripts and Papuan infantry as they fought for the vital strip at Kokoda against the rampaging Japanese in July/August 1942.

RAAF E-7A Wedgetail Iraq Syria April 2020

WEDGETAIL - ADF's MOST REQUESTED CAPABILITY

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF's fleet of E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft have quietly become the most requested and respected ADF asset by our Coalition partners.

Combined RAN, RNZN and RCN RIMPAC 2018 contingent

ADF RIMPAC DECISION PENDING

AUSTRALIA: The ADF continues to keep the option of participating in RIMPAC 2020 in Hawaiian waters open, continuing to assess any pandemic risks to force elements.

USMC KC-130J tankers refuel MRF-Darwin MV-22B Ospreys

MARINE ROTATIONAL FORCE - DARWIN TO DEPLOY

AUSTRALIA: The USMC's Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2020 is back on, with the Marines Top End bound later this Dry Season.

OPV Arafura hull block consolidation

ARAFURA OPV HULL CONSOLIDATION

OSBORNE SA: The RAN's next gen Arafura class OPV first of class has reached hull module consolidation at the ASC's South Australian shipyard.

Australian 1st Armoured Regiment M1A1 SA Main Battle Tank

ARMY SEEKS M1A2 ABRAMS SIMULATORS

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is seeking training simulators for M1A2 Abrams tanks - signalling the beginning of the replacement of our inservice M1A1 SA Abrams MBTs.

Boeing BATS Loyal Wingman

FIRST LOYAL WINGMAN BATS UCAS

AUSTRALIA: The first of three prototypes of the Australian designed and built RAAF sponsored Boeing Airpower Teaming System (BATS) unmanned combat aircraft is complete with test flights due later this year.

Collins class SSG submarine

ATTACK SUB BUDGET BLOWS OUT

AUSTRALIA: The depreciation of the Australian dollar has seen the cost of Attack class submarine build blow out to almost $90 billion.

RAAF AN/ASG-34v2 IRST21

RAAF RHINO IRST21 BUY FINALISED

USA: The RAAF's plans to upgrade its F/A-18F to fight against 'lo vis' stealthy aircraft move ahead with IRST21 acquisition contracts finalised.

ADV Cape Fourcroy Cape class Patrol Boat

SIX MORE CCPB PATROL BOATS

CANBERRA: Six additional Cape Class Patrol Boats will be built for the RAN to augment the future Arafura class OPV fleet on border protection operations.

RAAF GBU-54 LJDAM and GBU-38 JDAMs Iraq

LOCAL BLU-111 MUNITIONS DELIVERED

BENALLA: The first shipment of Australian made BLU-111 'insensitive' bomb units has been accepted by the RAAF for its combat aircraft fleets.

RAAF F-35A Lightning A35-025 Pic Keith Bowes

THIRD OF RAAF F-35As FLYING

USA: More than a third of the RAAF's contracted fleet of F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters have rolled off the assembly line and are flying.

Bushmaster PMV-M Ambulance

DUTCH ORDER MORE BUSHMASTERS

BENDIGO: The Netherland's Koninklijke Landmacht is back for another tranche of Aussie made Bushmaster PMV- Mediums for high risk operations.

USAF B-1B trains with USAF and Japanese fighters over Japan

NEW US STRATEGY INVOLVES AUSTRALIA

INDO PACIFIC: The USA's new Dynamic Force Employment strategy places Australia and the ADF in a central role within regional security initiatives to deter potential aggressors.

Vortex Optics 1-8x30mm Active Reticle rifle sight

US ARMY DIGITAL RIFLE FIRE CONTROL

USA: The US Army has begun seeking prototype 'smart sights' for its Next Generation Squad Weapons that exponentially improve soldier 'first round hit' probabilities.

Australian based Space Surveillance Telescope

SPACE SURVEILLANCE TELESCOPE FIRST PICS

EXMOUTH: The RAAF/US Space Force operated Space Surveillance Telescope in WA has taken its first images during systems trials.

HMAS Newcastle

CHILE COMMISSIONS EX RAN FFGs

SYDNEY: Former RAN Adelaide class frigates Newcastle and Melbourne were quietly commissioned into the Armada de Chile last week.

RAN MINIMI 7.62 aka MAXIMI

MAXIMI ENTERS RAN SERVICE

CORAL SEA: Personnel portraiture imagery has revealed the RAN has introduced a gucci coyote coloured para stocked MAXIMI 7.62mm light machine gun into service.

HMAS Parramatta South China Sea incident

RAN RESPONSE TO CHINA MALAYSIA STAND OFF

SOUTH CHINA SEA: HMAS Parramatta is embedded within a US strike group operating in close proximity to the provocative Chinese incursion into Malaysian waters.

HMNZS Aotearoa and guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal

AOR AOTEAROA SEA TRIALS

SEA OF JAPAN: The Royal New Zealand Navy's next gen Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment Aotearoa is sailing through sea trials off South Korea.

RAN MH-60R VertRep Op Manitou Arabian Gulf

VERTREPS KEEP GULF OPS ON STATION

ARABIAN GULF: HMAS Toowoomba's embarked MH-60R Romeo is helping keep the crew isolated from Wuhan Virus with 'no contact' resupply missions.

MRTT Automatic Air to Air Refuelling

AUTOMATIC AIR TO AIR REFUELLING SUCCESS

SPAIN: The RAAF's KC-30As will soon be flying robotic servos refuelling on demand thanks to successful autonomous air to air refuelling tests over Spain.

MQ-4C Triton

THIRD RAAF TRITON

USA: US Government information releases reveal another MQ-4C Triton Broad Area Maritime Surveillance drone under contract.

RAAF Air Warfare Center video

RAAF AIR WARFARE CENTRE VIDEO

AUSTRALIA: VIDEO RAAF Warfare Center's new video detailing the scope of multi domain combined joint operations and the RAAF's efforts to perfect them.

US Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper Zulu Cobra

NEW GUNSHIPS FAR CHEAPER THAN KEEPING TIGER

AUSTRALIA: A new technical analysis has confirmed A&NZD's calculations that buying modern US gunships is exponentially cheaper than retaining the inservice but barely operational Tiger ARH.

RAAF MC-55A Peregrine Special Electronic Missions Aircraft

MC-55A PEREGRINES UNDER ASSEMBLY

CANBERRA: The RAAF has confirmed that its future MC-55A Peregrine Special Electronic Missions Aircraft are advancing through production.

Australian Army Operation Aslan South Sudan

UN FREEZES PERSONNEL DEPLOYMENTS

GLOBAL: Australian military deployments to UN peacekeeping missions will be adjusted after the UN has frozen international movements to reduce Wuhan Virus spread.

captured Islamic State of Khourisan leader

AFGHAN GAINS ON ISLAMIC STATE

AFGHANISTAN: Afghan ANSF and Coalition SoF have delivered some crushing blows against Islamic State in Nangarhar, the last area where Australian SOF have been documented in combat.

Hunter class Future Frigate

DEFENCE BUDGET TO BE MAINTAINED

CANBERRA: The Government has expressly recommitted to maintaining the Defence budget in the wake of the Wuhan Virus emergency and the pressures on Commonwealth revenue it has induced.

Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle Block 1

BOXER OPERATIONAL CONVERSION BEGINS

BRISBANE: The first squadron has commenced Operational Conversion training for the next generation Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle.

HMAS Brisbane in dry dock

HMAS BRISBANE POST DELIVERY UPGRADE

SYDNEY: HMAS Brisbane is in dry dock undergoing an upgrade program to bring her up to final Hobart class destroyer specification.

RAAF cyber warfare training

ASD COMMENCES CYBER OFFENSIVE OPS

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Signals Directorate has begun offensive cyber ops to block hostile nation states and attack cyber criminal networks using the Pandemic to camouflage malicious activites.

RAN MH-60R Romeo and MRH-90 TTH helos on HMAS Adelaide

ADELAIDE COMMENCES MH-60R FOCTL

JERVIS BAY: MH-60R Romeo helicopter First of Class Flight Trials are underway on HMAS Adelaide.

RAAF F/A-18 Hornet unloaded from RCAF CC-177

3RD RAAF HORNET IN CANADA

CANADA: A third retired RAAF F/A-18HUG 'Classic' Hornet has been quietly delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force.

RNZAF P-8A Poseidon MMMA

RNZAF P-8A PRODUCTION TO COMMENCE

USA: Production of the RNZAF's next generation P-8A Poseidon Multi Mission Maritime Aircraft will commence shortly under a US Navy contract.

9RQR Op Covid-19 Assist

ADF LAUNCHES OP COVID-19 ASSIST

AUSTRALIA: The ADF has packaged its Wuhan Virus pandemic limitation support ops as Operation Covid-19 Assist.

Hawaii based AH-1Z Zulu and UH-1Y Venom helos prepare to deploy to Australia before cancellation

MRF-D MARINE DEPLOYMENT CANCELLED

NORTHERN TERRITORY: This year's deployment of Marine Rotational Force - Darwin is another casualty of global pandemic controll measures.

NZ Army Task Group Taji X members armed with LMT LMK MWS Sharpshooter II Designated Marksman Weapons

NEW ZEALAND WITHDRAWS FROM IRAQ

TAJI IRAQ: The entire New Zealand Defence Force contingent in Iraq has withdrawn early citing pandemic risk reduction measures.

HMAS Toowoomba Boarding Parties board a drug smuggling dhow in the Gulf of Aden

TOOWOOMBA NARCOTICS SEIZURE

GULF OF ADEN: HMAS Toowoomba has seized a major shipment of smuggled narcotics in the Middle East waters.

9RQR soldiers assist the movement of international arrivals into quarantine at Brisbane

ARES ASSISTS QUARANTINE EFFORT

AUSTRALIA: Army Reservists have commenced providing non enforcement support to Police mandatory Wuhan virus quarantine operations.

Godley: The Man Behind the Myth

GODLEY: THE MAN BEHIND THE MYTH

BOOK REVIEW: The detailed biography of the almost forgotten British General who built the New Zealand Army and later led Kiwi and Aussie Anzacs at Gallipoli, Flanders and the Somme.

Hobart class AWD DDG Sydney in Sydney Harbour

SYDNEY ARRIVES AT FLEET BASE EAST

SYDNEY HARBOUR: Nuship Sydney, the final RAN Hobart class destroyer has arrived at Fleet Base East in Sydney Harbour ahead of her commissioning into service.

F-35A 25x137mm munitions

LOCAL 25x137mm MUNITIONS PRODUCTION

BENALLA: Nioa is seeking to produce advanced 25x137mm munitions for the RAAF's F-35As and for export from the Government's ammo factory at Benalla.

1RAR Hawkei Protected Mobility Vehicle - Light

HAWKEI PMV-L ISSUED TO 1RAR

TOWNSVILLE: 1RAR has accepted the first Aussie made LRIP Hawkei PMV-L armoured vehicles as the lead unit in the Hawkei introduction into service.

RAAF Op Okra F/A-18F armed with AIM-9X

RAAF AIM-9X-2+ PRODUCTION

USA: The US DoD has contracted Raytheon Missile Systems to produce evolved next gen Sidewinder missiles for the RAAF under the FMS system.

EA-18G with AN/ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer

AN/ALQ-249 NEXT GEN JAMMER TESTING DONE

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF's future Airborne Electronic Attack capacity is shaping up with the completion of AN/ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer -Mid Band testing.

ADF ANAOA Operation Highroad Afghanistan

ADF DOWNSIZES IN IRAQ & AFGHAN

IRAQ & Afghanistan: The ADF is relocating personnel out of Iraq and Afghanistan to reduce the Wuhan virus threat in operational areas.

SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan Virus

ADF RAMPS UP VIRUS RESPONSE

AUSTRALIA: The ADF has activated teams of experts to assist medical and health workers fight to disrupt the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan virus.

Task Group Taji X lowers unit flag and transfers command to US Army

ANZAC COMMAND AT TAJI ENDS

IRAQ: Anzac Task Group Taji X has quietly transferred command of Camp Taji to the US Army while the Brits withdraw from Iraq citing virus spread reduction justifications.

9RAA Gunners put out spot fires during Op Bushfire Assist

ADF HADR REORG?

CANBERRA: The ASPI think tank has published a concept of how the ADF could respond to the Government's call for the ADF to give greater priority to humanitarian and disaster relief.

AASAM 2020 Greenbank Training Area

1RAR TAKES AASAM HONOURS

GREENBANK QLD: 1RAR has scooped up the honours at AASAM 20, taking ADF and Army top shot and AASAM team trophies back to Townsville.

RQ-21 Blackjack Tactical UAS

ARMY TUAS ISR EXPANSION

AUSTRALIA: The Army is seeking advanced TUAS drones and expanding its TUAS Squadrons by 50 percent to keep up digital development.

HMAS Sirius refuels HMAS Parramatta

OILER HMAS SIRIUS FOR SALE

AUSTRALIA: The Department of Defence is offering the RAN's only inservice underway oiler HMAS Sirius for sale in its new Australian Defence Sales Catalogue.

RAAF 3 Squadron F-35A Lightning II

PANDEMIC ISSUES FOR ADF

AUSTRALIA: The ADF not only has to face the health affects of SARS-CoV-2, but cancellation of major training programs, delays in equipment acquisition and likely savage future budget cuts.

Australian Army hijab

AUSTRALIAN ARMY ISLAMIC UNIFORM

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army has revealed its new Islamic uniform for female soldiers.

10th/27th Royal South Australian Regiment 2020 Australian Army Skill at Arms

ADF PANDEMIC IMPACT REDUCTION RESPONSE

AUSTRALIA: The ADF has introduced a broad range of measures to manage Covid19 infection of personnel and the wider community including cancelling the AASAM international events.

2nd Taji rocket attack

ANOTHER SERIOUS TAJI ROCKET ATTACK

IRAQ: Kaitab Hezbollah has conducted a second serious rocket barrage of the Australian operating base at Taji near Baghdad in three days.

Taji rocket attack retaliation

US RETALIATES AFTER LETHAL TAJI ATTACK

IRAQ: The US has retaliated against Kaitab Hezbollah after the lethal rocket attack on the Australian operating base at Taji near Baghdad.

822X Squadron S-100 Camcopter

RAN ACCEPTS HEAVY FUEL S-100s

NOWRA NSW: New heavy fuel compliant Vertical Take Off and Landing UAS have been accepted by the RAN after completing comprehensive trials.

RIM-162 ESSM HMAS Arunta

ARUNTA GOES LOUD AFTER AMCAP

WESTERN AUSTRALIA: HMAS Arunta has launched missiles and fired her main gun for the first time since emerging from the AMCAP upgrade.

Task Group Taji X casualty evacuation training Iraq

MASS CASUALTY ROCKET ATTACK TAJI

IRAQ: Mass casualties including CJTF-OIR KIA have been sustained in Taji after a serious rocket barrage on the Anzac base overnight.

Force Protection Element 12 Op Highroad Afghanistan

ADF AFGHANISTAN OPS

AFGHANISTAN: Australian operations in Afghanistan continue unchanged as high level ceasefire negotiations look to end our longest military engagement.

2/1 RNZIR

2/1RNZIR WINS NZ BDE SKILL AT ARMS

NEW ZEALAND: 2nd/1st Bn Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment has taken the honours at the New Zealand Army's premier combat skills competition.

Halfbreed Blades Compact Clearance Knife

FUTURE WAR: OF LILY PADS & SHIPPING CONTAINERS

EDITORIAL by John Hunter Farrell: The best US military minds have come up with some very interesting strategies to counter totalitarian expansionism in the Indo Pacific.

Halfbreed Blades Compact Clearance Knife

AUSTRALIAN SPECIALIST BLADE MAKER

AUSTRALIA: Specialist blade maker Halfbreed Blades' Compact Clearance Knife designed for Spec Ops and Law Enforcement. OPEN ACCESS - CLICK HERE

MQ-4C Triton BAMS

RAAF OFFERED USN TRITONS

CANBERRA: Northrop Grumman has offered the RAAF the Triton production slots made available by US budget cuts at lower pricing.

RGM-84L Harpoon Block II

SEA 4100/1 MARITIME STRIKE RFI

CANBERRA: The Harpoon Block II Plus Extended Range is the first publicly revealed response to Sea 4100/1 Request for Information.

RAAF F/A-18HUG 'classic' Hornet

CLASSIC HORNETS SOLD TO ADVERSARY CONTRACTOR

CANBERRA: All of the RAAF's remaining unsold classic Hornets will go to a US airborne adversary training contractor after being withdrawn from service.

HMAS Brisbane

DDG MAGNETIC DEPERMING IN USA

CALIFORNIA: The US Navy is deperming the RAN's new Hobart class destroyers as Navy moves to reduce Australia's vulnerability to mine warfare.

Theatre Honour East Timor

ARMY EAST TIMOR THEATRE HONOUR

CANBERRA: The Australian Army has been presented with the Theatre Honour East Timor 1999-2003 in a ceremony held in Canberra.

RAAF MQ-4C Triton BAMS

US COMPROMISES RAAF UAS ACQUISITIONS

USA: The US Navy's suspension of Triton BAMS's orders and the USAF's cancellation of Reaper acquisitions has profound implications for the RAAF.

Nuship Sydney DDG

RAN ACCEPTS FINAL HOBART DDG

OSBORNE SA: The RAN has accepted the last of its new Hobart class Guided Missile Destroyers from AWD Alliance in South Australia ahead of commissioning the warship into service in a few months.

Spanish Tigre HAD helicopter

SPAIN RETIRES 1/4 OF ITS TIGERS

SPAIN: The Spanish Army is retiring a quarter of its Tiger attack helicopter fleet which will be cannibalised as spare parts.

For sale one Australian F-88A1 Iraq

F-88A1 AUSTEYR FOR PRIVATE SALE

IRAQ: A genuine Australian made F-88A1 Austeyr rifle is being offered privately for sale on an Iraqi internet site. Pic @AnalystMick

RAAF Airfield Defence Guards Guam

RAAF ADG COPE NORTH VIDEO

GUAM: VIDEO RAAF Airfield Defence Guards train with USAF and Japanese airfield defence units during Cope North 20 on Guam.

RAAF F-35 Mission Data Files

SOVEREIGN RAAF F-35 CODE WRITING CAPABILITY

USA: A highly classified facility in Florida that will allow Australia to develop customised software will allow our F-35's artificial intelligence to clearly see and understand our neighbourhood weapons systems.

Task Group Taji X Iraq

TASK GROUP TAJI VIDEO

IRAQ: VIDEO US military video of Task Group Taji X range practice with EF-88 and 9mm Browning pistol.

Task Group Taji X Iraq security ops

TASK GROUP TAJI SECURITY

IRAQ: Slideshow 5RAR and RNZIR Task Group Taji X QRF activities with US 82nd Airborne at Taji Military Complex in Iraq in response to Iranian and militia threat.

Sea Transport Solutions 70 metre Stern Landing Vessel

USMC EYES STERN LANDING VESSEL

USA: The US Marines are exploring a revolutionary Australian amphibious vessel design that is turbocharging over the beach emplacement and forging new pathways in regional power projection and HADR response.

MRH-90 Tactical Transport Helicopter

UPGUNNED & UPGRADED SOF MRH-90

AUSTRALIA: The MRH-90 is being upgunned and fitted with new insertion and extraction gear in a high priority race to make it suitable for Special Ops before the Black Hawk is retired.

F-16C Aggressor Cope North 2020 Guam

EX COPE NORTH AIR WARFARE TRAINING

GUAM: The RAAF is in Guam for intense trilateral air warfare training with Japan and the United States under Cope North 20.

RAAF MQ-4C Triton BAMS UAS

2ND RAAF MQ-4C CONTRACTED

USA: The US Government has finalised arrangements for the RAAF's second MQ-4C Triton Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Unmanned Aerial System.

HMNZS Manawanui

HMNZS MANAWANUI UPGRADE COMPLETE

NEW ZEALAND: The RNZN's new Hydrographic and Diving Support Ship HMNZS Manawanui has completed her naval upgrade and commenced sea trials.

RAAF P-8A Poseidon

RAAF POSEIDON FOR NORTH KOREA OPS

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF is about to deploy its first 2020 rotation P-8A Poseidon to Japan for sanctions enforcement against North Korea.

Tactical Assault Group - East

NEW TAG-EAST IMAGERY

AUSTRALIA: Special Operations Command Australia has released new Tactical Assault Group - East pics.

HMAS Arunta AMCAP upgrade

ANZAC MIDLIFE CAPABILITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM

HENDERSON WA: The 2nd, 3rd and 4th Anzac frigates going through the AMCAP upgrade are progressing with HMAS Anzac approaching sea trials in the near future.

Hawkei PMV-L Protected Mobility Vehicle - Light

HAWKEI PMV-L IN SERVICE SOON

AUSTRALIA: The new Australian built Hawkei PMV-L armoured vehicle is about to recommence its entry into service program in Townsville after a year's delay.

RAN MH-60R in the Strait of Hormuz

RAN STRAIT OF HORMUZ OPS UNDERWAY

STRAIT OF HORMUZ: HMAS Toowoomba has commenced operations with CJTF Sentinel in the Strait of Hormuz off Iran.

HMNZS Aotearoa

NEW RNZN AOR AOTEAROA

SOUTH KOREA: The RNZN's impressive new Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment will soon sail for home after final sea trials are completed off South Korea.

RAAF KC-30A MRTT refuels a RAAF F-35A

A3R -AUTOMATED AIR TO AIR REFUELING

SINGAPORE: The Singaporeans are taking the lead in Multi Role Tanker Transport development sparing the RAAF from another potential Airbus R&D nightmare.

Bluefin 9 AUV and Mine Countermeasures Support Boat

RAN AUTONOMOUS MINE COUNTERMEASURES

PITTWATER NSW: The RAN is introducing a new range of autonomous underwater mine detection systems within a very deployable small footprint Mine Countermeasures capability.

RAAF E-7A Wedgetail Iraq Syria

500TH WEDGETAIL OP OKRA MISSION

IRAQ & SYRIA: The RAAF's E-7A Wedgetails have just flown their 500th mission against Islamic State over Iraq and Syria.

Loyal Wingman BATS Unmanned Combat Aviation Vehicle

LOYAL WINGMAN FUSELAGE COMPLETE

BRISBANE: The cutting edge Loyal Wingman Unmanned Combat Aviation Vehicle prototype is under construction at Boeing in Brisbane in the most advanced Australian based military aviation program since the 1950s.

RAAF F/A-18F Red Flag 20-1

RAAF QUIETLY DEPLOYS TO RED FLAG

NEVADA USA: The RAAF is quietly participating in the combined USAF, USN, RAF and RAAF offensive AirEx Red Flag 20-1 in Las Vegas deploying a significant tactical air package.

HMAS Toowoomba Arabian Gulf

TOOWOOMBA COMMENCES MIDDLE EAST OPS

ARABIAN GULF: HMAS Toowoomba has commenced Maritime Security Ops in the Middle East which will include Op Sentinel missions in the Strait of Hormuz off Iran.

AGM-158C Long Range Anti Ship Missile

RAAF AGM-158C LRASM ACQUISITION

USA: The US Department of Defence has approved a large order of advanced stealthy anti ship missiles for the RAAF's F/A-18F Rhinos.

AGM-158C Long Range Anti Ship Missile

US NAVY UPGUNS P-8A POSEIDONS

USA: The RAAF will benefit from the US Navy's decision to exponentially expand the P-8A Poseidon's combat capability with a new suite of precision munitions.

RAAF Hercules fitted with AN/AAQ-28 (V) Litening Pod

RAAF TRIALS HERC WITH LITENING POD

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF has fitted one of its C-130J airlifters with the AN/AAQ-28 (V) Litening Pod during trials to see if the system can improve aircrew and embarked mission elements' situational awareness.

Rafael Spike LR II missile system

SPIKE LR II FOR INFANTRY & SOF

AUSTRALIA: Australian Army infantry and cavalry units will soon be equipped with a fire and forget, AI aided long range precision missile system capable of defeating all known armour.

F-89A2 Para Minimi with 2RAR Amphib

F-89A2 UPGRADE INSERVICE

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is upgrading its inservice F-89A1P Para Minimi Light Support Weapons to F-89A2 specifications.

RAAF 3 Squadron F-35A Lightning II

US DOD F-35 REPORT

USA: The US Dept of Defence has released a report into the F-35 program which reveals significant issues and some structural blockages to the type reaching its air combat potential.

2RAR Amphib M110

ANZAC 7.62 PRECISION AUTOS

AUSTRALIA: Feature profiling Australian and New Zealand 7.62x51mm automatic Precision Rifle Systems in service as Marksman Weapon Systems/Designated Marksman Weapons/secondary sniper systems.

FPE12 5RAR Afghanistan

AUSSIE AFGHAN FORCE REDUCTION

AFGHANISTAN: Australia has reduced its Afghanistan force element significantly and ended operations of a number of Advisory and Mentoring Teams.

Australian Army M252A1 81mm Mortar System

NEW M252A1 ACHIEVES IOC

AUSTRALIA: The new Picatinny Arsenal M252A1 81mm Mortar System has been certified operational at one SOCAust and one RAR battalion ahead of broad scale roll out.

USN MQ-4C Triton Guam

US NAVY MQ-4C OPS COMMENCE

GUAM: The US Navy has deployed the advanced MQ-4C Triton to Guam to commence Pacific Broad Area Maritime Ops which will be coordinated with RAAF MQ-4Cs when they enter service in 2023/24.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II

WILLIAMTOWN F-35 TO INCREASE RAPIDLY

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The RAAF's Australian based F-35A Lightning II fleet is set to more than double this year and triple by mid next year as the F-35A replaces the F/A-18HUG.

A Flight 4 Squadron PC-21

4 SQN PC-21 JTAC TRAINERS ARRIVE

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The RAAF's Joint Terminal Attack Controller training program has re equipped with the new PC-21 aircraft after withdrawing the long serving PC-9A(F).

Rocket Labs Electron launch vehicle

NZ LAUNCH OF TOP SECRET US SATELLITE

NEW ZEALAND: The US Government has contracted a NZ rocket company to launch a top secret surveillance payload into orbit.

CDF Gen Angus Campbell and Minister of Defence Linda Reynolds make excuses

LEADERSHIP FAILURES IN BUSHFIRE RESPONSE

EDITORIAL: Senior leadership damaged the ADF's reputation with their initial limited and delayed response to the bushfire disaster in Nov - Dec before finally launching Op Bushfire Assist on Jan 1. Comment by John Hunter Farrell

AH-64Ev4 Apache Guardian

AH-64E IS NOT EXPENSIVE - BOEING

AUSTRALIA: Boeing has rejected French claims its AH-64E Apache is too expensive, tabling evidence that the Echo model has lower costs than its competitors while delivering exponentially more combat power to the ADF.

HMAS Brisbane

MASSIVE RAN SYSTEMS BUY APPROVED

USA: The US Congress has approved a massive RAN systems acquisition request for top shelf equipment for its Hunter class Future Frigates and the upcoming Hobart class destroyer upgrade.

Loyal Wingman Boeing Aviation Teaming System

LOYAL WINGMAN FLIGHT TRIALS

AUSTRALIA: Flight Trials of the RAAF/Boeing codeveloped Loyal Wingman autonomous Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle are scheduled to commence at an undisclosed location this year.

SIG Sauer MG338 338 Norma Magnum

338 NORMA MAGNUM

USA: US Special Operations Command has introduced the modern 338 Norma Magnum cartridge into limited service acquiring both the Light Weight Medium Machine Gun and Sniper systems in the new round.

RAAF F-35A A35-019

RAAF ARIZONA F-35 TRAINING COMPLETE

ARIZONA: The RAAF's F-35A Lightning fleet will soon be all relocated home to Australia with the end of USAF led operational conversion at Luke AFB in Arizona and the RAAF Williamtown NSW based training will kick off in earnest.

Naval Group submarine rendition

ANAO ATTACK CLASS SUB AUDIT

CANBERRA: Contrary to the Top Brass's denials, a close reading of the ANAO Future Submarine Report reveals a project already coming off the rails with cascading costs and a French military industrial complex thumbing its nose at Australia on contract conditions.

Task Group Taji X Taji military complex Iraq

ANOTHER ROCKET ATTACK ON TAJI

IRAQ: The Australian and New Zealand military base north of Baghdad in central Iraq has been struck for the second time by multiple militant rockets possibly under Iranian orders.

Battle on 42nd Street Peter Monteath

BATTLE ON 42ND STREET

BOOK REVIEW: The stunning retelling of the Anzac's brutal last ditch defence of Crete against Hitler's elite airborne Fallschirmjagers and Gebirgsjager mountain troops in 1941.

F/A-18F Block III Super Hornet

FIRST USN RHINO BLOCK 3 DELIVERED

USA: The first Block III Super Hornet/Rhino is about to be delivered to the US Navy allowing the operational test and evalution program to commence with RAAF fleet upgrade of elements to follow.

RAAF EA-18G Growler

RAAF AIRBORNE ELECTRONIC ATTACK UPGRADE

USA: A second tranche of upgraded digital systems has been contracted with Northrop Grumman within the RAAF's cutting edge Airborne Electronic Attack upgrade program.

HMAS Toowoomba Strait of Hormuz

TOOWOOMBA TO DEPLOY FOR IRAN OPS

WESTERN AUSTRALIA: The RAN Guided Missile Frigate HMAS Toowoomba will deploy for operations in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday to protect shipping from Iranian sponsored attacks.

Iranian Qaim Short Range Ballistic Missile

IRANIAN AL ASAD MISSILE STRIKE 'PINPOINT'

IRAQ: Commercial satellite imagery has revealed a pinpoint missile strike on Al Asad hitting vital CJTF OIR aviation support infrastructure.

Iranian missile launch from Kerman

NO IRANIAN MISSILE HITS ON TAJI

IRAQ: The NZ Government has confirmed that no Iranian missiles hit the Taji Military Complex where Australian and New Zealand military personnel are in lock down due to the Iranian attack on CJTF Op Inherent Resolve bases.

German Army Tiger UHT by Gunther Feniuk/planespotters

GERMAN AIRBUS HELICOPTERS WOES

GERMANY: The German Deutsches Heer is experiencing low availability rates and major issues with its fleets of Airbus Helicopters Tiger and NH90 (Taipans) helos that make the Australian Army and RNZAF's problems seem minor.

Task Group Taji Iraq

IRAQ OPERATIONS HALTED

IRAQ: Australian and New Zealand military operations in Iraq have been halted as part of a CJTF-Op Inherent Resolve operational suspension due to threats from Iranian sponsored militias.

S-70A Black Hawk during Op Bushfire Assist

ADF BUSHFIRE RESPONSE GETS SERIOUS

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Government has overruled state and military authorities to activate the Army Reserve and deploy a much larger military support echelon to assist firefighting operations in NSW and Vic.

808 Squadron MRH-90 emergency evacuation operations

ADF EXPANDS BUSHFIRE RESPONSE

AUSTRALIA: The ADF has deployed warships and helicopters and activated two Army Reserve Joint Task Forces in response to the dangerous bushfires in NSW and Vic.

Task Group Taji 10 Iraq

TAJI MULTIPLE ROCKET ATTACK

IRAQ: Anzac forces at Taji near Baghdad have been subjected to 122mm rocket bombardments launched by Iranian sponsored Kataib Hezbollah which has turned on the Coalition now that Islamic State has been subdued.

Aussie SECDET6 ASLAVs after suicide bomber VBIED Baghdad Jan 2005

ROUTE IRISH SUICIDE BOMBING 2005

HOLIDAY SPECIAL PHOTO FEATURE: The horrific mass casualty suicide bomber attack on SECDET 6 on Route Irish in Baghdad in January 2005 that left three ASLAVs and ten Diggers down. Feature with 20 historical images.

Australian RAN Clearance Diver Mekong Delta South Vietnam 1970

RAN BROWN WATER SPEC OPS VIETNAM

HOLIDAY SPECIAL PHOTO FEATURE: RAN Clearance Divers conducting combined Riverine Special Operations with the US Navy in South Vietnam's infamous Mekong Delta in 1970. 20 rare pics and a good read.

Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle

BOXER CRV R400S MK2 RWS CONTRACT

CANBERRA: Contracts for the manufacture of the next gen Aussie made EOS R400S Mark II D-HD 3X Remote Weapons Stations for the Boxer CRV have been signed.

2 Operational Conversion Unit F-35A A35-013 at Williamtown

RAAF F35 INTEGRATED TRAINING CENTRE READY

WILLIAMTOWN: The RAAF's local F-35 Integrated Training Centre is ready to commence full operational conversion to type in January 2020 with Lightning IIs and a suite of simulators in place.

USAF F-16C over Afghanistan Nov 2019.

AIRSTRIKE & CASUALTY SURGE IN AFGHANISTAN

AFGHANISTAN: An emboldened Taliban and Islamic State in Khourisan offensive has seen near record airstrikes and casualties in Afghanstan in 2019.

Halfbreed Blades Long Bush Knife

NEW AUSTRALIAN SPECIALIST BLADE MAKER

AUSTRALIA: Specialist blade maker Halfbreed Blades commences their entry into the Australian market with the release of their new LBK-01. OPEN ACCESS - CLICK HERE

M1150 Armoured Breacher Vehicle

LOW DOLLAR SQUEEZES ARMY MODERNISAITON

AUSTRALIA: The Reserve Bank's deliberate devaluation of the Australian dollar has seen ADF acquisition costs explode threatening Army's vital modernisation programs.

HMAS Brisbane Hobart class destroyer

BRISBANE RETURNS FROM CALIFORNIA

SYDNEY: HMAS Brisbane has returned to Fleet Base East in Sydney after her successful completion of live missile firings in California for her CSSQT.

CANTO Torpedo Countermeasures Decoy

CANTO TORPEDO COUNTERMEASURES DECOY

AUSTRALIA: Naval Group has signed agreements with Australian companies to produce the CANTO Torpedo Countermeasures Decoy munition for the future Attack class submarines.

Army Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter

WILL ARMY REPEAT TIGER FIASCO

EDITORIAL: Important influencers are arguing hard to retain Army's troubled Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter instead of buying a new combat proven airframe.

RAAF P-8A Poseidon A57-012

TWELFTH POSEIDON ENTERS SERVICE

EDINBURGH: The RAAF's twelfth P-8A Poseidon MMMA has flown into RAAF Edinburgh ahead of schedule. Pic Nathan Rundle Photography

RAAF F-35A Lightning IIs A35-013 and A35-014

SEVEN EXTRA F-35s AT WILLIAMTOWN

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: Seven additional F-35A Lightning IIs have flown into RAAF Williamtown more than doubling the Australian based fleet of Joint Strike Fighters.

RNZIR soldier with MARS-L and M-203PI GLA

AUSTRALIAN MADE NZDF HEAVY 5.56

AUSTRALIA: A new Aussie designed heavy 5.56mm round for the New Zealand Army's advanced new MARS-L rifles will replace the F1A1 green tip in NZDF service.

MSV-L Landing craft

LCM8 REPLACEMENT PROJECT

AUSTRALIA: After failing spectacularly in the 2000s, Army is searching for a replacement for its 50 year old LCM8 landing craft for the second time.

MD530G combat helicopter

SPECIAL OPERATIONS LIGHT HELO

AUSTRALIA: Special Operations Command - Australia's quest for a new light helicopter is approaching the request for tender - where shortlisted consortiums will be invited to make hard offers.

RAAF PC-21 advanced trainer

RAAF PC-21 FLEET COMPLETE

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF complete fleet of the new Pilatus PC-21 advanced trainer aircraft has entered service.

RAAF 2OCU F/A-18 classic Hornets Ex High Sierra 19-2

HUG HORNET OPERATIONAL CONVERSION ENDS

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The RAAF's last ever F/A-18HUG Hornet Operational Conversion Course has been completed with the last new classic Hornet pilots qualified.

Turning Point by Michael Veitch

TURNING POINT

BOOK REVIEW: Michael Veith's exploration of the vicious defence of Milne Bay against elite Japanese marines during the invasion in 1942.

RAAF C-130J-J Hercules airlifters

C-130J LAIRCM COUNTERMEASURES FOC

RICHMOND NSW: The RAAF's C-130J Hercules LAIRCM anti heat seeking missile self defence suites have reached Full Operating Capability.

2RAR (Amphib) Diggers deploy at Cowley Beach

2RAR AMPHIB SLIDESHOW

TOWNSVILLE: We look at the the 2nd Battalion (Amphibious) and the Joint Pre Landing Forces it contributes to the Amphibious Ready Group.

RAAF EA-18G Growler A46-311

LOST GROWLER REPLACEMENT OPTIONS

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF has three primary options to replace the capability lost in the EA-18G Growler A46-311 engine fire at Nellis AFB in 2018.

Iranian small arms seized by HMAS Darwin during CTF-150 ops in Fed 2016.

RAN TO COMMAND CTF-150 FOR 8TH TIME

BAHRAIN: The Royal Australian Navy is about to assume command of Combined Maritime Force's Combined Task Force 150 in the Middle East for the eighth time.

Task Group Taji IX Besmaya Range Complex Iraq

TASK GROUP TAJI ROTATION

IRAQ: The 5RAR led Task Group Taji X is rotating in place with 2/14 LHR led Task Group Taji IX to conduct the new mentoring phase of the military assistance mission in Iraq.

RAAF MQ-9B SkyGuardian Armed UAS

MQ-9B SKY GUARDIAN ACQUISITION CONFIRMED

CANBERRA: The RAAF's future MQ-9B Sky Guardian is a far more capable platform than the inservice MQ-9A Reaper made famous in the GWOT.

John Hunter Farrell Managing Editor

A&NZD'S QUARTER CENTURY IN PRINT ENDS

EDITORIAL: Editor John Hunter Farrell honours the passing of our print magazine with an emotional tribute to the Modern Anzac memories from his 26 years with A&NZD.

Australian & NZ Defender No 108 Summer 2019 FINAL ISSUE

AUSTRALIAN & NZ DEFENDER NO 108

AUSTRALIA: Issue No 108 is now out, available in print and electronic formats here.

RAAF F-35A A35-010

RAAF F-35A PRICE DROPS

USA: The delivery price of RAAF F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters has fallen dramatically according to the latest US Government contractual costing release.

Australian Army M-777A2 Lightweight Towed Howitzer

ASSEGAI BREAKS 155mm RANGE RECORD

SOUTH AFRICA: An evolution of the Australian Army's new RDM Assegai 155mm Precision Guided Munitions has broken world 155mm range records during firings in South Africa.

warships in formation during AnnualEx 19.

ANNUALEX SHOW OF FORCE

SEA OF JAPAN: HMAS Hobart and Parramatta have participated in the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force's major AnnualEx activity in the Sea of Japan.

RAAF P-8A Poseidon  on International Maritime Security Construct Strait of Hormuz missions.

RAAF COMPLETES STRAIT OF HORMUZ OPS

UAE: The RAAF P-8A Poseidon conducting surveillance of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to Australia after completing its MER mission.

Northrop Grumman Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare Increment 1 Block 1 (JCREW I1B1) System

ARMY ACQUIRES JCREW I1B1 C-IED JAMMER

USA: The Australian Army will acquire the Northrop Grumman Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electroni c Warfare Increment 1 Block 1 (JCREW I1B1) System.

RNZAF C-130J-30 Hercules

US APPROVES NZ C-130J HERC BUY

USA: The US Congress has approved New Zealand's request for five extremely high specification C-130J-30 Hercules to replace the inservice C-130H fleet.

RAAF and JASDF Ex Bushido Guardian 2019

JAPAN DEFENCE COOPERATION EXPANSION

JAPAN: Japanese military deployments to Australia and ADF deployments in Japan will grow under the new Special Strategic Partnership.

5RAR and KOSTRAD Snipers Wirra Jaya 2019

EX WIRRA JAYA 19 INDONESIA

INDONESIA: An Australian Army Combat Team is in East Java conducted combined training with KOSTRAD under Ex Wirra Jaya 19.

TGT9 soldier during M2 .50 cal practice at Besmaya

TAJI SCHOOL OF INFANTRY FOC

IRAQ: The Anzac Task Group Taji 9 Advise Assist & Enable team has achieved its mission with the Iraqi School of Infantry training team certified Full Operating Capability.

ADF EOD Render Safe 2019

SOLOMONS EROW EOD

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Slideshow - Combined Australian and New Zealand Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations targeting Explosive Remnants of War in the Solomon Islands.

HMAS Sheean Ex Pacific Reach

INTERNATIONAL SUB RESCUE EX

FLEET BASE WEST: The international submarine crew rescue exercise Ex Pacific Reach has successfully conducted underwater personnel transfer from RAN and Korean submarines.

2RAR trains Philippine soldiers Op Augery

ADF PHILIPPINES TIES UPGRADED

AUSTRALIA: The Government has substantially upgraded military to military relationship with the Philippines with an Enhanced Defence Cooperation Program.

CEA Medusa CEATAC radar system

CEA NASAMS RADAR CONTRACTS

AUSTRALIA: Contracts for advanced Aussie CEA Technologies AESAR radars for the Army's NASAMS Surface to Air Missile system have been signed.

Refuelling NSW Fire Service C-130 at RAAF Williamtown

ADF BUSHFIRE RESPONSE

AUSTRALIA: ADF bushfire response operations escalate as bushfires threaten homes and wildlife in New South Wales and Queensland.

RAAF Black Cats book review

RAAF BLACK CATS

BOOK REVIEW: The new history detailing the RAAF's top secret aerial mining operations targeting the Japanese during 1943 -45.

HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Canberra in formation in the Coral Sea June 2019.

CANBERRA CLASS ACHIEVES FOC

AUSTRALIA: The RAN's two Canberra class Amphibious Assault Ships have achieved Full Operating Capability certification.

Kopassus Det 81 and SASR Ex Dawn Kookaburra

KOPASSUS TRAIN WITH SASR IN WA

PERTH: Indonesian Kopassus Special Operations elements have been conducting high level training with the SASR in Perth as part of ongoing Australian cooperation policies.

Nuship Sydney Hobart class DDG.

SYDNEY COMPLETES SEA TRIALS

OSBORNE SA: The final RAN Hobart class destroyer has successfully completed her sea trials in South Australia ahead of her acceptance by the RAN next year.

RNZN Maritime EOD and Marine Force Recon

RNZN MARITIME EOD GUAM

GUAM: Slideshow. The RNZN's Maritime EOD specialists team up with US Navy, USMC, Australian and Canadian Naval Special Clearance/Special Operations elements in Guam for Hydracrab 19.

General Dynamics RM277 Next Generation Squad Weapon.

US ARMY NEXT GEN SMALL ARMS

USA: Three evolved 6.8mm infantry weapon designs are competing for the US Army's Next Generation Squad Weapons to replace the M-4 and M-249.

TGT9 Diggers board a US Army CH-47F in Iraq

TASK GROUP TAJI DRAWDOWN

TAJI IRAQ: Task Group Taji is contracting, with the soon to deploy Task Group Taji 10 widely rumoured to be the final Op Okra BPC mission contingent to deploy to Iraq.

al Baghdadi compound Syria

DETAIL OF BAGHDADI RAID

UNITED KINGDOM: A British newspaper is reporting what they claim is the inside story on the US elimination of Abu Bakr al Baghdadi.

British Army Foxhound PPV and Australian Bushmaster PMV. Ex Thor's Hammer 2019

EX THOR'S HAMMER COUNTER-IED

WOOMERA: The ADF has hosted NATO's premier Counter-IED expert subject matter exchange exercise at its Woomera Protected Area electronic support measures test range.

RAAF 3 Squadron F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters over the outback.

AUSSIE BASED JSF FLEET TO DOUBLE

WILLIAMTOWN: The RAAF's Aussie based F-35A fleet will double in the next six weeks as the JSF operational conversion gains hard momentum.

KAAV2 Next Generation Australian Amphibious Assault Vehicle

HANWHA AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT BID

SOUTH KOREA: Hanwha has unveiled a scale model of the KAAV2, the system from which its Next Generation Australian Amphibious Assault Vehicle will evolve.

AN/ASG-34 (V) II IRST21 Block II

MAJOR F/A-18F SYSTEMS UPGRADE

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF is acquiring a suite of next generation systems that will exponentially expand the F/A-18F's combat capability and digital integration.

MV-10 Mine Flail

ARMY DISPOSES MV-10 MINE FLAIL

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army has disposed of its entire fleet of expensive DOK-ING MV-10 Mine Flail robots after less than five years service with Combat Engineer Regiments.

NZSAS Parachute Load Follow

NZSAS PARACHUTE LOAD FOLLOW

NEW ZEALAND: The NZDF has released images of its Special Operations Forces' maritime parachute insertion capability certification exercises.

HMAS Melbourne last Australian FFG

END OF RAN's FFG ERA

AUSTRALIA: The decommissioning of HMAS Melbourne marks the end of 39 years of RAN Adelaide class FFG7 ops and the long term reduction of the Surface Force to 11 warships in 2020.

Abu Bakr al Baghdadi

BAGHDADI STRIKE REPORTS

UNITED STATES: Their are multiple reports that Islamic State Caliph Abu Bakr al Baghdadi has been killed in a US attack in eastern Syria.

2OCU F/A-18B Hornet

2OCU FINAL HORNET ORDNANCE DELIVERY

WILLIAMTOWN: 2 Operational Conversion Unit dropped the last 'bomb' from a 'classic' F/A-18B last week as the unit winds up Hornet training and progresses on to the F-35A.

HMAS Parramatta Op Argos

PARRAMATTA NORTH KOREA SANCTIONS OPS

NORTH PACIFIC: HMAS Parramatta will conduct North Korean sanctions compliance monitoring operations under Operation Argos in the Yellow Sea and Sea of Japan.

2RAR Cambrian Patrol Team 2019

2RAR CAMBRIAN PATROL TEAM TAKES SILVER

UNITED KINGDOM: Eight 2RAR Amphibious specialists were awarded Silver medals at the British Army's Cambrian Patrol competition held in the Welsh Brecon Beacons.

2 Commando Regiment Short Notice Counter Terrorism Force

2 COMMANDO 10 YEAR VIDEO

AUSTRALIA: VIDEO SOCAust has released a new video to commemorate 2 Commando Regiment's 10th birthday. 2019 Hostage Recovery/Counter Terrorism sequences.

MRF-Darwin 19 Marines at Mt Bundey Training Area

MARINE MRF-D 19 COMPLETES DEPLOYMENT

DARWIN: Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 19 has successfully completed its deployment in Australia and returned to the USA.

RAAF P-8A Poseidon Al Dhafra UAE

RAAF STRAIT OF HORMUZ ISR OPS

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: The RAAF has commenced P-8A Poseidon MMMA surveillance flights over the Strait of Homuz.

upgraded HMNZS Te Kaha

NEW LOOK HMNZS TE KAHA

CANADA: The RNZN's new look Anzac class frigates have been revealed with HMNZS Te Kaha with an integrated new superstructure bristling with new sensors.

Hanwha AS21 Redback ACV

AS21 REDBACK REVEALED

SOUTH KOREA: First Pic! Hanwha Defense has revealed a pre production prototype of the AS21 Redback AFV competing for the Australian Army's APC replacement.

Boomeranger Special Operations Boat

BOOMERANGER RHIBS FOR ARAFURA OPVS

AUSTRALIA: The RAN's future Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessels will be equipped with three Finnish made Boomeranger Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats.

RNZAF P-3K2 Orion

RNZAF DEPLOYS P-3K2 FOR DPRK OPS

NEW ZEALAND: The RNZAF is conducting its second operational deployment of a P-3K2 Orion MPA to fly sanctions monitoring against North Korea.

A Boxer mounted KMW Remote Control Howitzer 155

KMW 155mm ARTILLERY GUN MODULE

AUSTRALIA: KMW's 155mm Artillery Gun Module could be integrated onto inservice Army Boxers, HX trucks or the Land 400/3 IFV to fulfill the Protected Mobile Fires requirement.

Leonardo's AWHero VTOL MTUAS

MARITIME TACTICAL UAS CAPABILITY

AUSTRALIA: The RAN's search for a Maritime Tactical Unmanned Aerial System capability under Project Sea 129 Phase 5 is about to heat up.

US Special Operations Forces observing Kurds destroy defences in northern Syria prior to Turkish invasion

TURKISH INVASION OF SDF AREAS

SYRIA: One of Australia's most respected military advisors sheds some light on the Turkish incursion into Kurdish held areas in northern Syria.

NZSAS Counter Terrorist Team

NZSAS DEBUT NEW NZMTP UNIFORM

NEW ZEALAND: NZ Special Operations Forces have released images of a Hostage Recovery exercise with operators wearing the next gen NZMTP multicam combat fatigues.

Whiskey Alpha 85 Next Generation Tactical Watercraft

NEXT GENERATION TACTICAL WATERCRAFT

AUSTRALIA: Former RAN CDT operators have developed a high tech naval special operations watercraft specifically to suit ADF water operations.

Future Submarine Project Sea 1000

ATTACK CLASS SUB DESIGN

CANBERRA: The head of the Future Submarine Project has described the Attack class as an all new 'bespoke' design with 'references' from the French nuke Barracuda.

Bell 360 Invictus Attack Reconnaissance Helicopter

BELL'S NEXT GEN GUNSHIP

USA: Gunship helicopter founder Bell has released an image and a few details of its next generation 360 Invictus Attack Recon helicopter.

2 Commando Regt Sensitive Site Exploitation Exercise

COMMANDO SENSITIVE SITE EXPLOITATION EX

NORTH QUEENSLAND: Photo feature: 2 Commando Regt led Direct Action raid and Sensitive Site Exploitation ex within Talisman Sabre including sensational colour night viz pics.

KF41 Lynx Infantry Combat Vehicle

LAND 400 PHASE 3 RMA TRIALS

AUSTRALIA: Rheinmetall and Hanwha have 12 months to deliver three prototype armoured vehicles ahead of the Land 400/3 RMA trials which will begin next year.

Textron Systems 6.8 CT case telescoped rounds

US ARMY'S NEXT GEN 6.8mm AMMO

UNITED STATES: If the US Army's Next Generation Squad Weapons program is successful we will be saying goodbye to the long serving 5.56 and 7.62mm cartridges in the next decade and a half.

2RAR INTERFET Dili September 1999

LIBERATION & CONSOLIDATION: INTERFET DAY 6-10

INDONESIAN EAST TIMOR: Photo feature: INTERFET September 25 to October 1 1999 - INTERFET's hard yards begin as it moves to stabilise Dili and expand into the regions after the TNI withdrawal. Photo report by John Hunter Farrell.

Adelaide class FFG HMAS Melbourne

RAN ENDS FFG OPS

SYDNEY HARBOUR: The RAN ended 39 years of Adelaide clss FFG operations on September 27 when HMAS Melbourne returned to base for the last time.

RAAF P-8A Poseidon MMMA

TENTH P-8A POSEIDON

EDINBURGH SA: The RAAF's tenth P-8A Poseidon Multi Mission Maritime Aircraft has entered service with 11 Squadron in Australia.

Hawkeye Protected Mobility Vehicle - Light PMV-L

HAWKEI PMV-L DELAY

AUSTRALIA: The Government has confirmed that the Hawkei PMV - Light program has been delayed but maintains the vehicle will reach FOC on schedule.

2 Cavalry Regt ASLAVS INTERFET Dili 24 September 1999

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT: INTERFET DAY 5

INDONESIAN EAST TIMOR: Photo feature: INTERFET September 24 1999 - the final TNI elements withdraw and INTERFET goes on the offensive. Photo report by John Hunter Farrell.

Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle Block 1

FIRST BOXER CRV ENTERS SERVICE

ENOGGERA QLD: The Army has revealed its first Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle Block 1 at a ceremony at Gallipoli Barracks Brisbane.

3RAR Paras INTERFET Dili September 1999

AVOIDING ESCALATION: INTERFET DAY 3 & 4

INDONESIAN EAST TIMOR: Photo feature: INTERFET's early ops in Dili on September 22/23 1999 - careful steps to protect the people and avoid all out war. Photo report by John Hunter Farrell.

RAAF C-17A Globemaster III

RAAF/USAF C-17A RECIPROCAL REPAIR ARRANGEMENT

WASHINGTON STATE USA: An RAAF C-17A is the first to be repaired by the USAF under the new reciprocal repair arrangement between the two air forces.

KC-30A MRTT A39-007 VIP transport

BUDGET VIP MRTT ENTERS SERVICE

WASHINGTON DC: The RAAF's dual role VIP transport/tanker KC-30A A39-007 has conducted its first known Prime Ministerial transport op.

USS Emory S. Land loads a Mk 48 training torpedo into HMAS Sheean

USN RAN VALIDATE SUB SUSTAINMENT

FLEET BASE WEST: The RAN and USN have validated their ability to re arm an Australian Collins class submarine from a US Navy submarine tender.

EOS R400S Mk 2 armed with M230LF 30 x 113mm cannon

GROUND BASED 30 X 113mm

AUSTRALIA: The introduction into service of the advanced Australian made EOS R400S Mk 2 Remote Weapons Station brings the possibility of employing the Apache gunship's lethal 30 x113mm cannon capability.

2RAR Diggers detain militiamen captured at Komoro Airport Dili on September 21, 1999

EARLY HOURS: INTERFET ENTRY OPS

INDONESIAN EAST TIMOR: Photo feature: INTERFET's dramatic entry into Dili on September 20/21 1999 and the liberation of East Timor. Photo commemoration by John Hunter Farrell.

digital rendition of AS21 Redback ICV

HANWHA AS21 REDBACK ACV

CANBERRA: We examine the downselected Hanwha Defence Australia option for Project Land 400 Phase 3 - the AS21 Redback Family of Armoured Vehicles.

KF41 Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle

RHEINMETALL KF41 LYNX FOV

CANBERRA: We take a closer look at the Rheinmetall Defence Australia proposal for Project Land 400 Phase 3 - the KF41 Lynx Family of Vehicles.

AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle

LAND 400 PHASE 3 SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED

CANBERRA: The Department of Defence has announced that the two successful downselected tenders for Land 400/3 are Hanwha and Rheinmetall.

Hobart class DDG Nuship Sydney

NUSHIP SYDNEY COMMENCES SEA TRIALS

ADELAIDE: The RAN's third Hobart class Guided Missile Destroyer Nuship Sydney has commenced Sea Trials ahead of handover to Navy.

RAAF E-7A Wedgetail Al Dhafra UAE

RAAF WEDGETAIL REDEPLOYED TO IRAQ

MIDDLE EAST: The RAAF has redeployed an E-7A Wedgetail to support the fight against Islamic State in Iraq only seven months after announcing the type's end of Iraq mission.

RAAF JPADS Joint Precision Air Drop System

ADF DELEGITIMISES FLAG, ANZAC HERITAGE

CANBERRA: The Australian Defence Force is set to rename every defence facility and downgrade the primacy of the Australian flag to shared ensign status under Campbell's radical new reconciliation policy.

RAAF JPADS Joint Precision Air Drop System

JOINT PRECISION AIR DROP SYSTEM

CURTIN WA: The RAAF and Army have successfully demonstrated the new Joint Precision Air Drop System to accurately deliver air resupply packages from medium altitude.

F-35A A35-015 and A35-016 arrive at RAAF Williamtown

FIFTH & SIXTH F-35As ARRIVE

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The fifth and sixth RAAF F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters have flown into Williamtown bringing the local 3 Squadron's nose count to six airframes.

Leonardo (Agusta) A129D Mangusta

SIX RFIs FOR TIGER REPLACEMENT

AUSTRALIA: Up to six international attack reconnaissance helicopters have been put forward as a potential replacement for the Tiger ARH with Leonardo and Denel showing interest.

RAAF 4 Squadron PC-9A(F) Forward Air Control aircraft

4 SQN REPLACING PC-9A(F) WITH PC-21

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The RAAF's PC-9A(F) Forward Air Control aircraft are being replaced with the new PC-21 FAC rolling off the Pilatus line in Switzerland.

RAAF F/A-18HUG with JASDF F-15J and F-2

RAAF HORNETS TO JAPAN

JAPAN: The RAAF is deploying F/A-18HUG Hornets to Hokkaido in Japan to fly with Japanese F-15J Eagles under Exercise Bushido Guardian.

HMAS Brisbane and USS Preble off Hawaii

HMAS BRISBANE CSSQT TRIALS

NORTH AMERICA: HMAS Brisbane has crossed the Pacific to conduct her Combat Systems Ship Qualification Trials visiting Pearl Harbour and Canada on the voyage.

Barracuda class SSGN Suffren

FRENCH NUCLEAR SUB SEA TRIALS IN 2020

FRANCE: Sea trials of the French Navy's nuclear submarine Suffren which is the base design for Australia's future submarine are scheduled for 2020.

M1277 M-ATV

M1277 MATV AT SWBTA

SHOALWATER BAY: The US Army deployed the M1277 MATV to Australia during Talisman Sabre, believed to be the first deployment of the type.

Ex Wantok Warrior 2019

ANA OFFICER ACADEMY

AFGHANISTAN: VIDEO Australian operations at the Afghan National Army Officer Academy are a major part of the successful RSM program.

Ex Wantok Warrior 2019

EX WANTOK WARRIOR 19

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 3RAR and 3CER are spearheading Exercise Wantok Warrior with the PNGDF in Papua New Guinea.

RAAF P-8A Poseidon

P-8A REJOINS NORTH KOREA SANCTIONS OPS

CANBERRA: The Government has announced another P-8A deployment to Japan for North Korea sanctions enforcement.

future HMAS Stalwart

UNDERWAY OILER STALWART III LAUNCHED

SPAIN: The RAN's second Supply class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment Stalwart III was launched in Spain after a rapid nine month build.

Australian & NZ Defender No 107 Spring 2019

AUSTRALIAN & NZ DEFENDER NO 107

AUSTRALIA: Issue No 107 is now out, available in print and electronic formats here.

ThermoSight HISS-XLR thermal weapons sight

SNIPER THERMAL WEAPON SIGHT ACQUISITION

AUSTRALIA: The next generation long range ThermoSight HISS-XLR Thermal Weapons Sights has entered service with Special Operations Command - Australia and the School of Infantry sniper cell.

LOOKING BACK 20 YEARS TO OUR INTERVENTION IN EAST TIMOR

EDITORIAL: We honour INTERFET, the Australian intervention that created the independent nation of Timor Leste.

Special Operations Engineer Regiment

SOER & CDTs IN GUAM EOD EX

GUAM: PHOTOSTORY Aussie Special Operations Engineer Regt and Clearance Divers are in Guam for a major EOD exercise with USMC and USN specials.

An GDLS Ajax Scout IFV

LAND 400-3 DOWN SELECT IMMINENT

AUSTRALIA: The announcement of which two armoured vehicles will enter competitive trials to replace the M113AS4 is imminent.

Knights Armaments Company Master Key 12 gauge system

TAG-EAST KAC MASTER KEY BREACHER

AUSTRALIA: One of the less conventional TAG Close Quarter Battle weapons is the KAC Master Key breaching shotgun.

RAAF P-8A Poseidon MMMA

ADF STRAIT OF HORMUZ DEPLOYMENT

CANBERRA: The ADF deployment to support the international escort force in the Strait of Hormuz has been announced.

Cape class patrol boat ADV Cape Fourcroy

RAN EXTENDS CAPE PB LEASE

AUSTRALIA: The RAN has extended its Cape class patrol boat lease to meet its high tempo border protection operational requirements.

Talisman Sabre 19 amphibious landing drone video

TS19 BOWEN AMPHIB DRONE FOOTAGE

BOWEN: VIDEO Outstanding extended drone video of the combined TS19 amphibious assault at Kings Beach Bowen on July 22.

M107A1 50BMG in Aussie SOF service

M107A1 50BMG SNIPER RIFLE IN SERVICE

AUSTRALIA: A Prime Ministerial PR photo confirms that the Barrett M107A1 .50 cal is operational with Special Operations Command.

D-Day New Guinea: The Battle for Lae by Phillip Bradley

D DAY NEW GUINEA

BOOK REVIEW: The excellent history of the overwhelming Australian victory at Lae in 1943 which forced the Japanese to flee without a fight.

2 Commando Regt operating a Bale RTV during Talisman Sabre 19 Special Operations activities.

TALISMAN SABRE SPECIAL OPERATIONS

NORTH QUEENSLAND: PHOTO FEATURE. The Talisman Sabre Special Operations task element activities including air mobile, vehicle ops and direct action counter terrorist raids.

US infantry in Australia

US ARMY EXTENDED DEPLOYMENT IN AUSTRALIA

HAWAII: The US Army is planning an extended deployment of forces to Australia next year under its Pacific Pathways 2.0 program.

Hobart class AWD HMAS Brisbane

BRISBANE SAILS FOR CSSQT IN USA

PACIFIC OCEAN: HMAS Brisbane is underway to the USA with a full suite of live missiles for the destroyer's Combat Systems Ships Qualification Trials.

German Tiger UHT aerial fire support helicopter

MORE TIGER ISSUES

GERMANY: Airbus Helicopters has released a safety notification for Tiger helicopters that is serious enough for the German Army ground its entire fleet.

AN/ALQ-249 Increment 1 Next Generation Jammer

AN/ALQ-249 NEXT GEN JAMMER TRIALS

USA: The RAAF's near future acquisition of the Next Generation Jammer for it Growlers took a step forward with US Navy user trials of the formidable new AEA system.

RAAF E-7A Wedgetail Strait of Hormuz

ADF HORMUZ ESCORT OPTIONS

AUSTRALIA: The ADF has a broad spectrum of useful options for any naval escort force in the Straits of Hormuz if the Government chooses to participate.

US Marine Force Recon Ex Talisman Sabre

TS19 MARINE FORCE RECON SOF

CENTRAL QLD: SLIDESHOW - USMC Marine Force Recon specialists conducted 'Key Hole' Special Reconnaissance and 'Sting Ray' Direct Action exercises during TS19.

HMAS Hobart MH-60R Romeo trials

UPGRADED DDG MH-60R FLIGHT TRIALS

NSW WATERS: The RAN is conducting Romeo flight trials on HMAS Hobart's upgraded configuration to establish final Ship Helicopter Operating Limits.

Australian M1A1 Abrams LCM-1 Landing Craft sea trials

LCM-1E UPGRADED TO DEPLOY ABRAMS

TOWNSVILLE: The RAN has successfully trialled an upgraded LCM-1E Landing Craft to transport the Army's M1A1 Abrams and other heavy vehicles.

Japan 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade

JAPANESE TS19 AMPHIBIOUS GROUP

CENTRAL QLD: SLIDESHOW The Japanese Self Defence Force deployment during Talisman Sabre 2019 demonstrated that nation's growing amphibious capability.

Supacat Special Operations Vehicle Commando SOV

2RAR TS19 SUPACAT SOV-CDO

SHOALWATER BAY: The US DoD has accidently confirmed 2RAR (Amphib) use of ex SF Supacat Special Operations Vehicles (SOV-Cdo) during Talisman Sabre 2019.

RAAF P-8A Poseidon MMMA

FOUR MORE P-8As INBOUND

RAAF EDINBURGH: The last four P-8A Poseidons have rolled off the Boeing production line and will arrive in Australia by January with the first due in August.

SASR operators with KOPASSUS

SASR WORKING WITH KOPASSUS IN INDONESIA

INDONESIA: Rare imagery of high level Counter Terrorism training activities between Special Operations Command Australia and Indonesia's KOPASSUS has emerged.

NSW based F-35A pilot training underway

LOCAL F-35 OP CON FLIGHTS COMMENCE

RAAF WILLIAMTOWN: The RAAF's first two pilots to conduct Operational Conversion to the F-35A in Australia have completed their first solo flights.

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2019 3/3 Marines

MARINE MRF-D AT FULL STRENGTH

AUSTRALIA: The arrival of the 3rd Bn 3rd Marines has brought Marine Rotational Force - Darwin to a full MAGTF strength of 2500 for the first time since deployment began in 2012.

Australian SOF and US SOF Talisman Sabre 2019

TS19 ADF/US SPEC OP HALO JUMP

QUEENSLAND: SLIDESHOW US and Australian Special Operations Forces conduct a HALO parachute insertion into Talisman Sabre to conduct Special Reconnaissance ahead of the big landing.

USAF Pararescue Talisman Sabre 2019

TS19 USAF SoF COMBAT SEARCH & RESCUE

QUEENSLAND: USAF Airforce Special Operations PJ pararescuemen have been active in Queensland conducting Combat Search and Rescue in support of Ex Talisman Sabre.

A USMC Zulu Cobra

AH-64E & AH-1Z CONFIRMED TENDERS

AUSTRALIA: Boeing and Bell have confirmed they will be offering their cutting edge AH-64E Guardian and AH-1Z Zulu Cobra attack helos to replace the Tiger ARH.

RAAF Strait of Hormuz

ADF OPERATES IN GULF OF OMAN FLASHPOINTS

GULF OF OMAN: Australian military aircraft and warships routinely operate in the areas where the US, UK, GCC and Iran are shooting down each others aircraft and Iran is threatening shipping.

Talisman Sabre 2019 Stanage Bay amphibious assault

TS19 BEACH ASSAULT VIDEO

STANAGE BAY: VIDEO The official video of the combined amphibious assault on Stanage Bay during Exercise Talisman Sabre.

Tactical Assault Group - East TAG-E

COMMANDO COUNTER TERRORISM

AUSTRALIA: PHOTO FEATURE SOCOMD-Australia has released a very rare photo essay of 2nd Commando Regt conducting Special Recovery and Counter Terrorist training.

Talisman Sabre 2019 amphibious assault

TS19 MEGA OVER THE BEACH ASSAULT

STANAGE BAY: PHOTO FEATURE The largest ever amphibious exercise since WW2 was conducted by Australian, New Zealand, British, American and Japanese forces for Exercise Talisman Sabre.

An NZSAS Bushmaster PMV

NZ WANTS MORE BUSHMASTER PMV-M

NEW ZEALAND: The NZ Government has commenced negotiations for a significant quantity of Bushmaster PMVs to harden up its expeditionary forces.

K9 Huntsman 155mm

ADF COY ON PROTECTED MOBILE FIRES

CANBERRA: Defence won't confirm any platform as the 'Self Propelling Howitzers' announced by the PM during the Election but confirms Tactical Rocket Artillery and the M-777A2.

Royal Marines Talisman Sabre 2019

TS19 ROYAL MARINE COMMANDOS

CORAL SEA: An elite team of Royal Marine Commandos have been integrated within 2RAR (Amphibious) for Talisman Sabre's Pre Landing Force operations prior to the Amphibious emplacement at Shoalwater Bay.

Tiger ARH replacement program

TIGER REPLACEMENT PROJECT UNDERWAY

CANBERRA: The long awaited program to replace the Army's troubled Tiger ARH helos is underway with a healthy budget for new gunships approved and an RFI released.

RAAF AIM-120D AMRAAM

AIM-120D AMRAAM ALREADY IN RAAF SERVICE

AMBERLEY: AIM-120D AMRAAM Captive Air Training Missiles are being employed by RAAF F/A-18Fs during Talisman Sabre and have been in service for 'a few years'.

F-22A Raptor Talisman Sabre 2019 Amberley

RAPTORS FLY IN FOR TS19

AMBERLEY: The USAF has entered Talisman Sabre with its usual style and a contingent spearheaded by the Pacific Air Force's F-22A Raptors from Alaska.

Ex Talisman Sabre HIMARS

HiMARS RAIN FIRE AT SWBTA

SHOALWATER BAY: Slideshow - US Army and USMC M142 HiMARS systems opened Talisman Sabre with a Hi RAIN bombardement of M270 rockets.

Talisman Sabre HIMARS

HiMARS LAUNCH TALISMAN SABRE

SHOALWATER BAY: US M142 HiMARS, AH-64E Guardians and F-35B Lightnings will kick off Talisman Sabre 2019 with a major live fire demonstration.

RAAF GBU-39/B Increment 1 Small Diameter Bomb

RAAF INTRODUCES GBU-39/B SDB

WILLIAMTOWN: The RAAF'S F-35A Integrated Training Centre is employing its high tech training simulators to introduce the cutting edge GBU-39/B Increment 1 Small Diameter Bomb.

South China Sea Spratly Islands

CHINA FIRES MISSILES FROM SPRATLYS

SOUTH CHINA SEA: The ADF has cautiously responded to China's launch of multiple Anti Ship Missiles from its unrecognised Spratly Islands' military bases.

US Army AH-64E Guardian Talisman Sabre 2019

FIRST AH-64E OPS IN AUSTRALIA

CENTRAL QLD: The US Army is conducting the first known military flights of the AH-64E in Australia for Talisman Sabre. First pics by Jason at J.M Photography

AH-64E Australia

TALISMAN SABRE CONCENTRATION

CENTRAL QLD: Contingents from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada and Japan have commenced integration activities for Talisman Sabre 2019.

ANZAC SURFACE COMBATANT FLEET CONTRACTS

AUSTRALIA: The combined Australian and NZ surface combatant fleet will be temporarily reduced to seven fully certified warships due to decommissioning, upgrades and delays.

Talisman Sabre 2019 fleet

MASSIVE AMPHBIOUS FORCE ASSEMBLES FOR TS19

CORAL SEA: The largest Amphibious fleet to operate from Australian territory since the Pacific War is assembling for Talisman Sabre 2019.

HMAS Ballarat seizes ammunition haul Arabian Sea 2019

RAN SEIZES MASSIVE AMMUNITION HAUL

ARABIAN SEA: HMAS Ballarat has seized a massive haul of smuggled ammunition and HME explosives precursers bound for Yemen.

Ex Arafura Warrior Timor 2019

EX ARAFURA WARRIOR

TIMOR LESTE: 1 Brigade deployed a Combined Arms training team to Timor as part of Australia's expanding regional military engagement.

New Zealand 5.56mm round

NZ's HOT & HEAVY 5.56 ROUND

NEW ZEALAND: The NZDF has introduced a heavy 5.56mm round usually used by US Special Operations Forces for its Gucci new LMT MARS-L rifles.

Australian Abrams TUSK

ABRAMS TUSK SUSPENSION UPGRADE

BANDIANA: Australian M1A1 AIM SA Abrams MBTs have almost completed a full suspension upgrade to accommodate the full TUSK survivability systems integration.

D-Day New Guinea Phillip Bradley

D-DAY NEW GUINEA

BOOK REVIEW: Phillip Bradley's thorough history of the stunning Australian airborne and amphibious victory at Lae in 1943.

Army cuts recruit fitness requirements

ARMY CUTS RECRUIT FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

KAPOOKA: Army has ended fitness testing requirements at 1RTB to accommodate females and lower unacceptable injury rates amongst 'unconditioned' recruits.

US Navy MQ-4 BAMS shot down by Iran 2019

GULF OF OMAN ATTACK

GULF OF OMAN: The US Navy UAS shot down by Iran was a precurser to the MQ-4C Triton ordered by the RAAF not a Global Hawk as reported.

155mm Assegai ballistic data tests

155mm ASSEGAI BALLISTIC DATA CAPTURE

PORT WAKEFIELD SA: Australia is developing the digital ballistic data files for the M-777A2 155mm gun and the next generation RDM Assegai munitions for AFATDS.

Talisman Sabre 2019

US & JAPANESE ARRIVE FOR TALISMAN SABRE

AUSTRALIA: US Navy and Japanese JMSDF flat tops are massing in Australia ahead of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019.

MRH-90 sustainment costs

MRH-90 SUSTAINMENT PAIN

AUSTRALIA: The ADF's fleet of MRH-90 Tactical Transport Helicopters cost more to fly per hour than the much more capable Chinook or much more sophisticated Romeo.

FFGs to decommission 2019

RAN WARSHIPS TO DECOMMISSION

SYDNEY: The RAN is about to decommission two of its most deployed warships with a third due to follow later in the year as Navy transitions to new vessels.

RAAF F-35A chase planes

TWO RAAF F-35As DIVERTED FROM AUSSIE CONVERSION OPS

USA: The RAAF's two newest F-35A Lightning IIs have been diverted away from the Operational Conversion to type program after a US request.

16RAA RBS70 Finland

AUSSIE GBAD IN ARCTIC CIRCLE

FINLAND: Australian Ground Based Air Defence Systems deployed to Finland as part of the international effort to deter Russian aggression into the Nordic areas.

HMAS Arunta joins fleet

ARUNTA REJOINS FLEET AFTER UPGRADE

WESTERN AUSTRALIA: HMAS Arunta has returned to Fleet Base West ahead of the resumption of sea operations after completing the AMCAP upgrade.

RNZAF C-130J-30 buy

C-130J-30 HERCULES FOR RNZAF

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Government has selected the C-130J-30 Hercules airlifter as the replacement for its inservice C-130H Hercules fleet.

Tiger ARH forced landing Oakey 2019

TIGER ARH FORCED LANDING

OAKEY QLD: A Tiger ARH helicopter has conducted a forced landing after hitting power lines during a training flight near the AAAvnTC at Oakey SEQ.

End of New Zealand Iraq Operations

END OF AUSSIE IRAQ OPS

NEW ZEALAND: The announcement of NZ's withdrawal from Iraq has probably put a date on the long planned Australian end of ground forces' mission against Islamic State.

HMAS Ballarat seizes 5800 kilograms of hashish Middle East 2019

BALLARAT'S HASH HIGHWAY SEIZURES SKYROCKET

ARABIAN SEA: HMAS Ballarat has pulled off four more major narcotics interdictions along the Hash Highway out of Pakistan with 5800 kilograms of hashish seized.

RAAF EA-18G Growler costs

HIGH COST OF AEA SUSTAINMENT

AUSTRALIA: According to budget documents, the RAAF's most expensive airframe to operate is NOT the much maligned F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

Tiger ARH cost of operations

TIGER COSTS MORE THAN ARMY AMMO

AUSTRALIA: Keeping the under performing Tiger ARH helicopter flying costs more than the Army's yearly ammunition expenditure costs.

1RAR and Royal Thai Army

ROYAL THAI ARMY EX IN FNQ

TOWNSVILLE: Slideshow - 1RAR hosted a detachment of Royal Thai Army infantry for cooperative combat training and mutual confidence building.

RAAF KC-30A Iraq

KC-30A TANKER RETURNS TO IRAQ

MIDDLE EAST: An RAAF KC-30A MRTT tanker has returned to the Middle East to resume support for CJTF-Operation Inherent Resolve against Islamic State remnants.

Exericse Southern Jackaroo 2019

SOUTHERN JACKAROO 2019

SHOALWATER BAY: Slideshow - Australian, Japanese and US Marine troops concentrated at Shoalwater Bay for Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2019.

Australian & NZ Defender No 106

AUSTRALIAN & NZ DEFENDER NO 106

AUSTRALIA: Issue No 106 is now out, available in print and electronic formats here!

USS independence LCS

INDEPENDENCE CLASS LCS FOR RAN?

AUSTRALIA: The US Navy is using the Australian designed Independence class LCS as its Mine Countermeasures platform will the RAN follow?

RAN sells two Huon minehunters

NAVY QUIETLY SOLD OFF TWO MINE HUNTERS

SYDNEY: The RAN quietly sold off two of its six Huon class Mine Hunter Coastal vessels late last year reducing its fleet to four operational boats.

Editorial John Hunter Farrell

A VERY UN-AUSTRALIAN BLAME GAME

EDITORIAL: Our Head Brass and upper echelons are off hunting scalps from the lower ranks in order to signal their virtue and cement their positions in the new era of social justice focused politics.

HMAS Ballarat seizes 3000kg narcotics Middle East

BALLARAT SEIZES ANOTHER 3000KG OF NARCOTICS

MIDDLE EAST: VIDEO - HMAS Ballarat has successfully conducted another enormous narcotics seizure bringing her combined total interdictions to over $1 billion.

Tiger ARH Chinese laser attack South China Sea

SOUTH CHINA SEA LASER ATTACKS

SOUTH CHINA SEA: Australian helicopter crews were 'blinded' by lasers eminating from Chinese flagged vessels off Vietnam in the South China Sea during Indo Pacific Endeavour.

RAAF threat simulators

AIR WARFARE THREAT SIMULATION

NT: The RAAF is employing a broad range of sophisticated airborne and ground based threat simulators to make training realistic.

Ex Pacific Vanguard RAN JMSDF ROKN and USN

FIRST US/JAPAN/ROK/RAN WARFIGHTING EX

GUAM: Warships from Australia, Japan, South Korea and the USA have concentrated at Guam for a high level maritime warfare exercise Ex Pacific Vanguard 19.

New Zealand M107A1

M107A1 ENTERS RNZIR SERVICE

NEW ZEALAND: The new Barrett M107A1 50 cal Long Range Sniper Rifle is entering service with the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

Task Group Taji Iranian threat

IRAQ SECURITY DETERIORATES

IRAQ: The Iranian threat to Australian and New Zealand forces in Iraq has worsened with some CJTF-OIR contingents suspending support operations altogether.

EOS  R400S Mk2 RWS

R400S MK2 PWS ENTERS SERVICE

GLOBAL: The Australian Army's new R400S Mk 2 Protected Weapons Station has been integrated onto Bushmasters operating in Iraq, Afghanistan and Australia.

Australian M1A2 Abrams Project Land 907 Phase 2

M1A2C ABRAMS ENTERS SERVICE

USA: The Australian Army's next generation tank acquisition under Project Land 907 Phase 2 is firming with the M1A2C entry into US Army service.

HMAS Ballarat Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group Middle East

BALLARAT EX WITH FRENCH CARRIER STRIKE GROUP

MIDDLE EAST: VIDEO - HMAS Ballarat has conducted exercises with the French Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group and Coalition warships in the MER.

Protected Mobile Fires acquisition

PROTECTED MOBILE FIRES

AUSTRALIA: The re election of the Morrison Government has turned the announcement of the acquistion of a fleet of 'Self Propelled Howitzers' from election promise to exciting reality.

Australian Army M252A1 81mm mortar

NEW M252A1 MORTAR OP CONVERSION

AUSTRALIA: The Army is hard at work introducing the M252A1 81mm Mortar System which will replace the long serving F2 in Army and Army Reserve mortar teams.

HMAS Ballarat narcotics seizure Arabian Sea 2019

BALLARAT DRUG SEIZURES

ARABIAN SEA: HMAS Ballarat has celebrated a return to CTF-150 operations with two huge narcotics interdictions on the 'Hash Highway' out of Pakistan's Makran Coast worth $170 million.

Task Group Taji VIII 8 Besmaya Iraq

TGT8 LIVE WEAPONS TRAINING

IRAQ: VIDEO - Task Group Taji 8 train Iraqi 55th Brigade jundies on the M2QCB and M19 AGL at Besmaya near Baghdad.

THE MIGHTY KRAIT

BOOK REVIEW: A historical account of the famous Australian Special Operation against Singapore Harbour in 1943 and the little ship that made the mission happen.

HMNZS Aotearoa

RNZN MODERNISATION

NEW ZEALAND: The Royal New Zealand Navy's next generation AOR Aotearoa will transform the Kiwi's maritime reach and operational endurance.

Australian Assault Breacher

ASSAULT BREACHING & BRIDGING

USA: The Army is energetically exploring the capabilities available for its new Under Armour Assault Breaching and Bridging equipment including robotics.

RAAF F-35A weapons tests

RAAF F-35 LIVE WEAPONS TESTS

WILLIAMTOWN: The RAAF's new F-35A Lightnings have been flying in exercises and are about to fire their weapons systems for the first time in Australia.

Australian Special Operations Philippines Balikatan 19

AUSSIE COMMANDOS IN PHILIPPINES

PHILIPPINES: Australian Special Operations experts are working with their Philippine NAVSOG and Scout Ranger counterparts at Fort Magsaysay under Balikatan 19.

RAAF EA-18G Growler IOC

GROWLER FLEET ACHIEVES IOC

AMBERLEY: The RAAF's EA-18G Growler based Airborne Electronic Attack capability has reached Initial Operational Capability on schedule.

3RAR Malaysia

3RAR MALAYSIA VIDEO

MALAYSIA: VIDEO 3RAR infantrymen conduct live firing and jungle training activities with the Malaysian Army during Indo Pacific Endeavour.

RAAF C-130J-30 Satcom

C-130J HERC SATCOMM UPGRADE EXPANDED

RICHMOND NSW: The RAAF is expanding its upgrade of Hercules satellite communications systems to include half the C-130J-30 fleet.

Amphibious Assault Vehicles

ADF PROTECTED AMPHIBIOUS VEHICLE

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is seeking an armoured amphibious vehicle to broaden the scale and scope of its amphibious capability.

Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter

TIGER ARH WITHDRAWAL CONFIRMED

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army's Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters near future retirement has finally been confirmed.

MRH90 minigun M134D

MRH-90 MINIGUN & OPERATIONAL MODIFICATIONS

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army's MRH-90 Tactical Transport Helicopters have been upgunned and given uprated winches for combat operations.

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2019

MARINE ROTATIONAL FORCE - DARWIN 2019

NORTHERN TERRITORY: The eighth rotation of US Marines has deployed into Darwin ahead of six months of training with the Australian Defence Force.

New Zealand Army FC530 inflatable

KIWIS INTRODUCE NEW FC530 ASSAULT BOAT

NEW ZEALAND: The New Zealand Army is introducing new FC530 Zodiac inflatable assault boats during an OT&E activities at 2 Engineer Regiment.

RAAF ACQUIRES 11 HISTORIC WARBIRDS

TEMORA: The RAAF has acquired 11 flying historic warbirds to ensure their preservation by funding their upkeep at the Temora Aviation Museum.

7RAR Extended Range Machine Gun

7RAR ERMG SHOOT SLIDESHOW

CULTANA: A multi image slideshow of the 7RAR DFSW Basic Course culminating Extended Range Machine Gun live fire event at Cultana Training Area in SA.

Towed Missile Decoys

AIR 6000/3 TOWED MISSILE DECOYS

AUSTRALIA: The Government has confirmed funding for the RAAF's next generation towed missile decoys for its Rhino, Growler and F-35A Lightning fleets.

JASDF F-35A crash

FEW CLUES FOR RAAF AFTER JAPANESE JSF LOSS

AUSTRALIA: The RAAF has little to go on in the wake of the loss of the Japanese F-35A on Tuesday until the flight data recorders and wreckage is recovered.

AUSTRALIAN M113A1 FAMILY OF VEHICLES

BOOK REVIEW: The Military Briefs latest publication is a forensic exploration of Aussie Army M113A1 APCs in service between 1972 and 2013.

MAPS UGV

ARMY UNMANNED GROUND VEHICLES

GREENBANK QLD: The Army is currently conducting analysis on the Australian made MAPS autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle in a series of trials.

Task Group Taji IX Iraq

TASK GROUP TAJI IX

BRISBANE: Task Group Taji IX has completed its mission preparation training ahead of deploying to Iraq to continue the Build Partner Capacity mission.

RAAF P-8A Poseidon

POSEIDON 08 MODIFICATIONS COMPLETE

USA: The RAAF's eighth P-8A Posiedon has entered validation and verification flight testing after being modified with airframe monitoring sensors and the software upgrade package.

RAAF F-35A

TWO MORE F-35As ARRIVE

WILLIAMTOWN NSW: The RAAF's fleet of F-35A Lightnings in Australia has doubled to four with two additional Lightnings flying in to RAAF Williamtown.

Supacat SOV Commando

SUPACAT SOV COMMANDO OPERATIONAL SOON

HOLSWORTHY: Special Operations Command Australia's Supacat SOV-Commando vehicles are undergoing a final upgrade and should enter service within weeks.

Boxer MRV Block 1

FIRST BOXER INBOUND

GERMANY: The first Block 1 European production Boxer armoured vehicle is about to be delivered to the Australian Army after rolling off the production line.

Hawkei PMV-L Steyr Motors

ENGINE MAKER BANKRUPTCY THREATENS HAWKEI

AUSTRALIA: The Hawkei PMV-L's engine manufacturer has entered bankruptcy creating uncertainty as the Aussie vehicle is about to enter full rate production.

RAN Multicam Pattern Uniform

RAN TRIALS NEW MULTICAM UNIFORM

CORAL SEA: The RAN has commenced trials of a new Maritime Multicam Pattern Uniform ahead of an intended replacement of the inservice Disruptive Pattern Naval Uniform.

BUDGET POINTS TO END OF IRAQ AFGHAN OPS

CANBERRA: The 2019/20 Defence budget allocations deliver more dollars, but point to major reductions in ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

RAAF Falcon 7X

FALCON 7X INBOUND FOR RAAF

CANBERRA: The first RAAF Falcon 7X VIP transport aircraft will enter service with 34 Squadron mid year after completing its fitout.

EF-88C AN/PEQ-16B

EF-88C CARBINE & AN/PEQ-16B MIMPIM

GLOBAL: The EF-88C 'Commander' short barrel Enhanced Austeyr and the AN/PEQ-16B MIMPIM night aiming device are now in service on Operations Okra and Highroad.

AASAM19 COMBAT SHOOTING COMP

PUCKAPUNYAL VIC: Twenty two Australian and international combat shooting teams are winding up competition in the 2019 Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting (AASAM).

SMArt 155 Sensor Fused Munition

SMArt 155 SENSOR FUSED MUNITION ENTERS SERVICE

SHOALWATER BAY: The Army has introduced the Rheinmetall Deihl SMArt 155 Sensor Fused Munition for precision anti armour strikes.

HMAS Brisbane DDG

HMAS BRISBANE READINESS EVALUATION

SYDNEY: HMAS Brisbane, the RAN's second Hobart class Guided Missile Destroyer is about to start readiness evaluations ahead of operations.

RAAF MQ-4C Triton

SECOND MQ-4C TRITON UAS CONTRACTED

AUSTRALIA: The Dept of Defence has signed up for the second of at least six MQ-4C Triton Broad Area Maritime Surveillance UAS.

Rheinmetall Protected Amphibious Vehicle

PROTECTED AMPHIBIOUS VEHICLE ACQUISITION

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is looking for a Protected Amphibious Vehicle to convey combat elements ashore from the RAN's Amphibious Assault Ships.

Boxer CRV

BOXER CRV ACQUISTION UNDERWAY

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Army is putting all the pieces in place ahead of the arrival of the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle in April 2019.

NASAMS Australian Army

ARMY SURFACE TO AIR MISSILES CONFIRMED

CANBERRA: The Government has confirmed the acquistion of the Raytheon/Kongsberg/CEA Technologies Enhanced National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS).

RAF E-7 Wedgetail

BRITS BUY E-7 WEDGETAIL

UNITED KINGDOM: The RAF will acquire the E-7 Wedgetail in similar configuration to the Australian AEW&C system fitout with Australian industrial support.

Manus Island Naval Base

MANUS ISLAND NAVAL BASE UPGRADE

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Australia will upgrade the PNGDF's Lombrum Naval Base on Manus Island under a $5 million bilateral agreement with PNG.

HMNZS Te Mana upgrade

TE MANA ENTERS UPGRADE IN CANADA

CANADA: The second New Zealand Anzac class Guided Missile Frigate has commenced its upgrade at a Canadian specialist shipyard.

MC-55A Peregrine

RAAF MC-55A PEREGRINE ACQUISITION CONFIRMED

CANBERRA: The Government has disclosed an acquisition of high end Electronic Warfare aircraft to augment ADF digital domain dominance.

MB Surveillance & Reconnaissance Vehicle

1AR SRV & UAS ISR EXPERIMENTS

CULTANA SA: The 1st Armoured Regiment is experimenting with a SRV mounted ISR screen ahead of main force MBT elements during Predator's Walk.

Task Group Taji Iraq

IRAQ MISSION TO CONTINUE

TAJI IRAQ: The Australian Government has confirmed that the Build Partner Capacity mission in Iraq will continue in the wake of the defeat of Islamic State.

NASAMS2

AMRAAM FOR AUSTRALIAN ARMY

USA: The US Government has approved a large acquisition of AMRAAM missiles for the Australian Army's future NASAMS2 missile system.

Free Papua Movement

WEST PAPUA INSURGENCY REVIVES

INDONESIAN PAPUA: The Free Papua Movement insurgency against Indonesia has reappeared with a series of successful attacks against the TNI.

HMAS Ballarat narcotics seizure Gulf of Oman

BALLARAT SEIZES MORE HASH

GULF OF OMAN: HMAS Ballarat has completed a sixth narcotics interdiction in the Middle East Region bringing her total drug haul to $750 million.

John Hunter Farrell Managing Editor

TIME TO RECOGNISE COALITION ROLE IN ISLAMIC STATE'S DEFEAT

EDITORIAL: It is way beyond time time to recognise the overwhelming role played by the US led CJTF-OIR, including our own modern Anzacs, in ridding the earth of Abu Bakr Baghdadi's barbarism.

2/1RNZIR US Army

US ARMY EMBEDS WITH 2/1RNZIR

NEW ZEALAND: The US Army has partnered 2/1RNZIR in a series of bilateral training activities in the South Island designed to improve interoperability.

DATE ENDS MUSORIAN THREAT

AUSTRALIA: The Army has adopted the Decisive Action Training Environment (DATE) to reformat enemy forces for a multi domain combat environment which is goodbye to Musorians.

Bell 429 retire

RAN BELL 429 RETIREMENT

AVALON VIC: The RAN is on the verge of retiring its final leased Bell 429 helicopter now that the HATS training program has matured.

 

FRENCH SUBMARINE CONTRACT SIGNED

CANBERRA: Despite withering criticism, the Australian Government has signed off on the contracts for the far future diesel electric Attack class concept submarine.

UPGRADED P-8A POSEIDONS FOR RAAF & RNZAF

EDINBURGH: The RAAF and RNZAF will both receive Increment III Block I spec P-8A Poseidons with the RAAF's first upgraded MMMA due soon.

A&NZD 105 PRINT IS LATE

AUSTRALIA: Our March edition Australian & NZ Defender print edition is late. We expect it to hit the shelves late next week (March 8). We have changed distributor and have experienced a few issues.

AUSTRALIA JOINS BOEING BATS UCAV PROJECT

AVALON VIC: Australia is funding the development of a stealthy fast jet UCAV to fly in swarms on combat missions with our piloted combat aircraft.

RAAF MQ-9 Reaper

MQ-9 REAPER OUTBACK CONSORTIUM FINALISED

AVALON VIC: Team Reaper Australia have announced the finalised consortium that will deliver the RAAF's near future Armed Remotely Piloted Aircraft fleet.

EF-88M

1BDE EF-88 ROLLOUT

NT & SA: 1 Brigade is almost fully rearmed with the next generation EF-88M Modular Weapon System after commencing the transition in October.

Ex Cope North 2019

RAAF DEPLOYS BIG PACKAGE TO GUAM

GUAM: The RAAF has deployed a large package of aircraft to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam for Ex Cope North 19 with the USAF, US Navy and Japanese JASDF.

FIRST TWO HORNETS TO CANADA

CANADA: The RAAF has successfully transferred the first two of its retiring F/A-18HUG 'classic' Hornets to the Royal Canadian Air Force.

RAAF E-7A Wedgetail CJTF Op Inherent Resolve

RAAF ENDS WEDGETAIL MISSIONS AGAINST ISLAMIC STATE

MIDDLE EAST: The RAAF has flown its final E-7A Airborne Early Warning and Control operations in the air war against Islamic State after almost four and a half years of intense Offensive Air Operations.

ISLAMIC STATE CALIPHATE ENDS

SYRIA MERV: The psychopathic Islamic State 'caliphate' is over with the last square kilometer of the mad dream about to fall to Coalition backed Syrian militias.

ADF ATTEMPTS TO COVER UP RADICAL AGENDA

CANBERRA: The Australian newspaper is reporting that the ADF has classified a feminist cultural advisor's report in an attempted COVER UP of the CDF's wholesale adoption of radical gender and identity theory.

FIRST GUARDIAN PB IN SERVICE

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: The first of 21 new Guardian class Patrol Boats to be gifted by Australia to the Pacific Islands has entered service with the PNGDF .

NO STOPPING FRENCH SUBMARINES NOW

CANBERRA: The RAN's scarily expensive next generation submarine is now unstoppable after the Government signed the last contractual arrangement with France.

CANADA HORNET TRANSFER APPROACHES

WILLIAMTOWN: The RAAF is preparing to transfer the first of 25 HUG Hornets to Canada after all the paperwork has finally been approved and the contract signed.

Task Group Taji 7

TGT7 FORCE PROTECTION COMPANY LIVE FIRE

TAJI IRAQ: Pictorial of a Task Group Taji VII Force Protection Company combined live fire event with the US Army's Bandit Troop 3rd Cavalry Regiment at Taji MC.

Ex Sari Bair

NZ EX SARI BAIR

WAIOURU NZ: The combat manoeuvre elements of the 1st New Zealand Brigade is busy conducting Exercise Sari Bair at Waiouru Military Training Area.

RAAF F-35A Lightning II

RAAF F-35A LIGHTNING DEVELOPMENTS

ARIZONA USA: The RAAF's fleet of F-35A Lightning Joint Strike Fighters is expanding with nine aircraft flying amidst delays and flight testing suspensions.

ADF EXPANDS PACIFIC PARTNERSHIPS

PACIFIC ISLANDS: The Australia is negotiating to build a joint base in PNG and will fund a HADR base in Fiji under ambitious regional engagement policies.

.338 LWMMG Australia

.338 LWMMG MACHINE GUN

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Defence Force has been offered the next generation 8.6 x 63.3mm Light Weight Medium Machine Gun with sensational hitting power.

Carl Gustav M4 MRWS

ARMY ORDERS CARL GUSTAV M4 MRWS

SWEDEN: Swedish arms manufacturer SAAB has disclosed that the Australian Army has ordered the new 84mm Carl Gustaf M4 Multi Role Weapons System.

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