APDR Article Library: All Articles

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Vikramaditya – India’s Russian aircraft carrier

The Indian Navy through-deck aircraft carrier Vikramaditya (ex-Gorshkov) is 90.5% complete and within a year of commissioning. A recent visit to Russia’s Sevmash Dockyards in Severodvinsk near the far northern border with Finland, where the new Indian navy carrier is being completed, revealed considerable progress. Since a previous inspection in June 2010, the amount of work completed increased from 68.5% to 90.5%, according the to builders. A critical boost was given last year, when India agreed to pay extra for the refit work and Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev inspected the Vikramaditya and chaired a special governmental session on Indo-Russian military technical cooperation in the naval sphere.

16th Jan 2012 | Read more

Anti-Submarine Warfare

In a time of intense political turmoil for the European Union, on 8 December 2011 in Brittany, at the Lanvéoc-Poulmic Naval Air Station, the French Navy commissioned its first naval air squadron of brand-new NH90 naval frigate helicopters (NFH) . This is in the form of the revived Flottille 33F, an Aéronavale squadron previously flying the veteran Sud-Aviation SA321G Super Frelon, today no longer in service in France.

16th Jan 2012 | Read more

AUSTRALIA’S SHIPBUILDING SECTOR

Big ticket shipbuilding programmes such as the Air Warfare Destroyer and amphibious warfare vessels have revitalised the local industry, which had contracted following completion of the Anzac frigate, Armidale patrol boat and Collins submarine programmes. However vital skills have been lost to other industries, in particular the mining sector, which has enjoyed sustained and massive growth for several years.

16th Jan 2012 | Read more

Flying Tigers in Afghanistan

Kym Bergmann reports from Kabul: Even as France starts a slow drawdown of troop numbers prior to a complete withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2014, combat units have recently completed one of their most intense fighting seasons since 2001. Most of the 4,000 troops are deployed in two provinces – Kabul (especially the district of Surobi) and Kapisa - which have seen some of the heaviest fighting of the war. While the capital city of Kabul is considered relatively secure by the standards of Afghanistan, the same cannot be said of the surrounding countryside. French responsibilities. Kabul itself sits on a piece of flat land surrounded by mountains but the geography of the Surobi district and all of Kapisa is inhospitable – high barren ridges, bleak terrain, steep sided gorges with small green pockets of agriculture found on scattered and isolated river flats. The city sits at 1,800 meters above sea level with nearby peaks rising to 3,000 metres. Kapisa in general and the Tagab valley in particular are considered insurgent strongholds, with a mixture of suicide bomb cells, tribal militias, members of the Haqqani network, fighters belonging to Hezb-i-Islami and so on. The picture is very complex and even sorting out the motives of the various anti-Government groups is not easy, with a senior French officer telling APDR, “the more we find out, the more unclear it becomes.”

22nd Dec 2011 | Read more

RN AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS

While the UK waits impatiently for its new aircraft carriers and F-35Cs, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines are now taking the lead in providing Britain with a global intervention capability, as APDR’s Richard Gardner reports from HMS Bulwark.

14th Dec 2011 | Read more

SEA 1000 CONVENTIONAL AIR INDEPENDENT PROPULSION

AIP for Australia In January 2008 Captain (Ret) James Patton, USN, published an article in the US Naval Submarine League’s quarterly journal reporting on a submarine conference he’d attended in Europe in late 2007. He mentioned in the article a conversation he’d had with an RAN submariner Commodore and Commander. Asked about the likely role of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) in Australia’s future submarine force, the Commodore indicated that he didn’t think that Australia would be interested in AIP from an operational point of view. The Commander then offered a “Yeah, but …” opinion that some form of AIP would be valuable as a contingency system – like parachutes for fighter pilots or fire extinguishers and active sonars on submarines – something that wasn’t intended to be used, but when pinned down in some shallow water or bay with the battery running low, it would be nice to have a week or so of emergency propulsion to extricate oneself from adversaries. At the time the Commander represented the entirety of the RAN’s future submarine project “team” and he knew the Commodore was mistaken. In the shadow of his superior officer, and in the best interests of the RAN, he had delicately tried to correct the faux pas.

12th Dec 2011 | Read more

RAN Mine Countermeasures Capability – Where to Now ?

It has been over 20 years since an Australian Government Senate inquiry sparked an investment in Mine CounterMeasures (MCM) of nearly $1.5 billion. This investment culminated in the building of a modern MCM HQ at HMAS WATERHEN in Sydney and the delivery of 6 Huon Class Minehunters during the period 1999-2004. This article sets out what has been achieved and makes suggestions as to what is the required future focus for this vital maritime warfare capability. A Short History - Towards the end of the 1990s, the revitalisation of the RAN’s Mine Warfare (MW) capability was well underway. The new class of 6 MHCs were about to commence delivery, a project to procure a new range of mines was still underway (although it was not to last long), HMAS WATERHEN, the RANs MCMHQ was being rebuilt as a purpose built MCM support base and the plans were afoot to take the Clearance Diving capability to 90 metres with a new diving set. In all, this $1.5bn had been committed to ramp up the RANs MCM and MW capability – with potentially more to come with the acquisition of sea mines. Why all the expense on MCM? The answer was in the Government’s 1987 White Paper, which emphasised the need for capabilities to insure the Defence of Australia, its strategic maritime approaches and in the context of MW, its priority ports. These were ports that then and even more so now were seen as vital for Australia’s economic prosperity.

12th Dec 2011 | Read more

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY – “THE BEST SMALL-NATION NAVY IN THE WORLD”?

Because of New Zealand’s geographic isolation and friendly neighbours, successive governments have maintained the nation’s armed forces at “minimum credible” levels of manpower and equipment. The 2010-11 Defence budget saw spending rise modestly to NZ$2.85 billion, a figure representing approximately 1.2% of GDP. NZ is heavily dependent on international trade, with 24% of its national output exported, mostly by sea. The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) thus plays a crucial role in defending the realm, which, thanks to far-flung islands and dependencies such as the Cook Islands, possesses the world’s sixth-largest exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The EEZ encompasses an area of 6.68 million km². The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has three objectives: to defend the nation against threats; to contribute to regional security; and to participate in global security efforts. The importance of the RNZN’s role has been reflected in recent defence budgets. This year the navy’s share expanded to NZ$673 million, although it is being forced, along with each service of the NZDF, to find areas of savings within its overall budget.

12th Dec 2011 | Read more

Battlespace Communications

The development and applications of military digital battlespace communications systems can be clearly shown to have been adapted from commercial enterprises that fashioned a network-centric style of operation, to optimise the command and control of them, advance their growth and profitability. Such enterprises have sponsored the development of seamless, open architecture, high data rate digital communications that use a plethora of techniques to achieve the objectives of the scheme. These systems are always on and use a range of data security designs.

2nd Nov 2011 | Read more

A TOTAL SUBMARINE CAPABILITY PACKAGE

Year 2028; Deep Inside Enemy Territorial Seas … DTG 290040H FEB 28. Despite it being very early morning, the command team members were alert. Twenty minutes earlier the submarine had been brought to action stations after sonar had classified contacts 34 and 35 as two enemy destroyers. Commander Saunders had used the energy in her submarine’s lithium ion batteries to quickly close within visual range, then slowed and returned the boat to periscope depth. After conducting a target setup using the optronics mast’s fifth generation night vision capabilities and being satisfied with the updated fire control solution she returned the boat back below the layer, increased speed and set course for the intended firing position.

2nd Nov 2011 | Read more

Micronesia and its Law Enforcement Problems (Part II).

As described in the previous part of this small series (July / August APDR), Micronesia is an enormous, remote, thinly populated region containing two independent microstates (Kiribati and Nauru), three states in ‘Free Association’ with the USA (Republic of the Marshall Islands or RMI, Federated States of Micronesia or FSM, and Palau), and two US territories (Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or CNMI). Micronesia straddles the equator and is composed of atolls, islands and reefs scattered across the open ocean from the Philippines to Hawaii. The total population is about 500,000 people on about 2,000 square kilometers of land dispersed across millions of square kilometres of sea. Of this population, about 400,000 are US citizens or residents, or have unfettered access to the USA due to Compacts of Free Association with that country.

2nd Nov 2011 | Read more

The problem with Defence (Part II)

This is the second article based on a speech to a Rockwell Collins ‘Connected, aware, responsive technology’ Symposium. Having defined the problem with Defence as I see it, it is now time to examine solutions. What I am proposing is a tool that could be used now to improve even a sub-optimal Defence process. It is a tool or methodology that would indicate ministerial leadership and a healthy ministerial interest in real outputs and not only inputs. It is a tool that applies discipline both across the organisation and from top to bottom, as well as a tool that could be understood by a much larger proportion of the population than can currently understand Defence. And what might work against the acceptance of the methodology itself, it is something that creates a highly visible means of assessing the impact of government actions on the effectiveness of the defence force of this nation. But finally, it is a tool that can be used by a minister to truly increase accountability.

28th Oct 2011 | Read more

AUSTRALIA’S UNMANNED SYSTEMS INDUSTRY BASE

Although Australian industry is arguably not a major player in the global Unmanned Aerial Systems marketplace, it nevertheless plays an important role in technology development and support of local programmes. The UAS industry has also been assisted by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) through the government/industry Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) programme, leading to several innovative developments which have commercial potential.

7th Oct 2011 | Read more

LAND 17 - Patchy progress on firepower

Arguably Army’s most important indirect firepower project – LAND 17 – seems to be making patchy progress. As an essential part of Hardening & Networking the Army, having a capability that can be used in combat operations seems to be some way from fruition.

7th Oct 2011 | Read more

SEA 1000 - COMBAT SYSTEMS SELECTION FOR SEA 1000

A submarine is something that keeps water off the combat system and carries it to the battle”. At least that’s how we combat systems artificers used to view the situation. Putting an old submariner’s saying aside, however, the combat system is a very important component of a submarine’s capability and it deserves some attention in this series on SEA 1000.

7th Oct 2011 | Read more

Another budget hand back?

Only three months into the financial year and already there is some muttering within Defence of another looming hand back of unspent funds – although the problem can always be mitigated by measures such as the purchase of a sixth C-17 announced on September 23 and the decision to lease another support ship nine days earlier. The reasons for such pessimism – shared by industry – are not hard to find. There are around 130 projects listed in the Defence Capability Plan, yet the Department is able to commit to making a decision during 2011 / 12 on seven of them.

7th Oct 2011 | Read more

LAND 53 NINOX.

The original version of this project was to improve dismounted soldiers’ day and night vision capabilities when operating under adverse conditions - such as in jungle and open conditions – and to detect hostile forces by using a range of complementary and mainly electro-optical equipment. The products adopted for NINOX included soldier-carried Image Intensified devices, thermal imagers and microwave radars, the latter two tripod or vehicle mounted. NINOX also included unmanned perimeter surveillance equipment.

3rd Oct 2011 | Read more

AUSTRALIA’S MILITARY VEHICLE INDUSTRY BASE

Writing an overview of Australia’s military vehicle industry base is fraught with difficulty, due in no small part to the twists and turns of various phases of the overarching and ambitious Project Overlander vehicle replacement programme. Analysis of any future industry base is therefore very much dependent on the outcome of several phases.

3rd Oct 2011 | Read more

Pilot training

A clear blue sky, an azure swimming pool, gym, the gentle buzz of light aircraft arriving and departing, everything neat and clean, attentive smiling staff. Could APDR have been transported to a resort for the ultra-rich in the Seychelles or perhaps near Bora Bora? In our dreams. In fact the location is the Tamworth Flying School - operated by BAE Systems – and while it is not actually a tropical paradise it is in fact very pleasant.

3rd Oct 2011 | Read more

The problem with Defence (Part 1)

(This is the first of two articles based on a speech given on September 19 to a Rockwell Collins “Connected, Aware, Responsive Technology” symposium) One of my favourite books is Barbara Tuchman’s “March of Folly”. In this classic work she examines four instances of folly, which she defines as acts which are clearly contrary to the self-interest of the organization pursuing them; conducted over a period of time, not just in a single burst of irrational behaviour; conducted by a number of individuals, not just one deranged maniac; and, importantly, there have to be people alive at the time who pointed out correctly why the act in question was folly. The acts of folly she chose were the Trojan Wars, the loss of the American colonies by Britain, the Renaissance Popes failures resulting in the Reformation, and the conflict in Vietnam.

28th Sep 2011 | Read more

AIR 9000 Phase 8 October 2011

It was at the poetically beautiful Boyd Education centre overlooking the Shoalhaven river 16 kiolmetres from Nowra that local companies had to swallow the bitter pill that there will be almost no work for them flowing from the decision to purchase 24 MH-60R ‘Romeo’ helicopters – at least not in the short term. During the tender evaluate phase ‘Team Romeo’ made considerable efforts to match the Australian Industry Content package of rival bidder Eurocopter and have signed up to obligations amounting to $1.5 billion, which sounds impressive. However, it is already becoming difficult to see how this substantial target will be met.

28th Sep 2011 | Read more

Boeing Delivers Royal Australian Air Force’s 5th C-17 Globemaster III

Boeing announced on September 14 that it has delivered Australia’s fifth C-17 Globemaster III airlifter to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during a ceremony at the C-17 program’s final assembly facility in Long Beach. A RAAF delegation led by Stephen Smith, Australia’s Minister for Defence, received the country’s latest C-17 at an event also attended by Chief of the Defence Force General David Hurley, Australian Secretary of Defence Duncan Lewis, and U.S. Ambassador to Australia the Honorable Jeffrey Bleich.

28th Sep 2011 | Read more

BAE SYSTEMS GETS BEHIND AUSTRALIAN SMES WITH NEW AGREEMENT

BAE Systems has reinforced its commitment to growing Australia’s defence industry capability through the creation of a supply chain agreement with the Federal Government.

28th Sep 2011 | Read more

Achieving an Equilibrium in the South China Sea: An Air and Space Perspective

Recent skirmishes between China, Vietnam and the Philippines have threatened to reignite the long-standing and protracted dispute in the South China Sea. The potentially resource-rich islands in the South China Sea remains a source of friction and instability between the claimant states of the Asia-Pacific region. A peaceful resolution to the South China Sea dispute is imperative for the stability and security of the region.

14th Sep 2011 | Read more

Changing the structure of Defence.

t is highly unlikely that scholars in the Middle Ages actually debated how many angels could stand simultaneously on the head of a pin – though Thomas Aquinas did postulate that more than one angel could occupy a place at the same time. However the aphorism is a useful metaphor for an inordinately pointless intellectual debate, which brings us to parts of the recently released Black Review, titled “Improving personal and institutional accountability in Defence.”

2nd Sep 2011 | Read more

Austal teams with Rhode & Schwarz for ANZAC frigate communications upgrade.

Leading Australian defence prime contractor, Austal, announced on 22 August that it has teamed with Rohde & Schwarz, internationally renowned supplier of integrated defence communications systems, to submit a proposal to the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) in response to the SEA 1442 Phase 4 request for tender. SEA 1442 is a maritime communications modernisation program for the eight ANZAC Class Frigates of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) that will provide a significant capability improvement to the existing communications environment between RAN assets in support of Network Centric Warfare.

2nd Sep 2011 | Read more

BAE Systems Ships first AWD block to ASC

BAE Systems announced on 19 August that it has shipped the first of its Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) blocks to the ASC facility at Osborne in South Australia. BAE Systems Director of Maritime, Harry Bradford, said the block left the Williamstown yard on 12 August and arrived at Osborne on 15 August. He said shipping of the first block by barge was a major milestone for the Williamstown yard.

2nd Sep 2011 | Read more

ANZAC ASMD MILESTONE

APDR understands that Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs has approved Initial Operational Release (IOR) for HMAS PERTH Stage 1 ANZAC Class ASMD Upgrade Capability. This has been done on the advice of the Surface Force Commander and the Fleet Commander.

2nd Sep 2011 | Read more

Minister for Defence and Minister for Defence Materiel – Defence capability projects approved

The Minister for Defence, Stephen Smith, and Minister for Defence Materiel, Jason Clare announced on 30 August that the Government has approved four major Defence capability projects.

2nd Sep 2011 | Read more

JP2072 Phase 2B Raytheon Australia teams with General Dynamics

Raytheon Australia has formally announced the company’s teaming for their pursuit of JP 2072 Phase 2B. In a briefing to media at the company’s corporate headquarters on 1 August 2011 Raytheon Australia’s Managing Director, Michael Ward, revealed that Raytheon Australia intends to prime JP2072 Phase 2B with the strong support of Raytheon Company (Network Centric Systems) and General Dynamics C4 Systems.

2nd Sep 2011 | Read more

Future submarine torpedo options.

In ASPI’s well-respected 2011-2012 Defence Budget Brief a suggestion was made that Defence would mandate equipping Australia’s future submarines with US AN/BYG-1 combat systems and US Mk 48 Mod 7 CBASS torpedoes. In fact, the use of the Mk 48 was “a given”. The source of this claim was not provided. Neither was an explanation as to “why”.

31st Aug 2011 | Read more

JOINING THE FRAY” IN EXERCISE TALISMAN SABRE 2011

Major Leigh Perkins, commander of Charlie Company, conducted his morning briefing that outlined the scheme of operations for an upcoming attack. A three-dimensional terrain map had been created on the ground, and his platoon leaders were gathered around to hear how the impending assault was to proceed that afternoon and on through the night. Their dust-caked faces were daubed in camouflage cream, and although they had been sleep-deprived for several days because of ongoing operations against the enemy, they listened with careful attention.

30th Aug 2011 | Read more

AIR 9000 Phase 8

The new US Navy helicopter was selected by the RAN in June 2011 to replace ageing Seahawks following a competitive tender between the US Navy and NH Industries - offering the NFH-90 - to supply up to 24 complete aircraft and associated support services. The decision seems odd when 46 NH-90s, labelled the MRH-90 will support the RAN’s “transport” capability and means that the RAN will operate two different helicopters and by doing so will ignore the 80% commonality of the two NHI aircraft. This paper reviews the MH-60R.

29th Aug 2011 | Read more

AIR 8000 Phase 2- Battlefield airlifter – the missing ingredient.

Airborne tactical transport. One of the principles of modern warfare is that a country can never have too much airlift capacity. With this in mind, Defence hopes to have another slow motion crack at plugging an annoying gap in capability caused by the retirement of the long-serving Caribou battlefield airlifters last year. Known as project AIR 8000 Phase 2, this is likely to be a re-run of a competition a decade ago that had exactly the same aim, but was cancelled for reasons that are the subject of speculation and rumour, which will be put to rest later in this story.

29th Aug 2011 | Read more

Major Defence reforms unveiled.

This afternoon Defence Minister Stephen Smith announced the Government's response to the Black Review into Departmental lines of accountability. These are largely in line with expectations and the main features are: * the establishment of two Associate Secretary positions to strengthen Defence’s capacity to implement the Black Review; * the strengthening of capability development and acquisition; * increasing rigour and contestability within capability development, including the establishment of a new process for the inclusion of projects into the Defence Capability Plan;

9th Aug 2011 | Read more

INSTALLATION COMPLETE ON LHD LAND-BASED TEST SITE

The Land-Based Test Site (LBTS) at BAE Systems in Williamstown for the Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) project is now complete. BAE Systems, Saab and L-3 Communications (L-3) completed the installation in July 2011 as a key milestone in the development of the integrated combat and communications systems.

27th Jul 2011 | Read more

Rheinmetall unveils new HE DM11

Rheinmetall unveils new HE DM11 secondary ammunition for MBT 120mm smoothbore gun Rheinmetall recently revealed a new 120m HE round to a group of international experts at its proving ground in Unterlüß, Germany. It can be fired from any in-service 120mm smoothbore gun (L44 and L55). Dubbed the DM11, the new ammunition was developed on behalf of the German Ministry of Defence. It enables main battle tanks to respond more effectively to a variety of contemporary threats.

27th Jul 2011 | Read more

Farewell, Dr Gumley.

Dr Stephen Gumley AO joined the Defence Materiel Organisation as its inaugural CEO in February 2004 and retired abruptly on July 7, turning the almost monthly rumours of his departure into reality. Before joining DMO he had a distinguished career in industry including with Boeing and then as the Managing Director of Government-owned ASC, the imaginatively rebranded Australian Submarine Corporation.

26th Jul 2011 | Read more

Defence Exports Future - Defence in NSW

With Australia’s most comprehensive industrial base, NSW industry is integrated into local and international defence supply chains. The diverse capabilities offered by the State’s small-medium enterprises (SME) are essential to Australian defence requirements.

22nd Jul 2011 | Read more

Emerging Defence industry in the Top End

The Northern Territory’s strategic importance to Defence is well documented. Industrial growth in the Territory is booming: major offshore and onshore gas and oil projects are leading the way with an anticipated investment of around $25 billion over the next few years.

22nd Jul 2011 | Read more

Queensland: An Asia Pacific aviation and aerospace hub

• More than 900 aviation and aerospace companies are located in Queensland • Over 16,500 aviation and aerospace jobs in Queensland Queensland - an aviation and aerospace hub After almost a decade of unprecedented industry growth, the Government's vision for Queensland as an aviation and aerospace hub for the Asian Pacific region is fast becoming a reality.

22nd Jul 2011 | Read more

South Australian SMEs in Global Supply Chains

South Australian SMEs in Global Supply Chains – What the South Australian Government is doing to support defence export, including entry into global supply chains. South Australia is a state focused on its defence future – and that future includes innovative, sustainable defence companies working from Australia’s Defence State to equip the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and other defence customers around the world.

22nd Jul 2011 | Read more

Going global: Victorian companies perform on a world stage

When it comes to Australia’s defence industry, Victoria has a long and proud history of providing innovative solutions for the Australian Defence Force. Speak to many Victorian SME defence companies today and they will tell you that the best blueprint for international success is consistently delivering high quality products and services, nurturing highly skilled people and a willingness to expand beyond national borders. According to Ric Smith, Chair of the Defence Council Victoria “Victorian SMEs, with their record of innovation and their global reach, are ideally placed in the changing world of defence industry”.

22nd Jul 2011 | Read more

Case Studies from South Australia

Established in 1958 as a family owned South Australian business, Static Engineering provide exciting design solutions for challenging projects for their commercial and Defence clients. In 2007, Static Engineering became part of the Broens Group, led by Broens Industries together with Calbic Precision Engineers based in South Australia. Broens Industries, based in Sydney, have offices in Adelaide, Melbourne, as well as international offices in Europe, Asia and the US. The Broens Group is a one-stop-engineering-shop, providing concept design, product development, specification, manufacture and after sales service.

22nd Jul 2011 | Read more

Defence & Industry 2011 Conference - Official optimism and Industry gloom.

It was almost as if people from two different planets were intermingling at the Adelaide Defence & Industry conference, held in the last week of June. Listening to a series of Departmental presentations all appeared to be well with the world of defence procurement, with statistics apparently proving repeatedly that the outlook was healthy with billions of dollars to be spent. However, most of the talk from industry representatives was about the tangible slow down in the number of First and Second Pass approvals being granted and the negative impact this is having on a number of companies.

21st Jul 2011 | Read more

AIDN - Australian success stories.

AIDN National President Article for the APDR July / August Edition Global Supply Chain feature. I thank Mr Kym Bergmann the editor of APDR for the opportunity to contribute to the magazine’s feature on Australia’s defence industry small medium enterprises (SMEs) experience in marketing and selling their equipment and services in the global supply chains of Australian based Prime and overseas defence industry companies. AIDN represents over 800 Australian defence industry SMEs and while our organisation works with Government to promote our members’ interest in the development of defence industry policy, skills development and capacity building, our main aim is to maximise the business opportunities for members, both in the domestic market and those overseas. Our members’ participation in global supply chain of large international Prime defence industry companies and their major suppliers is one strand in achieving this aim.

21st Jul 2011 | Read more

PROJECT SEA 1654 – MARITIME OPERATIONAL SUPPORT CAPABILITY

The RAN’s quest to overhaul its maritime operational support capability, SEA 1654, was originally conceived in four phases, which would replace the existing fleet oiler and underway replenishment vessels.

21st Jul 2011 | Read more

Border security Transnational Crime in Micronesia (Part 1)

Micronesia is an enormous, remote, thinly populated region containing two independent microstates (Kiribati and Nauru), three states in ‘Free Association’ with the USA (Republic of the Marshall Islands or RMI, Federated States of Micronesia or FSM, and Palau), and two US territories (Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or CNMI). Micronesia straddles the equator and is laid out in a light dusting of atolls, islands and reefs scattered across a truly enormous expanse of open ocean from the Philippines to Hawaii. The total population is about 500,000 people on about 2,000 square kilometers of land dispersed across millions of square kilometres of sea. Of this population, about 400,000 are US citizens or residents, or have unfettered access to the USA due to Compacts of Free Association with that country.

21st Jul 2011 | Read more

US orders more JHSVs from Austal

The U.S. Navy has exercised contract options funding the construction of the sixth and seventh Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV), as part of a ten-vessel program potentially worth over US$1.6 billion. The construction contract for both vessels is valued at approximately US$313 million. Austal Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Bellamy, noted that this contract demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s confidence in Austal as a leading defence prime contractor.

21st Jul 2011 | Read more

Thales sees its support contract extended for Tiger Aircrew Training

Thales announced on 16 June that its support contract for the Tiger Aircrew Training Means (TATM) has been extended by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) representing Germany and France.

21st Jul 2011 | Read more

Defence Budget 2011 / 2012

Bucking the trend of recent years, the Defence budget has actually been pruned with money being returned to consolidated revenue – but is still healthy at a fraction more than $29 billion. The majority of the “savings” have resulted from the Department not spending as much on equipment for which funds had been allocated in the previous budget, totaling $1.3 billion. For this, Defence Minister Stephen Smith blames industry for not meeting payment milestones. This seems to over simply the situation and it is worth noting that last financial year the Government only managed to give Second Pass approval to eight out of a scheduled 14 projects and only two out of more than 20 of those scheduled for First Pass. Clearly, the Government’s own processes are far from perfect. Delaying First and Second Pass approvals is denying the ADF equipment it needs, is hurting industry and will have the inevitable consequence of leading to a funding blow out in future years.

6th Jun 2011 | Read more

1st Person Senator Mark Bishop

Senator Mark Bishop, Chair of the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee speaks with APDR Editor, Kym Bergmann

6th Jun 2011 | Read more

SEA 1000 SUBMARINE TACTICAL LAND STRIKE

ust after noon on 19th January 1991, during operation “Dessert Storm”, USS LOUISVILLE became the first submarine to launch a land attack missile in anger when she fired eight missiles at targets in Iraq. She did this operating from the Red Sea. Shortly afterwards, USS PITTSBURG became the second when she fired four more missiles from the Mediterranean Sea. Submarines have subsequently fired land attack missiles in a number of other operations. USS MIAMI fired some into Iraq In 1998 at the start of “Desert Fox” (the 4 day bombing operation undertaken in response to Iraq's failure to comply with UN Security Council resolutions). USS ALBUQUERQUE, USS MIAMI and HMS SPLENDID fired some into Kosovo a year later as part of “Allied Force”. HMS TRAFALGAR and TRIUMPH fired them into Afghanistan In 2001 as part of operation “Enduring Freedom and in 2003, 12 USN submarines and the RN submarines HMS SPLENDID and TURBULENT attacked land targets in Iraq as part of “Iraqi Freedom”. Finally, in March this year SSGN USS FLORIDA, and SSNs USS PROVIDENCE, USS SCRANTON and HMS TRIUMP fired some into Libya as part of “Odyssey Dawn”. It is clear that land strike from submarines is not an aberration In this day and age.

6th Jun 2011 | Read more

AIR 5428

The Australian Defence Force’s programme to deliver a Pilot Training System (PTS) which will take a candidate from initial flight screening through to his or her possible entry into the post-graduate Lead In Fighter Trainer, is arguably the most important project on the books at this moment in time. The Pilot Training System, AIR 5428 Phase 1, will deliver a turnkey solution to the ADF, something that has never happened before in this domain. In the past, training projects have been platform-centric – selecting and introducing a specific aircraft type to service and adapting training accordingly. AIR 5428 is a holistic approach, which is outcome driven, rather than a project to acquire a new training aircraft (or two). As such, it is crucial that Defence gets it right.

6th Jun 2011 | Read more

ANZAC Frigate upgrade

n the light of Australia’s continuing problems in the naval shipbuilding sector, it is interesting to see what New Zealand is doing with far more modest means when it comes to upgrading their ANZAC Frigates. Australia and New Zealand ordered the German designed MEKO class frigates at the same time twenty years ago. This came about as a rare consequence of both navies running a combined project office and both Governments remaining committed to a project that promised significant savings through scale – a single order for 10 ships rather than separate contracts for eight and two. Both countries received significant industrial benefits as a result.

6th Jun 2011 | Read more

Troops on the Home Front

On 7 June 2010 the New Zealand Minister of Defence the Hon Wayne Mapp, addressed the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore on the topic of “Humanitarian and Disaster Relief in the Asia-Pacific”. The Minister’s main observations were that we live in a region which regularly experiences a wide range of natural disasters, and that skills in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief are of vital importance throughout our region. Furthermore the Minister noted that disaster relief is increasingly a core task for defence forces and that the necessary capabilities should be available specifically for humanitarian tasks and not just be seen as an add on or ‘nice to have’. He went on to say that such capabilities should form “part of core military business, not be simply a secondary task”. Observing that defence forces are often amongst the few national organizations that hold large fleets of deployable assets and have large numbers of disciplined personnel, the Minister noted that when a disaster occurs the public expect all available resources to be made available and that the defence forces must play a major role in disaster relief. “The public expect in response to a disaster nothing less than the full mobilization of the NZDF to the extent necessary to save lives and property. This expectation is shared by both local and national leaders.”

6th Jun 2011 | Read more

Sagem wins contract to supply second-generation fire control computers for French artillery

On May 16, Sagem announced that following a competitive call for tenders, the new-generation ballistic computer offered by them was chosen by French defense procurement agency DGA to outfit all control stations in the French army’s Atlas* artillery system. The outstanding technical quality of this product was the decisive factor in winning the contract for this program, designated CADET 2G.

6th Jun 2011 | Read more

Elbit Systems

Elbit Systems to Supply an Asian Country with Electro-Optical Payloads for Maritime Patrol Aircraft Under Contract Valued at Approximately $20 Million On May 18, Elbit announced that it was awarded a contract to supply an unnamed Asian country with dozens of CoMPASS™ (Compact Multi Purpose Advanced Stabilized System) payloads for maritime patrol aircraft. The Asian country, which operates one of the largest maritime patrol fleets in the world, has selected the CoMPASS™ payload as a solution to protect its coastlines. The contract, valued at approximately $20 million, is scheduled to be completed within two years.

6th Jun 2011 | Read more

SEA 1000 - A RANGE OF SUBMARINE OPTIONS

ast month the generic roles and functions of a submarine were mapped into the Australian context and some analysis was carried out to identify any aspects of the Australian requirement that stood out as unique. One requirement that warranted further discussion was that of submarine “endurance” and “range”. It was acknowledged, and is largely undisputed in military circles, that the Area of Operations (AO) for Australia’s future submarines will be both large and distant. Are the Australian range and endurance requirement unique, or perhaps just unusual? Can the Australian requirement be met by a Military Off The Shelf (MOTS) submarine, and if not, by how much does a MOTS submarine miss the mark? Finally, if the MOTS submarine does miss the mark, how can the requirement gap be met economically by alternative solutions? There is little point in procuring a future submarine that cannot meet ADF peace and wartime endurance and range needs. However, noting the high cost that would be borne by the taxpayer for the procurement of a unique submarine design and the national consequences if any of the significant own design project risks are realised, all options with respect to meeting endurance and range requirements must be considered.

12th May 2011 | Read more

Helicopter support

Three phases of Project AIR 9000, the Australian Defence Force’s helicopter roadmap for the future, are due to progress to either type selection or contract over the next year or two, realising a reduction in the number of platforms flown.

12th May 2011 | Read more

Air 9000 Phase 7

Aerospace companies, helicopter manufacturers and training and simulation providers are teaming up in readiness for the launch of the Air 9000 Phase 7 helicopter training competition – hardly a surprise given its estimated value is approaching the $1 billion mark.

12th May 2011 | Read more

ADFA and the ADF culture.

The dust has settled on the ugly Australian Defence Force Academy ‘Skype Incident’ – at least for the moment. A great deal has been written about the episode and much of it has been plain wrong – such as the baseless assertion that the Chief of the Defence Force threatened to resign over how the matter was being handled. This media myth – recycled for three days by its originator – came from a single unverified source with an axe to grind. What has emerged is a surprising amount of strong bipartisan political support for the position taken by Stephen Smith, who has been praised by former Liberal Defence Minister Peter Reith and former Liberal Opposition Leader John Hewson – amongst others.

12th May 2011 | Read more

INDIAN DEFENCE INDUSTRY –REGULATIONS AND REWARDS

As an emerging economic superpower, India’s spending on defence is on a rapid upward trajectory. The main driver appears to be emerging rivalry with China – especially as Beijing seeks to increase its presence in the Indian Ocean. However, traditional rivalry with Pakistan as well as increasing internal security issues are also factors.

12th May 2011 | Read more

LHDs powering along.

Given the recent very public problems with the Navy’s existing amphibious ships, there are high hopes that the 2 Landing Helicopter Docks (LHDs) currently under construction will be more than adequate replacements. And at a mid-way point in the programme, work seems to be progressing extremely well. Despite still having some way to go – especially with a few complex electronic systems integration issues coming up – all of the contractors spoken to by APDR expressed quiet satisfaction about how successful the programme has been to date.

10th May 2011 | Read more

TOWARDS THE FUTURE – DEFENCE SIMULATION PROGRESS

Since the Defence Simulation Roadmap was first published in 2006, work to ensure the document evolves to better plan for future development and establish a system of simulation governance for both the ADF and industry has continued without pause. Simulation governance protocols are being developed which will not only guide the ADF along the path to greater and more efficient use of simulation in its activities, but also to shape a vision for the establishment of partnerships with industry and academia in the future.

10th May 2011 | Read more

Osama Bin Laden – an earlier intelligence failure? 5 may 2011

The death of Osama Bin Laden is now being analysed, with new information emerging almost by the hour. He had been on the run for almost a decade and was able to frustrate US and allied intelligence agencies in their attempts to track him down, which added to his mythical status. In an extraordinary comment three minutes into his address to the nation, President Barak Obama revealed: “Shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the Director of the CIA to make the killing or capture of Bin Laden the top priority in our war against Al-Qaeda.”

5th May 2011 | Read more

CHINA’S DEFENCE BUDGET SURGES…YET AGAIN

Every year the National People’s Congress (NPC) meets in the Chinese capital Beijing to lay out policy for the coming year. Among the first items on the annual agenda is the defence budget. On 4 March, on the opening day of the Fourth Session of the 11th NPC, the party leadership announced military spending would increase by 12.7%. This figure marks a return to double-digit growth after last year’s budget expanded by 7.5% as China weathered the global economic crisis.

8th Apr 2011 | Read more

Tanker Delivery Further Uncertainty

There is continuing uncertainty as to when the RAAF’s long awaited Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft will be delivered. From a technical viewpoint, two of the modified A-330s have been ready to be transferred since October last year but delays have occurred because of problems with the provision of ancillary items - especially documentation – and more recently issues concerned with the refueling boom. A Departmental spokesperson explained:

6th Apr 2011 | Read more

Growler and its impact on Australia’s EW capabilities

If the RAAF takes up the option of converting up to 12 Super Hornets to EA-18 Growler configuration, it will provide the ADF with a new and complex airborne EW capability. In such an event their application in a 3D battlefield electronic environment is considered likely to stretch the RAAF’s EW Squadron’s technical capacity for many years as the system evolves and the threat environment changes and ramps up. This situation lends itself to a logical decision to source EA-18G technology and techniques from the USAF/US Industry conglomerate that design and supply it. Ironically, this may bring about the ultimate demise of the EW Squadron’s “raison d’etre” - apart from involvement in a decreasing number of simple, indigenous, EW systems. As Shakespeare so beautifully described it, the EW Squadron may yet be “hoist on its own petard”.

6th Apr 2011 | Read more

ROLES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR AUSTRALIA’S FUTURE SUBMARINE

In the February edition of APDR we outlined the generic roles that submarines perform in peacetime. These roles were broken down into four different categories; prevention of war, preparation for war, naval diplomacy and constabulary tasks. In March’s issue we outlined the generic roles that submarines perform in wartime. These roles were broken down into those associated with battle space preparation and those conducted after commencement of war. It is now time to map those roles into the Australian context.

6th Apr 2011 | Read more

Middle East Instability

he past month has seen a continuation of instability in the Middle East affecting a number of countries, none more so than Libya. The situation is changing daily, with the rebels on the offensive one day and then in headlong retreat the next. The forces loyal to Colonel Gadaffi have proven to be surprisingly determined in the face of Western air strikes launched under the poetically titled operation Odyssey Dawn, which sounds like the name of a cruise ship rather than a military operation.

6th Apr 2011 | Read more

PREPARING FOR HELMAND

APDR’s Richard Gardner visits the UK’s Joint Helicopter Command at Netheravon during Exercise Pashtun Jaguar as crews and helicopters are prepared for an operational return to Afghanistan.

6th Apr 2011 | Read more

Defensive aids systems: electronic armour

The dozens of aircraft shot down in Afghanistan and Iraq over the last decade continue to underline the importance of self protection systems for aircraft, especially helicopters operating within easy range of man portable air defence systems. At the same time, advanced aircraft like the Chinese J-20 and Russian / Indian PAK FA are adding to the number of threats modern military aircraft face. The rapidly growing multi-billion dollar aircraft self protection market is testimony to the fact that such systems are an essential component of modern warfare and are something that no military aircraft can afford to fly without.

6th Apr 2011 | Read more

Border security– Australia’s Border Protection Command

At some future time, a doctoral candidate may explore the impact poor government policy has on newly formed, highly professional and very effective maritime security agencies. Only in this way will the rather extraordinary story of Border Protection Command be told.

14th Mar 2011 | Read more

SIGINT

The ADF’s fourth arm - Less well known than the Australian Defence Force (ADF) itself is the Australian Defence Intelligence Group (DIG)

14th Mar 2011 | Read more

Boeing Receives US Air Force Contract to Build Next-Generation Refueling Tanker

On February 24 Boeing announced that it has received a contract from the U.S. Air Force to build the next-generation aerial refueling tanker aircraft that will replace 179 of the service’s 400 KC-135 tankers.

14th Mar 2011 | Read more

Is the Avalon air show doomed?

The topic of the commercial survival of an air show – even a large one such as Avalon – might at first seem a trivial topic. However, the issues affecting the future of the event say a lot about the relationships between Defence, industry and the media.

14th Mar 2011 | Read more

Babcock AWD torpedo launcher contract moves into next phase

On February 14 the company announced that assembly of the Mk32 Mod 9 torpedo launchers for the Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers is now underway at Babcock’s Techport Australia premises, marking an important milestone in the contract. Babcock Pty Ltd, part of Babcock International Group, was awarded the contract in December 2008 by Raytheon Australia Pty Ltd, on behalf of the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Alliance.

14th Mar 2011 | Read more

Thales TopOwl deployed with French and US Forces in Afghanistan

Thales announced on February 11 that together with the Tiger and Huey UH-1Y helicopters, its TopOwl® Helmet Mounted Sight & Display system (HMSD) has been deployed with the French and US Forces in Afghanistan, to provide high levels of night vision performance and targeting capabilities for helicopter pilots.

14th Mar 2011 | Read more

NATO continues to entrust Thales

NATO has confirmed the role of Thales as operator of highly-secured Communication and Information Systems to the benefit of the nations of the ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) for two additional years.

14th Mar 2011 | Read more

Upgraded S-70A Black Hawk simulator enters service for Australian Army

CAE Australia announced on February 17 that a major upgrade to the Australian Army's S-70A Black Hawk full-flight and mission simulator (FFMS) has been completed on-schedule and recently entered service for the Australian Army.

14th Mar 2011 | Read more

Amphibious Ships

Within the ship are 1,130 linear metres of space which can accommodate 24 main battle tanks, or 150 Jeep-type vehicles with 200 tonnes of supplies or 24 x 24 TEU containers while the ship can carry 356 troops

14th Mar 2011 | Read more

Imagery

ISR IMAGERY – INFORMATION OVERLOAD?

14th Mar 2011 | Read more

Undersea Warfare

SUBMARINE WARTIME ROLES

14th Mar 2011 | Read more

Avalon 2011

Training a key theme - the 10th Avalon air show saw a number of industry teaming agreements aimed at fixed and rotary training requirements – projects AIR 5428 and AIR 9000 Phase 7, respectively.

14th Mar 2011 | Read more

Red Dawn Rising

Chinese Air Force

14th Feb 2011 | Read more

Two steps forward, half a step back.

JSF

14th Feb 2011 | Read more

1st Person

Air Marshal Mark Binskin, Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force speaks with APDR Editor, Kym Bergmann

14th Feb 2011 | Read more

Poseidon P-8A - God of the sea and shaker of the earth

AIR 7000 Phase 2B

14th Feb 2011 | Read more

EXPANDING THE ENVELOPE – WEDGETAIL AEW&C

Airborne Early Warning and Control

14th Feb 2011 | Read more

THE RAF IN AFGHANISTAN AND BEYOND

Richard Gardner looks at how changing priorities in UK defence policy are likely to impact on the role and shape of future UK air power.

14th Feb 2011 | Read more

Russian Firefighting Helicopters Ensure Global Safety.

The Russian firefighting Ka-32A11BC, Mi-17, and Mi-26T are ready to keep the Earth safe from fires in the summer season – always a potential hazard in many countries.

14th Feb 2011 | Read more

All the World’s Super Hercules.

C-130J

14th Feb 2011 | Read more

Defence Headlines February 2011.

A combination of defence headlines from February of 2011.

14th Feb 2011 | Read more

JASSM – STILL CAUSING CONCERN.

JASSM.

14th Feb 2011 | Read more

Refueling Mishap Unlikely To Affect Delivery.

Multi-Role Tanker Transport.

14th Feb 2011 | Read more

Poseidon P-8A - God of the sea and shaker of the earth.

AIR 7000 Phase 2B.

14th Feb 2011 | Read more

Further advances in targeting pods.

Sensor pods.

14th Feb 2011 | Read more

Not just a powerful weapon.

Submarines.

14th Feb 2011 | Read more

The U.K.’s Watchkeeper programme.

ISTAR

14th Feb 2011 | Read more

An asymmetric evaluation

AIR 9000 phase 8

22nd Dec 2010 | Read more

AWD moves ahead

Air Warfare Destroyer

22nd Dec 2010 | Read more

LAND 400 – the impossible dream? (Part II)

To achieve the objectives of LAND 400 factors including price, performance, project risk and delivery will have to be fully considered

22nd Dec 2010 | Read more

A German Success Story

While the Department of Defence continues to cogitate its navel about the RAN’s SEA 1000 future submarine, in terms of capability, design availability, cost and in service date to eventually replace the Collins, the German submarine building machine HDW continues to pump out its Type 214 SSK to many European maritime countries, (Spain excepted), and is also enjoying export success much further afield – including Asia.

22nd Dec 2010 | Read more

The Year In Review

The ADF has had another demanding year operationally with a continuing focus on Afghanistan where there has been further loss of life, accompanied by deployments in other theatres such as Timor Leste and the Solomons. The Navy and Air Force have been operating at a brisk tempo in support of these activities. There has been continuing discussion about whether our deployment in Oruzgan is sufficient or whether further efforts should be made, particularly during the period before the Parliamentary debate about Australia’s involvement.

22nd Dec 2010 | Read more

Raytheon Teaming Agreement Announced for Pilot Training System Competition

Raytheon Australia announced on December 16 that it has teamed with BAE Systems to bid for the Air 5428 Pilot Training System Program. Air 5428 Phase 1 aims to utilise advanced training systems to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Australian Defence Force’s fixed wing pilot training.

22nd Dec 2010 | Read more

Lockheed Martin F-35 Program Achieves Overall 2010 Flight Test Target

Lockheed Martin announced on December 15 that the F-35 Lightning II program team reached its 2010 goal of 394 test flights jointly established by the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office and Lockheed Martin. Since the first flight of the F-35 on Dec.15, 2006, the program has logged a total of 531 flights, expanding the performance envelope of the three F-35 variants and testing the mission systems.

22nd Dec 2010 | Read more

SUBMARINES -- THE FUTURE

Australian government policy is to replace the current six Collins class with twelve new larger submarines armed with, among other things, long-range cruise missiles. The hope is that these craft will provide something like the long-range punch formerly provided by the recently-retired F-111s. Where is submarine technology going? How may it affect any new Australian submarines over, say, the next two decades? Any discussion should begin with the reasons that submarines, albeit expensive, are still worthwhile. The fundamental value of submarines is that they are stealthy, hence can operate in areas nominally dominated by others. What the submarine does with that ability varies with what it has on board and with the scenario. In the past, the most prominent missions have been to attack enemy ships and submarines, to conduct reconnaissance, and to deter an enemy by threatening strategic attack from a secure place. (KYM TO TASHA, BPS) Australia does not currently entertain the vision of strategic deterrence by submarine, but that might become attractive in a future in which nuclear weapons were more widely spread in the region.

22nd Dec 2010 | Read more

DEFENCE WHITE PAPER OUTLINE

The New Zealand government released the long-awaited Defence White Paper on 2 November 2010. This document was well overdue, with the previous paper issued 13 years ago. With an annual budget of just NZD 3 billion (US$ 2.2 billion, or 1% of GDP in 2009), NZ is militarily a small fish in a big sea. Indeed, tellingly, its defence spending amounts to just 7.2% of Australia’s, and the NZ Defence Force (NZDF) has a mere 9,673 regular personnel. Nevertheless, NZ does have a security role to play, especially in its South Pacific backyard.

22nd Dec 2010 | Read more

The role of submarines in Warfare

The strategic level of war concerns the overall conduct of the war, the approximate forces that will be made available, and the weights and efforts required in various theatres. The operational level of war is the one below and is primarily concerned with how to achieve the strategic aims of the conflict with the forces allocated. It involves the planning and conduct of campaigns and key operations in order to achieve the strategic aim. It provides the link between the strategic and tactical levels of command.

22nd Dec 2010 | Read more

Aussie Tiger - helicopter with an Amphibious future

Selected in 2001 under the auspices of Project AIR 87 the Franco - German Eurocopter Tiger EC665 is giving the Army an impressive level of combat capability. Australia required a versatile platform to replace two existing types of rotary aircraft; the Vietnam era Bell 206B-1 Kiowa and UH-1-H Iroquois ‘Bushranger’ gunship helicopters.

1st Nov 2010 | Read more

Infantry-portable fire support weapons

Fire support

1st Nov 2010 | Read more

LAND 400

Combined Arms Fighting System – Part 1

1st Nov 2010 | Read more

Harry Dunstall, General Manager – Commercial

Speaking to APDR Editor Kym Bergmann

1st Oct 2010 | Read more

AIR 7000 – ISR FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Air 7000 Update.

1st Oct 2010 | Read more

Spain’s S-80: the SEA 1000 dark horse?

Undersea warfare

1st Oct 2010 | Read more

The Rise of the Chinese Empire

Strategic analysis

1st Oct 2010 | Read more

LAND 75 & LAND 125

Elbit Command and Control Systems

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

Border security

Michael Yui. Singapore, Malaysia

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

AIR 8000 PHASE TWO

An opportunity lost

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

Night vision / LAND 53BR

Additional night fighting capability

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

“The Australian Army has certainly evolved a very strong COIN doctrine”:

Exclusive Interview with General Peter Cosgrove

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

Joint Strike Fighter

Eglin AFB gears up for RAAF pilots

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

WORLD NAVIES GATHER IN HAWAIIAN WATERS

RIMPAC 2010

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

The importance of defence reform

Whoever becomes Australia’s next Defence Minister will need to continue to focus on the importance of defence reform

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

Lockheed Martin completes second live tracking exercise for ballistic missile defense

Lockheed Martin has announced that on August 15 it successfully identified and tracked four live targets during a test of its Multi-Mission Signal Processor (MMSP) being fielded as part of the Aegis next-generation Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capability.

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

Boeing Hornet Contract

Boeing Australia Component Repairs

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

FIRST AIRBUS MILITARY A330 MRTT FOR ROYAL AIR FORCE LEAVES HANGAR

A330 MRTT Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

Thales Australia and the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) are boosting soldier safety

Thales Australia boosts soldier safety with Bullet Trap Blank Firing AttachmentsThales Australia boosts soldier safety with Bullet Trap Blank Firing Attachments

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

Babcock

Babcock’s novel approach to submarine support to improve availability and reduce cost

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

QinetiQ

QinetiQ files for three world records for its Zephyr Solar powered UAV

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

The Global Supply Chain

Foreword by The Hon Greg Combet

1st Aug 2010 | Read more

The New Royal New Zealand Navy

At the beginning of the Twenty First century the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) faced an uncertain future.

1st Aug 2010 | Read more

LHD communications suite

A transformational capability

1st Aug 2010 | Read more

Industry policy

New Defence Industry Policy - what it really means!

1st Aug 2010 | Read more

Pratt & Whitney Signs Agreement with Australian Supplier

Pratt & Whitney signed a purchase order on July 19 with Production Parts to manufacture a critical engine component for the F135 propulsion system program

1st Aug 2010 | Read more

The Federal Election

At the time of writing, the Australian Federal election looks to be a close contest with the odds slightly in favor of the Government being returned

1st Aug 2010 | Read more

Austal Hosts Keel Laying Ceremony For US Army’s “Spearhead” (JHSV 1)

This is the first of a class of 10 vessels to be operated by both the US Army and Navy.

1st Aug 2010 | Read more

JSF support MoU

Senior Representatives from BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will provide Through Life Support for the F-35 ‘Lightning’ Joint Strike Fighter.

1st Aug 2010 | Read more

MRH90 To Resume Flying

Australian Aerospace Limited, which assembles the Army’s and Navy’s MRH90 helicopters in Brisbane, has welcomed the imminent return to flying operations by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) of what it describes as a world leading and most advanced multi-role helicopter.

1st Aug 2010 | Read more

Boeing Celebrates Production of 100th CH-47F Chinook

"This is an incredible milestone," said Leanne Caret, Boeing vice president, H-47 Programs.

1st Aug 2010 | Read more

Raytheon Australia Commences Full Scale Calibration Services

On 21 July Raytheon Australia announced that their contract for the provision of comprehensive calibration services for ADF test and measurement equipment has completed the final phase-in activities with the formal approval to commence full scale calibration production.

1st Aug 2010 | Read more

Elbit Systems Introduces: Mini-Laser Designator for Micro-Payloads

The demand for laser-based defense systems is growing for a number of reasons, primarily due to the very high level of accuracy resulting in point target hits and minimal collateral damage.

1st Aug 2010 | Read more

QANTAS DEFENCE SERVICES SIGNS $136M C130H CONTRACT EXTENSION

The contract, initially awarded to Qantas in 1999, includes renewal options.

1st Aug 2010 | Read more

SIMTECT 2010

Simulation

1st Aug 2010 | Read more

Defence Budget 2010 - 2011

DEFENCE BUDGET KEEPS GROWING

1st Jun 2010 | Read more

SEA 1000

COMBAT SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

1st Jun 2010 | Read more

Afghanistan

TRAINING THE NEXT AFGHAN GENERATION

1st Jun 2010 | Read more

KYRGYZ

THE EVENTS IN KYRGYZSTAN

1st Jun 2010 | Read more

The Strategic Importance of Sri Lanka to Australia

The recent influx of Sri Lankan asylum seekers to Australia in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s civil war has brought a rare spotlight on Australia’s bilateral relationship with Sri Lanka

1st Jun 2010 | Read more

Decision time approaches

Land 121 phase 4

1st Jun 2010 | Read more

Delivery of RAAF Air Tanker Support Equipment to Begin

EADS has announced that preparations have begun to deliver thousands of items of tooling and spare parts from Europe to Australia to support the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) new fleet of Airbus Military A330 Multi-Role Tanker-Transport (MRTT) air-to-air refuelling tankers.

1st Jun 2010 | Read more

BAE SYSTEMS MARKS TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF AUSTRALIAN HAWK OPERATIONS

On May 12 BAE Systems celebrated a decade of successful production and support operations for the Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter (LIF) aircraft in Australia.

1st Jun 2010 | Read more

Boost for ADF communications capability

Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Materiel and Science announced on May 13 that a major milestone has been reached in Joint Project 2043, the High Frequency Modernisation project.

1st Jun 2010 | Read more

CAE awarded new military contracts in Europe and Canada valued at approximately C$50 million

Canada’s CAE announced on 5 May that towards the end of its fiscal 2010 it was awarded several new military contracts in Europe and Canada to support the German Army and Royal Netherlands Air Force as well as Canada's Department of National Defence. The value of the contracts combined is approximately C$50 million.

1st Jun 2010 | Read more

Exoskeleton super technology

The Raytheon Company’s research facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, is developing a robotic suit for the soldier of tomorrow.

1st Jun 2010 | Read more

AIR 9000 phase 8 - Let the competition begin

Now that Air 9000 phase 8 is a competition, APDR features a major assessment on NFH90 and MH60-R

5th May 2010 | Read more

Air 87

Training: A fearful symmetry. Modern weapon systems and complex platforms demand the increasing attention of their operators and maintainers

5th May 2010 | Read more

Sri Lanka

Information Warfare and the Endgame of the Civil War

5th May 2010 | Read more

General Electric Co and Rolls Royce

GE and Rolls-Royce Propose Fixed Price Offer for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Engine

5th May 2010 | Read more

Indonesia's National Corvette Program

Resurrecting the National Corvette Program?

5th May 2010 | Read more

NSW defence industry

Expert advisory council to grow NSW defence industry

5th May 2010 | Read more

EADS Defence and Royal Thai Air Force

ADS Defence & Security’s obstacle warning system to protect Royal Thai Air Force helicopters

5th May 2010 | Read more

EADS North America

EADS North America to build three Armed Aerial Scout 72X Technology Demonstration Aircraft

5th May 2010 | Read more

BAE Systems opens new engineering hub in Melbourne

BAE Systems opened its new engineering hub in Melbourne on April 27 that will integrate the company’s aerospace, autonomous systems and guided weapons research into a single facility.

5th May 2010 | Read more

Enhanced communications for deployed forces

Senator John Faulkner announces the Governments significant initiative to enhance communications support to the Australian Defence Force

5th May 2010 | Read more

Thales TopOwl

TopOwl flies through tests for new extreme-condition applications

5th May 2010 | Read more

Flight Simulator

Designing and developing a flying training system for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) of the future takes time – a lot of time.

23rd Apr 2010 | Read more

PLA(N) Makes Worldwide Waves

In October 2006, a Chinese Song-class submarine evaded escorting vessels of the American Kitty Hawk carrier battle group, surfacing 8km away and within torpedo range of the huge aircraft carrier itself.

23rd Apr 2010 | Read more

JSF - Australia Industry Participation

Never far from controversy, the Joint Strike Fighter programme is facing pressures both from within Lockheed Martin, in terms of the delayed testing schedule, and those exerted on defence budgets by the global financial crisis.

16th Apr 2010 | Read more

Kim Beazley

In one of his last interviews before his departure to take up his position as Australia’s Ambassador to the US, former Defence Minister Kim Beazley talks to APDR’s Sergei DeSilva-Ranasinghe about the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean to Australia’s

16th Apr 2010 | Read more

Electronic Warfare: Australia's mixed record

As far as the author is aware there is no official history of Australia’s endeavours in indigenous Electronic Warfare (EW) projects in Australia, but if there was then the Defence Research Laboratories at Salisbury in South Australia would undoubtedly be the principle player, with some support from Australian Industry.

10th Mar 2010 | Read more

Land 121 Phase 3 Shortlist

The next stage of LAND 121 Phase 3 has commenced with the down select of three vehicle types now remaining for further trials.

10th Mar 2010 | Read more

Singapore Airshow 2010 Wrap Up

The official statistics indicating that the air show grew strongly from its beginnings 2 years ago tells only part of the story.

10th Mar 2010 | Read more

Super Hornets: Industry Support for the RAAF's Rhinos

The Commonwealth has allocated AS$2.5 billion over a period of 10 years to provide support and sustainment for the introduction of 24 F/A-18F Block II+ Super Hornets with the Royal Australian Air Force.

10th Feb 2010 | Read more

Air 7000 & JP129

Australia is making substantial investments in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

10th Feb 2010 | Read more

Wedgetail. Another saga of naïve contracting?

It boggles and saddens the mind that Defence, the launch customer for the supply of an airborne early warning and control capability for Australia, and the supplier Boeing, have failed to perform satisfactorily on this critically important program for the defence of Australia.

3rd Feb 2010 | Read more

Afghanistan analysis: Uzbeks’ Role in Afghan Fighting

Some of the most determined Taliban fighters faced by Australian and allied troops are ethnic Uzbeks, who have gained a reputation for determination and fanaticism.

2nd Feb 2010 | Read more

MRH-90 Performs Well in Maritime Trials

New platforms don’t always receive positive reports from pre-entry into service trials, but the new Eurocopter MRH-90 multi-role helicopter appears to have performed well so far.

14th Jan 2010 | Read more

AWD Ship Construction Underway

Air Warfare Destroyer : Ship construction underway - the sparks start to fly

8th Jan 2010 | Read more

From Sea 1441 to Sea 1000

The ink is hardly dry on the decision to adopt a US Navy combat system for the Type 471 Collins class SSK submarine; availability, serviceability and crewing remain problems to be solved; their half-life update is not too many years into the future; and the Government has said it will not abandon the Collins.

2nd Jan 2010 | Read more

Land 121 Phase 3 Update

As a project LAND 121, is nowhere near as appealing to most as Air Warfare Destroyers, Stealth fighters or Self Propelled Artillery systems.

2nd Nov 2009 | Read more

Land 17 Moves in Stages

Army’s artillery replacement project – valued at just shy of $500 million – has taken a step forward with the announcement of the intention to purchase 155mm M777 towed howitzers from BAE Systems.

2nd Nov 2009 | Read more

Maritime Counter-Terrorism and the Sri Lanka Navy

The recent and spectacular successes of the Sri Lanka Navy [SLN] in countering the maritime wing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam [LTTE], the Sea Tigers, serves as an interesting example of maritime counter-insurgency.

2nd Nov 2009 | Read more

Tiger Helicopters

And well might it be said as the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter [ARH], now beginning to enter into service in the Australian Army, is demonstrating that it is an outstanding example of European commercial and technological aviation expertise that is stealing the march on a heretofore entrenched market for United States helicopters in Australia and also in other nations.

2nd Nov 2009 | Read more

Current Australian Military Communication Projects

The concept of Revolution in Military Affairs [RMA] has become a key driver behind technological change and the requirement for achieving the knowledge edge, as essential elements of successful waging of modern warfare.

5th Oct 2009 | Read more

NCW – the way ahead

Announced with no fanfare in early October – not even a media release – the NCW Roadmap 2009 is a 70 page document providing an outline of how the ADF needs to achieve key objectives in the next decade and beyond.

5th Oct 2009 | Read more

The Utility of Tactical Data Links

In the mid-1990s, with the end of the Cold War all major military powers studied a different role and structure of military capabilities.

5th Oct 2009 | Read more

Australia and New Zealand Twenty-First Century ANZACS

Australia and New Zealand’s deep and common heritage, a lasting - if gruff - kinship, and similar social values all underscore the merits of a standing trans-Tasman force, ready to meet shared national security challenges. Peter Greener and Nick Floyd review the challenges that the notion itself presents.

5th Oct 2009 | Read more

Air 8000

The search for a successor to Australia’s geriatric de Havilland DHC-4 Caribou fleet, which started way back in the 1970s, has stalled a number of times in recent years but with annual support costs for the fleet now reaching A$35 million continuing operation of the type is no longer feasible.

1st Sep 2009 | Read more

InFlight Connectivity Comes of Age

In-flight connectivity is finally taking off after years of false starts. Emma Kelly examines today’s technology and its prospects for success this time around.

1st Sep 2009 | Read more

How Sri Lanka Won the Unwinnable War

Considered to be one of Asia’s longest running conflicts, the Sri Lankan civil war officially ended on 19 May 2009, with the Sri Lankan military recapturing all LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) controlled territory and killing its leadership.

1st Sep 2009 | Read more

Uninhabited Systems: Multi-Autonomous Ground-robotic International Challenge

In his announcement on 13 July 2009, the Hon. Greg. Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science announced an “International Challenge to Develop Military Robots” through a competition known as the Multi-Autonomous Ground-robotic International Challenge (MAGIC).

1st Sep 2009 | Read more

Anti-Ship Missile Defence

When the history of the ANZAC ships is written, it is highly likely that the success and utility of the Commonwealth’s original approach since the frigates have required minor and major upgrades to enhance their anti-submarine warfare [ASW] and anti-surface warfare [ASuW] capabilities, but not their capability to prosecute an attack.

1st Jul 2009 | Read more

Indonesian Election

The overwhelming Presidential victory of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has enormous positive implications not only for Australia, but for the region in general.

1st Jul 2009 | Read more

Boeing's Poseidon reaches another milestone

The Boeing Company and the United States Navy (USN) have formally unveiled the service's newest maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon, during a ceremony near Seattle on 30 July.The Boeing Company and the United States Navy (USN) have formally unveiled the service's newest maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon, during a ceremony near Seattle on 30 July.

1st Jul 2009 | Read more

RAAFs First Super Hornet

Speaking at the rollout of the first RAAF Super Hornet, RAAF Chief Air Marshal Mark Binskin said that he personally is in favor of the future conversion of some of the aircraft to the Electronic Warfare ‘Grizzly’ variant. Previously known as the Growler, the EW variants have been rechristened to avoid confusion with their predecessor the Prowler.

1st Jul 2009 | Read more

Funding to ADF Operations increases by 40%

The Rudd Government has clearly signaled its operational priorities in the 2009-2010 budget released last month.

30th Jun 2009 | Read more

J-XX The PLAAF’s Plans for a Stealthy Fifth Generation Fighter

There is very little information available about the J-XX. The existence of the program was first disclosed by US Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) in 1997 when J-XX was described as a 4th generation fighter to enter the service around 2015.

30th Jun 2009 | Read more

Rebalancing – with more change on the way

There are good and bad things in this US DoD’s Fiscal 2010 budget proposals. President Obama and the US DoD recognise – unlike Prime Minister Rudd – that there are limits to the size of the country’s coffers for military expenditure, despite the fact that the war in Afghanistan is rapidly replacing the one in Iraq and is escalating very rapidly.

30th Jun 2009 | Read more

Having to do more with less

This is particularly so for navies in the South-East Asian region As we approach the first decade of the 21st Century, it is clear that the maritime environment will continue to play an important role for not only nations but also people of the world, a large proportion who depend on maritime trade and activities.

6th May 2009 | Read more

Navy The Big Winner - But When?

The Government’s long awaited White Paper – Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030 has been greeted with consistently mixed reviews.

6th May 2009 | Read more

Supporting the ADF's Helicopter Fleet

The goal of the Australian Defence Force’s [ADFs] Project AIR 9000 is to plan a ‘rotary wing roadmap’ for the future and as such, aims to replace legacy Army and Navy fleets to satisfy projected operational requirements.

6th May 2009 | Read more

Two Grand Old Ladies

We are, of course, referring to the Army’s venerable Blackhawks and the Navy’s Seahawks, which are twins from the one parent – the United States manufacturer, Sikorsky.

6th May 2009 | Read more

APDR at a glance