News Archive 2004

December

[TOP]

ON-GOING DEFENCE SUPPORT CONFIRMED FOR INDONESIA: Further Australian Government support for devastated communities in Aceh has been confirmed in the form of the provision of three UH-1H ‘Iroquois’ helicopters to assist with rescue, recovery and repair activities. The three helicopters will be transported from RAAF Base ‘Amberley’ to Indonesia via a chartered Antonov AN-124 aircraft. A Beech 350 ‘King Air’ light aircraft is also in transit bound for Indonesia to assist with search, observation and the carriage of humanitarian assistance into less developed airstrips. Additional air crews are being sent to Sumatra by commercial carriers to ensure full utilisation of the five C-130 ‘Hercules’ transport aircraft (including one from NZ) already working out of Medan. A RAAF B707 has also stayed on in Indonesia to assist in moving people, equipment and supplies around affected areas. Australian financial assistance to aid agencies has been increased to $35m. [30.12.04]

AMPHIBIOUS VESSEL & ARMY FIELD HOSPITAL LEAVING FOR ACEH: The amphibious landing/transport ship, HMAS ‘Kanimbla’ and an Army Engineering detachment will leave Sydney 31 December to aid in the recovery and reconstruction of devastated communities in Indonesia. The ship will carry two ‘Sea King’ helicopters and landing craft, and will travel via Darwin to pick up an Army engineering squadron comprising around 100 personnel with heavy equipment essential to clean-up and reconstruction efforts. The vessel will be able to remain on station in Aceh for around 30 days before requiring resupply. An Army Field Hospital comprising members from the 1st Health Support Company is also being despatched to Sumatra for initial set-up within 24 hours. The hospital involves around 90 personnel (including surgeons, intensive care, resuscitation, X-Ray facilities and pathology services), and has a capacity for around 55 beds under normal circumstances. Its establishment is in addition to a smaller primary care reception team aboard HMAS ‘Kanimbla’. [30.12.04]

FURTHER AUSTRALIAN SUPPORT HEADING FOR INDONESIA: RAAF ‘Hercules’ transports despatched to Indonesia to ferry disaster relief supplies and medical teams are to operate from a forward base in Medan (Sumatra), as part of the task of ferrying materiel into Banda, Aceh. Australia is sending a further 60 tonnes of humanitarian aid and specific items (such as generators), via a commercially chartered aircraft. Defence Minister Hill says “a further two civilian medical teams are to be transported into the region by an RAAF 707. We will continue to monitor and respond to needs in the region as they arise." The organization of emergency supplies is being assisted by Emergency Management Australia (EMA), which has activated its National Emergency Management Coordination Centre for the task. [29.12.04]

NEXT SOLDIER ROTATION DEPARTS FOR SERVICE IN IRAQ: Soldiers from the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR), together with members of the Darwin-based 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2 CAV REGT) and Sydney-based 1st Military Police Battalion (1 MP BN) have left Australia for Iraq to take over as the next rotation of the Australian Embassy Security Detachment (SECDET). The departing units will form part of a security detachment of about 120 personnel including Australian Light Armoured Vehicles and an explosive ordnance detachment to provide protection and escort for Australian Government personnel working in the Embassy in Baghdad. The Security Detachment is also responsible for aspects of the protection of the Australian Army Training Team Iraq. [29.12.04]

HMAS ‘DARWIN’ FOR TENTH NAVY ROTATION INTO THE GULF: The 220-person guided-missile frigate, HMAS ‘Darwin’ has left her home port of Fleet Base West (Garden Island, WA) for passage to the Persian Gulf to take over active duty from HMAS ‘Adelaide’ in the task of: protecting Iraq's offshore export oil terminals; monitoring, intercepting and boarding vessels suspected of illegally trafficking oil and other cargo that diverts funds from the Iraqi economy; and preparing to hand over security responsibilities to the Iraqi Defence Force. HMAS ‘Darwin’ has previously deployed to the Gulf on four occasions, most recently between November 2002 and April 2003. This is the tenth rotation of Navy ships as part of coalition operations following the initial deployment in 2001. [28.12.04]

HILL OUTLINES INITIAl TSUNAMI MILITARY SUPPORT PACKAGE: In response to yesterday's Tsunami across southern Asia and the wider Indian Ocean, the Government has decided to dispatch four C-130 ‘Hercules’ transports to Northern Sumatra to assist in the humanitarian relief effort. A fifth ‘Hercules’ is likely to be supplied by New Zealand. Following discussions with Indonesian officials, the aircraft will be dispatched (from RAAF Base ‘Richmond) to Sumatra carrying supplies and a medical team of 10 specialists (first two aircraft), and tasked with the job of conducting health assessments and some primary treatment. While discussions are under way to identify the location where Australian emergency aid can be most effectively positioned, aircraft may be initially staged through Butterworth (Malaysia) if they cannot fly direct into Indonesia. Australia has made an initial contribution of $10m to international relief efforts. [27.12.04]

NATIONAL SERVICE THEME STRONG IN HOWARD XMAS MESSAGE: Prime Minister Howard, in his 2004 Christmas message, has reminded the Australian community that “members of the Australian Defence Force and Australian Federal Police are making an important contribution to the international fight against terrorism and serving our nation proudly in Iraq, the Solomon Islands and a number of other overseas locations. Each of them has brought credit to our country, and I encourage all Australians to spare a thought for those serving personnel and their families who will spend this Christmas apart. The tragic death of police officer Adam Dunning two days ago is a stark reminder of the risks these brave Australians face each day.” [24.12.04]

UK SCIENCE GROUP BREAKS INTO US MILITARY MARKET: The UK-based QinetiQ science and technology company has been given regulatory approval to acquire two major US businesses - Boston-based Foster-Miller Inc, and the Westar Aerospace and Defense Group - at a total cost of £160m. The £65m (2004) annual turnover Foster-Miller Inc is an important provider of research and development services to the US Department of Defense, and also manufactures military and industrial robots and applique armour. St Louis-based Westar is a leading provider of engineering, software and logistics services to the US military, particularly in the areas of army aviation and ballistic missile defence, and had 2004 revenues of £75m. Founded from the former laboratories of the UK Ministry of Defence, QinetiQ now has a workforce of more than 9,000. [24.12.04]

BIDS NOW IN FOR AIR WARFARE DESTROYER ASPIRANTS: Defence Minister Hill has confirmed the Department has received three proposals - from ASC Shipbuilding, Northrop Grumman Ship Systems and Tenix Defence - for award of the role of air warfare destroyer shipbuilder. Defence already has on the table for evaluation three ship designer proposals, received from Germany’s Blohm +Voss, US-based Gibbs &Cox and Spain’s Izar. The Department is also evaluating responses from BAE Systems, Raytheon Australia and Saab Systems for the role of Sea 4000 destroyer non-Aegis system Combat System-System Engineer. Hill says all air warfare destroyer build proposals will now be the subject of rigorous and detailed analysis. [23.12.04]

SEA 4000 DESTROYER BUILD SELECTION CRITERIA RELEASED: Senator Hill added selection of the new air warfare destroyer shipbuilder will be based on the following lead criteria: commitment to the principles of a long-term risk sharing arrangement with the Commonwealth and other industry partners for destroyer construction; a cost, overhead and pricing structure that will enable the cost effective delivery of destroyers, including the ability to build designs considering 'whole of life' costs; a sound record of past performance in building naval vessels; commercial viability and financial backing; access to the skilled workforce required to produce ships to the Commonwealth's requirements; willingness to provide open financial accounting data - including visibility through to the sub-contractor level - to the Commonwealth; capacity to provide the Commonwealth with transparency and contractual influence over major sub-contractors; and capacity to access sensitive technology required for the destroyer project. Bidders were also required to include Australian skills and training programs in their tenders. [23.12.04]

DEFENCE TAKES IT IN THE NECK FOR DE-ANNE KELLY LETTERS: A Xmas-eve release from Defence explains a congratulatory letter sent to Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal recipients by the Department on behalf of Minister Kelly, mistakenly included incorrect portfolio details for the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, the Hon De-Anne Kelly MP. The letterhead wrongly indicated that the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence was also the Minister for Employment Services. The letter that was sent out by the Department was based on the letterhead and portfolio responsibilities of the previous Minister, and not those of Mrs Kelly. Defence says the draft letter approved by Minister Kelly on her correct letterhead was forwarded to the Department for distribution to medal recipients, but was then mistakenly distributed without reflecting Mrs Kelly's correct portfolio responsibilities. The Department says it takes full responsibility for this error, and Secretary Smith has apologised to the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence for any embarrassment the oversight has caused. [23.12.04]

NEW DEFENCE PROCUREMENT MANUAL FROM 1 JANUARY 2005: The Department of Defence has released Update 5.5 to Version 5.0 (2004) of the Defence Procurement Policy Manual (DPPM). The new release is a major update of procurement policy script, and works to align the DPPM with the new Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines that will take effect from 1 January 2005 upon commencement of the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA). Version 5 of the DPPM completely replaces Version 4 (issued in 2003), and consolidates Defence procurement and contracting policy into one readily accessible and comprehensive document. Those maintaining hard copies of the DPPM can download an Amendment Pack from the Defence (DMO) website. [22.12.04]

INTERIM DEFENCE PROCUREMENT COMPLAINTS HANDLING POLICY: The Department of Defence has released an interim (3 pages) policy intended to satisfy the requirements of the revised Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines (1/2005) requiring procurement processes in the public sector environment to be based on clearly articulated and defensible evaluation criteria. Defence’s actions in relation to procurement must therefore be robust and defensible, and able to be defended in response to promulgation of the interim procurement complaints handling policy. A final Defence Procurement Complaints Handling Policy is to be developed over the course of 2005 following consultation with a broad range of stakeholders. In dealing with suppliers, Defence purchasing officers are to be guided by the brochure – ‘Defence & Industry: An Ethical Relationship’. [22.12.04]

INCREASED MILITARY PRESENCE AUTHORISED FOR THE SOLOMONS: Following the shooting of an Australian Federal Police (AFP) Protective Service Officer serving with the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), Defence Minister Hill says the Government has authorised the immediate re-deployment of an ADF rapid response force to bolster AFP resources. An infantry company is subsequently to be drawn out of the 3rd Brigade, located in Townsville, and will commence its redeployment on 23 December. Hill says “the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands has been informed of this decision, and fully supports it. This strengthened military presence will support police in carrying out their work to complete the restoration of law and order in Solomon Islands.” [22.12.04]

BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION FOR AUSTRALIA IN 2005: Australia and Indonesia have agreed to co-host a Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Regional Workshop, to be held in Melbourne during February 2005. The two countries see the workshop as part of an ongoing process to reduce the possibility of inadvertent assistance by regional states to biological weapons programs being developed elsewhere. In the absence of an international instrument to monitor compliance with the BWC treaty, Australia and Indonesia have both been supportive of the Geneva program of work, which includes the enactment of legislation, enhancing security of pathogens and toxins, and establishing codes of conduct for biological scientists. The BWC prohibits member states developing, producing, stockpiling or otherwise acquiring or retaining biological weapons or their means of delivery. [22.12.04]

MORE DEFENCE HOMES FOR COOKS ESTATE IN QUEANBEYAN: The Defence Housing Authority (DHA) has signed contracts for the purchase of seven house and land packages worth $3.1m in the Cooks Estate, Queanbeyan (NSW). The seven new houses that are in addition to the 38 DHA homes currently being developed on the old Pitch and Putt site adjacent to the Queanbeyan racecourse. With the forthcoming establishment of the Defence Headquarters Joint Operations Command near Bungendore (25kms from Queanbeyan), the Government sees it is important to establish high quality housing for Defence personnel, and their families, posted to the region. The DHA will accordingly work with local builder, Blackett Homes, to ensure the seven new houses would be available for Defence personnel by September 2005. [22.12.04]

VICTORIANS GET BEHIND TENIX AIR WARFARE DESTROYER BID: A pre-Xmas meeting of Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) members in Victoria called to discuss project Sea 4000 has resolved to throw their weight behind the bid by Tenix Defence to build the three required air warfare destroyers at the existing ‘Williamstown’ naval shipbuilding site. AIDN-Vic claims its 175 members employ 15,000 persons, and have established the nation’s largest and most sophisticated defence supply industry over the past 10 years. According to AIDN-Vic officials, the organisation has also applauded the Victorian Government’s decision to support Tenix for the $6b destroyer contract. Early in its current program of ‘Anzac’ frigate construction, Tenix is credited for recognising the need for a strong Australian SME cluster and worked closely with the Victorian Government to provide support to the newly formed AIDN-Vic. [22.12.04]

C-130 ELECTRONIC WARFARE SELF PROTECTION CONTRACT: Sydney-based Tenix Defence has been awarded a $25m contract to install and integrate Electronic Warfare Self Protection (EWSP) modifications for the RAAF’s fleet of 12 C-130H ‘Hercules’ transports, currently based at Richmond (NSW). The new contract follows Tenix’s selection as preferred tenderer for the C-130H EWSP modification under phase 2B of project Air 5416 (Echidna). The integration work, designed to improve the survivability of aircraft in combat, will be carried out by Tenix’s Aerospace Division, which is based in the World Trade Centre (City) and Tullamarine (Airport) in Melbourne. Due for completion in 2008, Tenix will be tasked with installing the ESBU Satcom (satellite communications) solution developed in an earlier contract. [22.12.04]

FB HELISERVICES EXPANDS UPON SOLOMON ISLANDS CONTRACT: Australian special mission helicopter operator, FBH Australia, has received a boost to its competitive abilities in the Australasian region, with expansion of its UK based namesake, FB Heliservices. The Australian operation, a joint venture (JV) between Adelaide-based National Air Support and Bristow Defence Industries, is mirrored in the UK in the FB Heliservices JV between National Air Support’s sister company FR Aviation, and Bristow parent Bristow Helicopters. Building on its success in operating the UK tri-service Defence Helicopter Flying School and existing contracts with the UK Ministry of Defence in Belize and Cyprus, FB Heliservices has increased its worldwide fleet to 60 through acquisition of seven helicopters from Bristow Helicopters. FBH Australia was recently awarded a contract to operate a ‘Super Puma’ helicopter in support of the Australian Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Islands. [22.12.04]

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE DETAILS 757 MODIFICATIONS: The program for Singapore Technologies Aerospace (ST Aero)/Mobile Aerospace Engineering (MAE) to convert RNZAF Boeing 757s into a transport configuration is coming to an important conclusion with the Request For Tender (RFT) currently under final review prior to being released to MAE. The NZ Ministry of Defence acquired two suitable B757-200 airframes, and the RNZAF introduced them into service in a passenger-only configuration from early-May 2003. The third phase (NZ$100-$200m Budget) of the project seeks modifications such as: the installation of a cargo door; internal access air stairs; internal aircrew access ladder; RB211-535-E4B engine thrust increase; and upgraded residual civil Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) and military communications capabilities. Modifications are to commence in the 4th quarter 2005. [22.12.04]

‘RAPTOR’ FORCE GROUNDED AFTER UNEXPLAINED CRASH: The US Air Force has grounded its entire fleet of Lockheed Martin F/A-22 ‘Raptor’ fighters pending completion of incident and safety evaluations following the crash-upon-take-off of one of the new age aircraft at ‘Nellis’ AFB near Las Vegas (Nevada). Eight F/A-22s are currently undergoing operational trials at Nellis. The cause of the crash has not yet been reported, although eyewitnesses to the event have told reporters an explosion occurred almost immediately upon take-off and flames shot from the side and rear of the fighter quickly engulfing the subject aircraft in a manner consistent with an engine or fuel tank explosion. The plane is unrecoverable, whilst the pilot safely ejected. [21.12.04]

SECURITY NEWSLETTER TRACKS COUNTER-TERRORISM EXPENDITURE: The December 2004 edition of the ‘Australian Homeland Security Market Insight’ has outlined details of an additional $1.233b of expenditure (since the May 2004 Budget) on Australian security and counter-terrorism measures just set out in the Federal Government’s Mid-year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO). According to the ‘Insight’ e-newsletter, the extra expenditure in aggregate is higher than disclosed in the MYEFO given ‘national security in-confidence items’ are not separately listed, but are instead included in estimates relating to the ‘Contingency Reserve’, and are principally of a capital nature. Surf www.homelandsecurity.org.au/insight.html for e-newsletter and subscription details. [21.12.04]

DEFENCE INFRASTRUCTURE CONTRACTING PANEL ESTABLISHED: A new panel of consultants has been established to support Defence’s Corporate Services and Infrastructure Group in the development and maintenance of military infrastructure for the next three years. The new Defence Infrastructure Panel (DIP) will procure services to support infrastructure planning and procurement as well as specialist infrastructure related services, including Acoustic Services, Aircraft Pavement Services, Spatial Information Surveys, Asbestos Surveys and other specialist services. Firms comprising the new DIP are divided into three sub-panels, and include: Defence Infrastructure Planning Panel (DIPP); Sinclair Knight Merz; Connell Wagner; GHD; Savant CMR Maunsell Defence Consortium; Carson Group; Woods Bagot; URS Australia & APP Corporation; KPMG; Mark Power and Associates and Bill Ross and Associates; National Project Consultants; Worley; Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia; Davis Langdon Australia; TT Building Consultants; Qasco Survey; MPL Group; Structel; Airservices Australia, and Arup. [21.12.04]

RISK REDUCTION TRIALS FOR A400M TURBO-PROP ENGINE: UK-based Marshall Aerospace is to be contracted by Airbus Military to carry out risk reduction flight trials for the new Europrop International TP400-D6 Turboprop engine that is to be fitted to the Airbus A400M Military Transporter. The engine will first be fitted to a C-130 aircraft, and will be flown for around 100 hours to examine in-flight characteristics at cruise speeds up to 0.64 Indicated Mach Number (IMN). Once fitted to the A400M, the engine will be operated at cruise speeds up to 0.72 IMN. Trials on the modified C-130 are due to commence in mid-2006, and will last for a period of fifteen months. [21.12.04]

COBHAM SUBSIDIARY TO SUPPLY RAAF IN-FLIGHT REFUELLING GEAR: Flight Refuelling, part of the UK-based Cobham Aerospace Systems Group, has been selected to supply air refuelling equipment to EADS-CASA for its Airbus A330-200 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) set for RAAF service in 2009. Under the contract, Flight Refuelling will provide the 905E wing pod and control system (which is based upon the 900-series of refuelling systems), and also used on the Airbus A310 MRTT, the Lockheed Martin C-130H for the Swedish Air Force, and is entering service on the MC-130H for USAF Special Operations Command. The same 905E wing pods and fuselage refuelling unit for are similarly used for the USAF KC-330 tanker program and for the UK's Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) program. [21.12.04]

NEW QUEST TO SECURE SUPPORT FOR ‘ANZAC’ FRIGATES: The DMO’s ‘Anzac’ frigate System Program Office is to release in February 2005 a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the procurement of Integrated Materiel Support (IMS) for the ‘Anzac’-class ships, replacing the existing In Service Support (ISS) arrangements which are due to terminate in December 2005. IMS is an evolution of ISS and is designed to provide whole-of-life management of the ships and their support facilities. The Commonwealth intends to deliver IMS through an Integrated Alliance framework combining the existing ‘Anzac’ ship alliance with potential new partner(s) to deliver sustainment of the frigate fleet. It is expected that the new Integrated Alliance will be supported from and within Australia, and remain in place for a period of 15 years. [20.12.04]

ONE YEAR DELAY FOR IN-SERVICE DATE OF NEW RAAF AIR TANKERS: The Department of Defence has signed a $1.4b contract with Spanish-based European Aeronautic Defence and Space Construcciones Aeronauticas SA (EADS-CASA) for five new air-to-air refuelling aircraft based on the Airbus A330 airframe. Australia is the launch customer for the A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT), although the design has also been selected by the British RAF, although a contract is yet to be signed. Each Airbus A330-200 MRTT will be able to deliver 65 tonnes of fuel in its air-to-air refuelling role, at a distance of 1,000 miles from base, following up to two hours on station. Fuel can be offloaded either through wing-mounted pods and hose-and-drogues, or via an advanced refuelling boom extending from the lower fuselage that is currently under development at EADS. First aircraft are now scheduled to enter RAAF service in 2009. [20.12.04]

JP 2008 ROLL-OUT KEEPS FAVOURING BAE SYSTEMS: BAE Systems (BAES) Australia reports it has signed a $14.5m contract to further enhance ADF mobile military communications capability through the provision of 26 high bandwidth satellite Compact Transmit and Receive Terminals (CTRS). Let by the DMO’s Electronic Weapon and Systems Division, the new contract is part of the continuing roll out of Joint Project 2008, the military’s satellite-based tactical communications system program. BAES Australia won an earlier $72m naval element of the program in November 2003. The mobile terminals, which will be built at the company’s Edinburgh Parks (SA) facility, will consist of a satellite dish and associated communications equipment that can be transported in a Land Rover for rapid deployment in the theatre of operation. [20.12.04]

COMPENSATION PACKAGE FOR F-111 DESEAL/RESEAL VICTIMS: The Government says it has now considered the outcomes of the Study of Health Outcomes in Aircraft Maintenance Personnel (SHOAMP) report, and has recognised the special nature of the circumstances of those whose health has been adversely affected as a result of their workplace environment. Accordingly, it will now offer a lump sum benefit to those who have suffered exposure to substances used in the F-111 deseal/reseal process. It is further proposed the proposed benefit will not distinguish between military, public servants or civilians, with the lump sum to be paid being in addition to the rights of individuals under the various State and Commonwealth compensation schemes. Funds are also to be made available to the Department of Veterans' Affairs to provide a cancer and health screening and disease prevention program. [20.12.04]

‘GLOBAL HAWK’ TO SPEND THE WEEK AT 2005 AVALON AIR SHOW: Northrop Grumman’s high altitude, long endurance ‘Global Hawk’ unmanned aerial vehicle is scheduled to swoop into Avalon for the Australian International Airshow in the week of 15-20 March 2005. The aircraft is to fly non-stop from ‘Edwards’ AFB in California, direct to the air show, with the 12,000 kilometer odyssey taking less than 22 hours to complete. The distinctive V-shaped tail, bull-nosed fuselage, massive wingspan and Rolls-Royce powered “Global Hawk’ is capable of carrying out reconnaissance missions at an altitude of more than 60,000 feet, which is about twice as high as modern jetliners fly. Air show CEO, Ian Honnery, says the innovative UAV “embodies many cutting edge technologies and its presence will reinforce our main show theme - the shape of things to come." [20.12.04]

DIARY NOTE REQUIRED FOR ‘SAFEGUARDING AUSTRALIA’ 2005: The 4th Australian Homeland Security Summit & Exposition is to be held at the National Convention Centre, Canberra, over 12-14 July 2005. Following feedback from several hundred delegates at the last conference, significant enhancements have been made to the format of the event. July’s summit will now be a three day event with emphasis on the implementation of policy decisions and pressing operational issues in the first responder community and in Australian business. Important changes include: a full day devoted to first responders; a full stream devoted to business security practitioners and senior business executives; a science, engineering and technology stream; and an update on developments at the State/Territory level. [20.12.04]

DATES FOR NEXT SIMULATION TECHNOLOGY & TRAINING CONFERENCE: The next simulation technology and training conference (SimTecT 2005) is to be held at the Darling Harbour Convention Centre (Sydney), from 9-12 May 2005. The conference theme both looks back over past simulation successes, and forward to future challenges, as part of celebrations to mark the 10th Anniversary of SimTecT, with some special presentations and events being planned. The conference timetable is: 9 May - Workshops, Exhibitions, Welcome Reception and the SimTecT golf challenge; 10-12 May (morning) - Conference and Exhibition; 12 May (afternoon) - site visits. Abstracts for those wishing to present papers at the conference are due on 21 January 2005. [20.12.04]

C3I TO TELL ALL IN HOW TO DEAL WITH DEFENCE EFFECTIVELY: A one day workshop designed to provide a better understanding of how the Defence Department works, and how companies need to act to succeed in winning business within the Defence network, has been scheduled for 1 February 2005, in Canberra. Organised by C3I Defence Watch and The People Company, the ‘Defence 101’ workshop will provide delegates with an unparalleled opportunity to access the military market space by outlining not just how the Department of Defence works, but how to identify commercial opportunities, build relationships and manage the seemingly complex requirements of Defence contracting and processes. Surf www.c3i.com.au/defence101registration.pdf for details. [20.12.04]

OFFICIAL STUDY SHOOTS IT HOME TO ‘BUY AMERICA’ ACTIVISTS: The Office of the US Secretary of Defense (AT&L/Industrial Policy) has released its report on the foreign sourcing of US military goods prepared in response to Congressional guidance concerned at a perceived increase in US military dependence on overseas technology and supply sources. The 22-page report, entitled ‘Foreign Sources of Supply: Assessment of the US Defense Industrial Base’ (and required by the National Defense Authorisation Act for FY2004) concludes that: the Department of Defense spends less than one-half of one percent of outlays (2003) on foreign systems; foreign procurements are made with full appreciation of the US national security impact; and there is virtually no foreign dependency as a result of these modest purchases. [20.12.04]

GENERAL DYNAMICS SELLS-DOWN AERONAUTICS EXPOSURE: US-based Wyle Laboratories Inc is to acquire the Aeronautics Services business of General Dynamics (GD) Advanced Information Systems Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of GD Corporation. Headquartered in Lexington Park (Maryland), the Aeronautics Services business includes activities covering more than 200 contracts with the US Navy, USAF and prime contractors generating annual revenue of more than US$220m and employing approximately 1,600 people. The acquisition includes operations providing aeronautical research, development, test and evaluation services to three primary markets: Naval aviation support; Air Force aviation support; and telemetry. Programs supported include the E-2C ‘Hawkeye’ early warning aircraft, the Joint Strike Fighter, C-2A ‘Greyhound’ naval transport aircraft, AMRAAM air-to-air missile and the F/A-18, F-15 and F-16 fighters. [20.12.04]

BORDER SECURITY ARRANGEMENT SEALED WITH NEW ZEALAND: Foreign Affairs Minister Downer has confirmed the signature of an arrangement in Auckland, done at the end of the eleventh biannual talks, setting out a framework for the exchange of information between New Zealand and Australia on passports and visas issued by the two countries. The sharing of information will allow each country to improve advance passenger processing (or APP) systems by screening passengers and their travel documents when they check-in overseas for flights to New Zealand and Australia. The new arrangements will also increase opportunities to pick up attempted improper use of lost, stolen and otherwise invalid travel documents. [19.12.04]

DOWNER RETURNS FROM EXPANSIVE PACIFIC VISIT: Upon the conclusion of a visit to the Pacific region spanning Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and New Zealand, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister has spoken of “the enormous progress of Australian initiatives to help improve governance, security and living standards in the Pacific.” Downer headed a Ministerial delegation that included: Defence Minister Hill; the Minister for Finance & Administration, Senator Minchin; the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock MP; the Minister for Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, Senator Vanstone; the Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Ellison; and the Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, Mal Brough MP. [19.12.04]

DEFENCE MINISTER HILL ON PRE-XMAS VISIT TO INDONESIA: During the course of a two-day visit to Jakarta to strengthen ties in the defence relationship between the to countries, Defence Minister Hill will meet with Indonesian Defence Minister, Dr Juwono Sudarsono. According to Hill, the visit provides “an important opportunity for (him) to meet members of the new administration and consolidate progress in our bilateral defence relationship." Hill is being accompanied on the trip by Defence Secretary Smith and the VCDF, Vice Admiral Russ Shalders. He will also meet Indonesian Foreign Minister, Dr Nur Hassan Wirajuda, and the nation’s Chief of Armed Forces, General Endriartono Sutarto. The Senator will also attend a commemorative ceremony marking 100 days since the 9 September bombing outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. [17.12.04]

MORE SOLDIERS RETURN FROM TIMOR LESTE DEPLOYMENT: Forty six soldiers from the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment, 1st Command Support Regiment and 1st Combat Service Support Battalion have returned to Darwin after serving a six-month tour of duty with the United Nations Mission in Timor Leste. The current ADF contribution in Timor is known as Operation ‘Spire’, and deployed personnel undertake a range of roles to support the UN, mainly performing specialist tasks in fields such as logistics and engineering, and military liaison. The primary ADF contribution to the UN is a Support Company comprising an Engineering Troop, Transport Section and Maintenance Section. Other Australian contributions include Military Liaison Officers, an Aeromedical Evacuation Team and Staff Officers embedded in the UN Peace Keeping Force headquarters, including the appointments of Deputy Force Commander and Chief Legal Adviser. [17.12.04]

ALSTON TO TAKE UP PLUM JOB AS UK HIGH COMMISSIONER: The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, has confirmed that the former Federal Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, the Hon Richard Alston, is to take-up the position of High Commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in February 2005. Alston succeeds Michael L’Estrange who has been High Commissioner since August 2000, and is expected to take up his appointment in February 2005. Downer described the Australia-UK bilateral relationship as “an exceptionally important one, with a close alignment of security interests, vibrant trade and investment links and extensive people-to-people connections. As a major power with global influence, the UK is a key interlocutor for Australia across the full range of our foreign policy interests.” [17.12.04]

ILL HEALTH FORCES SHUFFLE IN SENIOR METAL STORM MANAGEMENT: Brisbane-based Metal Storm reports that following recent major surgery, Charles Vehlow has submitted his resignation as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. In Vehlo’s stead, Ian Gillespie (Metal Storm’s General Manager) has been appointed acting-CEO pending the outcome of a selection process to appoint a new CEO. Interim Chairman, Terry O’Dwyer, says the Metal Storm Board had accepted Vehlow’s resignation with regret, “as he has made an outstanding contribution to Metal Storm’s commercial development. Through his efforts, the company is well positioned to secure US Government prime and subcontract contracts to further support the development and deployment of its technology.” [17.12.04]

ASPI REPORTS ON AUSTRALIA AND PAPUA NEW GUINEA: A new Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) strategy report into Australia and the future of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has noted the troubles our nearest neighbour is having in grappling with the enormous task of state- and nation-building since achieving independence over 30 years ago. It says a vicious cycle of failing service delivery, falling revenues and national fragmentation (combined with increasing fragility of government institutions, poor economic performance and lack of legitimacy of the government in the eyes of the people), is making PNG increasingly more vulnerable to governmental and social failure. Several recommendations are made by ASPI for a new Australian policy approach to improve PNG’s long-term stability prospects. [17.12.04]

AUSTAL LAUNCHES FINAL YEMENI PATROL BOAT: WA-based Austal reports it has launched the tenth, and final, fast naval patrol boat ordered in June 2003 by the Republic of Yemen. The boats have been designed to meet a variety of operational requirements, including: general police missions in coastal waters; customs control and anti-terrorist operations at sea; offshore protection and tracking; surveillance of the EEZ; defence and protection of national sea areas and operations within integrated task forces. Work is currently underway at Austal on building 14 new 56 metre patrol boats for the RAN, with first delivery due early next year under a program that will see construction running past mid-2007. The company is also progressing in the US Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project through the award of a final design contract to the General Dynamics team in which Austal is the ship designer and builder. [17.12.04]

ROLLS-ROYCE THROWS ITS LOT INTO SINGAPORE RESEARCH: Rolls-Royce has confirmed it will expand its global network of technology research activities by establishing an Advanced Technology Centre in Singapore. Via formal agreement running to 2009, Rolls-Royce will work with Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and its related Research Institutes on a broad portfolio of technology challenges. Rolls-Royce funding for projects will build to around S$10m (£3m) annually and the company will employ a small number of additional employees in Singapore in technical project management roles as a result of the agreement. The Rolls-Royce Singapore Advanced Technology Centre will operate on a 'virtual' basis, with no central base but much of the work being allocated to specific A*STAR institutes, and some being managed across institutes or undertaken in Rolls-Royce facilities. [17.12.04]

REVISED DIDS ARRANGEMENTS OUTLINED FOR DARWIN: Tenix Toll Defence Logistics is said to have started operations at Winnellie and RAAF Base ‘Darwin’ in the Northern Territory, as part of the new Defence Integrated Distribution System (DIDS) which will see up to 150 local companies becoming eligible to win around 70,000 hours of repair work under the 23-site nation-wide logistics program. Defence Minister Hill says that under the revised arrangements in Darwin, TenixToll will ensure that local equipment repair work will continue, in the main, to be performed by local Territory businesses for a period of two years. A special working group comprising representatives from Defence, Tenix Toll Defence Logistics and local business will oversee the implementation of the revised arrangements, and explore future opportunities for local business with Defence. [16.12.04]

NEW HERITAGE PROJECT DECLARED AT ENOGGERA: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Teresa Gambaro, has unveiled a new Defence heritage project – ‘Army Remembers its Heroes’ - at the Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera. Whilst roads in most Army barracks are named after former soldiers who either had a particularly distinguished career or were decorated for outstanding bravery, Gambaro says “many young soldiers of today’s Army are unaware of the careers of these men whose memory is recognised by this naming convention." The Enoggerra heritage project funds bronze plaques to record the lives and deeds of such men, and will be able to be read by all who walk, run or cycle past. [16.12.04]

UNITED KINGDOM TO INCREASE EUROFIGHTER PURCHASE: UK Defence Secretary, Geoff Hoon, has confirmed the Royal Air Force (RAF) will purchase a further 89 Eurofighter ‘Typhoon’ fighter aircraft at an estimated cost of £4.3b. The confirmation comes as Germany, Spain, France and the UK all signed authorities to proceed with a second tranche of 236 jets (worth a total of €13b) under the proposed 620-aircraft program on 13 December. Hoon told the UK Parliament the ‘Typhoon’ would be “an outstandingly capable, state-of-the-art aircraft, which will form a cornerstone of the RAF's future capability (and able) to respond to the challenges and threats we face now and in the future." [16.12.04]

ENHANCED ‘TIGER’ ENGINE MOVES INTO DEVELOPMENT STAGE: Eurocopter has launched a development program for the enhanced MTR390 (MTR390-E) engine, set to equip the HAD version of the versatile ‘Tiger’ helicopter with 14% more power than the existing basic version required for missions in ‘hot and high’ environmental conditions. The ‘Instruction to Proceed’ was signed between France, Spain and the UK (represented by OCCAR) and the industrial partners: Eurocopter Tiger; MTR/ITP; SAGEM and Indra Systemas. The development program will run for four years (concluding with engine qualification), with first production engine deliveries starting at the end of 2009. Some 128 MTR390-E engines will be initially built, including upgrades of existing MTR390 basic engines. The new MTR390-E version will deliver in which the new HAD helicopter will be operated. [16.12.04]

HOWARD MAPS OUT PLAN FOR ENHANCED MARITIME SECURITY: During the course of a visit to Perth (WA), Prime Minister Howard has confirmed his Government will establish in March 2005 a new Joint Offshore Protection Command (JOPC), as a major new step forward in better defining and reinforcing the quantum of measures needed to protect Australian ports and the Australian coastline from possible infiltration or attack. As a precursor to formal establishment of the new Command in the run-up to next year’s Federal Budget (due 10 May), Howard has written to each of the State Premiers and Chief Territory Ministers explaining the new arrangements, and how they will be implemented. The new Maritime Security plan has been drawn-up after investigation by the ADF, the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet, and other relevant Commonwealth Departments. [15.12.04]

DEFENCE TAKES OVER OFF-SHORE PROTECTION ROLE: The PM’s new arrangements will see the Australian Defence Force (ADF) assuming clear responsibility for offshore protection, whereas the responsibility for initial counter-terrorism responses within ports will remain the responsibility of State Governments. The major instrument to implement the new policy will be the establishment of a new offshore maritime identification zone 1,000 nautical miles from the Australian coastline. Any vessel passing into that area will subsequently be required to provide details of its cargo, destination, crew, port of call, likely arrival at port and so forth. The Navy, from existing resources, will also be required to increase patrols of the Timor Sea, and North West Shelf oil & gas installations. The head of the new JOP Command will be Rear Admiral Crane (currently the commanding officer of Coastwatch), thus bringing together the activities of the ADF and Coastwatch in this area. [15.12.04]

ENHANCED AUSSIE DEFENCE PARTNERSHIP WITH PNG: Defence Minister Hill (for Australia) and Mathew Gubag (the Defence Minister of Papua New Guinea) have signed a new Enhanced Defence Partnership (EDP) agreement. Considered as being more reflective of current strategic challenges in the region, the new EDP agreement was concluded at a Ministerial Forum in Lae (PNG), and is focused on achieving an affordable and sustainable PNG Defence Force than can continue to work with the ADF in regional operations. The EDP specifies: Australia will continue to assist PNG in reducing the size of its defence force from 3300 to 2000; Australia will assist the PNG Defence Force to conduct a review of their force structure and capability; and four ADF officers will be deployed into key line positions in PNG Defence Force and the PNG Department of Defence - covering the areas of training, policy, logistics and personnel. A further ADF official will be deployed into the financial management area of the PNG Department of Defence. [15.12.04]

FIRST ARMY ‘TIGER’ HELICOPTERS DELIVERED TO OAKEY: The Australian Army has taken delivery of its first 2 (of 22) ‘Tiger’ armed reconnaissance helicopters at an officials-only ceremony, held at Oakey (Qld). Defence Minister Hill described the delivery as ‘a significant milestone’ in the development of Army Aviation capability (as well as that of the ADF), and said the new helicopter fleet would “significantly enhance the reconnaissance and firepower capabilities of Army combined arms teams, which will also be soon augmented by the M1A1 ‘Abrams’ main battle tank.” Under project Air 87, the first four Tigers are being assembled at Eurocopter in France, with French-based Thales also assembling ‘Tiger’ aircrew simulators. The remaining 18 helicopters are in various stages of assembly at Australian Aerospace, in Brisbane. [15.12.04]

NEW ZEALAND SIGNS-OFF ON ‘HERCULES’ UPGRADE PROJECT: The New Zealand Government has signed a US$226m contract with L-3 Communications Spar Airspace to undertake a 15-year life extension upgrade of its C-130 ‘Hercules’ transport aircraft fleet. NZ Defence Minister, Mark Burton, said the C-130 life extension and the C-130 communications and navigation equipment would both be upgraded together, with the two projects running in parallel to maximise efficiency and cost effectiveness. Modification work is scheduled to begin in early-2006, with the first aircraft being modified at L-3 Spar's facility in Edmonton (Canada), whilst the second to fifth aircraft will be upgraded at Safe Air Ltd (Blenheim). First aircraft delivery is scheduled for late 2007, with program completion in 2010. [15.12.04]

FRENCH ARMY CONTRACTS FOR ‘CAESAR’ SP GUNS: French-based Giat Industries has received a firm €300m contract for 72 ‘Caesar’ truck-mounted (6x6 wheeled) 155mm/52 calibre self-propelled artillery pieces, to equip eight batteries in the French Army. The ‘Caesar’ system can fire six rounds out to a range of forty kilometers, and is air-transportable by C-130 or A400M aircraft. It can fire all NATO-standard 155mm munitions as well as the new ‘Bonus’ terminally-guided anti-tank round developed by France. The contract includes maintenance of the equipment for five years, the retrofit of equipments already in service and the first tranche of ammunition for the weapons. Giat has put in place a co-operation agreement with ADI Limited to market the ‘Caesar’ system to the Australian Army for its project Land 17 requirements. [15.12.04]

DRS SNAPS-UP NIGHT VISION EQUIPMENT COMPANY: US-based DRS Technologies is to acquire the Allentown (Pennsylvania)-based Night Vision Equipment Company (NVEC) for US$42.5m in cash, with additional consideration payable upon achievement of certain revenue targets. Established in 1977, NVEC manufacturers and markets night vision products and combat identification systems. It focuses on the rapid development/delivery of lightweight/affordable image intensification/night vision systems, un-cooled thermal imaging, reflective combat identification and laser-based products for US and international militaries and paramilitary organisations. The company expects to generate $45-50m in annual revenues. For DRS's current fiscal year (ending 31 March 2005), the new business should add $15m to sales. [15.12.04]

GULF WAR VETERAN TO HEAD DEFENCE INTELLIGENCE: Major General Maurie McNarn is to take-up on 24 January 2005 a new position as Director of the Defence Intelligence Organisation, replacing Frank Lewincamp, who was first appointed in July 1999. McNarn’s application was selected from a number of military and civilian candidates in a process recommended by Philip Flood in his recent Inquiry into Australia's Intelligence Agencies. McNarn is said to possess a wealth of military experience, having served in Malaysia, Singapore, the United States and Middle East. In 2002, he was appointed Australian National Commander - Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) and oversaw Operations ‘Slipper’, ‘Bastille’ and ‘Falconer’ during the initial stages of the War on Terrorism and the subsequent war in Iraq. [14.12.04]

ENGINEERS MAKE EARLY START ON HOMELAND SECURITY RESEARCH: Engineers Australia is to hold its 3rd National Engineering & Security Research Forum, in Canberra, on 25 February 2005. The one-day forum will cover: counter-terrorism and first-responder technology; physical security; risk assessment; surveillance and access control; the simulation of infrastructure networks; blast damage protection of structures; and the role of geo-spatial information systems in combating security threats to the Australian homeland. Surf http://www.safeguardingaustralia.org.au/form for details. [14.12.04]

M1A1 ‘ABRAMS’ TANK TRAINING POSITION CONSOLIDATED: Lockheed Martin (LM) has had an initial 1992 development (and subsequent 1999 full rate production) contract for Close Combat Tactical Trainers (CCTT) and simulation equipment increased by US$30m for FY 2005. The CCTT is an operational distributed interactive simulation (DIS) system and is part of the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (CATT) family of virtual trainers. LM supplies the US Army with CCTT equipment to train soldiers in a variety of combat vehicles including M1A1 and M1A2 tanks. The system allows commanders to train their unit's unique collective tasks in a number of virtual environments including day, night, and varying visibility conditions, in conjunction with selectable enemy capability and skill levels. [14.12.04]

EU CLEARS THYSSENKRUPP FOR HDW ACQUISITION: The European Commission has authorised ThyssenKrupp Werften GmbH (TKW) to acquire control of Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG (HDW), thus combining the shipbuilding activities of HDW (Kockums/Sweden and Hellenic/Greek shipyards) with Blohm+Voss and Nordseewerke Emden to cover civil (container ships, ferries and yachts) and naval vessels, including conventionally powered submarines. The Commission found that the new operation would not lead to pan-European competition concerns given alternatives in the market such as the French (DCN) and Italian (Fincantieri) shipyards. [14.12.04]

DEFENCE SITS DOWN TO CONSIDER AIR STRIKE 'GAP FILLER' PROPOSAL: Senior defence committees are reportedly set to consider before the end of the year the merit of unsolicited proposals to position the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to embrace an interim strike fighter acquisition/lease after 2005 to fill the widening gap until a fully combat effective Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) can be declared to be operational in the ADF in the years after 2015. The investment committee proposal looks at the current status of the F/A-18 'Hornet' upgrade (HUG), as well as escalating costs as the HUG moves into the phase 3 approval stage, and seeks to compare that situation with the cost/capability advantages of suspending phase 3 in preference for a short-term purchase/lease of more contemporary aircraft such as the F/A-18 E/F 'Super Hornet', latest upgrade F-15s or indeed, the Eurofighter 'Typhoon'. [13.12.04]

CANADIAN REQUIREMENT A LIKELY INFLUENCE ON 'HORNET' APPROACH: Favouring the F/A-18 E/F approach is understood to be a Canadian Government interest in picking-up Australia's currently HUG'ed F/A-18s to fill a capability gap recently identified by an official Auditor-General's report (see DIAR.com, 26 November 2004). With its own JSF requirement likely to be pushed out beyond 2020, the theory is that Canada would acquire/lease the bulk of Australia's F/A-18 fleet to supplement its own 'Hornet' fleet (currently undergoing a centre-barrel replacement program) to fulfil expanded national security requirements. Australia would then buy/lease up to 50 'E/F' Super Hornets for a minimum of ten years, with such aircraft then being passed onto the Canadians after 2015 to fill a similar capability gap as that country similarly decided at which point it would formally require fully combat capable JSF deliveries of its own. Re-structuring of Boeing's F/A-18 E/F production line in St Louis to the dicates of 'Lean' manufacturing is progressively providing a capability to provide new aircraft within 18 months of a formal acquisition contract being signed. [13.12.04]

MORE AUSTRALIANS TO BOOST IRAQI ARMED FORCES TRAINING: Defence Minister Hill says additional ADF personnel will be deployed to Iraq in the New Year to provide specialist logistics skills and related expertise training. While the bulk of the 50-strong rotation team is not expected to arrive before mid-February, some personnel will commence preparation work in Iraq later this month in the run-up to formation of the 3rd Australian Army Training Team Iraq. Senator Hill added the new force would be based outside Baghdad (and away from the Australian Task Force headquarters), in the task of bringing Iraqis up to speed in areas such as supply operations and transport, including planning and the development of sustainable distribution methods. While more precise details of the training regime are still to be finalised, a significant component will include train the trainer programs. [13.12.04]

ADI APPOINTS NEW HEAD OF ITS NAVAL BUSINESS GROUP: ADI Limited has confirmed its appointment of 47-year old Ali Baghaei as the new head of its naval business group, effective February 2005. Baghaei was previously the director of the UK’s Future Aircraft Carrier and Maritime Airborne Surveillance & Control project (since 1999), when he joined the UK Ministry of Defence after beating a field of internal and external candidates for the key role. Baghaei is a chartered engineer, and has worked in a range of management roles including Chief Marine Engineering officer, client's representative for the delivery and acceptance of various classes of new ships, and engineering and construction manager with GEC Alsthom for a number of nuclear and combined cycle power stations in the UK and the Far East. He was also a general/engineering manager with the Mersey Docks and Harbour company in the UK and the production director with Kvaerner Govan. [13.12.04]

WESCAM SYSTEM SELECTED FOR NEW ZEALAND P-3K ‘ORION’: L-3 Communications Wescam has been selected to supply the electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) imaging sensors for the New Zealand Air Force's P-3K maritime patrol aircraft upgrade program (Project ‘Guardian’). The upgrades of the six ‘Orion’ aircraft will be led by Integrated Systems, another division of L-3 Communications. The system upgrade will include the installation of mission management systems and Wescam MX-20 multi-sensor EO/IR imaging turrets. Ground-based support and training facilities are also included in the overall upgrade program. Delivery of the first four MX-20 units will take place throughout the first half of 2005. [13.12.04]

CSC TO SHAVE-DOWN BREADTH OF DYNCORP BUSINESS UNITS: US-based Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) is to sell its DynCorp International and DynMarine business units and selected DynCorp Technical Services contracts to New York private equity investment group, Veritas Capital, for US$850m. CSC paid around $914m to acquire DynCorp in March of 2003, however, CSC Chairman and CEO, Van Honeycutt, is looking for “additional capital resources to enhance CSC’s already strong financial position, improve our strategic and financial flexibility and concentrate on our core competency of providing information technology, engineering and professional services." The DynCorp business units being sold employ 14,000 people world-wide, and represent about 37% ($1.6b) of total revenues for the 12 months ended 1 October 2004 of $2.525b. DynCorp International is a provider of Department of Defense aviation maintenance, physical and personal security, drug eradication, and shipboard logistics, training and staffing services. [13.12.04]

NEW HQ FOR NORTH QUEENSLAND RAAF RESERVE SQUADRON: The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Teresa Gambaro, has officially opened the new Headquarters of the 139-strong Active Reserve of No 27 (City of Townsville) Squadron at RAAF Base 'Townsville'. The $1.5m headquarters building is the first purpose designed facility for the RAAF Reserve Squadron, being undertaken as part of the $72.5m RAAF Base Townsville Redevelopment Program. In opening the new facility, Gambaro acknowledged the increasingly important role of Reserve Forces as part of the overall ADF. She said the new facility "will provide modern and comfortable working environment for the growing numbers within the Squadron as they continue their valuable work in support of the Air Force Reserves.” [11.12.04]

PRIVATE MILITARY COMPANIES BOOSTING COALITION EFFORT IN IRAQ: A recent RUSI conference on the role of Private Military Companies (PMCs)/Private Service Companies (PSCs) held in London has estimated some 20,000 foreign contract employees - the equivalent of three brigades of military manpower - are now at work in Iraq and supporting the Coalition Provisional Authority. PMC/PSCs are said to be rapidly filling the space left by the down-sizing of uniformed personnel in the post-Cold War environment, and in the Iraq conflict, have become a crucial part of the commander's inventory of capabilities when undertaking a host of tasks to engage in counter-insurgency warfare. Such companies now regularly perform the full spectrum of activities from 'permissive'/defensive to 'non-permissive'/offensive operations. [11.12.04]

BOEING TO SPONSOR 'NIGHT ALIGHT' AT 2005 AVALON AIRSHOW: The Boeing Company has confirmed it will again sponsor (for the third time) the Friday evening 'Night Alight' flying display at the forthcoming Australian International Airshow. The Friday evening (18 March 2005) event - commencing at 3.00pm - will feature a vast array of fast jets and military aircraft, barnstorming aerobatics and superbly restored vintage warbirds, classic and antique aircraft, concluding with a RAAF F-111 bomber performing its famous 'dump-and-burn'. The Australian International Airshow 2005 will be staged at Avalon Airport Geelong (Victoria), with public admission from Friday afternoon, and all day Saturday and Sunday, 19-20 March 2005. [10.12.04]

SEISMIC ASIA PACIFIC TO UNDERTAKE SEA 1401, PHASE 3 UPGRADE: Defence has chosen Brisbane-based Seismic Asia Pacific Pty Ltd as the preferred tenderer to upgrade the RAN's hydrographic survey system, as specified under phase 3 of project Sea 1401. Specific focus will be given to improving shallow water surveying capability, as augmented by nine portable hydrographic survey systems to be used on small craft, said to be particularly useful in reef-strewn areas. Three of the portable systems will be of the more advanced tactical survey type and will be deployed to the Australian Hydrographic Office Detached Survey Unit in Wollongong (NSW), to the HMAS 'Cairns' base in north Queensland, and to the Hydrographic School at HMAS 'Penguin', in Sydney. The first system is to be installed by the end of 2005, with the remaining systems to be installed and tested during 2006. [10.12.04]

AIR FORCE CHIEF HONOURS 200TH GROUP OF PILOT GRADUATES: The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Angus Houston, has congratulated graduates of the 200th Advanced Pilots course during celebrations at RAAF Base 'Pearce' (WA). In addition to receiving their Wings, the fifteen graduates were honoured by a fly-past featuring PC9 and 'Hawk' aircraft. In a speech congratulating the graduating Air Force and Navy Officers, Air Marshal Houston advised graduates, as future leaders in the Air Force and Navy, to keep up the hard work as they transition into their future careers. He subsequently urged graduates "to grasp the opportunities presented by the next stage of your careers. Work hard, be prepared for every flight, and learn as much as you can. And remember, the learning never ends, especially when it comes to achieving excellence and ensuring flight safety." [10.12.04]

BOEING DELIVERS 100,000TH TAIL KIT FOR JDAM ASSEMBLY: Boeing reports it has delivered the 100,000th tail kit for combination into the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) weapon at its weapons facility near St. Louis. The JDAM is a satellite-controlled, near-precision weapon ranging in size from 500 to 2,000 pounds. The 500-pound variant is the newest member of the JDAM family and is being used extensively in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Boeing began producing JDAM tail kits in 1998, which are subsequently mated to Mk 80 series bombs. Initial production was 900 tail kits per year, but following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, production skyrocketed to 3,000 tail kits per month. The USAF, the first JDAM customer, has in six years received more than half of all JDAMs produced. The US Navy has received more than 37,000 JDAMs, with the remainder produced for international customers. [10.12.04]

GD-ATK TEAM TO SUPPLY 120MM ROUNDS FOR 'ABRAMS' TANKS: Defence has awarded a General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems/ATK Precision Systems team a US$39m contract for an undisclosed quantity of 120mm tactical and training ammunition for its 59 M1A1 'Abrams' AIM tanks currently on order from the US Government. As prime contractor, GD Ordnance & Tactical Systems will produce the latest 120 mm KEW-A2 Tungsten APFSDS-T cartridge, as well as quantities of training ammunition. ATK Precision Systems Group's Ordnance & Ground Systems business unit will produce both the M830A1 Multipurpose round and training ammunition under the contract. Both companies are expected to work closely with ADI Limited in relation to the local manufacture of future Australian tank ammunition needs. [10.12.04]

MICRO SYSTEMS FALLS TO BID FROM HERLEY INDUSTRIES: US-based Herley Industries Inc is to acquire Micro Systems Inc, a market leader in engineering, design and manufacturing of systems and a provider of services for the command & control, operation and tracking of unmanned aerial, seaborne and ground targets and missiles. The acquisition is subject to the execution of a formal written agreement and certain closing conditions, but is nevertheless expected to close in approximately thirty days. Herley Inc President, John Kelley, says Micro Systems is "an excellent company. This acquisition is truly complementary, and is an excellent example of the sum being greater than the parts. Together we will be able to offer our domestic and international customers an expanded line of products and an unparalleled level of customer service." [10.12.04]

SOUTH AFRICA SET TO BE THE FIRST A400M EXPORT CUSTOMER: In a first export success for Airbus Military, South Africa has committed itself to buying up to 14 A400M transports between 2010 and 2014, in a deal worth about €837m (R11.61b). In exchange for the procurement to replace existing C-130s and Casa light transports, South Africa will also participate in an A400M design and manufacturing program to boost local technological knowledge and jobs Speaking recently at the African Aerospace and Defence show, Airbus Military's Peter Scoffham said the C-130, even in its latest 'J' configuration, "lacked range and payload capability. The cargo bay was also too narrow and too low for many modern loads, and the aircraft was unable to perform tactical as well as strategic missions." Airbus Military already has 180 firm orders for the A400M, and is offering the aircraft to Australia, Malaysia, Sweden and Norway under similar 'windows of opportunity' to join a projected 50-year design and manufacturing program. [10.12.04]

RECORD NUMBERS AT ADFA GRADUATION PARADE: Some 249 graduates of the 2004 Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) graduating class have been joined by more than 730 Navy Midshipmen and Army and Air Force Officer Cadets during the annual ADFA graduation parade. This year's top military prize, the Commander in Chief Medal, was awarded to Air Force Officer Cadet Matthew Brown. The CDF's Sword was awarded to Army Officer Cadet Sally Carter for her leadership abilities, personal example and performance of duty over three years. Midshipman Christopher Tan (from Singapore), Army Officer Cadet Andrew Wegener and Air Force Officer Cadet Emily Reimers were awarded the Chief of Navy, Chief of Army and Chief of Air Force prizes respectively. [09.12.04]

THALES DEMONSTRATES 'SEA GUARDIAN' FOR HARBOUR DEFENCE: Sydney-based Thales Underwater Systems (TUS) reports it has completed demonstrations of its 'Sea Guardian' diver detection sonar to Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Defence officials at Garden Island, on Sydney harbour. Developed specifically to automatically detect, classify and track underwater intruders, the 'Sea Guardian' system is said to provide an unparalleled underwater surveillance capability for harbour and ship defence applications. TUS says the demonstration provided "comprehensive proof of the Sea Guardian’s ability to contribute to Homeland Defence initiatives, protecting ships at berth and other critical infrastructure." The system will now be proposed to the RAN to meet its requirements for a Harbour Defence Awareness System (HDAS) during 2005. [09.12.04]

SMITH TO PURSUE IRREGULARITIES IN BLICK INTELLIGENCE REPORT: A review by the Inspector General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS), Ian Carnell, into the report by former IGIS, Bill Blick (into claims made by LtCol Lance Collins), has established irregularities in Defence processes, including findings that access to the Defence intelligence database had been deliberately turned off, but the denial of access wasn’t as a result of an instruction from the Director of the Defence Intelligence Organisation, Frank Lewincamp. Carnell further found that the short term loss of access does not seem to have been a critical deficiency in operational terms. Defence Minister Hill has accordingly decided to withhold publication of Carnell's report whilst the Secretary of the Department, Ric Smith, pursues legal and administrative issues arising from the document's content. [09.12.04]

AUSSIE IT KING TO RECEIVE QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY DOCTORATE: Distinguished Australian computing science expert and the Chairman and CEO of Silicon Graphics Incorporated (SGI), Bob Bishop, is to be awarded a Doctor of Science honoris causa from the University of Queensland. The award recognises Bishop’s distinguished career in computing science which spans four decades, commencing in 1964 when he worked as a scientist with Ultrasound and NMR in Australia. He then held senior management positions with Apollo Computer Incorporated and Digital Equipment Corporation before joining SGI in 1986 as founding president of SGI’s World Trade Corporation, and in 1999 was appointed to his current position as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. [09.12.04]

NEW HAD 'TIGER' VERSION LAUNCHED FOR SPAIN & FRANCE: 'Instructions to Proceed' contracts have been signed by Eurocopter in Toulouse to launch further development work for the HAD (Support Suppressor Helicopter) 'Tiger' helicopter version intended for Spain and France. The HAD version combines the combat/support capabilities of the HAP version with the attack capability of the air-to-ground missiles of Germany's UHT version. France has ordered 40 of its 80 Tigers in the HAD version, while Spain has ordered 24 HADs. Eurocopter has also confirming interest from other countries in the new variant. With its order in place, Spain will now focus on acceptance of its first Tigers in the French HAP configuration for training initial crews in 2005, and in advance these helicopters entering operational service in 2006 and subsequently being upgraded to the HAD standard. [09.12.04]

AEROSPACE INDUSTRY NOW FULLY RECOVERED FROM 2001: Delivering its 2004 'State-of-the-Industry' analysis, the US-based Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) says global aerospace sales, orders, exports, and employment all increased significantly in 2004, particularly as defence-related industry categories returned to robust growth. AIA Aerospace Research centre analysis indicators further show the good news in 2004 continuing into next year. The AIA analysis suggests overall aerospace industry sales rose 8% in 2004, jumping by US$12b to a total of $161b, the highest level of current-dollar sales in the industry's history. Military aircraft sales increased 15% and missile sales jumped 10%. Revenues in the civil aircraft sector, including engines and parts, increased modestly to $35b. [09.12.04]

RAYTHEON TO UPGRADE CANADIAN 'PHALANX' SYSTEMS: Canada's Department of National Defence (DND) has awarded the Raytheon Company a C$44.6m (US$32m) contract to provide repair, overhaul and upgrade services to an additional 16 'Phalanx' gun systems for the Canadian Navy. Two options totalling US$32m were exercised in October 2004 as part of an omnibus contract initially awarded to Raytheon Canada by the Department of Public Works and Services in June 2003, thus extending the company's service to 2009 for a total value exceeding $57m. Work on the contract, including upgrade to the 1B configuration, will be done by the Services and Support Division (SSD) of Raytheon Canada, at its Naval Systems Support (NSS) facility in Calgary (Alberta). [09.12.04]

FURTHER BOOST FOR NATIONAL COUNTER-TERRORISM RESPONSE: The biannual meeting of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee (NCTC) in Canberra has endorsed a strategic framework for the development of a nation-wide operational counter-terrorism capability, to consolidate guidance and priorities previously agreed by Australian governments and building on existing counter-terrorism capabilities, including emergency management capabilities. The protection of critical infrastructure continues to be a priority, with the framing of draft guidelines for the protection of such infrastructure from terrorism complete and ready for referral to the next meeting of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) for their consideration and prospective endorsement. [08.12.04]

STAGING MAJOR EVENTS A FOCUS FOR 2005 NCTC AGENDA: Noting the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games will be the largest sporting event to be held in Australia since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the NCTC has reported that security planning for the Games is well advanced. A briefing on the wider, non-security planning aspects for the Games was also provided by the Executive Director of the Office of Commonwealth Games Coordination, with a multi-jurisdictional counter-terrorism exercise, to be held in late 2005, also being designed to test security arrangements for the Games. The Committee was also briefed on plans for Australia to host the Asia Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) in 2007, and noted that security arrangements will form a significant component of these plans. [08.12.04]

NCTC ACTIVITIES IN TRANSPORT AND SPATIAL INFORMATION: The NCTC also noted progress being made towards implementing expanded security measures at regional airports by 10 March 2005. Also under development is an Inter-Governmental Agreement on Surface Transport Security, with a draft agreement on that subject shortly to be referred to COAG for consideration. The mandate of the working group on national spatial information for national security is also to be expanded to encompass counter-terrorism, emergency management and critical infrastructure protection as part of plans to coordinate a national approach to the development of spatial information capabilities, working closely with the Australia New Zealand Land Information Council (ANZLIC). [08.12.04]

NATIONAL PLAN FOR OPERATIONAL COUNTER-TERRORISM CAPABILITY: The Committee also endorsed a strategic framework for the development of a nation-wide operational counter-terrorism capability, to consolidate guidance and priorities previously agreed to by COAG, and building on existing counter-terrorism capabilities, including emergency management capabilities. As such, the Australian Health Disaster Management Policy Committee also provided a progress report to the Committee. A range of further initiatives are now being considered to strengthen the ability of Australian governments to communicate and exchange information in a crisis. The Committee also approved the revised National Counter-Terrorism Handbook, incorporating lessons learnt from the multi-jurisdictional counter-terrorism exercise, Mercury '04, held earlier this year. [08.12.04]

LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE FOR NATIONAL SECURITY PASSES PARLIAMENT: Parliament has approved a package of four key bills designed to strengthen Australia's national counter-terrorism responses. Heading the suite of legislation is the National Security Information (Criminal Proceedings) Bill 2004, which will be applied to Federal criminal proceedings to protect sensitive information tendered in legal proceedings that may endanger national security if publicly disclosed. Next is the new Surveillance Devices Bill 2004, which allows the use of a greater range of surveillance devices by officers of the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Crime Commission and State and Territory police forces investigating Commonwealth offences. This bill was complemented by the Telecommunications (Interception) Amendment (Stored Communications) Bill, which increases powers to access stored text messages and emails. [08.12.04]

ASIO EMPOWERED TO UNDERTAKE EXPLOSIVE SECURITY CHECKS: Legislation just passed by Parliament will provide the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) with powers to perform security clearance checks, as part of the new national licensing regime for regulating the sale of ammonium nitrate within Australia and its Territories. The new arrangements require ASIO to conduct security assessments on behalf of State and Territory governments by issuing licences to ensure those accessing security-sensitive ammonium nitrate (or SSAN) are not of known security concern. SSAN fertilisers are those with more than 45% ammonium nitrate content, and which have potential (when mixed with other materials) to create an explosive device. ASIO powers now roam over a wide range of activities in regard to ammonium nitrate, including its purchase, manufacture, import, export, storage, transport, supply, possession, use and disposal. [08.12.04]

GEOFF GALLOP CHIPS-IN $65M FOR WA JP2048 PROJECT BID: Following the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Australia to join forces to pursue major forthcoming naval construction and repair projects, WA Premier Gallop has confirmed his Government will spend $65m to further develop a world-class defence shipbuilding hub in Western Australia. During the course of a launch event at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC)/Common User Facility (CUF) at Henderson, Dr Gallop outlined the broad content of a WA Defence Shipbuilding Strategy aimed at securing for his State's the contract to consolidate both new amphibious vessels at the AMC site, as well as build modules for the air warfare destroyers (project Sea 4000). Heading the list of AMC enhancements was the procurement of a 26,000 tonne ship-lifting facility (most likely via a floating dock), additional CUF fabrication/module assembly facilities, and the conversion of existing administrative facilities to accommodate Defence/DMO representatives. [08.12.04]

DUAL-STATE PITCH DESIGNED TO BETTER THE EASTERN STATES: WA State Government officials confirmed the MoU with South Australia was designed to maximise the chances of both Western States in competing successfully again the more populous, and politically powerful Eastern States for the Sea 4000 and Joint 2048 projects. Dr Gallop however qualified his support of the $60m CUF development investment on condition that a WA bid to consolidate the vessels in his State was successful. Similarly, South Australia's support for WA in terms of lead JP2048 integration is understood to be conditional upon that State winning the prime consolidation work for the three air warfare destroyers. SA Premier Rann is also sitting on a $70m investment to upgrade infrastructure adjacent to ASC Pty Ltd for the air warfare destroyer, as well as dredging of the Port River to enable the up to 7,000 tonne vessel to be suitably launched and access the sea. [08.12.04]

PLAN GOING WELL FOR SHIPBUILDING/MARINE SERVICES PRECINCT: WA State Development Minister, Clive Brown, further stated that since the AMC-CUF began operations in July 2003, it has injected more than $20m worth of work into the local economy, and exceeded revenue forecasts by 60%. This work has provided employment for over 800 people on projects ranging from ship repair on offshore platform, modular construction and load out. The spin-off economic benefit to the surrounding areas of this work is further estimated at 300-350 full time jobs, based on projected values of around 16 jobs for every $1m. Brown confirmed the WA Government had extended a $3m grant to attract Raytheon Australia's Naval Systems Division to be headquartered in a new building at the AMC Technology Precinct, creating 165 full-time jobs. [08.12.04]

CURTIN UNIVERSITY MARINE SCIENTISTS NUDGE UP TO THE DSTO: Western Australia's Curtin University of Technology has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) to facilitate greater cooperation in research activities. The MoU formalises already established and ongoing collaboration between the two organisations in the field of marine acoustics, which has been undertaken for many years via Curtin’s Centre for Marine Science and Technology. Curtin Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lance Twomey, says the University’s relationship with DSTO "has previously been on a project to project basis, limiting the ability of both parties to form long term plans. We will now be able to approach research in this area in a more coordinated way, which I am sure will lead to significant benefits for the Defence.” [08.12.04]

DMO PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVISION BEING RESTRUCTURED: The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has issued a Request for Tender (RFT) for the establishment of a new Panel to source expertise from a range of service providers spanning nine key disciplines: project management, systems & software engineering, acquisition & sustainment logistics, business support management, electronics engineering, communications engineering, weapons engineering, platform engineering, and capability definition documents development. The DMO is establishing a companies database for its Support Services (DMOSS) Panel project, with registration details for the database available from dmo.dmoss@defence.gov.au. Industry briefings relating to the DMOSS Panel and RFT will be held in Canberra (15 December 2004) and Melbourne (16 December 2004). The RFT closes 12 noon, 24 February 2005. [08.12.04]

TWO CRITICAL GROUPS TO SUPPORT SERVICE PROVISION TO DEFENCE: The DMOSS Panel is to be established through two groups of service providers: Service Providers (SP's) - comprising providers of technical support skill sets within the nine disciplines defined for the Panel; and Major Service Providers (MSP's) - required to support projects across more than one of the nine identified disciplines and, subject to the circumstances, able to accept responsibility and accountability for project deliverables. Within the nine core DMOSS Panel disciplines are a further 52 specified 'skill sets' and four 'competency levels'. A single phase open tender process is being implemented for the purpose of establishing the DMOSS panel, with terms and conditions for the Deed of standing offer broadly based on ASDEFCON (Services), amended as appropriate for the DMOSS Panel. [08.12.04]

CADETS CAUGHT IN ROYAL MILITARY COLLEGE DRUG RAIDS: The Commandant of the Royal Military College (RMC), Brigadier Chris Appleton, has confirmed two cadets have been found to be in breach of the ADF's 'no drugs' policy following the conclusion of a Military Police investigation. He says the two staff cadets will now be issued with a Notice to Show Cause why they should be allowed to remain in the Army, and they will have 28 days in which to respond. The subject cadets have been withdrawn from training and will be provided legal and administrative support in the preparation of their submission. In addition, their graduation will be held in abeyance until administrative action has concluded. The seven other cadets under investigation have been cleared of the allegations against them, and have returned to training. [08.12.04]

GREENING OF DEFENCE RECOGNISED WITH BOARD APPOINTMENT: The Department of Defence has been elected as a Director on the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), and will be represented by Group Captain Warren Lear, Acting Director-General of the Infrastructure Asset Development Branch. The GBCA's mission is to define and develop a sustainable property industry in Australia and to drive the adoption of green building practices through market-based solutions. Pursuit of the mission will be effected via the promotion of sustainable development and the transition of the property industry to implementing green building programs, technologies, design practice and operations. The Department recently achieved a 4 1/2 star (tenancy) Australian Building Greenhouse rating (ABGR) for Army Headquarters Training Command at Victoria Barracks, Paddington (NSW). It now aims at achieving a 5 star Green Star rating for the Headquarters Joint Operations Command Project (JP8001), and 36 & 37 Squadron Combined Headquarters building at RAAF Base 'Richmond'. [08.12.04]

MORE US BRONZE STARS AWARDED TO ADF PERSONNEL: Royal Australian Navy Captains David McCourt and Aaron Ingram, and Army Colonel Andrew 'Boomer' Smith have been awarded a United States of America Bronze Star Medal in recognition of their meritorious service during Operation 'Falconer'. Captain McCourt (whilst commanding HMAS 'Kanimbla') coordinated the interception of merchant vessels and clearance of the Khar Abd Allah waterway up to Basra. Captain Ingram (as CO of HMAS 'Darwin') was recognised for his ' tactical brilliance' as part of a combat unit in the same area of operations. Colonel Smith played a key role in the development of two essential engineering works, with his efforts regarded as being pivotal to engineering improvements in Iraqi facilities and infrastructure. [08.12.04]

JASSM GETS FULL RATE PRODUCTION GO-AHEAD AUTHORITY: Lockheed Martin has received a US Air Force contract totalling more than US$112m for continued production of the Joint Air-to-Surface Stand-off Missile (JASSM). The 2,000-pound weapon is equipped with a dual-mode penetrator and blast fragmentation warhead, and cruises autonomously in adverse weather, day or night, using an infrared seeker (in addition to its anti-jam GPS) to find a specific aimpoint on the target. The missile is planned for deployment on B-1, B-2, B-52, F-16 and F/A- 18E/F aircraft and has a range greater than 200 miles. The USAF expects to procure 4,900 JASSMs over the life of the program, while the US Navy plans to procure 450 JASSMs, starting in fiscal year 2007. The RAAF has short-listed JASSM as one of three options for its project Air 5418 requirement. [08.12.04]

'CENTURION' DEMONSTRATED TO ASSURE HARBOUR SECURITY: Northrop Grumman has demonstrated to US Navy officials a new harbour defence system, called 'Centurion', which is designed to identify and track potential underwater and surface ship threats. An integrated sensor and display product, the 'Centurion' provides a view of a harbour based on information gathered from a variety of already-proven military and commercial sensors and systems, including underwater fibre-optic sonar sensors, a marine radar, and a shipboard identification system. During the demonstration, divers with a battery-powered underwater propulsion device were easily detected attempting to penetrate the harbour. Surface craft travelling in the test area were also detected and tracked. [08.12.04]

IP HURDLE CONTINUES TO PLAGUE NEW RPDE INITIATIVE: An industry briefing in Canberra outlining how the $20m Rapid Prototyping Development and Evaluation (RPDE) program will be structured and administered, has left many industry representatives with more questions than answers. Whilst aimed at accelerating Defence's uptake of network centric warfare capacities, success of the RPDE program is dependent upon wide industry participation and collaboration, thus requiring the sharing of intellectual property (IP). RPDE spokespersons have admitted there are limited measures for protection currently in place in the program, with IP protection expected to be a 'Self Policing' measure based on trust. Participation in the RPDE facility requires firms and individuals to collaborate with competitors, sharing their expertise with little to no protection of the IP brought in. At the same time, limitations are likely to be imposed on what participants can do with IP subsequently developed within the RPDE program. Seminars are continuing across Australia over the balance of this month (refer DIAR.com - 25 November 2004). [07.12.04]

BALL SOLUTIONS FOR AGM-142 MISSION REHEARSAL SYSTEM: Ball Solutions Group (BSG) has signed a 'just under' $8m contract with Defence to undertake the development, implementation and support of the AGM-142 missile (being installed on the F-111 fleet) Mission Rehearsal and Training System (MRTS). Using ‘Topscene’ software, the MRTS will enable RAAF aircrews to rehearse actual planned AGM-142 strike missions using both imagery and the latest intelligence of the mission area to generate a three dimensional (3D) view of the target. In addition to the 3D view, the MRTS will also provide interactive AGM-142 cockpit displays and allow simulated control of the missile. The contract covers initial development of the MRTS and through life support including the development of mission area and target databases. [07.12.04]

BAE SYSTEMS SELLING-DOWN ITS SAAB SHAREHOLDINGS: UK-based BAE Systems is to sell-down its 50% shareholding in Swedish-based Saab AB, first established in 1995 when the two firms created a Joint Venture to develop and explore the 'Gripen' fighter export business. According to company officials, and through the Gripen International JV with BAES, Saab’s export marketing capabilities have increased to the point where it is now appropriate for Saab to take the lead for these activities. Changes to be implemented from 1 January 2005 will therefore see BAES reducing its shareholding in Saab AB to not less than 20% of the votes and capital, in order to retain long term investment partner status. The move is also said to open possibilities to realise further synergies in the interface between Gripen International and Saab. [07.12.04]

NH90 FORWARD FUSELAGES HEADED FOR FINAL ASSEMBLY: Saab Aerostructures has completed production of the first three forward fuselages of Eurocopter's NH90 helicopter, for on-shipment to one of the final NH90 assembly locations in either Finland, Italy, Germany or France. Saab Aerostructures is contracted to deliver 270 forward fuselages for the NH90, and production will continue for around 15 years. Eurocopter says the project has required new investments and the use of new technology, including a structural rivet bonding technique. The forward fuselage of the NH90 comprises some 200 different composite parts and 15 metallic parts. Australia is currently negotiating to conclude a contract to acquire 12 NH90s under phase 2 of project Air 9000. [07.12.04]

GAO SAYS 'GLOBAL HAWK' PROGRAM MOVING TOO FAST: The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) says the USAF is pressing ahead at too fast a pace with its 'Global Hawk' high altitude unmanned aerial vehicle program, and should therefore re-draw its business plan for the new aircraft. The Department of Defense (DoD) restructured and accelerated UAV acquisitions in 2002 to include a new, larger and more capable 'Global Hawk' RQ-4B air vehicle. The GAO has now recommended the Air Force revisit the decision to concurrently develop and produce the newer 'Global Hawk', and create a new acquisition business case. It now wants production of the larger UAV delayed (other than those units needed for testing) until the new business case is approved. The DoD disagrees with the GAO, saying it believes risks are being managed effectively. [07.12.04]

INVESTMENT CONSORTIUM BUYS INTO THALES ELECTRONICS: European-based Thales has sold its Thales Electronic Solutions (TES) business unit to a consortium of investors including CDC Entreprises Innovation, VPSA (formerly Viventures) and Shah Management. TES is involved in large- and medium-scale manufacturing of printed circuit boards and electronic engineering services, and is expected to generate €80m in revenues in 2004. Commenting on the deal, Thales Senior Vice-President for Strategy, Jean-Loup Picard, said "after implementing a new organisation which clarified Thales' key markets, the divestment of TES is an important step in rationalising Thales' business portfolio". [07.12.04]

SGI MAKES THE GRADE FOR MISSILE TESTING AT REDSTONE: The US Army's Redstone Technical Test centre (RTTC) has installed two Silicon Graphics (SGI) 'Onyx' supercomputing systems, 10 SGI 'Fuel' visual workstations, and an SGI(R) 'InfiniteStorage' system (plus related hardware and software) to carry out advanced test and evaluation on Army missile systems. The SGI systems are part of the TIO4 procurement by the Department of Defense's (DoD) High Performance Computing Management Office, which is tasked to evaluate technical supercomputing proposals submitted from Services and Agencies in the DoD. The RTTC already uses two 'Onyx' supercomputers to generate simulated sensor data that can be projected onto the seekers of various missile systems to make them 'think' they are flying in various environments. [07.12.04]

NEXT UPDATE OF DEFENCE PROCURMENT POLICY MANUAL: Defence has released Version 5 of its Defence Procurement Policy Manual (DPPM), which completely replaces Version 4 of the document, first issued in 2003. The new DPPM consolidates Defence procurement and contracting policy in one readily accessible and comprehensive document, thus reinforcing its position as the prime reference document for Program Managers in regard to all procurement conducted within the Department of Defence. Update 5.4 specifically adds guidance for: disposal of records; superannuation for contractors; contractor use of Defence communications; Simple procurement methods; identification of items of rectification and enhancement; payment; early payment; and the substitution of tenderers. Update 5.3 reflects new financial delegations for procurement, whilst Update 5.2 incorporates new Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines (July 2004). [06.12.04]

DMO GETS CLOSER TO CERTIFIED PRACTISING ACCOUNTANTS: The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CPA Australia (the nation’s largest accounting and finance body), to establish a business relationship designed to help strengthen financial management of the DMO’s business. Under the MoU, CPA Australia will provide further training to DMO finance staff to comprehend the broad impact of certain decisions in relation to DMO finances, as well as helping the organisation to attract eligible finance, accounting and business graduates to provide its next generation of in-house business advisers. The professionalisation agenda is part of a CEO vision for the DMO to become the premier program management and engineering services organisation in the country. The DMO employs 6,500 people spread across 50 sites throughout Australia and overseas. [06.12.04]

ARMY TARGETS DRUG USE AT ROYAL MILITARY COLLEGE IN CANBERRA: Nine Officer Cadets at the Royal Military College (RMC) Duntroon have been targeted as part of a Military Police drug investigation assisted by information garnered within the military college. RMC Commandant, Brigadier Chris Appleton, said the investigation was "part of the ongoing application of Army's 'no drugs' policy. Illegal drug use by any member of the Army is unacceptable. Cadets, like any other member of the Army, who misuse drugs and alcohol, regardless of rank, face disciplinary and/or administrative action. If (the nine) are found to have any involvement in the use of illegal drugs, they will have their service reviewed and will be formally asked to justify why they should remain in Australian Army." [06.12.04]

A FEW BAD APPLES NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE WHOLE RMC BARREL: Speaking to media upon formal announcement of the ecstacy and amphetamines-related investigation, Brigadier Appleton said the nine cadets “have let down themselves, they've let their mates down, they've let their families down and they've let the army down. But don't let the failings of a small number diminish the achievements of the many hundreds of cadets here at the college who work hard, do well and will go on to be very fine army officers. This place enjoys an enviable international reputation for the standard of its training and the quality of its graduates, and I will not compromise on that reputation or that quality." [06.12.04]

REQUEST MADE FOR MORE TRAINING ASSISTANCE FOR IRAQ: Iraq National Security Adviser, Qassim Da'ud, has asked Australia to consider undertaking the training of intelligence officials, on top of its current work in continuing to train police and military forces. The request was made during a meeting with Defence Minister Hill, which was held to focus on measures to further rebuild Iraq. Senator Hill met with the Iraq Interim Minister during the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) Gulf Summit in Bahrain. Minister Da'ud indicated he wished to "train a group of new young leaders, possibly within Australia, in the field of intelligence and security, in order to subject them to alternative cultures and a new way of law enforcement that is different to the brutal techniques used by the Saddam Hussein regime." [06.12.04]

DARWIN LAND DEVELOPMENT GOES TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE: A Defence Housing Authority (DHA) proposal to develop former Defence land at Lee Point (near the Royal Darwin Hospital) into serviced residential allotments, has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works. The development is planned to include some 300 homes for Defence families - as well as to make serviced allotments available to the people of Darwin - with a planned dwelling density consistent with a quality living environment appropriate to the tropics. The DHA is planning to undertake the Lee Point development in a Joint Venture with a partner chosen from the private sector. Tenders have been received from five short-listed organisations, with a final recommendation expected in the New Year. [06.12.04]

BETTER DEFENCE HOMES ALSO COMING FOR ADF IN BRISBANE: A $17.5m plan to build forty-nine (49) new homes for Defence personnel and their families at McDowall (in Brisbane), is also to be shortly considered by Parliamentary Public Works Committee. The Defence Housing Authority (DHA) will be responsible for the project (which is a short distance from the 'Enoggera' Army base), which has been advanced in parallel with community consultation and approaches to the Brisbane City Council and other key stakeholders. If approved, the new homes will be completed in stages with final completion expected in November/December 2006. The DHA already manages approximately 1000 dwellings in the Brisbane area. [06.12.04]

EADS DRIVING FUTURE SOLDIER SYSTEM APPROACH IN EUROPE: EADS Defence Electronics (DE) has been awarded a €70m contract from the German Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) for 196 'Infanterist der Zukunft' (or IdZ) future soldier' basic systems, the first of around 2,000 sets destined for soldiers of all services including the NATO Response Force and the German ISAF contingent in Afghanistan. EADS' infantryman of the future concept is based on an integrated systems approach that combines aspects of self-defence, communication, navigation and weapons. The individual infantryman will be equipped with: a ballistics-protective vest; nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection; night vision equipment; and digital navigation and communication equipment with GPS, tactical voice and data communication; as well as improved armament. [06.12.04]

WESTERN STATES COMBINE FOR NAVAL SHIPBUILDING CONTRACTS: Western Australian Premier, Dr Geoff Gallop, and South Australian Premier, Mike Rann, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) promoting a more co-operative approach between their two States when vying for upcoming Naval shipbuilding and repair contracts. According to the two Premiers, both States "have built-up modern naval construction and repair facilities, and we need to make sure these facilities are retained and used into the future." Under the terms of the MoU, the two States will support SA's aspirations to consolidate the three new air warfare destroyers (project Sea 4000) in Adelaide, and WA's aspirations to consolidate the two new amphibious ships (JP 2048) at Henderson. Modules for each project would then be built in both States. Announcement of the MoU was made in response to a Defence decision to bring forward release of the JP2048 RFT to February 2005. [05.12.04]

SHIPBUILDING COOPERATION BROADER THAN CURRENT PROJECTS: The signed MoU also proposes South Australia and Western Australia work closely together to train their naval shipbuilding and repair workforces in a cost effective manner, and avoid duplication of resources and facilities through the development of complementary industrial services. WA Premier Gallop described the MoU as being part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance his State’s shipbuilding and repair industry. Since 1988, the WA Government has allocated $80m to match Federal funding to establish the Australian Marine Complex, assisted the development of a Marine Services precinct, attracted Raytheon to WA to establish a major facility within the subject precinct, and helped facilitate the Garden Island complex as a major naval facility. [05.12.04]

FINAL DIAR.COM ISSUE FOR 2004 - NEXT ISSUE 10 JANUARY 2005: Next week's edition of the Defence Industry & Aerospace Report (DIAR.com) e-Newsletter, number 50, will be the last issue for 2004. Publication will be held over from the usual Monday morning to Wednesday, 22 December, to pick-up any last minute Government announcements or externally-generated news events. DIAR.com will recommence publication on 10 January 2005. The publishers will formally launch next year the DIAR.com 'On-line @ Your Office' product line, which licences organisations to hold the whole aggregated DIAR.com e-Newsletter database - spanning 1997 to 2004 - internally on their corporate IT networks. The consolidated database is searchable by key words, and provides and invaluable research tool and historical record of major Australian defence, national security and border protection news highlights. Inquiries regarding DIAR.com 'On-line @ Your Office' subscriptions should be addressed to busicom@ozemail.com.au. [05.12.04]

CANBERRA BRIEFING ON 'RPDE' PROTOTYPING/EVALUATION PROGRAM: Details concerning the Department of Defence's establishment of a Rapid Prototyping Development and Evaluation (RPDE) Program will be provided at a special briefing to be held on Tuesday, 7 December in Canberra, at the UCU Conference Centre, Building 1 (Bruce Campus) of the Canberra University at 9.00am. The RPDE program has been charged with examining Network Centric Warfare (NCW) tasks, including the provision of rapid advice on the feasibility, value and implementation of near term military capability enhancements. The program is to be initially set up at Fern Hill in Canberra, and headed by Mike Kalms. Telephone 02/6256-6511 or email lynette.mills@defence.gov.au for further details. [05.12.04]

HILL VISITS IRAQ TROOPS DURING MID-EAST CONFERENCE TOUR: Defence Minister Hill has flown into Baghdad to meet ADF personnel, as well as leaders of the Multi-National Force to discuss progress on the rebuilding and reconstruction of Iraq in advance of national elections, due to be held on 30 January 2005. The current visit is Hill's fourth to Iraq in the past 18 months, and he was accompanied by the new Commander of Special Forces, MajGen Mike Hindmarsh. The Senator undertook meetings with the US Commander Multinational Force Iraq, General George Casey, as well as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Operations, MajGen Jim Molan - an ADF member. Hill also met with Air Commodore Greg Evans, the new Commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East, and Australia's Ambassador to Iraq, Howard Brown. Senator Hill is to attend the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) Gulf Summit in Bahrain over the weekend. [04.12.04]

HMAS ‘DARWIN’ NEXT IN LINE FOR MIDDLE EAST DUTY: Defence has confirmed the guided missile frigate HMAS 'Darwin' is to replace HMAS 'Adelaide' on station in the Northern Persian Gulf as part of Australia's on-going contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq. HMAS 'Adelaide' has been on patrol in the Persian Gulf since August this year, with a particular focus on securing Iraqi territorial waters and offshore oil platforms, and the prevention of smuggling into and out of Iraq. The decision to despatch the 'Darwin' represents the tenth rotation of Navy ships as part of Coalition operations following their initial deployment in 2001. HMAS 'Darwin' has previously deployed to the Gulf on four occasions, most recently between November 2002 and April 2003. [04.12.04]

SPECIAL FORCES RECRUITMENT SCHEME TRAWLING THEM IN: The new Deputy Special Forces Commander, Brigadier Tim McOwan, says the Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme (SFDRS) "continues to be a momentous success having now received 1200 applicants since its launch in October 2003. The fourth and final intake for this year occurred in November, and again the calibre of the recruits is very impressive." To date there have been 186 members enlisted as part of the SFDRS scheme, with the fifth intake already full with 48 enlistees ready to commence training in January 2005. SFDRS recruits recently involved in live fire exercises in Singleton (NSW) will complete their selection training in two weeks, after which the successful members will be posted into Special Operations Command. Surf www.defencejobs.gov.au or call 13 19 01 for SFDRS details. [03.12.04]

RE-STRUCTURED ADI LIMITED SETS OUT NEW BUSINESS STANDARDS: Speaking at the annual ADI/Thales Xmas cocktail function at the Boathouse in Canberra, the Chairman of the Board of ADI Limited and Chairman of the Board of Thales Australia Holdings, Paul McClintock, has spoken optimistically of prospects for the company's 3500 employees working at 33 locations around Australia, and has confirmed annual turnover this year "will be around $1 billion." He told guests the company had successfully implemented a major 'Setting New Standards' organisation change and improvement program spanning five objectives: revitalising the organisation; improving processes using world class standards; developing external support in communities and regional centres where we live and work; exacting a greater commitment to customer requirements; and harnessing the improvement of all the former objectives to grow the business. [02.12.04]

GENERAL DYNAMICS TEAMING WITH ADI FOR NAVAL BUSINESS: McClintock said that ensuring ADI remained a key prime contractor in the naval sector was one of the company's 'most pressing' goals, and confirmed it would aggressively compete for new naval construction and support business with new teaming partners, US-based General Dynamics' NASSCO shipbuilders and Newcastle-based Forgacs. According to McClintock, "NASSCO brings its leading edge experience in US naval shipbuilding and design, while Forgacs adds to our shipbuilding resources in Newcastle and Queensland." In addition to the prime bid for the new amphibious ships being procured under Joint Project 2048, McClintock added, "ADI will also be seeking to use its capabilities to secure work on the air warfare destroyer project" (Sea 4000). [02.12.04]

ADI LOOKING TO BREAK INTO JSF INTEGRATED TRAINING CENTRE: McClintock further highlighted the rapid growth of the company's training and simulation business (via Thales), and noted next year the expected arrival of simulators for integration into support facilities for the Air 87 armed reconnaissance helicopters and the Air 5077 airborne early warning and control aircraft. He said ADI would also be working with Lockheed Martin to provide systems engineering expertise for the company's proposed Australian integrated training centre. Other aerospace work includes upgrading full flight simulators for Qantas, and a just-concluded deal to provide a Boeing 777 full flight simulator to Air New Zealand. McClintock added, "we have high hopes that recent breakthroughs in the Army's helicopter fleet (Air 9000) will also bring new opportunities." [02.12.04]

MICHAEL L'ESTRANGE TO HEAD FOREIGN AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT: Prime Minister Howard has confirmed the new Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to be Michael L’Estrange, who has been the Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom since August 2000. L’Estrange will take up his new position for four years from 24 January 2005, with Doug Chester acting as Secretary from 4-23 January 2005 in view of the looming retirement of current Secretary, Dr Ashton Calvery, from 4 January. Howard says of L'Estrange, "he will bring to his new position considerable experience in government, including as former Head of the Cabinet Policy Unit and Secretary to Cabinet." [02.12.04]

HILL TO THE MIDDLE EAST FOR TALKS AND TROOP VISITS: Defence Minister Hill has departed Australia to participate in the first International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Summit. The so-called 'Gulf Dialogue' will run from 3-5 December in Manama (north of Bahrain), and is modelled on the successful Shangri-La Dialogue held by the IISS in Singapore each year. Senator Hill saw the summit is "an exciting step forward for the Gulf region," and will discuss a wide range of international security issues. The meeting brings together Defence and Foreign Ministers, national security advisors, chiefs of defence staff and intelligence professionals. Key issues on the discussion agenda include: counter-terrorism, weapons proliferation, border security, regional military developments and challenges and the future framework for security in the Gulf. [02.12.04]

EUROFIGHTER BACK IN THE RACE FOR F-111 GAP FILLER?: A positive decision by the German Bundestag Budget Committee to procure additional 'Eurofighter' aircraft has paved the way for European partner-wide approval of the second batch of fighter aircraft for NATO and EU air forces in Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain. The second tranche of 236 aircraft brings to 384 the number of Eurofighters to be manufactured of the 620 aircraft initially agreed to. More importantly, the Tranche 2 approval includes both production and development of the extended air-to-ground mission capability of the Eurofighter, which involves integration of state-of-the-art precision weapons for this role. Should the RAAF consider the need for an interim fighter requirement after 2007 in the event fully operational Joint Strike Fighter delivery moves out beyond 2015, both a Tranche 2 'Eurofighter' and Boeing's F/A-18 E/F are considered to represent realistic gap filler options. [02.12.04]

FACILITIES UNDER CONSTRUCTION FOR TIGERS IN DARWIN: Work is reported to have just begun on two major contracts for the 1st Aviation Regiment upgrade project at Darwin's Robertson Barracks, set to enable the Regiment to relocate to Darwin after being equipped with new 'Tiger' armed reconnaissance helicopters being procured under project Air 87. The first contract, for the $15.3m Command Precinct, was awarded to John Holland Pty Ltd, whilst the second contract, for the $26.3m Aviation Precinct, was awarded to Barclay Mowlem Construction Limited. Completion of the upgrade project in October 2005 is expected to provide the Army with helicopter shelters, workshops and administration buildings. [01.12.04]

GOVERNMENT REJECTS BAN ON THE USE OF ACTIVE SONARS: A motion to ban the use of active sonar in Australian waters, moved in the Senate by Democrats Senator Lyn Allison, has predictably failed to win Government support. Defence Minister Hill says Australia's procedures for the use of active sonar are "amongst the most precautionary in the world." Acknowledging a personal 'concern' for the welfare of Australian marine animals, Hill said "more needs to be understood about the impact of anthropogenic sound" in light of court action in the US against the SURTASS low-frequency active sonar system. Defence has funded a $1+m program over three years at the DSTO for research into whale distribution and the effects of man-made noise, and has an Environmental Management plane for maritime exercises. According to the Senator, "while the use of active sonar by the Navy remains an important operational requirement, Defence will continue to take all necessary precautions in its use." [01.12.04]

'DOORS' UPGRADE TO ADVANCE NETWORK CENTRIC WARFARE: To bolster the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) pursuit of its Network Centric Warfare 'Roadmap', and to ensure that all applications created within this approach comply with the stringent guidelines provided by the US Department of Defense (DoD), US-based Telelogic has introduced a US DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF) to its 'Doors' requirements management project. According to Telelogic's Vice President for Product Management, Modelling and Test Products, Matthew Graney, the new architecture framework "will ensure the ADF's locally developed enterprise architectures comply with the US standard, helping the ADF to move towards a more network-centric model." DoDAF supersedes the US DoD Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Architecture Framework. [01.12.04]

PROGRESS MADE ON POINT NEPEAN LAND OWNERSHIP TRANSFER: The Victorian Government had decided to accept the Federal Government's offer to transfer ownership of land at Point Nepean. The Government is said to have confirmed in March 2003 its willingness to gift the 205-hectare native bushland area of Defence land at Portsea to the Victorian Government for inclusion in the Mornington Peninsula National Park. The offer included the immediate transfer of land to the State, along with a financial contribution of $2m to cover a program of controlled burning and associated weed management that would then be undertaken by the State. According to Teresa Gambaro, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, "Defence will undertake the clearance of unexploded ordnance as part of the State-managed program to remediate the area." [01.12.04]

US BRONZE STAR FOR AUSTRALIAN IRAQ WAR VETERAN: Captain Peter Lockwood, a Royal Australian Navy officer who served with the Multi-National Force in the Persian Gulf during operations in Iraq, has been awarded a United States Bronze Star medal. The award recognises his service as Commanding Officer of HMAS 'Anzac' during Operation 'Falconer', and Lockwood's instrumental role in supporting the advance of coalition forces along the Al Faw peninsula through the provision of extraordinarily effective naval gunfire support. Defence Minister Hill says the award "reinforces the high regard in which our coalition partners hold Australian Defence Force personnel, and their expertise and adaptability in demanding Naval operations." [01.12.04]

FAR EAST COUNTRIES INCREASING DEFENCE SPENDING: A new 'Asia Pacific Market Analysis' from Forecast International (FI) expects that by 2009 regional defence expenditures will rise by 11.5% - to US$157.3b (from $133.4b currently) - reflecting an annual 2.8 % average increase that is in line with the average rates of inflation across the region. Leading the arms splurge is Japan, with a five-year defence budget projection of $209.6b (and representing 27.9% of projected regional defence budgets), followed by China with $147.0b (19.6 %), and South Korea with $95.5b (12.7%). India and Australia come next, with $77.2b (10.2 %) and $68.2b (9.1 %), respectively. FI says "Defence expenditures in the Pacific Rim and Far East are rebounding from the lows of the previous five years, and look set for a steady and sustained recovery." [01.12.04]

GLOBAL MILITARY ROTORCRAFT DEFINITELY ON THE RISE: A new 'World Market for Military Rotorcraft' study from Forecast International (FI) predicts 5,448 military rotorcraft, with an estimated value of US$84b will be produced from 2004-2013. This total includes both new-build rotorcraft as well as major modifications (such as the Boeing AH-64D and the Sikorsky UH-60M), with some 1,668 major modifications estimated to cost $14.3b. FI projects annual military rotorcraft production will increase through most of the 2004-2013 timeframe, with growth in the value of production outpacing growth in unit production due to an increasing proportion of relatively expensive rotorcraft in the annual production mix. Sikorsky (along with its newly acquired subsidiary, Schweizer) is projected to be the market leader (by units and value), producing 1,237 military helicopters worth some $20.6b. Second is Boeing with 983 rotorcraft produced, followed by Eurocopter (including its Australian Aerospace subsidiary) with 554 units. The Eurocopter total does not account for production by the NH Industries consortium, in which Eurocopter is a leading participant. [01.12.04]

DARPA AWARDS CONTRACTS FOR CLASS II UAV DEVELOPMENT: The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded funding to: Aurora Flight Sciences Inc (Manassas) - $2,398,275; BAE Systems Aircraft Controls Inc (Los Angeles) - $2,534,392; and Honeywell International Inc, Defense and Space Electronics Systems (Albuquerque) - $3,994,319, for the first phase (of three) under the Organic Air Vehicle - II (OAV-II) program, designed to develop a prototype 'ducted fan' Class II unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the US Army's Future Force Unit of Action. The OAV-II program will develop and demonstrate a company-level UAV for operation in diverse missions such as complex environment reconnaissance and surveillance; path finding for friendly ground vehicles (both robotic and manned); manoeuvre force protection; and targeting for non-line-of-sight fire operations. [01.12.04]

IZAR EXPORTS ITS FIRST SUBMARINE UNDER JOINT DCN DEAL: Spanish-based Izar has launched the first submarine (the 'Carrera') built in Spain, which is destined for the Chilean Navy after it completes sea trials next year. The 'Carrera' is the second 'Scorpene'-class submarine built for Chile under a joint effort between France's DCN shipyards and Izar. It is also the first submarine for which Izar is responsible, not only for construction of the stern section, but also for the assembly of the prow and stern sections. Izar's Cartagena shipyard has on order two Scorpene submarines for Malaysia, in addition to four S-80 submarines for the Spanish Navy, thus guaranteeing work through to the end of 2014. Izar is currently bidding for Australia's Sea 4000 (air warfare destroyers) and JP 2048 (amphibious ships) programs. [01.12.04]

November

[TOP]

LLOYDS REGISTER APPOINTED TO FURTHER AWD CLASSIFICATION: The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has contracted London-based Lloyd’s Register to help with the design of new air warfare destroyers (AWDs) being procured under project Sea 4000. Lloyd's says the classification of the new class of ships capable of sophisticated air defence "is aimed at achieving the highest international standards in the quality and safety of their hull, machinery, electrical, control and military system equipment." Lloyd's Register's involvement in the AWD program is expected extend through the design, construction and in-service phases of the project, given they will be the first RAN combat ships to be designed and constructed to a classification society’s rules. A total of 15 RAN ships are currently on the Lloyd's Register. [30.11.04]

COUNTER-TERRORISM AGENDA LAID OUT FOR ALL TO SEE: This month's edition of the Australian Homeland Security Market Insight (AHSMI) outlines the detail of recent Australian Government initiatives on homeland security, saying those continuing to argue with Federal Ministers about the need to establish a homeland security department "will not make any friends in the Howard Government". November's issue of the homeland security 'Market Insight' goes on to discuss in detail the Government's counter-terrorism agenda by dividing it into the following sub-headings: understanding the causes of terrorism; coordination within government to counter terrorism; the principles driving national security expenditure; Australia's foreign policy approach; and Government expectations of the private sector in the fight against terrorism. Surf www.homelandsecurity.org.au/insight.html for further details. [30.11.04]

MORE TO HOWARD'S REGIONAL SECURITY PLAN THAN AMITY: Speaking to media in Vientiane (Laos) on the eve of the ASEAN Summit, Prime Minister Howard has confirmed Australia is not planning to attack any particular nation in the Asian region. Citing a history of opposition from both sides of Australian politics to signing the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), Howard described the TAC as "inconsistent with some of the terms of some of our other obligations. We’ll continue to study it, but we’re not disposed to signing it." Responding to questions contrasting Japan's approach to the TAC, Howard replied, "it doesn’t alter the substance of our relationship and that’s what really matters. I think we should not get hung up on whether or not we agree to a particular treaty which was designed and came out of a period of time and an attitude of thinking which is not necessarily as relevant today as it was then." [30.11.04]

REGIONAL SECURITY PACKAGE FOCUSES ON HOMELAND SECURITY: Prime Minister Howard has announced a new package of cooperative activities designed to build on Australia's existing regional development cooperation assistance with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), and its individual member nations. The package includes: $5m for a 3-year trade analysis and reform program for Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam; $4m for a 3-year Australian sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacity building program for ASEAN; $5m for a 3-year regional communicable diseases initiative to combat SARS and Avian Influenza; $2m for a 3-year regional anti-drugs initiative focussing on Cambodia, Laos, Burma and Thailand; a $570,000 one-year extension of Australia's South East Asia program to combat foot and mouth disease (in conjunction with the International Animal Health Organization); and $700,000 for a 3-year program of additional assistance to support the work of the Mekong River Commission (MRC), including an Australian expert to help develop the MRC’s next five year strategy plan. Australia is also contributing $45m over six years to the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Program. [30.11.04]

HILL TALKS-UP PROLIFERATION SECURITY INITIATIVE IN SYDNEY: Opening the eighth meeting of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) operational experts working group at the Four Seasons Hotel, Defence Minister Hill says that with the Asia-Pacific region containing the busiest sea and air ports (and most strategically important transhipment locations) in the world, "Australia looks forward to continuing to work with our neighbours to strengthen the region's contribution to the PSI, and international security issues." Delegates from 19 countries are meeting in Sydney to plan and agree on an exercise program for the next 12 months that spans not only specific maritime interdictions, but also actions against suspected major container shipping, as well as the broad area of interdiction in the air. [30.11.04]

LAYERED DEFENCE TO COMBAT WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION: Hill told the conference that defences against WMD proliferation depend on a framework of mutually reinforcing measures such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the Biological Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention. An additional barrier was said to be the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Missile Technology Control Regime, Wassenaar Arrangement and the Australia Group. According to the Minister, these groups "play a vital role in preventing proliferators from gaining access to sensitive and dual-use materials and technologies. Underpinning the effectiveness of export controls are technical exchanges on control lists, timely information sharing, law enforcement cooperation and tight border controls, (such as) UN Security Council Resolution 1540, unanimously adopted in April this year." [30.11.04]

NO MENTION OF IRAQ WMDs, BUT FINGER FIRMLY POINTED AT KOREA: The Senator continued saying "over recent years, secondary proliferation has blunted the effectiveness of export controls, with an increasing number of proliferant countries now having an indigenous WMD capability that they are willing to share with others. Further, countries with WMD programs or aspirations, notably North Korea and Iran, have dishonoured their international treaty obligations. It is clearly in all countries’ security interests to prevent the advent of more nuclear weapon states, especially in regions of instability and conflict. Disturbingly, international terrorist groups have also indicated their pursuit and preparedness to use WMD. It does not take much imagination to consider the horrific consequences of … WMD falling into the hands of non-state actors. All these problems are particularly acute in the Asia-Pacific region." [30.11.04]

AUSTRALIA A FAVOURITE VENUE FOR MULTIPLE WMD DISCUSSIONS: Having already hosted a ministerial-level Asia Pacific Conference on Nuclear Safeguards and Security in Sydney earlier this month (themed around preventing nuclear and radiological terrorism), Hill confirmed a busy discussion agenda for 2005 running up to the Non Proliferation Treaty Review Conference next May. Australia will also play a prominent role in relation to chemical and biological controls as Chair of the Australia Group, and will host the twentieth-anniversary meeting of the Australia Group in Sydney next April, as well as the third senior-level meeting of the Asian Export Control Policy Dialogue later in the year. Over the past year, Australian experts have also undertaken outreach visits and provided training to several regional countries. [30.11.04]

HILL DENIES AUSTRALIAN POT CALLING THE REGIONAL KETTLE BLACK: Speaking to media about the need for other countries in the region to develop technologies and approaches as sophisticated as Australia's to control the export of 'dual use' technologies that might end up as part of WMD systems, Defence Minister Hill has been asked about the activities of Lucas Heights-based company, Silex, and its laser uranium enrichment technology. Hill replied, "any company that is exporting a dual use or potential dual use technology from Australia that falls within the scope of the definitions in our legislation requires export approval, and we examine that very carefully because we want to encourage high tech exports. (Such exports) can bring economic benefits to our country (but) we don’t want them to become inadvertently diverted into a weapons of mass destruction program." [30.11.04]

COMBINED TRAINING CENTRE PROPOSAL STILL COMING TOGETHER: Defence Minister Hill says full details of the Government's proposal to establish a Joint Combined Training Centre (JCTC) near Shoalwater Bay (Qld) are "still being developed with specific projects in relation to the upgrades still needing to be approved by both (the US and Australian) Governments in the coming months." Under the JCTC concept, the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, the Bradshaw Field Training Area and the Delamere Range facility (both in the Northern Territory), will be upgraded and subsequently linked with compatible US training facilities. Hill says Exercise 'Talisman Sabre' - to be conducted in 2007 - will be the first opportunity to test the new JCTC. Accordingly, and as the project develops he says, "more information will be made available to the central Queensland community." [30.11.04]

FOCUS SWITCHES TO QUEENSLAND'S BOOMING DEFENCE ECONOMY: A Department of Defence commissioned study (undertaken by the Centre for Social Science Research at Central Queensland University - CQU) has found military activity in 2003 to have boosted the central Queensland economy by $52.8m, creating 728 full time equivalent jobs. Defence's market presence is said to have led to positive effects in the area, including: the extension and deepening of the region's skill base; supporting industry growth; direct funding injections into the construction industry and a general expansion of business activity. Of note, visiting ADF members and those of foreign forces, when on leave in the region, are said to have spent $24.8m in 2003, around $2734/head. [30.11.04]

SILENCE FOR 'BOOK WORMS' IN NEW LIBRARY BUILDING: As part of election commitments, the Government has confirmed it will fund a new library at the Salt Ash Public School as part of noise attenuation works. The school is located near RAAF Base 'Williamtown' (NSW), which operates F/A-18 'Hornet' fighters, and the 'Hawk' Lead-in fighter trainer. Defence Minister Hill says the new library would to replace the existing library, which was deemed uneconomical to attenuate for noise coming from the RAAF base. Initial noise attenuation works were completed over the September school holidays, with the main phase of works scheduled for completion over the Christmas school holidays. Other works under way in the area include initiating noise monitoring in local communities, increased security at the range, improved waste management at the range and better communication between Defence and the Port Stephens communities on flying schedules. [30.11.04]

MMA MODEL GLIDES THROUGH WIND TUNNEL TESTS: Boeing reports that engineers have completed the first series of wind tunnel tests for the 737 Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) under its Systems Development and Demonstration (SDD) contract. Low-speed wind tunnel tests began on an 11% scale model of the MMA in a 20 ft. by 20 ft. subsonic wind tunnel. The team is said to have looked at a variety of unique features in addition to the basic stability of the aircraft including weapons bay door open, flaps down, landing gear down to simulate take-off and landing conditions. The Boeing-led MMA team (CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and Smiths Aerospace) will produce five test aircraft during the program's SDD phase. US Navy plans call for up to 108 aircraft to replace its aging fleet of P-3 aircraft. [30.11.04]

L-3 HIVES-OFF GENERAL DYNAMICS' TANK PROPULSION COMPANY: L-3 Communications is to acquire the Propulsion Systems business unit of General Dynamics for US$185m in cash, thus delivering to the company a recognised market leader in the engineering, design and manufacture of engines, transmissions, suspension and turret drive systems for both tracked and wheeled combat vehicles. The business is also a production centre for 'Bradley' and 'Abrams' tank components, and supports both domestic and international vehicle customers (approximately 30,000 vehicles world-wide), including Singapore and South Korea. Acquisition of the new propulsion systems business is expected to add around $155m to L-3's 2005 sales, with completion of the deal set for early next year. [30.11.04]

BAE SYSTEMS WRAPS-UP TURKISH JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER DEAL: BAE Systems North America has added a fourth partner to its Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) electronic warfare system integration plan with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Turkish company Mikrodalga Elektronic Sistemler Sanayi ve Ticaret AS (or MiKES). The MoA includes the assembly of electronic components and the machining of sub-modules and components. MiKES is a defence electronic design and manufacturing house (specialising in electronic warfare), and will support BAES North America during the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) and Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) phases of the JSF Electronic Warfare program. [30.11.04]

GENERATIONAL CHANGE COMING FOR LOCKHEED MARTIN: Lockheed Martin (LM) Corporation has confirmed that Vance Coffman will retire from its board of directors effective April 2005, and that Robert Stevens, the company's current President and Chief Executive Officer (since August 2004), will replace Coffman as Chairman of the Board at that time. The company also confirmed that defence-industry icon, Norman Augustine, will retire as a member of the board effective in April 2005. Augustine has served on the LM board since the company was founded in 1995, served as its chairman from 1997 to 1998, and as its CEO from 1996 to 1997. Admiral James Ellis Jr is now to join the LM board. He most recently served as Commander, US Strategic Command, before retiring in July 2004 after 35 years of Navy service. [29.11.04]

SAAB STEPS INTO A400M MILITARY TRANSPORT PRODUCTION LOOP: Saab AB and Airbus have signed an agreement bringing Saab into the A400M military transport production loop, and involving the development and production of the crew entrance door for the A400M aircraft. The contract value could be up to SEK 400 million if up to 500 aircraft are eventually produced, and thus makes Saab a risk-sharing partner in the A400M program. One hundred and eighty (180) A400Ms have been ordered to date by seven European nations, with prime contractor Airbus Military predicting global market potential of two to three hundred aircraft. Australia continues to have an interest in the A400M (along with the Boeing C-17) via a latter phase project Air 8000 currently outside the 2004-2014 Defence Capability Plan. [29.11.04]

DMO ISSUES TENDER TO ACCESS BUSINESS ACUMEN TRAINING: The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has released a request for tender (RFT) seeking proposals from education and training providers (including universities, vocational education and training institutions and registered training providers), to work in partnership with the DMO to design, administer and deliver a new Business Acumen Training Program. The program aims to improve Commonwealth outcomes for contract management in acquisition and sustainment programs by generating a commercial approach to business and decision making inside the DMO, including the ability to achieve business outcomes, manage financial risk and understand accountability frameworks and business objectives from a private industry perspective. Proposals are to be lodged on or before 12.00pm on 17 December 2004. [27.11.04]

CANBERRA ILLUMINATORS HEADED FOR NEW UAE WARSHIPS: Canberra-based CEA Technologies has been selected to supply illuminators for the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) new ‘Baynunah’-class corvettes. The company will supply its Solid State Continuous Wave Illuminator (SSCWI) transmitters - which are to support the new ships’ Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) self-defence system - along with a manufacturing, delivery, installation and training package. The SSCWI transmitters will be integrated with the Alenia Marconi Systems NA25XM fire control system, and the IPN-S command and control system to provide target illumination for the ESSM. CEA also has contracts under way for three additional SSCWI Transmitters to the RAN, and the design/manufacture of the integrated internal and external communications system for the new ‘Armidale’-class patrol boats. [26.11.04]

MOVE TO PROTECT CRITICAL AUSTRALIAN COMPUTER NETWORKS: The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has confirmed a new Computer Network Vulnerability Assessment (CNVA) program will fund specialist computer experts to identify vulnerabilities in the computer networks and systems that support the provision of essential services to Australians. Ruddock said additional funding of $50.2m over four years in the 2004/05 Budget would support projects such as the CNVA, “which will identify weaknesses in existing computer networks and test systems to see how they can be compromised.” Expressions of interest from consultants with the necessary capabilities to undertake the work are being sought immediately, with the aim of providing practical assistance to the owners and operators of critical infrastructure from the New Year. The CNVA program is another initiative of the Trusted Information Sharing Network (TISN). [26.11.04]

AUSTRALIAN FIRM PICKS-UP US VIDEO SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGY: Sydney-based ADT has confirmed it will become the official Australian partner of ‘ObjectVideo’, a leading intelligent video surveillance software supplier. The US developed software enables port security personnel to create virtual perimeters across land and water by drawing a video tripwire directly on a computer snapshot of the camera's view. This technology also introduces environmental filters that automatically adjust to challenging and changing outdoor environments, by eliminating false alarms caused by water reflection, white caps and tidal action in areas of interest along a waterside. Organisations in the US currently utilising this technology include: the Customs and Border Protection Bureau; Department of Defence; Air Force; Navy and a variety of private sector businesses. [26.11.04]

CHANGE OF COMMAND IN AUSTRALIAN MIDDLE EAST OPERATIONS: Defence Minister Hill has confirmed Air Commodore Greg Evans will take over as Commander of the Australian Forces in the Middle East Area of Operations, replacing Brigadier Peter Hutchinson, who has commanded the Australian contingent since May this year. Based in Baghdad, Evans will lead around 920 Australian Defence Force personnel (including those aboard HMAS ‘Adelaide’) on active service in the Middle East to support Coalition stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in Iraq. Evans’ appointment spans the time-frame when Coalition forces and the Iraqi government will be subjected to the first democratically held elections in decades. [26.11.04]

BEV LYTTLE RECOGNISED IN AIDN DEFENCE-INDUSTRY AWARDS: The Director of the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) for Victoria and Tasmania, Bev Lyttle, has been awarded the 2004 Australian Industry Defence Network Victoria (AIDN-Vic) Terry Kelly Memorial Award. The presentation was made by the Hon Tim Holding, Victorian Minister for Manufacturing & Export on 25 November. Speaking at the award presentation, the new President of AIDN-Vic, Ray Walton, remarked of Lyttle, she is “a public servant of 30 years standing who has worked tirelessly and well beyond the call of duty to enable local defence sector companies to achieve significant participation in Federal Government defence related projects and services.” Walton replaces Peter Nicholls as AIDN-Vic President. [26.11.04]

REPORT ON CF-18 FIGHTER UPGRADE ON-SCHEDULE BUT OFF-BEAM: Reporting into the US$2.6b upgrade of 80 of its 119 CF-18 fighter aircraft, the Canadian Auditor-General has found the program to be by and large proceeding on schedule and within budget, but beset with ‘worrying gaps’ in the Department of National Defence's (DND) logic and decision making regarding the upgrade, in particular, how it arrived at the figure of 80 aircraft to upgrade. In essence, the audit report was unable to find any analysis leading to the number of units to be upgraded, although Departmental officials later confirmed the figure of 80 CF-18s was considered reasonable from a financial perspective. The Audit report alternatively concludes, “new threats to North America in light of global events over the past two years may increase the demands on the upgraded 80-aircraft fleet and may put even greater pressure on the Air Force to manage its fatigue life, maintenance, and flying hours." [26.11.04]

CANADIAN ‘HORNET’ NUMBERS OF SOME INTEREST TO THE RAAF: Given the change in strategic outlook noted by the Auditor-General, the choice of 80 aircraft for upgrade does not mean the Air Force would always have 80 operational aircraft available with which to defend Canada. The reality, says the report, is more likely four squadrons with 12 aircraft in each (48), with the remaining 32 jets available for training. Further, and of the 48 aircraft in operational service, only 34 would normally be mission-ready on a daily basis. As the Air Force is expected to lose one aircraft every two years to the effect of wear and tear, the Auditor-General has in turn recommended “a review of how well the modernised 80-aircraft fleet will meet Canada's ongoing commitments, particularly in a post-September 11, 2001 environment", should now be conducted. [26.11.04]

JANUARY 2005 START FOR NEW DEFENCE PROTOTYPING FACILITY: Australia’s new rapid prototyping, development and evaluation (RPDE) capability, initially to be located at Fern Hill (in Canberra), will gear-up in late January 2005 once its new CEO, Mike Kalms, returns to Australia from the United Kingdom. The RPDE initiative is a joint program between Defence and industry requiring industry to work collaboratively on Defence-directed problems in order to provide sufficient information to Departmental capability managers so that they can make informed decisions on enhancing NCW capability across the ADF. The $20m program (after administration costs) will have around $15-16m to focus on NCW issues, over a three stage project. Stage 3A is now underway (Dec ‘04 to June ’05) to establish the initial capability, with real work on accelerating network capability across the ADF planned for Stage 3B, running from June 05 to December 2006. [25.11.04]

KALMS LEAVES NITEWORKS TO HEAD AUSTRALIAN RPD&E PROGRAM: Current BAE Systems representative to the UK ‘NITEworks’ network enabled warfare experimentation program, Mike Kalms, is to shortly assume responsibility for Australia’s rapid prototyping development and evaluation (RPDE) program. The RPDE initiative achieved DCIC approval in July, and was signed-off by Defence Minister Hill on 20 August 2004. The Program is to be managed by a Steering Group and Advisory Board, and will draw-in industry involvement via formal Members and Associates. RPDE is a fully funded program open to all Industry with NCW capability, and its inner workings will be further explained via briefings (venues TBC) to commence in Canberra on 7 December 2004, followed by Adelaide (20 December); Melbourne (20 December); Sydney (21 December); and Brisbane on 22 December 2004. Email lynette.mills@defence.gov.au or telephone 02/6256-6511 to register. [25.11.04]

CAE MARKS TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF AUSTRALIAN OPERATIONS: Canadian-parented CAE Australia has moved its Military Simulation and Training operation to new facilities at the Slough Business Park in the Sydney suburb of Silverwater. The new facility was officially opened by Defence Minister Hill, and Donald Campbell, CAE’s group president for military simulation and training. CAE established its defence simulation business in Australia exactly 10 years ago, and according to the General Manager of simulation and training operations in Australia, Alan Johnson, “we have been focusing on delivering on-time and on-budget to the ADF.” Last year, CAE Australia signed a long-term agreement with Defence to provide flight training support services for all three armed services. [25.11.04]

DARPA SEEKS DYNAMIC NETWORKED COMBAT CAPABILITY: DARPA’s Advanced Technology Office has released a Request for Information (RFI) regarding proposals for a Dynamic Networked Combat Capability (DNCC). The objective of the DNCC is to allow individual deciders, sensors and weapon systems to form arbitrary and spontaneous confederations to accomplish a mission, independent of the platforms and independent of the communications available to each decider, sensor or weapon. The capability would focus on the real-time dynamic aspects of combat, and not on planning activities or on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities. Technologies are desired that can provide a ‘web based’ service to enable constituents to: discover the availability of deciders, weapons or sensors; discover the existence and position of targets, and collaborate to assign specific decider/sensor/weapon sets to targets. [25.11.04]

WAY AHEAD CHARTED FOR ADF NETWORK CENTRIC WARFARE: Addressing the Network Centric Warfare 2004 Conference at ADFA in Canberra, the Head of the Defence Capability Systems’ Capability Development Group, AVM Kerry Clarke, has confirmed the way ahead for wider adoption of Network Centric Warfare (NCW) practices across the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Clarke said the Capability Development Group had now assumed responsibility for the NCW Roadmap, the Rapid Prototyping Development & Evaluation (RPDE) program, and the recently established NCW Program Office. This Office was in the process of reviewing DCP and Minor projects for their ‘NCW consistency’ in time for a review of defence projects by the Federal Government in May 2005. [24.11.04]

NCW GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS NOW ESTABLISHED: AVM Clarke told the conference four areas had been established to report to the NCW Implementation Team, which subsequently reported to the Defence Capability Committee. Of these: the first was the Defence RPDE Steering Group/RPDE Board; the second was the NCW Configuration Management Group (as influenced by the NCW Program Office and DSTO in its JP 5000 task); the third was the NCW R&D Steering Group (as influenced by the DSTO in undertaking NCW tasks); and the fourth was the Concept Development & Experimentation (CD&E) Steering Group, as influenced Joint and individual Service (Headmark, Headline and Headway) experimentation. The revamped Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) will advise the NCW Program Office on Technical and Architecture standards. [24.11.04]

ADF FUTURE STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT FOR NCW APPLICATION: Expanding on recent work in the application of NCW to future warfighting concepts, the Director General of Military Strategy, Brigadier Richard Wilson, reminded the conference that despite all the talk of technology, war remained a human contest featuring chaos, brutality, fog and friction. Imperatives for a future warfighting force, therefore, were that it: became more aware and more precise, had tighter sensor-to-shooter timelines; was more expeditionary, featured greater use of unmanned capabilities, and was more networked. Desired characteristics emerging from work to enhance warfighting capability included, he said: superior information position; common understanding; dynamic self-coordination; increased integration and speed of action; deeper sensor reach; increased convergence; rapid speed of command and quick adaptation. [24.11.04]

MASTERING TWIN DIMENSIONS STILL THE CHALLENGE OF NCW QUEST: Whilst reflecting confidence in progress the ‘Network’ dimension of NCW (as reflected in information sharing, information systems, applications and data), Brigadier Wilson nevertheless expressed less confidence in progress to master the ‘Human’ dimension of NCW, involving reaction and interaction to the network to act more effectively. He told the conference the ADF should have ‘realistic expectations’ in terms of the application of NCW, citing recent testimony from soldiers returning from Iraq exhibiting resistance to the mechanisation of the command chain through emails, and seeking instead the preservation of more personality-based networks and face to face communication with soldiers in order to effect command. [24.11.04]

KEEPING THE LID ON EXPECTATIONS OF THE NCW ROADMAP: Providing his own unique perspective of the application of NCW to the Australian Defence Force, the Editor-in-Chief of Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) magazine, Trevor J Thomas, has warned readers of NCW material of the growing divergence in traditional English language definitions of words used in explaining NCW concepts, and their actual meanings in terms of NCW authors and technologists. Thomas said much existing NCW text reflected assertions which remained to be proven, and if allowed to run without validation, risked disaster within adopting military forces either from under-estimating the enemy, or over-estimating their own NCW-enhanced capabilities. Copies of Thomas’s speech and presentation can be downloaded from ‘Editor’s Speeches’ at www.adbr.com.au. [24.11.04]

INDUSTRY BOSSES IN MALAYSIA TO ASSESS RESERVISTS PROGRAM: A group of 24 employers from across Victoria are visiting Malaysia as part of a Defence program designed to encourage employer support for the Reserves. The employers, including Logan and Associates (Swan Hill), Preston Motors and TNT, will visit a Rifle Company at the ‘Butterworth’ air base (RMAF) comprising around 160 Army Reservists from Victoria's 4th Brigade. The Defence Reserves Support Council, the organisation that liaises between the ADF and the civilian employers of Reservists, says Reserves make up about 42% of the total force. The four-day ‘Boss Lift’ program will highlight the importance of Reservists in defending Australia's interests. [24.11.04]

INCREASED ROLE IN JSF FOR FLUID DELIVERY SUPPLIER: US-based Eaton Corporation has confirmed it will be expanding its scope of work on wing fluid delivery systems for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), after a recent agreement with Lockheed Martin (LM). The expanded wing fluid delivery work and increased technical assistance are expected to increase Eaton's potential F-35 revenue by $1b, based on the production of 2,600 aircraft through to 2027. The new contract increase takes overall JSF revenue for Eaton to almost $3b, including the hydraulic power generation system, general actuation and the expended wing fluid delivery system work. JSF work is being undertaken at Eaton’s East Avenue facility in Jackson (Michigan). [24.11.04]

GIBBS & COX LODGES DESIGN FOR RAN SEA 4000 PROJECT: US-based Gibbs & Cox have confirmed their completion of Phase 1C design studies for the Royal Australian Navy’s Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) project following submission of their proposal for the role of Preferred Ship Designer for Phase 2 of the project. According to the company, the AWD design that has been developed meets Australia's requirements for a multi-mission surface combatant providing affordable maritime air warfare capability. Companies supporting Gibbs & Cox in its bid include: Anteon Corporation; Angle Inc; Basic Commerce & Industries; ICI LLC; Lockheed Martin Corporation Tactical Systems; Romulus LLC; and Technomics Inc. Should its design be selected for Phase 2 of the AWD Project, Gibbs & Cox says it will establish and maintain an in-country design capability that includes significant Australian defence-industry participation. [23.11.04]

UK TECHNOLOGY TRUMPED TO CREATE AUSSIE EXPORT PRODUCT: Rydalmere (NSW)-based Thales Underwater Systems (TUS) reports it has created a new acoustic ceramic, which it is now exporting into Europe. The new piezoelectric ceramic developed by the company’s acoustic engineering team has been utilised in a sonar array ‘triplet’, and incorporated into in advanced anti-submarine and torpedo detection systems. The ceramic in the triplet originated in the UK, and until now was supplied to Australia for final array assembly. After two years of R&D, TUS has now completed its import replacement program, and is manufacturing the entire triplet using the new Australian ceramic. The first batch of triplets was exported in October, with another shipment due in February 2005. [23.11.04]

FIRST AIR 87 'TIGER' HELICOPTERS FREIGHTED INTO BRISBANE: The first two ‘Tiger’ armed reconnaissance helicopters being procured under project Air 87 - ARH 1 and ARH 2 – have been flown into Brisbane Airport from the Eurocopter factory in Marignane (France). The two helicopters were then immediately transferred to the Australian Aerospace facility on the opposite side of the airport, in order to undergo preparation for the official delivery to the Australian Army in mid-December. ARHs 3 & 4 are currently in France to finalise their certification and continue the initial training development for Army pilots, whilst units 5-11 are housed within the Brisbane facility in various stages of production, including 2 in pre-equipment, 3 in assembly, one in ground test and one in flight test. [23.11.04]

MESA ‘TOP HAT’ AEW&C RADAR MATED TO SECOND ‘WEDGETAIL’: Boeing reports it has successfully mated another Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar antenna onto the second 737-700 aircraft, as part of project Air 5077, Australia’s airborne early warning and control program. The Northrop Grumman-built MESA antenna, at 35.5 feet long (and weighing more than three tons), is the critical sensor aboard the aircraft and around which its capabilities will be developed. Officials say the electronic scanning technology provides optimal performance in range, tracking, and accuracy. While modifications on the second 737 continue at Boeing field in Seattle, the first ‘Wedgetail’ aircraft is undergoing an airworthiness flight test program that has already taken it well past 300 hours. Australia now has on order six 737-based AEW&C aircraft. [23.11.04]

SAIC MOVES INTO VIRTUAL DEFENCE MARKETING FACILITY: US-based Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has opened a 1,900 sqft Joint System-of-Systems Collaborative Environment Laboratory (JSCEL) in Suffolk (Virginia), located adjacent to the Joint Training, Analysis and Simulation centre and the Joint Futures Laboratory. The JSCEL will allow SAIC's customers to see firsthand capabilities such as live-virtual-constructive simulation integration, system-of-systems concepts, rapid prototyping and connectivity to other distributed transformation efforts. With a workspace providing a portal into distributed live, virtual and constructive simulation capabilities, the JSCEL will support local experimentation, integration and demonstration. [23.11.04]

DEFENCE CONTINUES TO STRUGGLE WITH ACCRUAL ACCOUNTING: Release of the Department of Defence's 2003/04 Annual Report has confirmed serious shortcomings in some of its financial record keeping and data management, thus prompting further corrective action at the behest of Defence Minister Hill. Ernst & Young has been engaged to effect a major revision of Defence financial principles, policies, processes and systems; the development of a rigorous reconciliation process; assistance with implementation of Australian Equivalent International Financial Reporting Standards; and completion of due diligence for the accounting separation of DMO from Defence. The existing Financial Statements Project Board (FSPB) is to be enhanced by inclusion of representatives from both the Department of Finance and the private sector. A new Financial Control Framework (FCF) and monthly Balance Sheet Reports are also to be introduced for each of the 16 individual Groups within the Department. [22.11.04]

JOBS NOW UP IN THE AIR FOR BOTH HILL AND SMITH: Defence Minister, Robert Hill, has expressed ‘disappointment’ with the continuing malaise in Defence’s ability to lodge valid accounts, citing the Auditor-General’s further criticism of the quantitative and qualitative internal controls maintained within the Department of Defence to report its overall financial situation as part of the shift away from cash management reporting. According to Senator Hill, “long established (Defence) systems and practices are no longer adequate in meeting today's requirements of transparency and accountability.” Defined remedial projects (or ‘get well’ programs) are now to be advanced for: Stores Records Accuracy, General Stores Inventory Pricing, Supply Customer Accounts, Explosive Ordnance Pricing, Military Leave Records, and Property Valuations. [22.11.04]

DON’T BLAME ME, JUST LOOK AT THE USA AND BRITAIN: Reflecting on the 2003/04 financial outcome, Defence Secretary, Ric Smith, admitted financial management reforms “clearly have to be accelerated, (even though) in the last two years budget management practices have yielded good results in regard to cash operations." Accelerated changes now to be made to rectify on-going problems include: the introduction of a new stringent financial controls framework; the establishment of clearer lines of financial accountability in Defence’s organizational structure; pre-emptive cross-checks and reconciliations; management scrutiny through performance reporting to 'get it right' at source; monthly provision of group balance sheets, and the introduction of ‘self certification’ (including at the most senior level). Smith has previously compared Australia’s difficulties in coming to grips with new accounting standards and audit expectations with those similarly being experienced by defence portfolio administrators in the United States and the United Kingdom. [22.11.04]

MCCLELLAND CALLS HILL BACK TO WORK, AND AWAY FROM PHOTO SHOOTS: Shadow Defence Minister, Robert McClelland, says that after four years in the job, Defence Minister Hill – on the basis of the Department’s 2003/04 Annual Report – “has failed to achieve the most basic management standards. If a private citizen ran their own business like this, they would be in breach of tax and company laws, and would quickly go out of business.” According to McClelland, “mismanagement of the Defence budget does not just mean taxpayers’ dollars are being spent without any form of accurate accountability. It also impedes effective long-term defence planning. Uncertainty and financial instability further undermines the capacity of the Government to deliver on the Defence Capability Plan (DCP), already on very shaky ground.” [22.11.04]

MORE MONEY TO BOOST REGIONAL SECURITY INITIATIVES: Prime Minister Howard has confirmed Australian support for new initiatives agreed by APEC in Santiago (Chile) to support security, anti-corruption and regional assistance. As a result, APEC countries are to ‘pilot’ in 2005 a new regional passports ‘alert’ system. Development of the Regional Movement Alert List (RMAL), says Howard, “will allow countries to check passenger details against shared data on lost and stolen passports, making their use harder.” Chile and the US have also agreed to work with Australia on the pilot, and it is hoped the balance of APEC members will join in the future. Australia is to provide $3m over three years to support a range of regional security and governance projects, especially a program to fight corruption in the region. [22.11.04]

US DEFENCE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT STILL UNDER CHALLENGE: A new report from the General Accountability Office (GAO) has found fundamental problems with Department of Defense’s (DoD) financial management and related business operations, resulting in substantial waste and inefficiency that has adversely impacted on mission performance, transparency and accountability across all major business areas. Despite recent efforts to address these weaknesses and transform the department in recent years, the GAO says the DoD remains challenged in its efforts to effect fundamental financial and business management reform. Underlying, and now likely intractable causes impeding reform are said to be: a lack of clear and sustained leadership for overall business transformation efforts; cultural resistance to change; lack of meaningful metrics and ongoing monitoring; and inadequate incentives and accountability mechanisms. [22.11.04]

DUTCH AEROSPACE INDUSTRY SHIPS-OUT JSF COMPONENTS: Stork Aerospace has officially delivered the first wire assembly and the first in-flight opening doors for the first CTOL F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) to Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, contracted as part of the Netherlands’ participation in the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase of the JSF program. The joint contract value for the more than 20 Dutch companies and institutes involved in the project now totals more than €200m, with Stork Aerospace’s share set at €125m. During the SDD, 22 JSF test aircraft (14 of which will have full-flight capability), will undergo an extensive series of ground and flight tests to establish their compliance with contract specifications. The official production order is expected to be issued to Lockheed Martin in 2006. [22.11.04]

LOCKHEED MARTIN GETS BROUGHT INTO DD(X) DEVELOPMENT: The Northrop Grumman/Raytheon-led DD(X) National Team partners have contracted Lockheed Martin (via Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems) to develop Command and Control (C2) functionality for the next generation DD(X) destroyer. In this expanded role, Lockheed Martin (LM) will be responsible for the design and development of more than 250,000 lines of code on DD(X) Phase III, and more than one million additional lines of code on DD(X) Phase IV. LM is also providing DD(X) support in regard to: total ship systems engineering, total ship computing environment and infrastructure, weapon control element, acoustic sensor suite element and volume search radar (VSR). In addition, LM is to design and develop C2 Human-Computer interface displays. [22.11.04]

CALL FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES FOR ACCELERATED FCS: Boeing and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) - acting as Lead Systems Integrator (LSI) for the US Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) program - are now seeking bid proposals to develop Class II and Class III Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems following a US Army decision to expand and accelerate the FCS program. Unmanned technologies represent a crucial part of the FCS, which consists of 18 systems, a network and an individual soldier. Class II (reconnaissance, security/early warning target acquisition/designation) and III (greater endurance and larger payload-carrying capacity than Class II) UAVs are two of four previously deferred systems now being funded. Both systems are expected to be deployed with the first fully FCS-equipped unit in 2014. [22.11.04]

HOWARD REPORTS ON TALKS WITH THE PRESIDENT OF KOREA: Speaking to media during the course of the APEC meeting in Santiago (Chile), Prime Minister Howard says that in his meeting with the President of Korea, they talked principally about terrorism and public health. On terrorism, the PM said, “it’s well understood that you need to share intelligence (and) be wary of any education systems that encourage and promote hatred. It’s important to encourage dialogue between different religions as well as different countries. It’s (also) important to try and tackle those inequalities in society which provide a point of advocacy for terrorists. Now I don’t share the view that terrorists themselves are the products of poverty, but I certainly recognize that they would seek to exploit disadvantage.” [21.11.04]

BIG WEEK COMING FOR NETWORK CENTRIC WARFARE: Defence officials speaking at this week’s IQPC/ADBR ‘Network Centric Warfare 2004’ conference at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), are expected to update the Australian military’s NCW Roadmap, specifically outlining the Department’s concept for enabling information superiority and support (IS&S). The concept of enabling IS&S is about Defence being able to gain access to the right information, in the right form, at the right time and place, in order to achieve a state of information superiority where friendly forces are able to out-think and out manoeuvre a potential enemy. Advancing the NCW and IS&S concept is expected to see a re-scheduling within the next Defence Capability Plan (DCP) of space projects, and the bringing forward of major acquisitions relating to the space environment from the outer years of the current 2004-2014 plan. [21.11.04]

ADF SPECIAL RESPONSE FORCES TRAINING WITH SINGAPORE: Soldiers from Australia’s Incident Response Regiment (IRR) are participating in chemical-biological-radiological (CBR) response training with units from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), as part of Exercise ‘Black Orchid 2004’. The IRR’s Commanding Officer, LtCol Nick Rowntree, says the SAF have “a well-established capability in this area, and training opportunities like ‘Black Orchid’ (provides us with a) challenge by conducting this training in a tropical environment, which has it's own unique demands on our soldiers." Capabilities being tested this week include: decontamination, CBR medicine, explosive ordnance disposal, communications and high risk search. Newly appointed Australian Deputy Special Operations Commander, Brigadier Tim Mcowan, is being escorted by the SAF Chief Engineer Officer, Colonel Teo Jing Oiong, to view the activities and discuss the exercise. [20.11.04]

DSTO UNMANNED UNDERWATER VEHICLE IN LOCAL TESTS: Navy Reserve divers have been employed to place dummy sea mines at known positions in the Victorian seaside port of Portland to enable the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO)-developed unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) ‘Wayamba’, to test technology for undersea navigation and surveillance capability in hunting down and locating these objects. The locations of the mines, once found, were then confirmed using underwater navigation and communications technology which does not require the UUV to first surface. The trials involved staff from DSTO, Nautronix Ltd, the Swinburne University of Technology, Victoria University and the Australian Maritime College (Tasmania). [20.11.04]

HOWARD OUTLINES COURSE OF BILATERAL MEETINGS IN CHILE: Prime Minister Howard has used the opportunity of the APEC meeting in Chile to have a series of half-hour meetings with President Lagos (Chile), President Yudhoyono (Indonesia) and the Prime Ministers of New Zealand and Singapore. Howard said he had renewed his invitation for President Yudhoyono to visit Australia, adding he had not raised any discussion of a security treaty between the two countries. In fact, he downplayed action on this key initiative saying, “it’s something that may emerge, (but) I do not see the relationship as being in any way benchmarked by that treaty. Frankly, if it doesn’t emerge, we’ll still have a very close relationship.” Howard also confirmed he would visit Helen Clark in NZ in February 2005. [19.11.04]

DMO SEEKS EDUCATION & TRAINING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP: The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has issued a two-volume Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking submissions from education and training providers (including universities, vocational education and training institutions and registered training providers) to establish a Strategic Partnership to develop and implement a new approach to the delivery of the organisation’s education and training. Either with a single lead provider or multiple education and training providers. The Strategic Partnership aims to achieve: a total learning solution targeted at the diverse education and training needs of people working in the DMO, Defence and defence-industry; increased ‘professionalisation’ of education and training, through tailored, accredited programs that can be benchmarked internationally; and compatible skills development within the DMO and defence-industry. Public briefings on the RFP will be held in Sydney (29/11), Canberra (30/11) and Melbourne (1/12). RFP submissions close 11 February 2005. [19.11.04]

SECURITY DETACHMENT RETURNS HOME FROM IRAQ SERVICE: Soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, 5th/7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment and military police have just returned home from Iraq. During its four-month tour of duty, the 35-person Australian security detachment conducted dismounted and mounted patrols and provided protection using Australian light armoured vehicles (ASLAVs), as well as military and infantry police. The group was involved in an attack last month in which three ADF members were injured, and armoured vehicles damaged. Defence Minister Hill said the detachment’s tactics, training and equipment “have proved to be very effective in difficult and demanding conditions.” The Northern Territory based soldiers were officially welcomed home at Darwin International Airport. [19.11.04]

ARMAMENTS COOPERATION YIELDS NEW COMBAT SYSTEM: Defence Minister Hill has confirmed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by Australia and the United States for future joint development, production and support of the AN/BYG-1 Combat Control System, to be installed in both US Navy and Royal Australian Navy submarines under an Armaments Cooperation Project (ACP). This latest decision follows the Government's approval of the $455m ‘Collins’ Replacement Combat System Project in September 2002, commencing with the first installation in 2006. Hill says the new combat systems will complement the new advanced capability torpedoes for the ‘Collins’ submarines, approved by the Government in late-2002, and also being developed and produced under an Armaments Cooperation Project with the US Navy. [19.11.04]

ARMED SOUTHERN OCEAN PATROLS SET TO BEGIN: Customs and Fisheries officials have confirmed the new ‘Oceanic Viking’ armed patrol vessel is now ready to commence conducting year-round patrols of Australian southern oceans. Modifications to the vessel include the mounting of two .50 calibre machine guns on its upper decks, and the installation of high-speed boarding craft. The vessel has also been fitted with specialised navigation and communications equipment, along with a fully-equipped medical facility supported by the Australian Antarctic Division’s (AAD) Polar Medicine Unit. An AAD-contracted doctor is to accompany each patrol, which will be supported by the ship’s crew, Customs and Fisheries boarding parties, and a civilian steaming party – to take over responsibility for sailing any apprehended vessels back to Australia. The ‘Oceanic Viking’ is supplied and supported by P&O Maritime Services under a two-year $89.2m contract. [19.11.04]

SPANISH COMMIT F/A-18 FLEET TO TAURUS KEPD 350 MISSILE: The Spanish Government has confirmed it will equip F/A-18 fighters in its Air Force (along with its new Eurofighters) with the EADS/LFK ‘Taurus’ KEPD 350 long-range precision stand-off guided missile. The procurement decision is to be supported by industry package, and recognises Spanish company SENER’s existing role in producing fin actuation systems for the German series of the missile. SENER is now to become the prime contractor for the Spanish integration of the missile on the F/A-18s, as well as for acquisition of the missiles and their logistics support. The KEPD 350 is similarly being evaluated for acquisition by Sweden, Canada and Australia (via project Air 5418). [19.11.04]

ROLLS-ROYCE BOARD SHUFFLE SEES NEW APPOINTMENTS: Simon Robertson has been confirmed as the new non-executive Chairman of Rolls-Royce Group plc, effective from 1 January 2005. He joins the Rolls-Royce Board in order to succeed Lord Moore of Lower Marsh, who has served as Chairman from December 2003. Robertson, a Managing Director of Goldman Sachs International and President of Goldman Sachs Europe, previously served as Chairman of the Kleinwort Benson Group plc. He is also a on-executive director of Inchcape plc, and Invensys plc, but has agreed to retire from these Boards no later than the respective dates of their AGMs in 2005. Sir John Weston will also retire as a non-executive director on 1 December, having completed six years in this post. [19.11.04]

‘HUNTER’ UAV SET FOR MEXICAN BORDER PATROL DUTIES: The US Department of Homeland Security has commenced flights of two US Army RQ-5 ‘Hunter’ unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with electro optical infrared sensors to detect and monitor foreigners crossing the US-Mexico border illegally into Arizona. The UAVs, supplied by Northrop Grumman, are said to provide a variety of battle-tested capabilities and sensor options that are well suited to Border Patrol operations, including sustained autonomous flight, high resolution day and night time visual and infrared sensors, integrated GPS location systems, and the ability to relay communication signals to border patrol agents. Officials believe individuals on the ground will be unaware of this new law enforcement tool because of the vehicle's low visual profile at altitude and its quiet engine. [19.11.04]

REPORT CALLS FOR GLOBAL BAN ON ANTI-VEHICLE LANDMINES: The Australian Government is being urged to join other nations in banning the use, importation and stockpiling of anti-vehicle landmines. The call comes upon the release by the Australian Network of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and the Uniting Church in Victoria of a report - ‘The Road to a truly Mine-Free World: Government attitudes to Anti-Vehicle Mines’ - seeking governmental support for a global anti-vehicle landmine ban. Organisers say the Australian Government has not supported a ban on anti-vehicle mines, even though its current stockpile of such mines is ageing. Governments around the world will soon meet in Nairobi (Kenya) to discuss the progress of the international treaty banning anti-personnel landmines. [18.11.04]

FIRST F404 ENGINES RECEIVED FOR BOEING’S X-45C UCAV: Boeing’s X-45C joint unmanned combat air systems (J-UCAS) aircraft has just received its first General Electric F404 engines, set to allow the vehicle to fly a combat radius of more than 1,200 nautical miles, cruise at 0.8 Mach, reach altitudes of 40,000 feet and carry a 4,500 pound weapon payload. The first X-45C is scheduled to fly in early 2007, with the initiation of an operational assessment by the US Air Force and US Navy beginning that same year. The assessment will culminate in a demonstration of the capabilities of the J-UCAS systems, along with the X-45’s ability to conduct suppression of enemy air defences, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and strike missions. [18.11.04]

FIRST PRODUCTION ‘GLOBAL HAWK’ DELIVERED TO US AIR FORCE: Northrop Grumman reports the first production RQ-4A ‘Global Hawk’ unmanned aerial reconnaissance vehicle (designated AF-3) has been delivered to Beale Air Force Base, in California. The AF-3’s arrival at Beale follows the recent first flight of aircraft N-1, the first ‘Global Hawk’ for the US Navy, which is being tested at Edwards AFB, whereupon it will then move to NAS ‘Patuxent River’ to prepare for a maritime demonstration program to being mid-2005. To date, the ‘Global Hawk’ system is said to have logged more than 5,000 flight hours in test flights over the western United States; on deployments to Florida, Australia, and Germany; and while conducting combat missions supporting the war on terrorism. More than 2,000 of those hours are attributed to the system's operational service. [18.11.04]

AUSTAL'S THEATRE SUPPORT VESSEL DESIGN EXPANSION: WA-based Austal has unveiled a new series of high-speed vessel designs looking to expand its business in the military theatre support vessel (TSV) market. The company is looking to capitalise on the success in US trials of the 101 metre 'WestPac Express' by introducing a fleet of vessels that will prove faster and more versatile than existing sealift and airlift platforms, whilst simultaneously reducing capital and operating expenditure. The new designs extend the logistical attributes of the TSVs in a manner Austal hopes will create multi-role vessels that precisely meet the needs of military commanders for capacity and capability. The new platforms incorporate capacities for support helicopters, UAVs, small boat assault operations, UUV and USV, and deployment of police and Customs teams. [17.11.04]

COUNTER-TERRORISM LEGISLATION RETURNS PARLIAMENT: The Attorney-General has introduced several key pieces of legislation into the 41st Parliament, a number of elements of which failed to pass the Senate before the 9 October election. The National Security Information (Criminal Proceedings) Bill 2004 & the National Security Information (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2004 seek to strengthen laws protecting sensitive information needing to be disclosed in trials. The Telecommunications (Interception) Amendment (Stored Communications) Bill facilitates the access of authorities to email, voice mail and text messages. The Surveillance Devices Bill 2004 (Government Amendments) expands the range of surveillance devices (eg: all listening, optical surveillance, tracking an data surveillance devices) which can be used by homeland security/counter-terrorism agencies. [17.11.04]

LEGISLATIVE CRACK-DOWN ON AMMONIUM NITRATE SUPPLIES: Legislative amendments to allow the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) to undertake security assessments - as part of its role in supporting the new national licensing regime for regulating ammonium nitrate - have been introduced into Parliament. As outlined in DIAR.com (1/11), the Australian, State and Territory governments agreed in June this year on a national approach to regulate access to Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate (SSAN), in essence, restricting its availability to only authorised agricultural and industrial users. The amendments underpin ASIO's ability to provide assessments of ammonium nitrates purchase, manufacture, import, export, storage, transport, supply, possession, use and disposal. [17.11.04]

INTERNATIONAL SUPPLIERS CONFIRMED FOR JSF COMPONENTS: Northrop Grumman has named both Canadian and Australian firms for new contracts for components for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Kanata (Ontario)-based DY- 4 Systems is to supply the data processor for the AN/APG-81 active electronically scanned array radar, whilst Cablex Pty Ltd of East Bentleigh (Victoria) will provide semi-rigid radio frequency cables that will enable communication between the radar and other elements of the F-35's avionics. Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector vice president of Combat Avionics Systems, Bob DuBeau says “we're selecting best-value suppliers based in the eight partner countries that have joined the unprecedented global effort to develop the F-35." Northrop Grumman is responsible for producing more than 25% of the JSF weapon system. [17.11.04]

START MADE TO BLOCK THREE X-45A SOFTWARE TESTING: Boeing has begun testing third block software for its X-45A unmanned aircraft via ground and taxi tests to ensured the single-ship capabilities demonstrated in the previous software block functioned properly. The tests focus on the UCAVs ability to respond to a changing environment via an ‘Automated Dynamic Mission Replanning’ function. This function was tested via measurement of its response to a simulated (or ‘pop-up’) ground threat during the flight, and how the UCAV defined a revised route to avoid the threat, communicated it back to the pilot-operator, and following it after the pilot-operator concurred. Having avoiding the pop-up threat, the X-45A is said to have then successfully resumed its primary route and continued on its direct attack mission. [17.11.04]

WEAPON INTEGRATION LABORATORIES NOW ALL THE RAGE: Northrop Grumman has opened a new company-funded 2,600 square foot System Integration Laboratory (SIL) at its Unmanned Systems unit in San Diego (California). The new facility is set to help identify any potential hardware, software or system cost issues related to the development of its X-47B combat unmanned air vehicle, long before the first air vehicle flies. The SIL will be specifically tasked in supporting current work on US$1.04b DARPA contract to advance the operational assessment phase of the Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS) concept demonstration program. The SIL contains workstations for operation flight program development, mission software development, software robustness testing and integration, and crew rehearsal room for carrying out simulated mission scenarios and contingency training for engineers and air vehicle operators. [17.11.04]

IRAN AGREEMENT TO SUSPEND NUCLEAR ENRICHMENT QUEST: Pending the negotiation of a longer-term agreement with the Economic Union (EU) on political, economic, technology cooperation and security issues, Iran has agreed to suspend its nuclear enrichment and reprocessing activities. Foreign Minister Downer says the agreement “goes some way towards restoring the global community's confidence that Iran's nuclear power program will be used for exclusively peaceful purposes, laying the groundwork for a new resolution at the upcoming November meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Board of Governors.” The IAEA is to review Iran's nuclear safeguards agreement in the wake of disclosures in August last year of undeclared actions/violations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. [16.11.04]

HMAS ‘ARUNTA’ RETURNS HOME FROM EAST ASIAN DEPLOYMENT: The RAN ‘Anzac’-class frigate, HMAS ‘Arunta’, has returned to Fleet Base West after a four month deployment to Christmas Island (two months) and wider East Asia. During the deployment, the ship’s 170-person crew participated in goodwill visits including Naval exercise ‘Bersama Lima’ involving forces from the Five-Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA) - Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and the UK – and a Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Exercise off the coast of Japan. The PSI exercise is said to have provided Australian an opportunity to work with the Australian Customs Service in the international environment. [16.11.04]

AUSTRALIA LOOKING TO CLEAN-UP CONTINENTIAL SHELF QUERIES: Australia has lodged a submission with the United Nations (UN) to confirm the extent of its maritime jurisdiction beyond the 200 nautical mile limit of its continental shelf. The submission addresses several areas of extended continental shelf totalling about 3.4 million square kilometres - an area equivalent to almost half of the Australian continental landmass, and potentially, the world's largest such entitlement. Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, a coastal state is entitled to areas of shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from its coastline where the shelf is considered part of the submerged landmass. The submission will be examined by the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, starting in early 2005. [16.11.04]

GOVERNOR-GENERAL TALKS OF STRONG STAND AGAINST TERRORISM: Continuing efforts to improve the security of all Australians has been a major focus in the Governor-General’s address at the opening of the forty-first parliament. MajGen Jeffery cited the Government’s ten-year $50b program to further develop and sustain a defence force capable of deterring threats to Australia, and deploying at short notice in support of our national interests. Legislation will be brought forward to facilitate access to stored communications, such as email messages, establish a comprehensive surveillance devices regime for the investigation of serious Commonwealth offences, and protect sensitive national security information in criminal proceedings. Business will also be a key partner in advancing arrangements for the protection of the nation’s critical infrastructure and ensuring smooth implementation of new anti money laundering laws. [16.11.04]

DEFENCE CAPABILITY PLAN RUNNING TO EXPECTATIONS: MajGen Jeffery also said the Government would provide the Australian Defence Force with major new equipments needed to carry out its vital role of defending Australians at home, and Australian interests abroad. On his list of acquisitions was: new ‘Abrams’ tanks; additional troop lift helicopters; new ‘Tiger’ armed reconnaissance helicopters; and a new fleet of ‘Armidale’-class patrol boats. He added, “new contracts worth up to $8 billion will be signed for the construction of Air Warfare Destroyers and Amphibious Ships, and the government will maximise Australian industry involvement in all major defence projects. To further strengthen Australia’s ability to protect key infrastructure, MajGen Jeffery said the Government would permanently base two new patrol boats at either Port Hedland or Dampier to protect the vital assets in Australia’s north west. [16.11.04]

DELIVERY OPPORTUNITY OPENS-UP FOR NEW HORNET FLEET: Boeing reports it has delivered the 200th F/A-18E/F ‘Super Hornet’ to the US Navy, some three months ahead of schedule. The company says ‘Super Hornets’ have been delivered at or below cost, and on or ahead of schedule, since entering operational service in November 1999. Substantial investments by the company in ‘lean manufacturing’ at its St Louis plant are also understood to be delivering increased production efficiencies, and locking-in an 18 month (from order to delivery) cycle. Should delivery of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) to the RAAF fall further behind schedule, the E/F model appears increasingly well positioned to fill any emergent capability gap. Boeing and the US Navy signed in December 2003 a second multiyear procurement contract for 210 aircraft valued at US$8.6b, and spanning fiscal years 2005 through 2009. [16.11.04]

‘WEDGETAIL’ AIRWORTHINESS FLIGHT TEST PROGRAM ADVANCING: A comprehensive airworthiness flight test program for the first Boeing 737-based airborne early warning and control aircraft (AEW&C) destined for the RAAF is said to be near to completion. From simulated air-to-air refuelling with KC-10 and KC-135 tankers and takeoff performance handling assessments at various weights and flight profiles, the ‘Wedgetail’ aircraft is said to have achieved major successes. Test pilots affirm the 737-AEW&C with MESA radar to be stable, with excellent flying qualities and engine response behind both the KC-10 and KC-135. Officials say this result validates wind tunnel and simulator analysis, and is a major step on the way to providing the project Air 5077 capability to Australia. The testing program is expected finish, on schedule, by the end of the year. [16.11.04]

FOURTH F-100 FRIGATE LAUNCHED FOR THE SPANISH NAVY: The fourth (and final) ship in the Spanish Navy’s F-100 air warfare frigate program, the 'Mendez Nunez' (F-104), has been launched at the Izar shipyard in Ferrol. As at launch, the F-104 was approximately 80% built, and is scheduled for completion in February 2006, thus bringing a close to the program. The F-100-class has played a key role in the development of other projects incorporating the Lockheed Martin-supplied ‘Aegis’ system, including the Norwegian Navy’s F-310 frigate program. Izar is credited as having led the way in installing the ‘Ageis’ system in smaller naval ships, drawing on expertise from the US Navy’s ‘Arleigh Burke’ destroyers. [16.11.04]

NORWEGIAN AIR FORCE ORDERS MORE ‘PANTERA’ TARGETING PODS: The Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) has exercised its option to purchase additional Lockheed Martin (LM) ‘Pantera’ advanced targeting pods with accompanying spares and support (although terms and quantities were not disclosed). The RnoAF is the first global customer to commit the ‘Pantera’ to operational use, although it has been flying them in domestic and international training exercises since the first quarter of 2004. LM completed its first lot delivery of ‘Pantera’ pods to Norway during August 2004. Currently under RAAF evaluation as part of project Air 5376, the LM pod is said to incorporate a high-resolution mid-wave third generation forward-looking infrared (FLIR), infrared pointer, dual-mode laser, day television, laser spot tracker and advanced algorithms in a lightweight, aerodynamic pod. [16.11.04]

US ‘AEGIS’ EXPOSURE TO HELP BAE SYSTEMS SEA 4000 BID?: BAE Systems (BAES) has received a US$21.4m ($96.9m, if all options exercised) contract to provide engineering support services, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and technical and program support to the Naval Systems Sea Command of the US Navy's Integrated Combat Systems Division. Under the contract, BAES Technology Solutions will serve as prime contractor, and will provide engineering work in ‘Aegis’ weapon system baselines, combat systems, open architecture, strike force, ship self defence, and FMS for ‘Aegis’-class ships destined for Japan, Norway, Spain, and Korea. Although Lockheed Martin has been mandated as the ‘Aegis’ system integrator for Australia’s air warfare destroyer, BAES, Raytheon and Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) are likely to lead foreign-based companies competing the ‘non-Aegis’ systems integration business opportunity under project Sea 4000. [16.11.04]

FRENCH GOVERNMENT PUSH TO MERGE EADS AND THALES: The French Government is reportedly moving towards a decision to merge EADS and Thales as a means of creating a defence technology conglomerate of sufficient size to take on American companies. The French State controls 15% of EADS, and one-third of Thales, and the confirmation of further defence cuts in Germany is being taken by the more militaristic France as an opportunity to wrest the balance of power in EADS more towards its own way. Company officials have nevertheless stated, ‘no meeting of the Thales Board of Directors has been convened to examine any form of linkage with EADS’. French President Jacques Chirac is shortly to meet with UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair. Thales UK has made massive gains in Britain over the past few years, including winning a key place in the Royal Navy’s future aircraft carrier project. [15.11.04]

POLE TESTING PROGRAM FOR JSF GETS UNDERWAY IN NEWPORT: Multi-phase mission systems aperture testing is said to have begun 1 October on a full-scale model of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) in Newport (New York). With inter-changeable wing and tail components, the 8,500 pound model is said to have the capability to simulate all three F-35 variants, and will measure installed antenna pattern, gain and phase measurements for the aircraft’s Communication, Navigation & Identification (CNI) and Electronic Warfare (EW) systems. Additional tests will evaluate the performance of the CNI system's satellite communications, global positioning system and UHF/VHF communications apertures. EW aperture testing will begin in 2005. [15.11.04]

MEGGITT CONTINUES PUSH INTO HIGH-TECH US COMPANIES: UK-based Meggitt plc is to acquire Gaithersburg (Maryland)-based Wilcoxon Research Inc for US$15.5m in cash and subsequent asset adjustment. The strong brand image Wilcoxon is well respected for its quality and reliability in the sensor market and reported annual sales, as at March 2004 of US$11.6m. Post acquisition, Wilcoxon will now form part of the Meggitt Electronics business unit, which produces high-technology micro-machined sensor solutions such as piezoelectric and micro-machined accelerometers, pressure transducers and associated electronics and a range of high volume electronic components. [15.11.04]

EMBRAER SIGNS AUSTRALIAN SUPPORT AGREEMENT: Sydney-based Hawker Pacific is to acquire Brazilian-based Embraer's entire inventory of spares under an exclusive five-year distribution and logistics agreement which will see it take on responsibility for the supply, order processing and distribution of all EMB 110 and EMB 120 spare parts to support the Embraer fleets in the region. Hawker Pacific says it plans to transfer inventory currently housed at its facility in Melbourne, to its main warehouse facility at Bankstown Airport (NSW). Embraer will maintain its level of field support for the EMB 110 and EMB 120 operators in Australia and the Pacific Rim, which currently includes flight operations and safety support, as well as field maintenance and engineering assistance. [15.11.04]

TENIX CONFIRMS NETWORK CENTRIC WARFARE INITIATIVES: Tenix Defence reports it is leading the way in battlespace communications technology with the development of a sensor networking capability called Combat Data Network (CDN), now set to be further developed under the Defence Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) program in league with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO). Developed by Tenix Defence Electronic Systems Division and the University of Melbourne, CDN is an advanced sensor networking system that enables platforms to share raw sensor data (such as plot level radar data), using existing sensors and communications bearers. The CDN arrangement with the DSTO follows a similar agreement announced last month to develop an advanced military communications system called the Military Bandwidth Broker (MBB). [15.11.04]

DSTO EXPANDS SUPPORT FOR HMAS ‘STIRLING’ OPERATIONS: The Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Roger Lough, has officially opened a $3m extension to Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) facilities at HMAS ‘Stirling’, south of Perth (WA). The newly expanded structure can now accommodate up to 70 staff, and includes four new submarine-related research laboratories focusing on: Materials Investigation; Noise and Vibration; Combat Systems; and Sonar Processing. The extensions now provide the DSTO with: a replica of a ‘Collins’-class submarine control room (to study interactions between submarine systems and operators); improved computer-based facilities for modelling studies and submarine tactical war games; an expanded trials support capability; and a better ability to undertake materials failure analysis and data-mining activities. [12.11.04]

AUSTRALIAN PILOT FLIES UK HELICOPTER TO SAFETY IN IRAQ: An Australian Army pilot serving on exchange with the British Army in Iraq has safely landed a ‘Lynx’ helicopter (in which he was the co-pilot), after it was hit by small arms fire and the British pilot injured. The ‘Lynx’ was struck whilst flying in support of the British Black Watch Battle Group south of Baghdad. The subject Australian, Captain Scott Watkins, is on a two-year exchange posting with the British Army Aviation Corps, and serving with the UK Joint Helo Force/Multi-National Division-South East (based in Basra). Captain Watkins is one of two Australian Army members serving on exchange with British units. A further seven Australian Army officers are serving in various staff positions with the Multi-National Division-South East Headquarters. Some 920 ADF personnel are deployed throughout the Middle East Area of Operations, with about 250 actually based inside Iraq. [12.11.04]

LOCAL FIRM EXPANDS SUPPORT FOR FFG FRIGATE PUMPS: Australian Pump Industries (API), the Australasian distributors of US-based Nu-Torque actuator valve combinations, report they have opened a service facility to support electro-mechanical value actuators for marine applications. Seattle-base Nu-torque are said to specialise in electro-mechanical value actuators for marine applications with a heavy emphasis on military-specification (Milspec) units for incorporation into war ships. Australia’s FFG-class frigates use Nu-Torque actuators for major on-board services (eg: fire main, over-board discharge, emergency cooling and fuel services lines), and API says it now provides a full support package, including unique triple offset value actuator combinations, currently being adopted by the Royal Australian Navy. [12.11.04]

SYSTEMS ENGINEERING COURSES FOR DEFENCE & AEROSPACE: Project Performance (Australia) has confirmed the last presentation for 2004 of its popular ‘Systems Engineering for Defence, Aerospace and other Technology-based Sectors’ course will be held from 22-26 November 2004 at the Medina Executive Apartments, in Melbourne. Persons interested in attending this course should email ppitraining@dolphin.taa.com.au. Further presentations of the Systems Engineering course over 2005 include: 28/2-4/3 (Sydney); 7-11/3 (Canberra); 11-15/4 (Melbourne); 2-6/5 (Perth); 23-27/5 (Canberra); 1-5/8 (Melbourne); 29/8-2/9 (Sydney); and 26-30/9 (Adelaide). Each of the subject courses will be presented by Robert Halligan, FIE Aust. [12.11.04]

FIRST TEST OF RAYTHEON/BOFORS 155MM GPS GUIDED SHELL: In a first-of-a-kind test, Raytheon Missile Systems and Bofors report they have successfully fired a global positioning satellite (GPS) guided 155mm artillery shell to a target aim point 20 kilometres down range. The shell is said to have hit less than 11 feet from the aim point. The test marks a key milestone for fielding the new ‘Excalibur’ munition, in conjunction with introduction of the new M777 howitzer in fiscal year 2006 to a ‘Stryker’ Brigade within the US Army’s 25th Infantry Division. The XM777 is replacing the M198 howitzer. Using a tactical propellant charge of Modular Artillery Charge System-Four, the ‘Excalibur’ round is said to have successfully executed navigation and guidance after GPS acquisition. [12.11.04]

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT ON SOLDIER TRAINING DEATH: Defence Minister Hill says he was saddened to hear news that trooper Angus James Lawrence (from the Darwin based 2nd Cavalry Regiment), had died in Royal Darwin Hospital. The soldier had been taking part in routine field training conducted by the Regional Training Centre - Northern Territory, when he showed symptoms of heat illness. He was admitted to Royal Darwin Hospital, but died later that evening. Senator Hill said the death was “a reminder to us that military service is extremely demanding, not only in operations, but also in training. My sincere condolences are extended to his family." An investigation into the soldier’s death will be undertaken in accordance with Defence regulations. [11.11.04]

ADI’s ‘BUSHMASTER’ IMV ON SHOW IN THE UNITED STATES: ADI reports its ‘Bushmaster’ infantry mobility vehicle (IMV) and High Mobility Engineering Vehicle (HMEV) have attracted significant international interest when recently displayed at the annual meeting and exhibition of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), held in Washington DC. Both vehicles are currently in service with the Australian Army, while a HMEV variant - the Interim High Mobility Engineering Excavator (IHMEE) - is in service with the US Army (which is also currently evaluating an new generation excavator ADI has designed to meet requirements for up to 1500 additional vehicles). Having served in Iraq and East Timor, the HMEV is pitched as uniquely combining the cross-country performance of a four-wheel drive, highway speed (100kms/hour) capability, and the functions of a front-end loader with backhoe attached. [11.11.04]

CHILD OF AIR 5077 EMERGES FOR TURKISH ARMED FORCES: Boeing reports that the first 737-700 aircraft for Turkey’s ‘Peace Eagle’ airborne early warning and control program has just rolled-off its production line in Renton (Washington). News of this roll-out comes as the company is also preparing to mate the second Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar to aircraft two (of six), ordered under RAAF project Air 5077. In a pattern now well established under the Australian program, and following the completion of delivery and flight test activities, the Turkish plane will fly to Delaware for installation of auxiliary fuel tanks, and will then fly back to Seattle where crews will modify the plane at the Boeing Military Flight Center. Turkey’s acquisition contract calls for four 737-based AEW&C aircraft (with options for two more), plus a ground-support segment for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance support. While modifications of the first Turkish aircraft will be made in Seattle, work on the other three will be done by TAI, in Turkey. Delivery of the first two of these AEW&C aircraft is planned for 2007, with the other two aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2008. [11.11.04]

MERCURY COMPUTER SELECTED FOR JTRS CLUSTER TESTS: Boeing has confirmed it will use Mercury Computer Systems-developed software radio tuners, exciters (transmitters), and synthesizers for their wideband networking waveform test suite for the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Cluster 1 program. The tuners are to be based on the 6U CompactPCI (cPCI) form factor. JTRS is a US Department of Defense initiative designed to provide voice, data, and video communications among US and allied warfighters through software-programmable radio technology. Information exchange in regard to JTRS was recently cited in Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) minutes. Mercury has been involved in the JTRS program since 2002. [11.11.04]

AUDIT REPORT DOUBTS BENEFITS OF UK ACQUISITION REFORM: Sir John Bourn, head of the UK’s National Audit Office (NAO), has reported costs on the Ministry of Defence's 20 biggest equipment acquisition projects have increased by £1.7b in the last year, and the subject projects have been delayed by three months each on average. Bourn’s report found little evidence that the performance of acquisition officers was improving, saying many problems could be traced to the fact that the Ministry had not spent enough time and resources in the assessment phase. All 20 subject projects, less than halfway through their procurement, were expected to be delivered later or to cost more than approved. The NAO says 15 projects are rapidly moving towards their ‘not to be exceeded’ approvals, and six have already breached them. The total cost of the subject projects is estimated at £50b, 14% higher than originally planned. [10.11.04]

UK SCIENCE GROUP MOVES INTO UNITED STATES MARKET: UK-based QinetiQ has received US regulatory approval to acquire Foster-Miller Inc (for US$163m/£90m), and the Westar Aerospace & Defense Group Inc, for $130m/£70m. Under the acquisition terms, both companies will operate as wholly owned subsidiaries whilst retaining their current names, core management teams, employees and US facilities. Boston-based Foster-Miller (an engineering & technology development company) has a staff of more than 350. In addition to being a provider of R&D services to the US Department of Defense (DoD), it also manufactures military/industrial robots and appliqué armour. St Louis-based Westar Aerospace & Defense provides engineering, software and logistics services to the DoD, particularly in army aviation and ballistic missile defence. It has around 900 staff, and FY2004 revenues exceeding $140m/£75m. [10.11.04]

LOW-SPEED WIND TUNNEL TESTS USED TO VALIDATE X-47B UAV: Northrop Grumman reports it has used a series of low-speed wind tunnel tests to validate the aerodynamic design of its new X-47B unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). The tests, which used a high-fidelity scale model, were done at the company’s Hawthorne (California) facility as part of its US$1.04b contract to progress the operational assessment phase of the J-UCAS program, set to determine the X-47B's low and high-speed flight dynamics and assess its overall performance. Northrop Grumman is currently contracted to produce and flight-test three X-47B unmanned demonstration vehicles, a successor to its X-47A ‘Pegasus’ demonstrator. X-47B flight demonstrations are expected to begin in 2007. [10.11.04]

UK-BASED MEGGIT ACQUIRES SCHREINER OF CANADA: International aerospace, defence and electronic sensors group, Meggitt plc, has reached an agreement to acquire Schreiner Canada Ltd for £2.9m in cash, with an adjustment for net assets purchases payable on completion and funded from Meggitt's existing resources. A subsidiary of Schreiner Luchtvaart Groep BV, the £4m annual turnover Schreiner Canada is wholly owned by CHC Helicopter Corporation, and assembles, services, and operates unmanned air, ground and sea vehicles and targets for training military forces and the defence industry. The company’s Canadian facility, based in Medicine Hat (Alberta), will now become part of Meggitt Defense Systems (MDS), and known as Meggitt Defense Systems Canada. [10.11.04]

MONAGHAN CONFIRMED AS NEW CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER: Air Vice-Marshal John Monaghan (currently Head of the DMO’s Aerospace Systems Division) is to become the new Chief Information Officer (CIO), replacing AVM Julie Hammer, who has previously been acting in the high profile position. Monaghan will assume leadership of the CIO Group as it undertakes an historic consolidation of the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) with Defence’s Information Systems Division (ISD), and a number of other enterprise systems development and support functions from 3 December next. Defence Secretary Smith says formation of the CIO Group will provide “a single organisational point of focus and accountability for the Defence Information Environment (DIE).” [09.11.04]

US NAVY OFFICER TO HEAD TENIX DEFENCE MARINE DIVISION: Former US Navy Officer, David Miller, has been appointed Executive General Manager of Tenix Defence's Marine Division (replacing Jerry Trammel). Miller has 11 years of experience in the defence sector, following on from more than 20 years service in the US Navy. He takes up the position at Tenix after five years at Lockheed Martin in Syracuse (New York), most recently as Director of Airborne Radar Programs. He has also previously held management positions on: the ‘Tomahawk’ cruise missile; Joint Stand-off Weapon (JSOW); Extended Range Guided Munition (ERGM); F-22 phased array radar and advanced ‘Hawkeye’ radar projects. Miller previously worked in Australia (2002 and 2003) as RLM Systems’ Director of the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) project. [09.11.04]

GKN LANDS SECOND MAJOR CONTRACT OF A400M AIRLIFTER: GKN Aerospace has been awarded a US$160m contract, the second for 2004, to supply metal and composite wing trailing edge subassemblies for the Airbus Military A400M strategic air lifter. This most recent contract, when combined with the advanced composite wing spar contract awarded in March, now takes the value of the company’s A400M involvement past $1m per aircraft. GKN Aerospace now takes prime responsibility for the design, development and supply of all wing trailing edge subassembly packages, including the shroud box and outer falsework, ribs and panels for the A400M wing trailing edge. The contract also covers the drawings for the trailing edge assembly installation. Advancing the procurement of either A400Ms or Boeing C-17s is currently being examined via an ADF strategic lift study spanning both naval and air platforms. [09.11.04]

USA GRANTED APPROVAL FOR ‘GOTLAND’ SUBMARINE LEASE: Interest by the United States in leasing a Swedish 'Gotland'-class submarine first reported in DIAR.com (refer 22 October), has now been confirmed by a Swedish cabinet decision of 28 October to grant approval for a 12-month submarine lease (complete with crew) to undertake exercises with the US Navy to probe littoral warfare scenarios. The lease was reported in Sweden as being designed to enhance the Swedish Navy's ability to co-operate with the armed forces of other nations, especially when involved in international peacekeeping operations. The submarine is to operate from bases on both the East and West coasts of the US, with formal naval exercises to be initiated as early as the first half of 2005. [09.11.04]

UAV CONTROL NOW SPLIT FROM ACCOMPANYING PILOT: Aeronautics researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) say they have developed a manned-to-unmanned aircraft guidance system that allows a pilot in one plane to guide another unmanned aircraft by giving spoken commands in English. In a real time flight test, the UAV is said to have successfully responded to sudden changes in flight plan, and avoided unexpected threats en route to its destination. The software enabled control (SEC) program is a five-year inter-university effort sponsored by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) through the Air Force Research Laboratory. As lead industry partner, Boeing provided the avionics test platform for the MIT guidance system, and the planes used to demonstrate it. [09.11.04]

BAE SYSTEMS CONSOLIDATES US SYSTEMS MARKET PRESENCE: BAE Systems North America has completed its acquisition of Alphatech Inc for a cash consideration of US$88.4m. Alphatech’s portfolio in advanced information technologies is said to complement BAES North America's presence in the system and subsystem levels in the C4ISR market, and will enhance its position as a leading integrator of information-based systems, emphasising horizontal integration and fusion. The 322 person and $51m annual turnover Alphatech specialised in image and signal processing, multi-intelligence fusion and intelligent systems for the Department of Defense and other US Government intelligence agencies. The entity will now become BAE Systems Advanced Information Technologies (AIT), operating within the company's National Security Solutions business unit. [09.11.04]

IBM INVESTMENT IN THIN CLIENT NETWORKS FOR VETERANS: IBM and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) have completed a major upgrade of the Department's IT environment. The transformation project is said to have improved access to applications for 3000 DVA users, and has laid the foundation for reducing operating costs by introducing new technologies such as Voice over IP (VoIP). The VoIP telephony system replaced ageing disparate PABXs with cost effective IP telephony, voicemail and the building blocks to enable DVA to integrate voice and data applications in the future. DVA's national network is now monitored on a 24/7 basis from the IBM network operations centre in Sydney. The DVA is similarly reported to have exercised the option to extend its services contract with IBM Global Services in August 2004 until February 2007. [08.11.04]

NEW DEFENCE IMAGERY & GEOSPATIAL ORGANISATION HEADQUARTERS: Defence Minister Hill has opened the new national Headquarters of the Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation (DIGO), located within Defence’s Russell Offices Buildings (Canberra). The refurbished facility provides improved infrastructure for DIGO in the gathering Defence intelligence information. Senator Hill said the investment in DIGO was being complemented by an additional $12.6m over four years to increase ASIO linguistic capabilities, plus $20m for a Centre for Counter-Terrorism Intelligence Cooperation, and a Joint Training Unit for Australia/Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Opening of the DIGO headquarters follows an earlier Government commitment to build a new Geospatial Analysis Centre in Bendigo, (Victoria). [08.11.04]

NAVY CONCENTRATING OFF THE WA COAST FOR EXERCISES: Royal Australian Navy Principal Warfare Officers (PWOs) are to undergo the final phase of their training and assessment onboard RAN warships in designated military exercise areas off the coast of Western Australia between 8-12 November 2004. The subject training activity is to be supported by eight F/A-18 fighter jets from 75 Squadron based in Tindal (NT), and two 92 Wing AP-3C ‘Orion’ long range maritime patrol aircraft from RAAF ‘Edinburgh’ (SA). Two Royal New Zealand Navy ships and a Royal New Zealand Airforce P3-K ‘Orion’ maritime patrol aircraft will also participate in the exercise. The PWO training will be followed by a separate exercise (15-19 November) designed to test Navy/Air Force anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Exercise vessels will be on display at a public open day at HMAS ‘Stirling’ on 28 November. [08.11.04]

SECOND PRODUCTION LINE PLANNED TO SUPPORT BOEING 737 MMA: Boeing officials briefing an Australian defence media group in Seattle have confirmed the company plans to open up a second Boeing 737 production line to support the production of 108 multi-mission maritime aircraft (MMA) for the US Navy, and up to another 150 aircraft for allies. The Boeing-sourced MMA is highly favoured to replace Australia’s AP-3C ‘Orion’ aircraft under phase 2 of project Air 7000, given the US Government’s approval of a multi-nation system design and development (SDD) program involving the US, Australia, Canada and Italy. The SDD aims to leverage the best of JSF-type global collaboration into an ‘export’ version MMA that would be produced in ITAR approved line capable of manufacturing both MMA’s and commercial 737s. [08.11.04]

PENTAGON APPROVES JSF PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS: The acting Undersecretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics), Michael Wynne, has formally approved 4 November changes to the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. The approved changes stem from a 14 October review that: approves a new design and approach for the short take off vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the aircraft previously plagued by weight concerns; authorizes a production contract for the aircraft’s F136 engine (made by General Electric and Rolls-Royce). The decision to fund a second JSF engine is intended to mitigate risk associated with having the entire fleet dependant upon the Pratt & Whitney F-135; and direct the program office to update the F-135 acquisition strategy and engineering plan. The approval means the conventional take off and landing (CTOL) variant of the F-35 may begin developmental flight testing as early as 3rd Quarter 2006. [08.11.04]

US ARMY BEGINS EXPERIMENTS FOR FUTURE COMBAT SYSTEM: The US Army has confirmed it will shortly begin a live experimentation program feeding into the Future Combat System (FCS). Officials predict that how the Army handles information in the future is going to change radically, with Air Assault Expeditionary Force (AAEF) ‘spiral’ experiments scheduled over the next four years to help transition the current force into the future force. The first experiment will test how a force networked with a variety of new technologies can increase small/modular combat unit survivability and lethality. Given these units will have less vehicles/armour to protect them, the experiment will test the concept that physical protection can in fact be replaced with information overmatch enabled by information fusion. Resulting technologies and processes are expected to be fielded in 2012. [08.11.04]

LEGAL PRESSURE BEING KEPT UP ON TERRORIST GROUPS: The Australian Government has moved to re-list the Abu Sayyaf Group, the Armed Islamic Group, the Salafist Group for Call and Combat, and Jamiat ul-Ansar (formerly known as Harakat ul-Mujahideen) under Australia's counter-terrorism laws. The four groups were originally listed on 14 November 2002, with attached sunset provisions coming into force 14 November 2004. This most recent action follows the Government’s re-listing of al-Qa’ida and Jemaah Islamiyah as terrorist organisations on 1 September 2004, and ensures the offence provisions of Division 102 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 continue to apply in relation to these organisations. [07.11.04]

REGIONAL CONFERENCE TO TACKLE NUCLEAR TERRORISM THREAT: Australia is to host the Asia-Pacific Nuclear Safeguards and Security conference, in Sydney, on 8-9 November. Ministers from Asia-Pacific countries and the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Dr Mohamed El Baradei, will attend to discuss strategies to combat the proliferation of nuclear weapons around the world, especially the quest against rogue states and terrorist groups accessing and misusing nuclear and radiological material. Australia’s Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, will open the conference, which is also designed to contribute to regional preparations for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference, to be held in New York in May 2005. [07.11.04]

HMAS ANZAC RETURNS FROM EAST ASIAN DEPLOYMENT: HMAS 'Anzac’ and her 180 crew have returned to their homeport at Fleet Base West after four-and-a-half months away undertaking exercises with regional navies. The largest of these was Exercise ‘Bersama Lima’, involving forces from the Five-Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA) - Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and UK. The ship also participated in Exercises: ‘Singaroo’ (with the Singaporean Navy); ‘MASTEX04’ (with the Malaysian Navy); and a search and rescue (SAR) exercise with the Peoples Republic of China Navy (PLA-N). This latter exercise marked the first occasion the RAN has exercised with the PLA-N. [07.11.04]

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DEFENCE TO CONFIRM NEW CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER: The Department of Defence will confirm this week its choice of a new Chief Information Officer (CIO), to replace AVM Julie Hammer, who has been acting in the position since Patrick Hannan left the Department for a position with the Victorian Government. DIAR.com reported 27 August the announcement by Defence Secretary Smith that an expanded CIO Group was to be formed within Defence to better manage the organisation’s information environment (DIE), with the role of the new Defence CIO to be expanded to manage the DIE across the portfolio, from strategy, planning, prioritisation through to development, implementation and support. The expanded CIO Group will bring together the office of the CIO with the Information Systems Division (ISD) from 3 December 2004. [07.11.04]

SEATS FILLING UP QUICKLY AT NOVEMBER NCW CONFERENCE: Attendance opportunities for 2004’s premier Network Centric Warfare (NCW) conference in Canberra 24-25 November 2004 are quickly filling up, with potential attendees encouraged to quickly lodge their details at www.iqpc.com.au/DefenceIQ. Key Defence speakers appearing at the conference will outline progress in advancing the Department’s NCW ‘Roadmap’, in particular the initiative to establish a Rapid Prototyping, Development & Experimentation (RPD&E) capability within the Department. Other speakers will provide and update on the ADF’s Information Superiority & Support concept, along with progress in advancing NCW information infrastructure across Defence. NCW 2004 is being hosted by IQPC in co-ordination with the Australian Defence Organisation. ADBR magazine and DIAR.com are the official publication and website for the conference. [07.11.04]

AUSTRALIAN TROOPS IN FATAL BAGHDAD SHOOTING INCIDENT: Australian Defence Force (ADF) troops are reported to have fatally wounded an Iraqi civilian in an action in central Baghdad. The civilian was killed when approaching Australian troops at speed in a vehicle, and failing to respond to commands by the troops to slow down and stop the vehicle. Approximately 80 ADF members are on the ground in Baghdad serving within the security detachment (SECDET) posted to protect Australian diplomatic staff and commercial personnel working on projects to help restore essential Iraqi governmental and commercial functions. Three ADF members were recently wounded when a car-bomb exploded near a SECDET armoured vehicle patrol. [06.11.04]

ASIO ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUING TERRORIST THREAT: Federal Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, says the 2003/04 Annual Report of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), highlights the continued threat from terrorist groups such as al-Qa'ida and Jemaah Islamiyah. He says the Report acknowledges “that questioning warrants have provided valuable information for ASIO investigations, (although) no detention warrants were sought over the period.” Since 11 September 2001, 10 people have been refused entry into Australia because of their assessed involvement in terrorist activities, and 20 Australian passports have been cancelled or denied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs following an adverse security assessment. Ruddock adds the establishment of a National Threat Assessment Centre “has significantly boosted ASIO's capability to respond to threat intelligence and information relating to terrorism." [05.11.04]

MONEY LAUNDERING NET WIDENED TO EASTERN EUROPE: Australia’s links to Eastern Europe in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing have been strengthened with the signing of new financial intelligence agreements with Bulgaria and Romania. Exchange instruments with these two countries were signed recently by the Director of the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), Neil Jensen (on behalf of Australia), and the Heads of the Bulgarian and Romanian Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) at meetings of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units in Bangkok. The establishment of exchange instruments with Bulgaria and Romania means that there are now 37 countries with which Australia can share financial intelligence. [05.11.04]

SINGAPORE’S DSTA HOOKS UP WITH DARPA FOR RESEARCH: Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) has confirmed it is collaborating with the United States’ Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), to explore and exploit emerging technologies. Under a Project Agreement (PA) between Singapore’s Ministry of Defence and the US Department of Defense, DSTA and DARPA (together with the Singapore Armed Forces and the US Army), will jointly conduct experiments and R&D in land warfare concepts and technology for future land battle concepts, particularly in the areas of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Command and Control for the Army. [05.11.04]

SNIPER XR/PANTERA POD TESTS ITS DOWNLINK CAPACITIES: Lockheed Martin (LM) reports its ‘Sniper XR/Pantera’ advanced targeting pod data downlink capability has been successfully flight tested on a Norwegian mid-life upgrade F-16 aircraft. A production ‘Pantera’ pod is said to have been modified in-country by Royal Norwegian Air Force personnel in less than one hour to provide the downlink capability. The downlink system transmitted a real-time ‘Pantera’ video stream to a downlink ground station from the F-16 aircraft at tactically significant ranges. The new pod’s downlink is said to support the move of armed forces towards a net-centric battlespace, allowing troops on the ground to view the battlefield from the airborne vantage point by providing wireless, scrambled, real-time streaming video (infrared and day TV) from the aircraft to ground forces. [05.11.04]

UK TANKER DEAL STILL IN THE BALANCE SAYS LEAKED REPORT: Rumbles of discontent within the UK Ministry of Defence regarding progress over the £13b Future Strategic Transport Aircraft (FSTA) deal with the EADS-led 'AirTanker' consortium have surfaced for a second time this year, with the 'Financial Times' publishing extracts from leaked correspondence by Sir Peter Spencer (the civil servant who oversees defence procurement). to 'AirTanker' chiefs. The correspondence reminded ‘AirTanker’ of the possibility the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) deal might be cancelled, and other options then explored. Under the current FSTA plan, 'AirTanker' would own a fleet of converted Airbus A330-200 aircraft that will be leased to the Royal Air Force (RAF) for its mid-air refuelling needs. The crux of the PFI rests on the premise that when the aircraft are not required by the RAF, they can be hired out as cargo aircraft to private firms with the resulting profits lessening overall defence costs. [04.11.04]

SEMINAR TO EXPLAIN HOW THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE WORKS: C3I Defence Watch and The People Company have combined to jointly develop 'Defence 101', a series of one-day workshops designed to provide attendees with a better understanding of how the Australian Department of Defence works, and how to succeed as a productive member of the nation-wide Defence support network. The first workshop, scheduled for 7 December 2004 (at the National Press Club, Canberra), will instruct businesses not just on how the Department of Defence works, but how to identify business opportunities, build relationships and manage the seemingly complex requirements of Defence contracting and processes. Surf www.c3i.com.au/defence101registration.pdf for details. [02.11.04]

CAE SELLS MARINE CONTROLS TO L-3 COMMUNICTIONS: CAE has confirmed that L-3 Communications Corporation will buy its Marine Controls unit for approximately C$328m, including C$276m (US$225m) in cash and the assumption of C$52m (£23m) of project finance debt. The sale is said by CAE officials to mark an important first step in a strategic-based process designed to sharpen the company to focus on its core competency - the development and use of simulation and modelling technology to provide training solutions. Marine Controls' revenue for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2004 was C$158.6m, approximately 15% of its total revenue. The Marine Controls business employs 460 persons across Canada, the US, the UK, Norway and India. Proceeds of the sale will initially be used for reduction of the company's long-term debt. [02.11.04]

HOMELAND SECURITY LAWS TO CURB AMMONIUM NITRATE SUPPLY: Australia-wide restrictions on access to ammonium nitrate, addressing its possible misuse by terrorists, are set to begin coming into effect this month. The Queensland Government has introduced its licensing regime from today, and similar regimes will begin to apply in all other states and territories over the coming months. Restrictions on the availability of ammonium nitrate follow a decision by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in June, which is currently reviewing the general availability of Hazardous Materials. The review is examining a range of materials that could be used by terrorists, but ammonium nitrate was given priority because of its ready availability in Australia and history of terrorist use internationally. A licensing system will now apply to all ammonium nitrate products, including fertilizer, with greater than 45% ammonium nitrate content. [01.11.04]

BOEING SHARPENS UP MODELING & SIMULATION EXPERTISE: Boeing has just established a new 'Analysis, Modeling & Simulation' (AMS) organization, to integrate and strengthen such capabilities across its Integrated Defense Systems business. With the increasing complexity of network-centric operations and system-of-systems engineering, modeling, simulation and its analysis is set to play a major role in helping firms understand and meet their customers' requirements. Vice President of the new AMS organization, Guy Higgins, was formerly Director of Special Projects for Space & Intelligence Systems. He says AMS will coordinate and lead: the development of system-of-system modeling, simulation and analysis tools and processes (and the creation of concepts of operations); Boeing's participation in customer wargames, exercises and experiments; and the development of system-of-systems multi-business operational analysis. It will also coordinate and integrate diverse modeling, simulation and analysis resources that currently exist across the Boeing enterprise. [01.11.04]

THALES WINS NETHERLANDS FCS/LAND 125 EQUIVALENT: French-based Thales has been awarded a contract to develop and deliver prototype systems for the future Dutch digitised soldier system. This contract includes soldier radios, a central processing computer with a unique user-friendly control unit, and dedicated soldier and commander interactive displays. The system will be linked to the Netherlands Army's command & control battle management system, making the soldier an 'individual network' integrated into the company chain of command. A key factor in Thales' selection is said to have been its open systems engineering approach, which enables Dutch forces to gain the maximum benefit from legacy equipment, whilst also easily integrating future upgrades and changes in technology. Prototype systems will be tested in 2005, with production units planned to go into service the following year. [01.11.04]

LOCKHEED MARTIN TO ACQUIRE SIPPICAN FROM THE CARLYLE GROUP: Lockheed Martin (LM) has confirmed its entry into a definitive agreement to acquire Sippican Holdings Inc from the global private equity firm, The Carlyle Group, and management. The Marion (Massachusetts)-based Sippican' is a lead supplier of naval electronics systems, with core expertise in the development and production of surface ship countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare training and submarine communications systems, as well as meteorological and oceanographic instrumentation. LM's Maritime Systems and Sensors - Undersea Systems business, located in Manassas (Virginia), will manage the Sippican business. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed, however, the deal is expected to close later this year. [01.11.04]

TIME FOR AN AVIATION, AEROSPACE OR DEFENCE CAREER CHANGE?: The Aerospace Maritime and Defence Foundation of Australia is looking to fill three new positions: a marketing executive for exhibition and corporate sales in conference and industry promotion events; a dynamic executive with a military background to join the Display Participation Group in the AirShows DownUnder management team; and a senior aviation professional for the Aircraft Operations Group in the Airshows DownUnder management team. All positions are based at Avalon Airport, with both full-time and part-time appointments being considered. Surf www.airshow.net.au/employment for details. Email expressions of interest (with career summary) to ceo@airshow.net.au. [01.11.04]

October

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September

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POST-ELECTION REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR ‘LAVARACK’ BARRACKS: On the ground in Townsville, Defence Minister Hill says a re-elected Howard Government will fast track a further $175m of redevelopment works at the ‘Lavarack’ Barracks. Hill said Lavarack Stage 4 will include additional new working accommodation for 3rd Brigade units (not included in the current $170m Stage 3 upgrade) and the redevelopment of: workshops; vehicle shelters; engineering services to upgrade accommodation; training facilities; and storage facilities. Work is just about to start on building a new Headquarters for 3 Brigade, expected to be completed by October 2005. A new Soldiers Promotion Section is also due to be completed next month, while new facilities for 1 RAR and 2 RAR have already been completed. While Stage 4 construction work is currently not expected to start until early 2008, Hill said a re-elected Howard Government “is committed to fast tracking the project to get it done as soon as possible.” [30.09.04]

NEW WATERCRAFT FLEET TO BE BASED AT ROSS ISLAND BARRACKS: Senator Hill also confirmed Australia’s six new landing watercraft (being procured from ADI under the $32m phase 3 of Joint Project 2048), will be based at the Ross Island Barracks, in Townsville. Visiting the Barracks with the Liberal Member for Herbert, Peter Lindsay, Hill said the Howard Government was “committed to build on Defence’s amphibious capabilities in northern Queensland. The introduction of bigger and more capable amphibious ships, together with new MRH-90 troop lift helicopters and new watercraft, will significantly lift capabilities. The new watercraft capability will enable the Army in Townsville to deploy more tanks, vehicles, soldiers and supplies from ship to shore in a significantly shorter time than is currently possible with the existing capability.” The first of the new watercraft is due to be delivered to Townsville in October. [30.09.04]

BEAZLEY COMMENTS ON SCHOOL OF MILITARY ENGINEERING RELOCATION: Opposition Defence spokesperson, Kim Beazley, says Defence Minister Hill's announcement that the School of Military Engineering will be relocated to Puckapunyal “is welcome news for the continued development of Puckapunyal Military Area as a major defence training centre. The announcement, however, comes without a timetable, without a completion date, and without any indication of the proposed program of construction.” Beazley goes on to charge the Howard government with a series of attempts to use prospective defence facility upgrades to its own electoral advantage. He adds, “the Howard Government is also playing politics with the proposed building of the new Defence Headquarters Joint Operations Command, which has twice been announced. The people of the Puckapunyal/Seymour area have the right to ask whether the School of Military Engineering will ever be relocated, if the history of the Howard Government's non-core promises on new construction for ADF units is any guide.” [30.09.04]

TENIX TO SPONSOR RESEARCH FOR A MILITARY BANDWIDTH BROKER: Tenix Defence has confirmed that under the auspices of the Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) program, it will work with the DSTO’s Information Networks Division to further develop and enhance Military Bandwidth Broker (MBB) technology, an advanced military communications system designed to ensure that mission-critical information gets preferential treatment when carried in military IP networks during periods of heavy communication traffic. Tenix Defence CEO, Robert Salteri, says “there are no off-the-shelf products offering bandwidth brokerage specifically adapted to the military environment. The MBB is an important improvement in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of military communications.” The DSTO has experimentally validated the MBB concept both in-house and as part of The Technical Co-Operation Program (TTCP) with the US and Canada. The next step in integrating the program into Defence facilities is to undertake full concept validation. [30.09.04]

F135 ENGINE PASSES ITS 1000TH HOUR IN JSF TESTING PROGRAM: Pratt & Whitney reports that earlier this month, its F135 System Development and Demonstration (SDD) team completed the program's 1000th test hour, thus covering both Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL/CV) engine tests, as well as Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) system test runs. The F135 Program has also delivered the second STOVL engine (the FX643) for test, and began endurance testing on 20 August. The F135 is said to be the only propulsion system in the JSF’s SDD phase, and will power the first flights of the aircraft. The development of an interchangeable engine is planned for future production competitions. The F135 has evolved from the F119 engine powering the F/A-22 ‘Raptor’, and will power all versions of the F-35 – the CTOL, CV, and STOVL. [30.09.04]

AIRBUS A310-BASED AERIAL TANKER DELIVERED TO GERMANY: The first two Airbus aircraft with air-to-air refuelling capabilities, both A310 Multi-Role Transport Tanker (MRTT) aircraft, have been handed over to the German and Canadian Air Forces during a ceremony in Dresden. The MRTT provides in-flight refuelling via hose/drogue refuelling systems. The Military Transport Aircraft Division (MTAD) of EADS is currently developing a larger MRTT (with a centre-line ‘boom’ refueling system) based on the Airbus A330 long-range passenger aircraft, for the Royal Australian Air Force under the A$2b project Air 5402 acquisition. The A330 MRTT is also the subject of contract negotiations with the UK’s Royal Air Force, and the French Air Force. [30.09.04]

EADS NORTH AMERICA RESTRUCTURES BUSINESS ENTITIES: EADS North America is restructuring its defence business into EADS North America Defense Company (a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS North America Inc), and operating under a Special Security Agreement (SSA) to regulate and ease the management of classified information through a set of institutionalised corporate procedures establishing industrial security and export control measures. James Mulato is to serve as CEO, and the company will be located in Arlington (Virginia). Ralph Crosby remains Chairman and CEO, EADS North America, and a member of the EADS NV Executive Committee. He says the restructure places EADS North America “in a position to bid directly for US defence business or partner with another US industry leader as prime or as a subcontractor." The EADS North America Defense Company will initially include: the existing operations of EADS Test and Services Inc (formerly Applied Research Corporation), and EADS North America Defense and Security Systems. [30.09.04]

LATHAM CAMPAIGN LAUNCH LOOKS BACK TO THE LESSONS OF 1941: Officially launching Labour’s 2004 election campaign in Brisbane, ALP Leader, Mark Latham, has called on the Australian people to support a change of federal government saying, “unless we change now, it will be too late for the security and safety of our nation - too late to shift policy and resources to our part of the world, getting it right in Asia in the fight against terror. And unless we change now, it will be too late for the basic decency and honesty of government in this country - too late to restore truth in government and end the deceit and buck-passing of the Howard years. Australia needs these changes. And Labor is ready to make them, before it's too late.” Latham added, “we need a Prime Minister who will take the people into his confidence, not least about his own intentions. It's urgent to bring a new energy, a new accountability to Australia's biggest job. And that's the difference between Labor and the Liberals.” [29.09.04]

ADF TO FOCUS ON PERMANENT NATIONAL INTERESTS IN THE REGION: Turning more specifically to national interest issues, Latham marked the anniversary of John Curtin’s term as Prime Minister (beginning 7 October 1941), and crediting him with building the alliance with the United States. The Alliance, said Latham, “is not the property of any Australian party or any particular American administration. It belongs to our two great peoples. I want to render the United States the best service any Australian Prime Minister ever could, (and) to help the US develop its true role of world leadership, based on respect, understanding and the cooperation demonstrated so powerfully after September 11, but undermined so tragically by the mistakes in Iraq. The real job for Australia is in our region, working with our neighbours and with the United States. As Prime Minister, I’ll sign up for that job, for as long as it takes. Labor will dedicate our resources in the war against terror to our region, to our part of the world, to the real security of the Australian people.” [29.09.04]

ELLISON LASHES OUT AT LABOR ‘COASTGUARD’ PROPOSALS: Visiting the WA seat of ‘Stirling’ with Attorney-General Ruddock for the formal Coalition ‘Border Protection’ policy launch, the Minister for Justice and Customs, Chris Ellison, says “Version 5 of (the ALP’s) Coastguard will disrupt the Australian Federal Police – (it will) take it away from its core duty, which they’ve carried out so well. They’ve said they’ll have 55 metre ships and helicopters, (but) New Zealand had a look at that and said 55m was too small for a helicopter, (so) it will tie those vessels to inshore activities. Now, Mark Latham says the helicopters will be off-ship. Why have the capacity if they are going to be off-ship? If you’re going to have an eye in the sky, there’s none better than the UAVs we’re looking at. You can launch them from a four-wheel drive or from a Customs vessel or from a naval vessel. We have in place the construction of 14 ‘Armidale’-class patrol boats for the Navy, (who) works side by side with Customs and the Australian Federal Police.” [29.09.04]

COMMANDO REGIMENT HEADS FOR PITTWATER BAY EXERCISE: Australian Reserve Commandos from the 1st Commando Regiment, along with soldiers of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, have begun exercise ‘Star Leopard ’04 with about 60 soldiers parachuting into Pittwater Bay over three jumps during the day and night from RAAF C-130 ‘Hercules’ transports. According to Major David Savvas, the Officer Commanding the Sydney-based 1 Commando Regiment, the current exercise was “an important part of the ADF’s international engagement schedule, and reflects the increasing importance of cooperation and inter-operability with regional Special Forces.” [29.09.04]

DHA TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT OPENED IN BRISBANE: The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Teresa Gambaro, has officially opened ‘Cavanagh Court’, a new $5.45m Defence Housing Authority (DHA) development of 27 townhouses on Frasers Road, in the Brisbane suburb of Mitchelton. The homes will provide accommodation for Defence members and their families who may be serving at the ‘Gallipoli’ Army Barracks in Enoggera or other Defence establishments in the Brisbane area. The houses were constructed using a number of Queensland companies including: builders Canstruct Pty Ltd; Willis Greenhalg Architects; VMR international; Brown Consulting; Incoll TPC and Lambert & Rehbein. The DHA manages approximately 1093 homes in the Brisbane area. [29.09.04]

ADI TEAMS WITH GIAT FOR LAND 17 ARTILLERY REPLACEMENT: ADI Limited and French-based GIAT Industries have signed a cooperation agreement to offer Giat’s proven ‘Caesar’ artillery system to the Australian Army for its Land 17 Artillery Replacement program. The ‘Caesar’ is a lightweight 52 calibre/155mm howitzer that is mounted on a 6x6 truck, with ordnance technology said to have been derived from gun system configurations used in the first Gulf War and the Balkans War. ADI says the teaming agreement, signed at the Land Warfare Conference, covers both delivery and through life support of the system and the ability to provide ongoing development to meet the ADF’s future needs. ADI says the conclusion of an agreement with Giat “follows a long assessment of the most flexible, effective and mature systems that meet Australia’s strategic and tactical requirements of the ADF’s future indirect fire weapons system.” [29.09.04]

RAAF C-130 ‘HERCULES’ SIMULATOR UPGRADES COMPLETED: CAE reports it has largely completed comprehensive avionics upgrades to the RAAF’s C-130H and C-130J full-flight simulators located at Richmond (NSW). The C-130H upgrade involved simulation of a new digital avionics suite that is being fitted to the RAAF's entire fleet of C-130H aircraft. In addition, an upgraded radar display unit was installed in the simulator along with new VHF navigation units and digital fuel quantity indicators. The upgrade to the C-130J simulator supported the rapid deployment of RAAF C-130J aircraft to Iraq. CAE upgraded the simulator with an electronic warfare self-protection capability to enable realistic training for aircrew in demanding tactical scenarios. The simulator was successfully upgraded before the first aircraft modification was completed, thus allowing early development of procedural training for the aircrews about to be deployed. [29.09.04]

STRONG PERFORMANCE FROM ‘BUSHMASTER’ IN UAE TRIALS: ADI reports its ‘Bushmaster’ infantry mobility vehicle has performed strongly in two, three-day evaluation trials in the United Arab Emirates. In temperatures reaching 58 degrees C, and very high humidity, the five-year old left-hand drive prototype vehicle is said to have conquered mountainous sand dunes, plus a variety of deserts and rocky tracks in successfully completing the 2500km evaluation. Separate maintenance testing included the timing of the removal, replacement and installation of vehicle components. ADI’s trials team also won praise when it removed and re-installed the Bushmaster’s power pack in less than three hours. The testing of the ‘Bushmaster’ was part of the UAE Defence Force’s ‘Summer Trials’ when equipment that might be purchased is evaluated. The vehicle’s next stop is AUSA 2004, the major defence exhibition held in mainland America, in October. [29.09.04]

CHINA TO TRIAL HIGH MOBILITY ENGINEERING VEHICLES: ADI has confirmed its high mobility engineering vehicle (HMEV) is to be trialled by China's Peoples' Liberation Army (PLA) later this year. The company has delivered two HMEVs to China in kit form for local assembly, given the PLA has specified it will require in-country manufacture of the vehicle. ADI has therefore established a license manufacturing agreement with Guizhou Jonyang Machinery Industry Co Ltd (based in Guiyang, in Guizhou province). The Australian Army currently has 27 HMEVs in service, while the US Army has purchased 40 High Mobility Engineering Excavators (HMEE) - a variation of the HMEV – with several of these vehicles currently deployed in Iraq. The US Army subsequently contracted ADI to develop three new generation HMEEs for trialling for a 750+ vehicle contract. Stand alone HMEVs are also operating in Canada and the UAE. [29.09.04]

BAE SYSTEMS TO ACQUIRE US-BASED ALPHATECH: BAE Systems North America (a BAE Systems plc's subsidiary) has signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire AlphaTech for US$88.4m cash. Founded in 1979 by faculty of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – and headquartered in Burlington – the 322 employee AlphaTech specialises in image and signal processing, multi-intelligence fusion and intelligent systems for the US Department of Defense and other government intelligence agencies. Integration of the company’s technologies with BAES North America's enterprise engineering and systems integration expertise, is expected to result in expanded capabilities to address the network centric warfare requirements of the national security and intelligence communities, particularly in the areas of Precision Engagement and Tasking, Processing, Exploitation & Dissemination (TPED). For the year ending December 2003, AlphaTech recorded sales of $51m. Revenues for the six months ending June 2004 were $32m. Conclusion of the transaction is expected during the fourth quarter, subject to regulatory reviews and approvals. [29.09.04]

ADI DISPLAYS LAND 121 LINE-UP AT MELBOURNE CONFERENCE: ADI Limited has used the 2004 Land Warfare Conference venue in Melbourne to display its line-up for bidding project Land 121, the ADF’s program to replace its field vehicle and trailer fleet. As prime contractor, ADI has teamed with global military vehicle manufacturers - US-based Oshkosh Truck Corporation, and UK-based Automotive Technik Limited from the UK. Oshkosh Truck Corporation boasts the US Marine Corps as its key customer, while Automotive Technik’s ‘Pinzgauer’ vehicles are currently used by more than 30 countries. Just this year, the UK Ministry of Defence introduced a further 400 ‘Pinzgauer’ vehicles into service, while New Zealand has confirmed the purchase of around 320 vehicles, including an armoured variant. [28.09.04]

ADI PLANNING A LEAD ROLE IN NETWORKING/HARDENING THE ARMY: ADI Managing Director, Lucio Di Bartolomeo, has confirmed his company plans to take a lead partner role in proposals to harden and network the Australian Army. He says one of the first steps has been the signing of a strategic R&D alliance between ADI and the DSTO, to investigate techniques for modelling the capability enhancement delivered by network centric warfare. ADI is also working with Thales to develop a sophisticated, digital artillery command and control system that will network all of the firepower assets available to a joint or coalition task force. ADI is working with the Army to develop an enhancement package for the F88 Austeyr rifle (12 A4 prototype weapons are currently being trialled), and the company’s solution for the JP 129 Tactical Unmanned Tactical Vehicle (UAV) program is currently being assessed. [28.09.04]

FORMER HMAS ‘PLATYPUS’ SITE TO BE PRESERVED FOR THE FUTURE: Defence Minister Hill has announced a re-elected Howard government will transfer the site of the former RAN base, HMAS ‘Platypus’ (at Neutral Bay), to the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust for conservation for future generations. The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust was established by the Howard government as part of the Centenary of Federation celebrations, and has since been the vehicle to transfer ownership of a series of former Defence sites around Sydney Harbour back to the public. Hill said that having been such an integral part of the development of Australia’s submarine capabilities, HMAS ‘Platypus’ “has significant Navy heritage values, which should be preserved. The eventual goal of re-opening the site to the public will be welcomed by the people of Sydney and everyone with an interest in the history of the Royal Australian Navy.” [28.09.04]

GLOBAL COLLABORATION FOR NETWORK CENTRIC WARFARE PUSH: A meeting in Washington has seen a decision to form a major international, industry-wide (and not-for-profit) consortium – the Network Centric Operations Industry Consortium (or NCOIC) - to combine the experience and expertise of 28 major companies to bring forward a unified approach that would enable sensors, communications and information systems to interact within a global network centric environment. Founding members of the NCOIC are: BAE Systems, Boeing, CACI, Carrillo Business Technologies, Cisco Systems, EADS, EMC Corporation, Ericsson, Factiva (a Dow Jones/Reuters Company), Finmeccanica, General Dynamics, HP, Honeywell, IBM, Innerwall, L-3 Communications (Integrated Systems), Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Northrop Grumman, Oracle, Raytheon, Rockwell Collins, SAAB, SAIC, Smiths Aerospace, Sun Microsystems, Thales, and Themis. The Open Group is to act as the NCOIC management company. [28.09.04]

MISSION TO BUILD COMMON NCW STANDARDS/ARCHITECTURES: The new consortium has a mission to recommend and provide input on the underlying standards and architectural approach that systems and platform developers may follow to enable each platform, system or application to participate in a global network environment. Boeing’s Carl O'Berry, newly elected chairman of the Executive Council of the NCOIC, says “we are on the cusp of profoundly changing the way we use network technology today, in both the military and commercial marketplaces.” The unique charter of the NCOIC makes it complementary to, not competitive with, those other consortia, industry associations, and government bodies that are also working toward the same goal of enabling customers to move rapidly to network centric operations. The NCOIC has formed an Advisory Council and an Affiliates Council in order to ensure it is well coordinated with all customer activities related to NCW. Surf www.NCOIC.org for further details. [28.09.04]

UAV FORCE SET TO STRENGTHEN AUSTRALIAN BORDER PROTECTION: Coalition election material relating to ‘Stronger Border Protection’ has indicated that the Department of Defence and Customs ‘Coastwatch’ will commence later in the year an evaluation of a High Frequency Surface Wave Radar (HFSWR) unit in the Torres Strait, from the point of view of improving the effectiveness of other Defence/Customs sensors and platforms. Coastwatch has been provided with $600,000 to trial (in parallel) the small, long endurance ‘Aerosonde’ UAV, with a brief to identify, verify and validate target data derived from the HFSWR system. Customs is said to be attracted to small UAVs because they are portable, readily deployable, and only require limited infrastructure to support operations. According to the policy document, “this simple, innovative approach also significantly reduces pre-mission management and programming, producing a rapid customer response.” [27.09.04]

NATIONAL SURVEILLANCE EFFORT AT AN ALL TIME HIGH: Coalition election material further states Coastwatch will fly an estimated 21,145 hours in 2004/05, whilst $72.4m has been provided to double Customs’ National Marine Unit’s surveillance and response capability to 2,400 seadays. The ‘SmartGate’ biometrics trial is to be extended to a second airport, whilst Customs has selected the site for Australia’s fifth container examination facility, to be located in Adelaide. Funding has been secured to extend Customs’ National Waterfront CCTV Network to a further 31 ports, meaning that all of the 63 previously proclaimed critical ports will be subject to 24-hour surveillance. Customs is also to be funded to open offices in Beijing ($4.8m over 4 years) and Jakarta ($3.6m over four years) under a re-elected Coalition government. [27.09.04]

MANAGEMENT BUYOUT OF ‘AEROSONDE’ UAV MANUFACTURER: The Chairman of Aerosonde Pty Ltd, Peter Smith, has confirmed a management buyout of the Australian UAV developer and manufacturer, effective immediately, from former owners, Saab Systems Pty Ltd. Smith says the MBO will ensure the company’s skilled development, production and operations teams are retained intact to satisfy the contractual and operational requirements of customers and other stakeholders. Melbourne-based Aerosonde is said to be Australia’s largest manufacturer and developer of unmanned aerial vehicle systems with civil and military customers in Australia, Asia, and North America, and is the only commercial operator of autonomous UAVs in Australia. Greg Tyrrell (as Chief Operating Officer) and Kate Wright (as Company Secretary) will shortly join the Board, with Peter Smith continuing as Chairman. [27.09.04]

RADAR WARNING RECEIVER CONTRACT TO BAE SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA: BAE Systems (BAES) Australia reports it has signed an $8.9m contract with Defence to manufacture and support the ALR2002 ‘ComBat’ Advanced Radar Warning Receiver (RWR). The contract relates to commencement of Low Rate Initial Production of the ALR2002, as a lead into future production programs. The initial contract will provide an additional 20 jobs within BAES in South Australia, and will support growth in other companies including specialist small-to-medium companies like Queensland-based Micreo Limited. As the ALR2002 has been locally developed, BAES says the resultant product “ensures Australia’s access to software source code for these electronic warfare sensors.” BAES has developed a number of ‘ComBat’ variants for use on RAAF and Army platforms. These include the ALR2002B variant for fast-jet applications, including the F/A-18 Hornet, and the ALR-2002D variant for rotary-wing platforms including the S-70A-9 'Black Hawk' and 'Chinook'. [27.09.04]

ARMOURED VESTS BEING SHIPPED OUT TO ADF FORCES IN IRAQ: Defence Minister Hill has visited Melbourne-based Hellweg International to inspect work the company is undertaking to satisfy and urgent order for 500 armoured vests for Australian forces in Iraq. On the ground at the Bayswater plant, Hill praised the work of many small Australian firms, “producing products that are the best in the world (to) equip our forces with the best equipment we can get.” Hellweg’s rapid procurement contract is estimated at close to $1m, and is said by the Minister to involve “a continual development (of the vests) as new fabrics come onto the market. This is a new design, (with) new fabrics, being produced here within our timeline – that’s what we’re pleased about.” [27.09.04]

ASC NOW SAID TO BE ‘IN CONTROL’ OF SUBMARINE PROGRAM: Sydney-based Cincom reports the Australian Submarine Corporation’s (ASC) recent upgrade of its ‘Control’ manufacturing solution (sourced from Cincom), will now enable the corporation – through the use of a new Project Cost Control System - to better compete for upcoming contracts for defence vehicles (project Land 121). Although being immediately applied to its contract to support Australia’s fleet of six ‘Collins’-class submarines, Cincom says the upgrade to ‘Control’ will allow the ASC “to better manage a variety of projects through integrated data collection, new reports and access to full status updates on projects ranging from four to 60 weeks in duration. ASC will use the module to estimate and submit proposals to win business, as well as segregate materials and track costs by project.” ASC is said to have spent a year upgrading the system and testing each application in the new environment, before completely switching off old systems. [27.09.04]

FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW TO CONTINUE UNDER SBAC BUSINESS UNIT: As part of a wide ranging review of its activities and services, the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) is to create a new company - Farnborough International Ltd - to assume responsibility for running Farnborough International, the long-established air show and aerospace exhibition held in the UK every two years. The Director of Farnborough International Ltd is to be Colin Way, previously with Marshall Aerospace and seconded to the SBAC for Farnborough International 2004. Farnborough International 2006 is scheduled for 18-21 July (Trade Days), and will be preceded by a conference of senior aerospace executives and government representatives on the afternoon of the 17 July, to be followed by the Farnborough International Dinner, which will be the official opening event of the 2006 show. [27.09.04]

SAABTECH TO TEST BOL COUNTERMEASURES ON RAAF HORNETS: Swedish-based SaabTech has confirmed the RAAF's award to the company of an order for adaptation and flight trials of its BOL Countermeasure Dispensing System on its 'Hornet' fighter fleet. Confirming the contract selection, SaabTech president (Bjorn Erman) said the RAAF would be the first customer to evaluate the BOL on the F/A-18, which he described as "a world leading product, well-established in the field of self-protection internationally." SaabTech will support RAAF flight trials scheduled for the 4th quarter of 2004 as part of the 'Hornet' Upgrade program (phase 2.3 of Air 5376). A successful trial outcome is likely to be followed by a production order for equipping an undisclosed number of F/A-18s with BOL dispensers. Four BOLs will be carried per aircraft, comprising two conformal mountings on weapon pylons. Melbourne-based Aerostructures has been contracted for the development of the pylon modification kit. [27.09.04]

BIG INVESTMENTS IN LAND/SEA-BASED ELECTRO-OPTICAL SYSTEMS: A new study from Forecast International (FI) estimates US$9.52b will be spent on the development and production of key land and sea-based Electro-Optical (EO) systems over the next 10 years. The study says night vision technology continues to be a major focus of activity, with R&D funding for major US night vision programs totalling $674m. In terms of sea-based EO systems, the need for Lockheed Martin’s Shipboard Infrared Search and Track (SIRST) system is said to have grown more immediate. Aircraft carriers, ‘Wasp’/’Tarawa’-class amphibious craft, and ‘Aegis’ cruisers and destroyers are all expected to benefit from its installation. Besides Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and ITT, the study says leading land- and sea-based EO system producers include Northrop Grumman and French-based Thales. [27.09.04]

UK SHIPBUILDING RATIONALISATION MODEL SET FOR AUSTRALIA?: The UK Ministry of Defence is reported to be considering a BAE Systems (BAES) plan to merge its three shipyards (Govan, Scotstoun and Barrow-in-Furness) with those run by Babcock International (Rosyth), Swan Hunter (Wallsend) and the VT Group (Portsmouth). Previously, BAES has warned shareholders its yards are unlikely to turn a profit until 2008, at the earliest. A possible sale was mooted earlier this year, with media speculation foreign buyers could include Thales and General Dynamics. BAES' new proposal involves the UK Government allocating work on Royal Navy ships across the six merged yards, thus avoiding costly bidding processes, bringing stability to the industry and safeguarding up to 10,000 jobs in the industry. One major sticking point is the relative stakes each firm would get in the new joint venture, given BAES is after a 50% share, reflective of its number of its yards. [27.09.04]

GERMAN NAVY GETS SECOND NEW F124 AIR WARFARE FRIGATE: The German Navy has taken over control of its second '124'-class frigate, the 'Hamburg'. Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) AG is said to have handed over the ship to the German Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB), some three months ahead of schedule. The new air defence frigate was built by ARGE 124, a consortium formed by three shipyards: Blohm+Voss GmbH (Hamburg); Nordseewerke GmbH (Emden); and HDW. The F-124s are a development of the F-123 frigates, originally designed for anti-submarine warfare, but subsequently equipped with a new, fully distributed data processing and guidance system with a real-time database, and an integrated communication network to support complex weapon systems. A version of the F-124 equipped with the 'Aegis' combat and sensor system is being evaluated for the RAN under project Sea 4000. [27.09.04]

RUMSFELD LAYS DOWN REQUIREMENTS FOR JOINT TRAINING BASES: Addressing the Senate Armed Services Committee 23 September on plans for transformation of US military forces, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld has said new concepts shaping future force disposition arrangements include: US troops should be located where wanted, welcomed, and needed; troops should be placed in locations where they can easily and quickly be moved; US forces need to be in places that allow those troops to have reasonable access to ample training areas on land, sea and in the air, and with host nations who provide access "free of encroachment and unreasonable restrictions;" and with advanced technology increasing military capabilities, more can be accomplished with fewer numbers of troops and materiel. Rumsfeld indicated that main operating bases in Germany, Italy, the UK, Japan and South Korea will be "consolidated but retained," while in Asia, "our idea is built upon our current ground, air and naval access to overcome vast distances while bringing additional naval and air capabilities forward into the region." [27.09.04]

DEFENCE TRAINING PROGRAM TO FOLLOW 30% ACQUISITION BOOST: A re-elected Howard Government has undertaken to support increases in major defence equipment purchases with a new program to train 3000 additional engineers, specialist technicians, key trades and project managers over the next decade. Accordingly, 0.5% of the $50b proposed to be spent on new equipment over the next decade (around $200m) is to be quarantined for a defence skills training initiative to complement new requirements on bidders for new acquisition projects to include Australian skills training programs in their tender bids. Suitable training activities are deemed to include: TAFE/University courses, apprenticeships, on-the-job training and scholarships. The 'Skilling Australia's Defence Industry' initiative will be particularly applied to Joint Project 2048 and projects Sea 4000 and Air 9000/2, along with selected existing major equipment and support contracts (eg: the 25-year TLS contract of the 'Collins'-class submarines). [26.09.04]

'x44x' OR 'x77x' - DEFENCE FINALLY AWARDS NAVY LAN/WAN CONTRACT: DIAR.com reported 20 September that Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) had won a $15m four-year (if all options are exercised) contract to design and install a shipboard and shore-based IT infrastructure across the RAN's fleet. The project Sea 1772 (not 1442, as first reported) contract requires the provision of technical, analytical, engineering, program management and administrative support for 17 Navy front-line ships (as well as three naval communications stations), to allow email and internet communications at sea through secure local (and wide) area networks (LAN/WAN) for the first time, whilst also being interoperable with coalition partners. CSC partners on the project include CDM (fibre optics), KBR (logistics and training), and Network Forensics (information security). Project Sea 1772 was listed in the September 1998 edition of the Forward Minor Capital Equipment Plan (Yellow Book) as 'computer equipment', and proposed for contract in 1998/99 at an estimated value of $2.5m to $10m. [26.09.04]

DIAR.COM AND THE FEDERAL ELECTION – PUBLICATION SCHEDULE: This edition of DIAR.com seeks to complete our coverage of both Coalition and Australian Labor Party election policy initiatives, as well as the usual Defence, related defence-industry, internal security and border protection releases and related documents. Following the declaration of the Federal election outcome, a special edition of DIAR.com will be published on 11 October – providing a post-election round-up on military-related issues, and accompanied by a summary of all the defence and national security announcements made over the past six weeks by the major political party declared as being elected to form the new Australian government. [26.09.04]

HOWARD CONSISTENT ON TERRORISM THREAT IN CAMPAIGN LAUNCH: Addressing the Coalition’s official 2004 election campaign launch in Brisbane, Prime Minister Howard has contrasted the substantive international challenges of the past eight and a half years with the Government’s achievements in the liberation of East Timor, and restoring stability to failing Pacific States. Howard added, “terrorism has cast a dark cloud over the world, but it is a challenge that must be repulsed. It will be a long and difficult fight, and we must do it in cooperation with our friends all around the world, and most particularly here in our region. But whether popular or not, I will never hesitate to do what is right and necessary, to protect Australia and the Australian people against the threat of terrorism.” [26.09.04]

STANCE REMAINS FIRM ON US ALLIANCE AND IRAQ COMMITMENT: Howard told the Party faithful Australia’s defence alliance with the United States remained “the cornerstone of our national security. I support the American alliance because it is in Australia’s national interest to do so. We could never forget our history, and we should understand the power realities of today. Our decision to join the Coalition in Iraq was the right decision. If I had my time again, I would make the same decision. The world is a better place, the Middle East is a better place, without Saddam Hussein. Australian forces will stay in Iraq until they finish their job. We will not cut and run before Christmas or any other arbitrary date.” [26.09.04]

DEFENCE TO SUPPORT NEW NATIONAL SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM: As part of a major new push to address Australia’s growing shortage of technically skilled workers, the Prime Minister has committed a re-elected Coalition Government to sponsoring the establishment of an Institute of Trade Skill Excellence (run by industry associations), and establishing 24 new Australian Technical Colleges. In a ‘new federalism’ initiative, the new Colleges will operate independently of existing State education systems, and will be run by principals/teachers recruited on the basis of performance pay. Howard added a re-elected Coalition would allocate “a portion of the money spent on Defence equipment and maintenance towards additional skills training.” This latter initiative is expected to fund an extra $200m over 10 years to accelerate national skills development in traditional trades. [26.09.04]

HILL LOSES DEFENCE 'BEAUTY' COMPETITION TO BEAZLEY: While the majority of Australian electors prefer Peter Costello as Treasurer (57%) over Simon Crean (27%), and Alexander Downer as Foreign Minister (49%) over Kevin Rudd (37%), a special Morgan telephone poll has confirmed the ALP Shadow Minister for Defence is preferred over the incumbent Defence Minister, Senator Robert Hill. The telephone poll found that not only is Kim Beazley preferred by the majority of electors (56%) as Defence Minister (over Hill at 31%), but Beazley is also favored by 32% of L-NP supporters (83% of ALP supporters). The poll said just over half (55%) of L-NP supporters favored Senator Hill. Poll chief, Gary Morgan, says the election "is going to be close. In the first telephone Morgan Poll since the candidates were announced - and it was clear which seats were being contested by the various Parties - the electorate has firmed up with less than 4% of electors not giving a preference." [24.09.04]

ARMY GETS MUSEUM TO RECORD ITS FLYING HISTORY: The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Teresa Gambaro, has confirmed government support for a new $1 million project to establish a Museum of Australian Army Flying (MAAF), at Oakey (Qld). Gambaro said the project had been "approved, and design work on the project was about to commence. The new facility will include a hangar facility at the Army Aviation training Centre at Oakey to house MAAF display aircraft." Gambaro added, "the MAAF is an official Army museum, and is an important part of the Army History Unit, so this funding is very important. It will improve the aircraft display and provide better public access." Design work is planned to start in late 2004, with construction to be completed by mid-2005. [24.09.04]

GOODRICH TO MODIFY RAAF 'HORNET' GENERATORS: Air Force procurers have chosen US-based Goodrich Corporation to modify the Generator Converter Units (GCU) on 71 F/A-18 fighters. The work will be done by Goodrich's Customer Services facility in Sydney, which will upgrade 170 units over the next two and a half years. The upgrade work involves a major refurbishment of the GCUs by changing out the majority of the internal components, and replacing them with the latest electronic hardware. According to RAAF officials, the program is expected to deliver "significant benefits to Australia's tactical fighter capability by improving system reliability and reducing maintenance costs throughout the life of our 'Hornet' fleet." Goodrich supplies the nose and main landing gear, fuel gauging, lighting, air data sensors and ice detection as well as various engine components for the aircraft. [24.09.04]

FATS WINS SMALL ARMS TRAINER UPGRADE CONTRACT: US-based FATS Inc has won a $2m ADF contract to upgrade its Small Arms Trainers, known locally as Weapons Training Simulation Systems (WTSS). The contract award seeks to upgrade approximately 36 systems in 12 different locations to current software and hardware configurations. The small arms trainers support individual marksmanship skills training as well as team and squad level tactical training. Squad level training on the system provides an advanced tool for team training and evaluation. FATS offers generic or customised marksmanship courses with five lane configurations per system, as well as judgmental training with interactive scenarios. FATS President and CEO, Ron Mohling, says his company "first delivered small arms trainers to the ADF in 1997. We strive to design and produce the best in virtual training solutions for domestic and international clients around the world." [24.09.04]

PFI OPTION FOR RAAF 'PEARCE' UPGRADE FORMALLY CONFIRMED: Defence Minister Hill has issued a formal release confirming comments earlier made at a doorstop interview that a Strategic Business Case and Baser Master Plan are currently being developed to identify the scope for an $87m upgrade to the RAAF's 'Pearce' base in Western Australia. In parallel to a traditional funding approach, Hill also confirmed Defence would investigate the option of a private finance partnership (PFI) arrangement for the project, in a similar manner as is being currently pursued for the Joint Operational Command Centre at Bungendore, NSW. Principal works proposed for the 'Pearce' base upgrade include: construction of a new 79 HQ and Operations facility; upgrade of 1 Air Terminal Sqdn; new live-in accommodation; upgrade of hangar; new fuel quality control centre; new 'Bullsbrook' transmitter facility; a new 18,000m2 ordnance loading apron; upgrade aircraft surface finishing facility; additional aircraft shelters; and perimeter fence upgrade. [23.09.04]

BAILEY CONFIRMS NEW APPROACH TO MILITARY HEALTH & SAFETY: The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Fran Bailey, says Defence will spend $103m over the next ten years implementing a single Occupational Health and Safety Strategic Plan designed to manage all of Defence’s occupational health and safety programs centrally. Key priority areas under the new strategic plan include: reduce high incidence and high severity risks to people’s health; improve prevention of occupational illness and disease; reduce the impact of occupational injury, illness and disease; improve Defence’s capability to systematically manage OHS; improve the quality of OHS information available to decision-makers; improve the capacity of leaders and staff to identify and manage hazards effectively; improve the identification, elimination and management of hazards at the design and planning stages of new Defence equipment and facilities; and strengthen the capacity of Defence. [23.09.04]

AUSTRALIAN BOMB PROOF GLASS MAKER PASSES ABC TEST: Australian developed glass technology that is able to resist bullet penetration from an AK47 assault rifle, as well as the blast from a 5000 kilogram explosion, has made it to the ABC's 'Catalyst' science TV program. Stop Shot International's patented 'Stop Shot' technology uses standard glass panes coated with a polymer to protect against high velocity bullets and bomb blast shock waves. Field tests screened on 'Catalyst' demonstrated the ability of the treated glass to withstand bullets fired from M16s, hand-guns and even high velocity rounds from NATO 7.62 calibre rifles. Major banks, NSW police stations and public buildings, and an increasing number of international embassies are now said to have purchased 'Stop Shot' glass solutions as a cost-effective response to the threat of drive-by shootings and terrorism blasts. [23.09.04]

HMAS 'DIAMANTINA' RETURNS FROM PACIFIC GUN-BOAT DIPLOMACY: The RAN's coastal minehunter, HMAS 'Diamantina', has returned home from its second deployment (under Operation 'Anode') in the waters off the Solomon Islands. The ship was officially tasked with providing security, logistic and general support to the participating police forces of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (ARAMSI), although with nearly 1000 islands in the archipelago, the vessel found a useful role in maritime patrol and visiting remote coastal villages in support of Australian Federal Police officers tasked with restoring/maintaining law and order. The 'Diamantina' (and her sister 'Huon'-class vessels) are described by Defence as one of the world's most advanced mine warfare vessels, and is equipped with a 30mm gun. [23.09.04]

RAYTHEON COMPLETES JSOW-C OPERATIONAL TEST FIRINGS: Raytheon reports it has completed operational test firings of the unitary/penetration variant of the AGM-154C Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW-C), with nine of 10 shots successful against a wide range of targets. The AGM-154C was developed by a US Navy, Raytheon, BAES and Thales Missile Electronics team to incorporates a Raytheon-developed uncooled, long-wave infrared seeker with automatic target acquisition algorithms, to yield a launch-and-leave weapon with a long-range standoff precision strike capability. The JSOW-C will be the first US weapon to incorporate the two stage 'Broach' blast fragmentation/penetration warhead, developed by the UK BAE Systems (Thales provides the fuze). Officials say the JSOW-C has "a unique capability for a glide weapon in its ability to attack a hardened target in a near-horizontal mode from a standoff range of up to 70 nautical miles." The Navy/Raytheon team is also developing a Block II configuration of the JSOW weapon system that will be delivered in 2007. [23.09.04]

CAPABILITY TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATOR AWARDS CONFIRMED: Defence Minister Hill has confirmed the list of firms to be awarded grants under the eighth round of the $10m Defence Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) program. Heading the list of awardees is Perth-based Turbo-Jet technologies, who will receive support to develop an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) powered by a micro-sized jet engine. Hill said the high speed 'Jandu' UAV "will have the ability to carry a payload of up to 50kg, and travel at speeds much higher than existing UAV’s.“ The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) administers the CTD Scheme which aims to encourage the development of advanced technologies with the potential to significantly boost future ADF capability. [22.09.04]

CTD AWARDS CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON LAND FORCE SUPPORT: The other five successful CTD proposals short-listed for contract negotiation in 2004/05 are: Bioseeker (DSTO, ADI, and Turbo Jet Technologies) - supporting the 'Jandu' UAV by developing an autonomous guidance system based on insect vision; Quantitative Phase Imaging (IATIA, University of Melbourne) - to bring forward an advanced form of imaging to assist the ADF to see through fog, smoke and sandstorms, as well as into some camouflage; Project FURI (BAES Australia, DSTO, the University of Sydney, and Flight Stat) - to develop electronic warfare and stealth communications to enable groups of UAVs to work together; Lightweight Ballistic Armour (ADA Composite Armour, and the University of South Australia) - to develop improved lightweight body armour and helmets to defeat certain bullets and shrapnel; and Perimeter Surveillance Equipment (NR Pty Ltd) - to demonstrate to the ADF advanced modular sensors capable of multiple methods of detection, all networked together to provide surveillance of important battlefield perimeters. [22.09.04]

HILL BRANDS BEAZLEY BATTALION A 'PHANTOM' FORCE: Defence Minister Hill says that Shadow Defence spokesman, Kim Beazley, has shot down Labor’s Defence policy – less than 48 hours after its release. According to Hill, "the key plank of Labor’s policy is an unfunded promise of a new battalion. In a remarkable moment of honesty, Mr Beazley has confirmed that once established, Labor’s so-called new battalion would only be maintained at a low readiness level, meaning it could take months to be ready to respond to a terrorist attack or crisis within the region. It was always difficult to understand how a new battalion would make Australia 'impregnable' to terrorist attacks, as boldly promised by Mr Beazley – but to fail to fully fund the battalion is a breathtaking deception of the Australian people." [22.09.04]

SAAB FORMALLY SIGNS-UP ON $16M BCSS CONTRACT EXTENSION: Adelaide-based Saab Systems has confirmed its signature of a contract with the Commonwealth for extensions to the Battlefield Command Support System (BCSS) contract. The Contract Change Proposal (CCP) adds a further A$16m to the original $11.4m deal, to deliver BCSS design, development and integration. According to Saab's MD, Merv Davis, "the CCP will allow for the porting of the current version of BCSS to a Windows XP operating system in 2005, and a major release in 2006. The 2006 Release will include enhancements to support larger networks (allowing communications right through the chain of command), and an increase in the amount of operational data that can be maintained by the system. The system will also permit the establishment of permanent in-barracks access or training environments to ensure maximum familiarity with the system for end users. The BCSS upgrade will recognise user roles, allowing immediate access to role specific functions. The upgrade will also improve communication performance over the Army’s combat radios." [22.09.04]

HILL FORESHADOWS MAJOR UPGRADE TO RAAF BASE 'PEARCE': On the ground at RAAF Base 'Pearce' in Western Australia, and describing the facility as "a very important base for our flying training and the support of operations, especially the Middle East", Defence Minister Hill has foreshadowed an $87m upgrade of base facilities. According to Hill, "much of the infrastructure is aged, a lot of it dates back to the 2nd World War and needs significant upgrading. The fuel farm needs to be either refurbished or replaced, a new hangar needs to be constructed to replace the outdated one, a new operational headquarters (is required) and new on-base housing. We’ll be settling all the details (and) contracting it during the course of next year. We expect the refurbishment to start in 2006 (and) think it will take about three years to complete." In response to a question about adopting a privately financed/privately managed approach to the RAAF base 'Pearce' upgrade, Hill replied, "we simply state (it) is an option for this development, which will be considered along with the more traditional - contract the work out and manage it ourselves." [22.09.04]

MAIDEN FLIGHT FOR FIRST ITALIAN ARMY NH90 HELICOPTER: The first NH90 destined for the Italian Army undertook its maiden flight 15 September, at Agusta's 'Vergiate' facility. The 30+ minutes flight saw a speed of 120 knots reached during basic testing of the aircraft's flight envelope. Besides the 60 NH90s ordered by the Italian Army, and the 56 ordered by the Italian Navy, the Vergiate facility will also assemble the 20 helicopters ordered by the Netherlands Navy, as well as the 14 ordered by Norwegian Armed Forces. To date, eleven countries have ordered a total of 357 units, with options for a further 86 helicopters. The NH90 has been designed from the outset as a multi-role weapons system, with the tactical transport (TTH) and naval (NFH) variants sharing a common basic modular design. Australia is to purchase 12 NH90 troop lift helicopters as part of the first instalment (Phase 2) of project Air 9000. [22.09.04]

BOEING TESTS SOLDIER-OF-THE-FUTURE COMMUNICATIONS: In a recently completed US field test, Boeing has demonstrated that its new mobile theatre-of-operations directional communications technology can provide soldiers with secure intelligence data form a variety of sources at speeds three orders of magnitude (or 1000 times) faster than existing systems. Called Directional Network Waveform (DNW), the new technology is being developed to provide war fighters the knowledge they need from all elements of the battlefield, whether the information comes from decision centers, soldiers, fighter aircraft, ships, unmanned air vehicle sensors, weapons, or other communication nodes in the theatre. The recent tests involved a military model 'Humvee' equipped with a DNW terminal and a fixed DNW tower mounted terminal and work station. Operators demonstrated that they could remotely direct electro-optical sensors from any work station in the network. The field test also proved network effectiveness in areas with potential communication blockages caused by trees and other vegetation. [22.09.04]

PUBLIC SCHOOL TO BE SHIELDED FROM NOISE OF DEFENCE OPERATIONS: Defence Minister Hill says the Department of Defence will soon begin a scoping study to establish the cost of noise works proposed for the Williamtown Public School, to address the environmental impact of operations from the nearby RAAF base of its new 'Hawk' lead-in fighter trainer aircraft. The study will establish the requirements for noise attenuation works (in addition to more than $2m already approved to be spent in 2005/06), and applies to both the Williamtown Public School and Salt Ash Public School. Hill says Defence "has recently engaged a project manager for the noise attenuation works to be carried out at Salt Ash Public School. The manager is currently documenting the full scope of works prior to tendering for construction, which is planned to start over the Christmas school holidays to avoid disruption to school activities." [21.09.04]

HILL KEEPS AN EYE ON PROBLEM 'WATERCRAFT' ACQUISITION PROJECT: On the ground in Newcastle, Defence Minister Hill has taken the opportunity to visit ADI Limited to adjudge the progress of work to build six new watercraft (JP 2048/3) to equip the Navy's two amphibious ships (LPAs). ADI reported 2 September that the first watercraft was just commencing trials after the Minister outlined problems with the project on 14 May. Hill told media in Newcastle, "it's good to see the process of the watercraft. The first has been on trial already and is due (for delivery) in October. It's a product that's badly needed by the Navy, (as) it gives greater flexibility in terms of moving equipment and troops off our two amphibious ships. They will (also) be capable of uses on the new amphibious ships we intend to buy." [21.09.04]

BROAD PARAMETERS LAID OUT ON REPLACEMENT AMPHIBIOUS SHIPS: Reporting to media on developments in the Government's proposal to acquire two new amphibious ships from 2010 under Joint Project 2048, Defence Minister Hill says "we are talking about somewhere between 20-26 thousand tonnes, able to carry a thousand troops (and able to carry) not only six helicopters on the deck/able to lift six helicopters at any one time, but another dozen helicopters underneath. They (the two new amphibious ships) will be able to carry our new 'Abrams' tank, (which) I’m pleased to see can fit in this new watercraft. It's growing capability and building in greater flexibility, so by the time the LPAs 'Kanimbla' and 'Manoora' are ready to go, we will have new bigger, and more capable ships, to replace them." [21.09.04]

DEFENCE MINISTER CLARIFIES POSITION ON PRE-EMPTION STRIKES: Responding to media questions regarding the concern expressed by the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia regarding comments by Prime Minister Howard in regard to Australia's preparedness to undertake pre-emptive strikes against regional terrorist groups, Hill said "we work constructively with our neighbours to build their capability and address problems that we jointly face. Terrorists are a threat to our neighbours and they are a threat to us, and we work with them to defeat that threat." The Minister then added, "there are many within the US who now wish they had pre-empted the (September 2001) attacks. They knew what the Taliban were doing, how they were supporting Al Qaeda in Afghanistan in relation to their headquarters, their training camps, their weapons caches. They’d seen attacks launched (against) US interests in Africa, and yet they weren’t responded to effectively. So it’s in those sort of circumstances (we talk of pre-emption). But in relation to our own region, where we have countries that have stable governments (who) are addressing the same threat and are working constructively with us to defeat that threat, that’s the direction we would take." [21.09.04]

HILL BLAMES PRE-EMPTION DEBATE ON INTERNATIONAL LAWYERS: Asked by media to comment on Shadow Defence Minister Beazley's rhetorical challenge to the Prime Minister to go ahead with pre-emptive attacks on know terrorist bases in the Southern Philippines, Defence Minister Hill has denied he was as the centre of raising the profile of pre-emptive strike in the Australian defence lexicon. According to Hill, the doctrine of pre-emption "is part of the whole international law debate in a changing conflict environment. It arises out of the principle of self-defence - which is not in question - and recognised by the United Nations charter. Self-defence doesn't mean that you've got to wait until you're attacked before you respond. So it's an issue about the circumstances that justify it. There's now much less predictability, you don't see the forces coming your way, they're not in uniform, they're not organised. How do you translate your right to the respond to the new circumstance?" [21.09.04]

NO TROOPS YET TO NEUTRALISE JI BASES IN THE PHILIPPINES: Responding to Kim Beazley's charges regarding JI training bases in the southern Philippines, Hill said Beazley "seems to have more precise information on these things than our intelligence services. We believe there is some JI training taking place in the southern Philippines (but) we don't have precise detail of that." Hill confirmed Australia undertook "some counter-terrorism training with Philippines forces," but in terms of forces on the ground, "it's been primarily a relationship with the United States." Hill said Australia recently hosted a regional counter-terrorism conference in Bowral, "looking at each of our capabilities, building confidence in each other and working out how we can work more effectively together to defeat a common threat. Now there hasn't been any suggestion to date that we do that in an operational sense in the southern Philippines - they haven't sought that support - but we don't rule it out. In some instances, either because of a failed state or because of deliberate support for terrorist movements, (and when the) option of cooperation mightn't be open, the Prime Minister has said, as a last resort, he would take pre-emptive action to protect Australian lives." [21.09.04]

BEAZLEY SAYS NEW LIGHT INFANTRY BATTALION NOT THAT EXPENSIVE: Responding to Coalition charges defence has under-costed its proposal to form an additional light infantry battalion, Shadow Defence Minister Beazley says "the Minister's claim that it would cost $690m to fund a new light infantry battalion is just plain wrong. The figure (he) has been quoting refers to the cost of creating a new battalion group, not the cost of raising a new light infantry battalion. A battalion group is made up of around 960 personnel. By contrast, a light infantry battalion only comprises some 735 soldiers. Senator Hill has costed Labor's policy as if it were creating a battalion group at the highest readiness level. This is not what Labor has announced." [20.09.04]

ABL WELCOMES LABOR APPROACH TO DEFENCE INDUSTRY POLICY: Australian Business Limited (ABL) has welcomed the defence industry policy released by the Australian Labor Party (ALP) saying it embraced key aspects of the organisation's own view of priorities, such as: maximising the level of Australian industry involvement (AII) of in defence projects; and implementing new systems to provide better access for Australia’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to information on minor capability projects. ABL says it "is pleased the ALP has highlighted the importance of AII, which remains the major mechanism through which the Department of Defence develops and sustains strategically important capabilities in Australian industry. Improved reporting obligations will also be helpful. Minor Capital Equipment Projects (<$20m) are (also) vital to Australian SMEs." [21.09.04]

RUDDOCK SAYS RETROSPECTIVE LAWS FOR TERRORISTS NO GOOD: The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has warned of the dangers of his Labor Shadow's (Nicola Roxon) advocacy for the enactment of criminal laws that would in effect be retrospective. Ruddock says that whilst participating in a legal debate in Sydney, Ms Roxon "informed the audience Labor would facilitate the return of Guantanamo Bay detainees David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib by enacting international law." Ruddock notes international law "only operates in Australia if it is implemented as part of our domestic law regime. It is clear the international law to which the Shadow Attorney was referring did not apply in Australia before 2001. The only way to make an offence in Australia using international law is to legislate retrospectively for that to occur." Ruddock considers retrospective criminal law "undermines the certainty and predictability of the justice system. It (is) deemed highly undesirable by the courts, and generally condemned by the international community." [21.09.04]

US AND SPANISH NAVY TEST SECOND 'AEGIS'-EQUIPPED FRIGATE: The Spanish Navy's new air warfare destroyer frigate, the 'Almirante Juan De Borbon' (F-102) and the USS 'Pinckney' (DDG-91), have completed the second joint Combat System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT) to evaluate the ships' 'Aegis' combat systems for combat-readiness. Trials extended across surface, sub-surface and comprehensive anti-air warfare exercises, including manned raids, electronic attack, tactical data link and air defence testing, which culminated in live missile firings against live targets. The ships are both equipped with the Lockheed Martin-sourced 'Aegis' weapon system and SPY-1 radar, also proposed for purchase by Australia as part of its new air warfare destroyer program (Sea 4000). 'Aegis' weapons systems are deployed on 76 ships on station around the globe (US, Spain, Japan, Korea and Norway), with 31 more ships planned. [21.09.04]

LATHAM CONFIRMS 12-POINT PLAN FOR DEFENCE OF AUSTRALIA: Opposition Leader, Mark Latham, has released in Townsville a $373m program over the next four years to: commission a new Defence White Paper in its first year of office; increase the size of the Army by raising an additional light infantry battalion, to be based in Townsville; relocate the Parachute Battalion Group from Holsworthy, to Townsville in 2008/09; ensure that there is no air combat capability gap before F-111 withdrawal; appoint a Minister for Defence Procurement - responsible for the delivery of major equipment projects on time and on budget; express a strong preference for Australian industry content in major defence projects; ensure that Australian shipyards undertake future naval shipbuilding, maintenance and upgrades; implement an improved approach to defence workforce planning; enhance conditions of service for non-custodial parents in the ADF and for personnel based in remote areas; provide better housing for single ADF personnel - including through the creation of 1,000 new accommodation places; create a new medal for volunteers with three years' service in the ADF; and redirect spending from areas of waste and mismanagement, including funds returned to the budget due to deferral of equipment projects, cost overruns in equipment projects, and growth in civilian personnel and other administrative costs. [20.09.04]

BIG PITCH FOR TOWNSVILLE ELECTORATE IN FORCE MIGRATION PROGRAM: Heading Labor's Defence plan, is an undertaking a Latham Government would increase the size of the Australian Army by raising an additional light infantry (around 735 troops) battalion - to be based in Townsville - and costing $480m over four years. Latham says the additional battalion is needed in order to "satisfy the requirements of the 2000 White Paper, which said that the ADF needs to be able to sustain simultaneous operations in widely-separated locations. For the Australian Army, this means that it needs to able to deploy a brigade-sized force of 3,000 personnel, as well as a battalion group of around 1,000 personnel in our immediate neighbourhood. Currently Army cannot do this, because its five regular battalions are all suffering from personnel and skill shortages." [20.09.04]

LABOR DEFENCE PLAN FOCUSES ON MEETING REGIONAL THREATS: Labor's official Defence policy statement has reaffirmed the foundation of the Party's defence policy as being the principle of Australian self-reliance. Labor states the belief that the ADF "must be able to defend Australia without relying on the combat forces of other nations." Acknowledging the alliance with the United States is "fundamental to Australia's long-term strategic interests," the policy goes on to state, "nowhere in the world are Australia's strategic interests more concentrated, our responsibilities more exacting and our vulnerabilities greater, than in our own region, the Asia Pacific. Labor believes that fostering peace, stability and security in our South Pacific neighbourhood and the broader Asia Pacific region, is critical to Australia's national security." [20.09.04]

PINE GAP OK, BUT NOT NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENCE INITIATIVE: Labor says Australia derives 'substantial benefits' from intelligence sharing arrangements with the US, including the Joint Facility at 'Pine Gap', which "makes an important contribution to the deterrence and avoidance of international conflict." Alternatively, Labor says, "national missile defence (NMD) has the potential to undermine non-proliferation and accelerate the development of missile capabilities that could threaten Australia's national security." The policy goes on to endorse the acquisition of new air warfare destroyers (project Sea 4000), but stops short of equipping them with NMD capability with reference the new ships will provide, "in-theatre missile defence for convoy operations, littoral operations and complement anti-missile defence for deployed forces and key strategic assets." [20.09.04]

SHAKE-UP COMING UNDER LABOR FOR DEFENCE MANAGEMENT: Labor's Defence policy document states a Latham government would "demand that robust and accountable processes exist in the Defence organisation." Initiatives to be taken in-government include: a review of management processes between government and the Defence Headquarters (including an examination of the role and organisation of Defence HQ); a comprehensive audit of Defence's financial management to ensure that the corporate performance of the organisation meets best practice standards; a judicial inquiry into Australia's intelligence community; a formal evaluation of the effectiveness of the reforms to the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) by the end of 2006; and implement measures to ensure greater parliamentary oversight of the major defence acquisition program." [20.09.04]