News Archive 2005

December

[TOP]

CANADIANS TAKE DELIVERY OF M777 155MM TOWED HOWITZERS: The 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery has conducted 2 December an inaugural firing of the first four (of six) 155mm M777 towed howitzers supplied by the USMC under an FMS contract between Canada and the United States. The howitzers are to be deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ‘Archer’ following training and integration with a digitised gun management system in Canada. The M777 is the first ground combat system to make extensive use of titanium and titanium castings – meaning it is almost half the weight of comparable systems whilst offering improved transportability and mobility for rapid deployment. The M777 was designed and developed by BAE Systems (BAES), and is a joint program with the US Army and Marine Corps to replace the M198 towed howitzer. [30.12.05]

THYSSENKRUPP/EADS ACQUIRE ATLAS ELEKTRONIC: ThyssenKrupp Technologies (60%) and EADS (40%) have signed an agreement with BAE Systems under which they will jointly acquire the 1,750 employee-strong and Bremen-based Atlas Elektronik. The company specialises in electronic equipment and systems for naval forces, and is regarded as market leader in the development of integrated sonar systems for submarines, as well as being an important supplier to ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. EADS has complementary activities in the field of naval electronics and systems integration that will strengthen, broaden and significantly improve the competitiveness of this business. [30.12.05]

BODY ARMOUR MAKER SNATCHES PLASTICS FABRICATOR: Defense Industries International (DII), a leading supplier of personal military and civilian protective equipment, has acquired 23 December the operations of Israel-based Chemoplast Industries (and its Achidatex subsidiary) – which currently specialises in the production of dry storage systems for tanks, armoured personnel carriers and other military vehicles which require battlefield readiness and quick deployment. DII executives explained the company, which mainly produces body armour, bomb disposal suits and bullet-resistant vests & jackets, was acquiring Chemoplast to enhance its offerings in target markets and increase its market share. [30.12.05]

GOVERNOR-GENERAL VISITS AUSTRALIAN TROOPS IN IRAQ: The Governor-General, Mike Jeffery, has spent four days visiting ADF personnel deployed in the Middle East area of operations. Jeffery joined troops of the Al Muthanna Task Group for Christmas lunch in southern Iraq, and went on to visit: the Special Forces Task Group in Afghanistan; AP-3C ‘Orion’ crews; men and women serving aboard HMAS ‘Parramatta’ in the northern Persian Gulf; and military personnel providing logistic support to deployed forces. On arrival in the region, the Governor-General also made State visits to both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. [26.12.05]

MILITARY TO MANAGE ‘FEDSAT’ SATELLITE FROM JANUARY: The management of Australia's only fully owned and operational domestic satellite - FedSat – is to be assumed by the Department of Defence from January 2006. Defence management of the satellite is expected to run through until December 2008, effectively extending FedSat's useful life to the scientific community by three years, and possibly more. Defence will use the 2002-launched satellite for a range of research and experimental activities, including radio propagation studies and magnetospheric observations supporting space weather science. [23.12.05]

DEFENCE PREPARING FOR ITS OWN DEDICATED SATELLITE?: Military management of ‘FedSat’ will cost approximately $1m over the next two years. Defence Minister Hill says space systems have an ever-increasing benefit for Australia, including precision navigation, global communications and weather information. As such, Hill adds access to ‘FedSat’ “provides Defence with an opportunity to broaden its knowledge of spacecraft control and space experimentation.” The 2006-2016 Defence Capability Plan is expected to seek funding approval for a dedicated Defence satellite in the years after 2009. [23.12.05]

RAYTHEON SECURES ‘SEASPARROW’ COOPERATIVE LOGISTICS DEAL: Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) has been awarded a US$7.1m US Navy contract to provide NATO ‘Seasparrow’ missile depot support. The sole-source PBL contract give IDS direct responsibility for receiving, warehousing and tracking Government furnished property while meeting delivery and performance metrics. In addition, the PBL contract gives Raytheon IDS direct responsibility for administering and supplying all NATO ‘Seasparrow’ technical support for both the US Navy and Foreign Military Sales Cooperative Logistics Agreements. [23.12.05]

RELEASE OF EXTRADITION DISCUSSION PAPER: The Minister for Justice & Customs, Senator Ellison, has released a discussion paper outlining models for a more responsive, streamlined extradition system to more effectively combat domestic and transnational crime, including terrorism. The discussion paper is part of the Government’s review of Australia’s extradition and mutual assistance in criminal matters arrangements, and has been developed by the Attorney-General's Department in consultation with key Australian Government agencies. Submission should be emailed to reviews@ag.gov.au by 31 March 2006. A further discussion paper on mutual assistance in criminal matters will be released for public comment in 2006. [22.12.05]

A400M ENGINE TESTS COMPLETED IN-LINE WITH DESIGN PREDICTIONS: EPI Europrop International GmbH - a joint venture between ITP, MTU, Rolls-Royce and Snecma – reports it has successfully completed the first series of tests of the TP400-D6 turboprop engine destined to power the Airbus Military A400M cargo aircraft. The first run took place at MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg in Ludwigsfelde (Germany) on 28 October. The engine is said to have reached full power during the tests, and in all completed more than 35 hours of testing. EPI says that based on Rolls-Royce performance test analysis, the engine has shown satisfactory behaviour, in line with the design predictions. [22.12.05]

NORWEGIANS TEST C-130 WING REPLACEMENT OPTION: L-3 Communications’ SPAR Aerospace Limited subsidiary has been awarded a contract by the Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation to replace the outer wings on one of its C-130 ‘Hercules’ transport aircraft. Design and production work on the subject ‘Hercules’ will be done at L-3 SPAR’s Edmonton (Alberta) facilities starting in May 2006, whereupon the company will replace the existing set of outer wings with a set of wings refurbished by the company. ‘Hercules’ manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, recommends that in the absence of wing replacements, C-130s should be grounded after flying 30,000 equivalent baseline hours. L-3 SPAR says it is the only company in the world who is under contract to completely refurbish a C-130 centre wing, thus enabling ‘high-time’ C-130E and H models to safely reach a planned withdrawal date of 2020 and beyond. [22.12.05]

APPLE ISLE PRESENCE AT PACIFIC 2006 MARITIME SHOW: As Australia’s island State, Tasmania claims a long history of maritime development, elements of which are relevant to the defence of Australia. Manufacturing, training and service companies attending the Pacific 2006 International Maritime Exhibition include: the Australian Maritime College and AMC Search; Briar Maritime Services; Colbeck and Gunton; Fiomarine Industries; Incat Australia; Liferaft systems Australia; Marcom Watson Group; Moonraker Australia; Pivot Maritime International; and Taylor Bros (Slipway and Engineering). [21.12.05]

‘HERCULES’ DUO BEING WORN TO THE BONE IN IRAQ: The RAAF’s C-130 ‘Hercules’ transport unit supporting Operation ‘Catalyst’ in Iraq reports it has flown its 1100th mission since the Operation first began in July 2003. The same flight also marked the delivery of 2.1 million kilos of cargo shifted by the RAAF to various coalition bases in Iraq. All of this is said to have been completed using two Hercules and an efficient maintenance and flying schedule. C-130 aircrew have also been enlisted to help evacuate some of America's military casualties in Iraq. Defence says RAAF C-130 crews are favoured by US medics due to their continued flying efficiency, professional attitude and compassionate nature. [21.12.05]

THREE PLUS THREE YEAR ‘NULKA’ SUPPORT CONTRACT AWARDED: Defence Minister Hill has confirmed the award to BAE Systems (BAES) Australia of an in-service support contract to maintain and support the Navy's ‘Nulka’ anti-ship missile defence system and launch sub-systems. The company will provide three years of support with an option to extend for a further three years. The ‘Nulka’ decoy system provides defence against anti-ship missiles, and is fitted to all Australian Navy frigates. The system will also be installed on the three new project Sea 4000 air warfare destroyers. BAES Australia and ADI Limited manufacture most components for the flight vehicle in Australia, while Lockheed Martin Sippican (US) manufactures the non-explosive electronic payload. The sub-systems are assembled into decoy rounds in Australia by BAE Systems. [21.12.05]

SIX NEW LPA WATERCRAFT DELIVERY TO AUSTRALIAN ARMY: ADI Limited reports it has received final systems acceptance for six new amphibious watercraft to be used with HMA Ships ‘Manoora’ and ‘Kanimbla’. ADI was first awarded the $32m phase 3 of Joint Project 2048 contract in July 2002, to design and construct six amphibious watercraft to operate from the Navy's landing platform amphibious (LPA) ships. All six watercraft have now been delivered to the Australian Army in Townsville (Qld) where they have undergone a rigorous trials and evaluation program before being accepted into service. Built in Newcastle (NSW), the lightweight aluminium watercraft are set to deliver a substantial capability improvement over the ageing LCM8 vessels they replace. ADI will continue to provide through-life support to the vessels in a separate 15-year and $11m contract. [21.12.05]

HAWKER PACIFIC DELIVERS EIGHTH RAAF NAVIGATOR TRAINER: Hawker Pacific reports it has delivered the eighth, and final Beech 350 aircraft to the RAAF for use as a navigator training platform. Delivery of this aircraft represents provides additional capability to the RAAF, given the original contract only called for the provision of seven Beech 350s. Successful delivery and capability experience by the RAAF is said to have convinced military officials to take advantage of an offer to secure the last remaining new aircraft of an identical configuration. Hawker Pacific secured the RAAF navigation training contract in 2002, and began first aircraft delivery in 2003. Under a minimum 10-year contract, Hawker Pacific is providing a total fleet management support package including maintenance, design engineering, project management, logistic supply and management, quality assurance as well as training support where required. [21.12.05]

HARVEST ROAD ‘HIVE’ SALE TO US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE: Perth-based eLearning software developer, HarvestRoad, has announced its Learning Object Repository - HarvestRoad ‘Hive’ - been selected by the US Department of Defense’s Joint Knowledge Development and Distribution Capability (JKDDC) unit. JKDDC develops progressive combatant commander-sanctioned educational and training content. This capability also leverages state-of-the-art distribution processes and advanced technologies to provide DoD personnel with the education and training resources needed anytime, anywhere. JKDDC joins a growing list of HarvestRoad defence clients including: Canadian Defence, the US Navy Post Graduate School, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems. [21.12.05]

FIRST JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER NEARS COMPLETION: With installation of horizontal tails on the first (A-1) Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), the Ft Worth (Texas)-based team has completed assembly of the aircraft's major structural components. Pratt & Whitney will deliver the aircraft's F135 engine before the end of December for installation in early-2006. The F-35s horizontal tails were installed on 8 December and the vertical tails installed on 28 November. Assemblers installed the aircraft's weapons-bay doors on 7 December. Technicians switched on electrical power to the aircraft for the first time on 7 September. [21.12.05]

PATRIA TO DESIGN A400M VERTICAL TAIL PLANE COMPONENTS: In a contract worth €60m, Patria's Aerostructures business unit has been selected to design and deliver the A400M vertical tail plane tip fairing to Airbus Deutschland GmbH. Peak production rate will be some 30 aircraft per year, with deliveries scheduled between 2006-2021. The Airbus A400M is the first large European military transport aircraft to be built as a multi-national project, with launch nations having ordered 180 aircraft, while Airbus expects to sell at least another 200 to other export customers. Patria's Aerostructures Business Unit designs and delivers advanced composite structures for aircraft and satellites and is actively involved in composite technology development programs. [21.12.05]

PERSONAL GENERATION SYSTEM ACHIEVES FINAL DESIGN: The Managing Director of Tectonica Australia, Miles Partridge, reports the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has reviewed an important milestone for the Personal Generation System (Generette) Capability Technology Demonstrator project following delivery of the final design. During the review, the Director - Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Intelligence and Information Warfare Systems, Phillip Waldron, is said to have examined a model of the final design of the Personal Generation System. This means “an initial prototype unit will now be manufactured and tested,” says Partridge. The ‘Generette’ is being designed to replace chemical batteries with an alternator driven by a combustion engine running on diesel or JP8 logistic fuel. [20.12.05]

MICK KEELTY APPOINTED AS AFP CHIEF FOR ANOTHER FIVE YEARS: Justice & Customs Minister Ellison has announced that Mick Keelty APM, has been reappointed as the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for a second five year term, commencing March 2006. Keelty has led the AFP since March 2001 during what is considered to have been a period of significant change for the organisation. Since the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, the AFP has become a vital part of the Australian Government’s national security framework. As well as being AFP Commissioner, Keelty is also Chairman of the Board of the Australian Crime Commission and Co-chair of the Asia-Pacific Money Laundering Group. [20.12.05]

FOXTEL DIRECTOR TO HELP DRIVE DEFENCE RECRUITING: Former FOXTEL marketing manager, Richard Howarth, has taken up the position of national marketing manager to the Defence Force Recruiting (DFR) group, currently headed by Brigadier Simon Gould. Howarth had an extensive background in marketing and media, and joined FOXTEL from Austereo, where he was group marketing manager, and had worked with Coca-Cola Amatil as communications manager and national advertising manager. He also has experience in the advertising industry, working for DDB Australia as group account director. [20.12.05]

JEZZINE BARRACKS DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS FIRMING: As part of Townsville’s Jessine Barracks redevelopment, the Department of Defence is to recommend under all options that the heritage areas of the Kissing Point headland, the World War 2 P1 huts and the parade ground will be protected by a Conservation Management Strategy and listing on the Queensland Heritage Register. Further, land will be provided for a public walkway linking the Strand to Rowes Bay. Under Option 1, nearly 60% of the site has been identified for community use, with Defence keeping ownership of the land around Jezzine House and the Drill Hall/31 RQR building. The Museum will be relocated from the Fort to the existing Drill Hall/31 RQR building, and the Fort restored to its original purpose. [20.12.05]

DEFENCE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PLAN REMAINS ON THE TABLE: As part of the above proposals, the Department of Defence and the Defence Housing Australia are to develop sector A1 of the Jezzine site for Defence housing – in a mixture of low rise and medium (up to 3 storeys) high quality housing for Defence personnel. There is to be no high rise development, with the DHA to develop a Master Plan for the area, whilst similarly undertaking the development within planning controls that will ensure any future development complies with the original Master Plan. Defence will also recommend that the headland in sector A2 not be developed. [20.12.05]

CONGRESS STILL SECURING AGREEMENT TO 2006 DEFENCE BUDGET: With nearly one-quarter of Fiscal Year 2006 (FY06) already elapsed, the FY06 Defense Appropriations Conference bill passed by the House 308-106 (and still remaining before the Senate), has provided $452.2b in spending authority, including $50b for contingency operations related to the Global War on Terror and $3.8b in emergency funding for avian flu protection. Appropriations of interest to Australia include: the addition of $400m for two additional Littoral Combat Ships (LCS); a reduction in Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) funding by $200m due to instability in the aircraft's design; and adding $50m for advance procurement of the second ship in the DD(X)-class at a second shipyard, whilst prohibiting a winner-take-all acquisition strategy for the next generation destroyer. [20.12.05]

REVAMPED GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM UP AND RUNNING: The modernised Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite system has been declared fully operational for GPS users around the globe following extensive on-orbit testing of the spacecraft’s new military and civilian signals. Launched in September, the joint USAF/Lockheed Martin GPS IIR-14(M) satellite has a modernised antenna panel that provides increased signal power to receivers on the ground, two new military signals for improved accuracy, enhanced encryption and anti-jamming capabilities for the military, and a second civil signal that will provide users with an open access signal on a different frequency. A second GPS IIR satellite is currently being prepared for launching in early 2006. [20.12.05]

SWEDEN JOINS EUROPEAN UCAV DEMONSTRATOR PROGRAM: Saab CEO, Åke Svensson, has welcomed the Swedish Government’s decision to participate in the European ‘Neuron’ UCAV-demonstrator program. According to Svensson, “this was a crucial decision for both Saab and Sweden, which (now) secures our participation in one of the most advanced high technology development programs in Europe today.” The decision means that Saab, through FMV (the Swedish Defence Material Administration) finances the Swedish participation with SEK 600m of a total of SEK 750m. At the same time, Swedish Government participation in the ‘Neuron’ programs secures SEK 600m will be reinvested in the long-term development of the ‘Gripen’ fighter program. [20.12.05]

BAE SYSTEMS CONTRACTED FOR ESSM MISSILE COMPONENTS: BAE Systems Australia has been awarded a $37m contract by Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson (Arizona) for the continued production of Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) components. This contract takes the value of the ESSM business awarded to BAE Systems Australia to over $230m. Developed under a collaborative program between Australia, the United States, Canada and other NATO Nations, the ESSM missile protects warships against anti-ship missiles. The program is said to have created 200 jobs in Victoria, South Australia and NSW, and is expected to grow, having recently received forward production commitments until at least 2012. [19.12.05]

INFLUENZA PANDEMIC TO BRING THE ADF BACK FROM IRAQ?: A new national security practice note from the Australian Homeland Security Research Centre (AHSRC) has looked into the implications for Australian troops in Iraq of an influenza pandemic outbreak in that country, saying if troops remained in Iraq during the six months (earliest) it would take for a vaccine to become available, they would invariably be confined to bases. Even though far from ideal, the AHSRC says such measures would be safer than patrolling and working amongst the Iraqi population, where insurgents would quickly come to understand the potentially lethal and stressful effect that spitting on soldiers could have. Keeping soldiers in relative isolation within bases, however, would reduce their military effectiveness to almost zero. Surf www.homelandsecurity.org.au for details. [19.12.05]

PENTAGON MILITARY CAPABILITY ACQUISITION SYSTEM TO CHANGE: Seeking to address growing Pentagon and Congressional concerns over mushrooming defence acquisition costs, seemingly endless weapon development cycles, and recent procurement scandals, acting Deputy Secretary of Defense, Gordon England, has released the conclusions of a Defense Acquisition Performance Assessment Project first begun in June. Chaired by retired USAF LtGen and former Missile Defense Agency Director, Ronald Kadish (now a Partner and Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton), the project review report has called for a "radical approach" to reforming the US defence acquisition process, including scrapping the Pentagon's current ‘cost-plus type’ contract arrangements in favor of a system where the DoD and defence-industry agree on a realistic cost for a system, and then contractors compete based on technical approach, merit, and risk. [19.12.05]

WARFIGHTERS TO HAVE MORE SAY IN DEFENCE PROCUREMENTS: In addition to the move away from cost-plus contracting, the Kadish report includes policy recommendations to increase competition and improve efficiencies including: having combatant commanders - rather than the Military Services - drive weapons systems requirements; establishing a DoD-wide discretionary funding pool (or Acquisition Stabilisation Account - separate from current R&D and procurement accounts) to mitigate against ‘budget raids’ on new weapon systems development programs; focusing on on-schedule delivery of systems rather than strictly on perfect performance; developing a standard way to track costs in weapons systems development; and ensuring competition at the subsystem/subcontractor level in the face of a dwindling number of lead systems integrators/prime contractors by increasing the dialogue with industry regarding Pentagon priorities. Surf dapaproject.org for further details. [19.12.05]

ROLLS-ROYCE REDEVELOPING BRISTOL AEROSPACE CAPABILITY: Rolls-Royce plc has confirmed it will go ahead in the New Year with Phase 2 of the £75m redevelopment of its Defence Aerospace facilities in Bristol. Work will begin in January on new buildings for the assembly of engines for the ‘Typhoon’, ‘Hawk’ and Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), and for the Group’s helicopter programs. Phase Two will also see the construction of a new services building that will include training and occupational health facilities as well as a new restaurant. Once completed, the redevelopment will allow the Group to concentrate all of its activities in the local ‘Patchway’ area into a modernised single site, leaving the current East Works vacated and available for separate commercial development. Phase 1 work involves the construction of a new Turbines and Component Services plant, and is well underway. [19.12.05]

MID-YEAR FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING OF HOMELAND SECURITY BUDGET: A new edition of the Australian Homeland Security Market ‘Insight’ has identified an additional $324m in expenditure on security and counter-terrorism over the next four years upon publication of the Australian Government’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO). According to the e-Newsletter, much of the increases in expenditure are associated with implementing recommendations of the Coalition of Australian Governments (COAG), and the ‘Wheeler’ Review into aviation security. Also driving expenditures are progressively larger and more complex counter-terrorism exercises, which are now increasingly involving participation from private sector organisations. Surf www.homelandsecurity.org.au/insight.html for further details. [16.12.05]

DMO SIGNS UP TO JOINT PROJECT 2072 CONTRACT: The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and General Dynamics Canada (in the role of prime systems integrator) have signed a $26m contract to move ahead with core aspects of the ADF’s new battlefield command system under phase 1 of JP 2072. GD Canada is teamed with ADI Limited and Tenix Defence to provide a deployable, scalable, secure and integrated battlespace communications system, which has a potential value of $800m if all currently identifiable options are exercised. All three firms are to be effectively contracted to the JP 2072 objective prior to the effective project date of 2 February 2006. [16.12.05]

AUSTRALIA TO STRENGTHEN PAPUA NEW GUINEA DEFENCE FORCE: Speaking at the annual Australia and PNG Ministerial Forum (held on the Gold Coast), Defence Minister Hill has said the Australian military will next year appoint two more ADF officers to key positions within the PNG Defence Force to provide advice on logistics and personnel matters. These two new positions are in addition to 16 ADF staff who already work with the PNG Defence Force in training, logistics, governance, operational planning, maritime security and operations, assistance and advisory roles. Future ADF expertise provision is to be focused on counter-terrorism training, maritime patrols and Defence organization structures and procedures. [16.12.05]

DSTO TO SUPPORTS PHASED ARRAY & MICROWAVE RADAR CENTRE: A new Centre of Expertise established by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and the University of Adelaide’s University’s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering is expected to boost the nation’s capability in phased array and microwave radar systems, a niche technology with strategic importance to Australia’s defence. Research outputs from the Centre of Expertise in Phased Array and Microwave Radar Systems (CEPAMR) are expected to have significant long term benefits for defence applications such as: capability development of phased array radar on airborne platforms as well as radars proposed for future naval platforms; emerging Ballistic Missile Defence surveillance and tracking requirements; and a potential indigenous air defence radar system for Army applications. The University also currently supports a Photonics expertise center. [16.12.05]

COUNTER-TERRORIST FINANCING BILL RELEASED FOR COMMENT: The Minister for Justice & Customs, Senator Ellison, has released the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) Bill and sample AML/CTF Rules for public comment. The new bill is said to address key issues raised in the recent Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) evaluation report on Australia, and represents the first tranche of reforms covering a range of services provided by the financial services sector, gambling service providers and bullion dealers. It also covers lawyers and accountants to the extent that the services provided are in direct competition with the financial sector. Ellison says that broadly, businesses providing these designated services under the new Bill would be required to: verify the identity of customers; report suspicious matters; keep appropriate records, and maintain rigorous internal AML/CTF Programs. [16.12.05]

UK LAUNCHES NEW DEFENCE INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY: The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched a new Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) 15 December which seeks in a more determined way to engage contractors in improving the way in which Britain procures and supports the key equipment required by the Armed Forces. According to Defence Secretary, John Reid, “we need the high value, technological and systems engineering skills required to enable us to ensure that our current in-service fleets can be maintained, supported and upgraded, and that we have in the UK the ability to build and design the sorts of equipment that we require now, and in the future." [16.12.05]

ITALIAN NAVY UNDERTAKES FIRST NH90 FLIGHT: AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has confirmed the first Italian Navy serial NH90 naval mission helicopter has taken to the air at the company’s Vergiate facility. The naval mission (NFH) variant is primarily designed for autonomous anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare missions. Additional applications include vertical replenishment, maritime patrol, SAR and troop transport. The Italian Navy has ordered a total of 56 NH90s, ten of which will be configured for tactical transport, and 46 for naval operations. Some 150 NFH variants will be assembled at Vergiate, including helicopters for the Netherlands and Norway. [15.12.05]

ADBR 'PACIFIC 2006' SPECIAL EDITION EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING DATES: Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) magazine is now producing a special edition for release at the Pacific 2006 International Maritime Exposition on 31 January 2006. The special edition will feature lead stories on: 'Engineering the AWDs for Australia'; 'Underwater Warfare and Project Sea 4000'; 'Stalking Joint Project 2048 and the Offshore Build Option'; 'Naval Surveillance & the Unmanned/Manned Aerial Vehicle Debate (Air 7000); Updating the 'Collins' Submarine Combat System Upgrade' (Sea 1439); and 'Empowering the RAN with the SM-2 and ESSM Missile Systems'. All materials relating to this edition need to be delivered into ADBR’s Canberra office no later than 13 January 2006. Inquiries to Lissa Fabbo [+61 (0)2 6260-5944] or email busicom@ozemail.com.au. [15.12.05]

DEADLINES FOR PACIFIC 2006 PRINTED DIAR.com DAILY NEWSLETTER: Following endorsement from the organisers, Defence Industry & Aerospace Report (DIAR.com) will again be providing a daily printed newsletter bringing together all relevant news items generated at the Pacific 2006 International Maritime Exposition being held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre (Darling Harbour) from 31 January 2006 to 3 February 2006. DIAR.com will produce a printed newsletter each business day (Tuesday to Friday) of the exposition, which will be distributed to all stand holders at mid-day on the four substantive trade show days. Inquiries in regard to news item inclusions into the daily DIAR.com newsletters for distribution at Pacific 2006 should be directed to busicom@ozemail.com.au. [15.12.05]

DEFENCE UPDATE 2005 SETS TO STATING THE OBVIOUS: Prime Minister Howard and Defence Minister Hill have presented in Sydney an unclassified version of the Defence Update 2005 (DU'05), reviewing Australia's national security environment and policy responses. The document concentrates on three major themes: defeating the threat of terrorism; countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and supporting regional states in difficulty. Hill adds the risk of 'convergence' between these threats "remains one of the most significant challenges to international security." Accordingly, DU'05 has been designed to build on the 2000 Defence White Paper and Defence Update 2003 and, says Hill, "highlights the longer-term trends associated with the impacts of globalisation and changing relationships between the major powers of our region." [15.12.05]

KEY CONCLUSION TO FOCUS ON CONTEMPORARY THREATS: The Defence Update 2005's other key conclusions are: the ADF needs to confront current international security issues such as terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan, whilst helping build capabilities in South East Asia; the ADF will continue to be called on to provide humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, civil emergency response, offshore evacuation and peacekeeping capabilities on an ongoing and often short-notice basis; continuing strategic complexity and uncertainty means that we need to build a balanced Defence Force that is versatile, robust, joint and integrated; defence-industry is critical to meeting the ADF's capability needs; and the Government is committed to policies that will build an internationally competitive defence-industry to support, sustain and upgrade Defence assets. [15.12.05]

MILITARY CAPABILITY ACQUISITION IMPLICATIONS FROM DU'05: New military acquisition initiatives emerging from the Government's consideration of DU'05 include: considering options for heavy airlift capabilities to supplement extant medium lift C-130J 'Hercules' aircraft; increasing the size and capability of the Australian Army through a 10-year Hardened and Networked Army (HNA) plan; reinforcing Australia's counter-terrorism efforts with changes to the Defence Act which strengthen the ADF's powers to help civil authorities during periods of national emergency; further tightening export controls to ensure that Australian materials and technologies do not contribute to WMD proliferation; and engaging private sector partners for Defence to increase efficiencies in logistic support to operations. [15.12.05]

TEN YEAR PLAN FOR HARDENING AND NETWORKING THE ARMY: In a separate document to the DU'05, the Government has also outlined a $1.5b ten-year plan to harden and network the Army (HNA), as part of overall efforts to provide the Army with greater mobility, combat weight and network capabilities to be able to conduct a wide range of tasks. As such, proposals are afoot to increase the size of the force, increase fire support and flexibility and provide a new force structure based on combined arms battle groups. Defence Minister Hill says the Army will acquire "an impressive array of equipment over the next ten years, including new helicopters, tanks, trucks, weapons systems and combat equipment. The HNA plan will optimise the use of the new equipment by updating Army structures, training and procedures." [15.12.05]

DECISION TO RE-LOCATE HOLSWORTHY'S 3RD BATTALION TO ADELAIDE: Hill added the Army would also become more capable of sustaining its deployed forces with plans for about 1500 additional new personnel, as well as re-focusing the Reserves to provide high readiness forces which will support operations. The Government has agreed in principle to Army requests to re-role the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, from a light parachute battalion based at Holsworthy (in Sydney) to form the basis of a second mechanised battalion (with M113s and 'Bushmaster' IMVs), and based at the Edinburgh Defence precinct in Adelaide from 2011. The Army Reserve will also be re-focused to provide a smaller number of high readiness forces - at the individual and small team level - to add depth to the front line force. [15.12.05]

KURDISTAN WORKERS PARTY LISTED AS TERRORIST ORGANISATION: The Government has listed the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) as a terrorist organisation under Australia's counter-terrorism laws. According to the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, a regulation has been made to list the PKK as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995, as per advice from competent authorities. Ruddock said the new provisions "make a criminal offence of involvement in recruitment, training, funding and other forms of association or support for proscribed terrorist organisations." The PKK is already listed as a proscribed terrorist organisation by the governments of the UK, Canada, the US and the European Union. [15.12.05]

THALES AND DCN SET TO COMBINE THEIR NAVAL BUSINESSES: The French Minister of Defence and fellow Minister for the Economy, Finance & Industry, along with Jean-Marie Poimboeuf, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DCN and Denis Ranque, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Thales, have signed a joint declaration of intent with a view to combining the French naval businesses of Thales and DCN within DCN, and the acquisition by Thales of a 25% interest in DCN. The combination project is viewed as a continuation of a process that has included the formation of Armaris in 2002, and successful cooperation between Thales and DCN on numerous French and export programs, including the 'Mistral'-class amphibious ship for Australia's Joint Project 2048 requirement. [15.12.05]

MERGER PLANS A NATURAL FOLLOW-ON FROM ARMARIS DEAL: The combination project, which is expected to be finalised by the northern summer of 2006, involves transferring to DCN the non-equipment businesses of Thales Naval France, the activities of the partners’ joint venture Armaris and its subsidiaries, and those of MOPA2, the joint company set up for France’s second aircraft carrier. The scope of the agreement also includes Thales’ interest in Eurotorp, the European lightweight torpedo consortium. At the same time, Thales will become DCN’s industry shareholder, owning 25% of the company alongside the French State, which will retain 75%. Thales will have the voting rights needed to play an active role on the Board of Directors. After two years, under the terms of a new shareholders’ agreement, Thales will have an option to increase its interest to 35%, in particular, by contributing additional industrial assets to the company. [15.12.05]

GENERAL DYNAMICS SNAPS-UP ANTEON & FC BUSINESS SYSTEMS: General Dynamics has signed agreements to acquire two information technology companies, the first being Anteon International Corporation, which it will buy for US$2.2b including the assumption of $100m of net debt. Anteon is a leading systems integration company that provides mission, operational and IT enterprise support to the US government. It designs, integrates, maintains and upgrades systems for national defence, intelligence, emergency response, infrastructure and other high-priority government missions. Employing 9,500 persons in more than 100 offices world-wide, Anteon's current business backlog is $6.6b with anticipated 2006 sales of $1.72b. The second acquisition is the much smaller engineering and IT services company, FC Business Systems Inc, said to have anticipated 2005 sales of $150m and 1,000 employees, more than 50% of whom hold national security clearances. FC Business Systems will become part of the General Dynamics Network Systems business unit. [15.12.05]

BATTLEFIELD COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM SET FOR 'GLOBAL HAWK': Northrop Grumman and the US Air Force report they have completed flight testing of the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN), a significant milestone towards providing an advanced way to share critical information by communicating over airborne networks at high altitudes. BACN is an Internet protocol-based airborne communications relay and information server that links radios and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems for US Department of Defense networks. Flying at extremely high altitude, BACN extends the range of line-of-sight radios, relaying information to airborne and surface units, and - via satellite - to distant command centres. After a Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment to be conducted in 2006, Northrop Grumman will start work with the US Services to transition the capability to joint platforms, including the 'Global Hawk' UAV. [15.12.05]

OFFSHORE SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL ACQUIRES CHI SYSTEMS: Offshore Systems International Ltd (OSI) reports it has completed its US$9m acquisition of CHI Systems Inc, a privately owned research, development, and engineering company that provides interactive computer applications and technology to the defence and aerospace industry. Founded in 1985, CHI has approximately 70 employees, and reported unaudited revenue of approximately $12m in 2004. With the addition of CHI, OSI has secured a significant corporate presence in the US market, gained a complementary product and customer base within the broad US defence community, and expanded its critical mass to pursue much larger-scale contracts. [15.12.05]

NAVY CRAFTS-UP RETENTION PACKAGE TO KEEP SKILLED SAILORS: The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, De-Anne Kelly, has announced a major package to enhance the retention of skilled sailors. Kelly admitted the Navy was experiencing difficulties retaining Seaman officers and sailors of the Combat System Operators and Communication Information Systems Operators Categories, and was thus responding with a comprehensive package of short, medium and longer-term initiatives with the immediate focus on offering a financial incentive centred on completion bonuses of up to $10,000 per year. Payments will be based on a sliding scale according to rank, competency and qualifications. Defence has allocated $22m over the next seven years for completion bonuses for sailors and officers of Navy's Warfare Community. [14.12.05]

TRAINING REGIME TO ADDRESS HAZARDOUS MAIL HANDLING: Canberra-based Catalyst Interactive (CI) reports it has produced a computer-based training program to help educate and protect against the prospect of hazardous mail. The Hazardous Mail Handling Course, designed in partnership with Australian homeland security company XTEK Limited, instructs employees on how to safely and effectively respond to potentially hazardous mail. CI’s Senior Business Development Manager, Peter Engel, says "biological hazards and letter bombs are examples of threats in the workplace. E-learning is the most effective way to guarantee that all staff get a consistent message and have the same level of awareness on such an important occupational health and safety matter.” [14.12.05]

INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS FOR NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE 757s: NZ's Ministry of Defence has awarded Boeing a US$11.2m contract to develop and integrate upgrades to the communications systems of the country's two Boeing 757 multi-mission military aircraft. The upgrades are part of a program that will equip the two aircraft for multi-mission capabilities including: troop transport, aero-medical evacuation, VIP transportation and international humanitarian aid missions. Boeing will design, develop and produce communications system upgrade kits in Wichita (Kansas), and these will subsequently be installed in the B-757s by Mobile Aerospace Engineering, in Alabama, and in conjunction with other aircraft upgrade work being done at that facility. Boeing will provide support for installation, test and certification of the upgrade kits. [14.12.05]

HORNETS & LITENING SET TO ADVANCED INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE: Northrop Grumman reports it is currently demonstrating an Advanced Information Architecture (AIA) network for the US Marine Corps in Yuma (Arizona) involving the provision of air, ground and command elements with real-time data and communications over a collaborative network to supply forces with digital access to a catalogue of tactical information including real-time targeting video. The AIA is to be integrated into a variety of Marine Corps tactical platforms, including: AV-8Bs and F/A-18D aircraft equipped with 'Litening' targeting pods; a 'Cobra' attack helicopter; a C-130J air refuelling tanker; ground vehicles and even individual Marines, so as to allow them all to share tactical information in real time. [14.12.05]

RAYTHEON OPENS MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS FUSION CENTRE: Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) has opened its 'Athena' maritime domain awareness fusion centre, providing it with a new capability to fuse a large number of existing sensor data sources to provide decision-makers with the real-time maritime situational awareness needed to enable quick, responsive actions to protect the US shoreline and its ports. 'Athena' is a multi-domain awareness system that uses live feeds from existing surveillance assets, fused with data from multiple databases and intelligence sources, to provide situational awareness for global, regional, and local level decision makers. The capability has already been deployed and has applicability to other homeland security missions. [14.12.05]

LAND 121 VEHICLES SOLICITATION RUNNING TO SCHEDULE: Three separate Requests for Tender (RFT) have been released under phase 3A of project Land 121, and seeking to replace Army trucks, four-wheel drives, trailers and modules for high readiness ADF units. This current phase of project 'Overlander' is worth up to $600m, and includes replacing about 1400 heavy and light vehicles, 1300 trailers and 1200 specialist modules. The next phase (3B) will replace the rest of Army's vehicles, trailers and modules across Australia under a total program budgeted at $3 billion. The tender for the medium and heavy vehicles and modules has been released to a shortlist of nine companies announced by the Government in March, whilst an open tender has been released for the light range of vehicles and modules. The request for tender for the trailer segment will be restricted to Australian-based manufacturers, plus those vehicle suppliers capable of supplying a proprietary trailer. [13.12.05]

'TRIDENT WARRIOR' EXERCISE TESTS MARITIME 'GLOBAL HAWK' UAV: The US Navy has tested its maritime surveillance 'Global Hawk' UAV and support system in its first wargame exercise, 'Trident Warrior 05', with four UAV flights totalling 31.8 hours. During the missions, the RQ-4A-based UAV searched for maritime contacts using its maritime radar and passive electronic sensors, then classified targets with both an inverse synthetic aperture radar and its electro-optical/infrared camera. Contact tracks and images were transmitted in real time via satellite to the UAV's ground station, located at Northrop Grumman's System Integration Lab at Rancho Bernardo (California). 'Trident Warrior' is described as the US Navy's major annual 'FORCEnet' sea trial event, and is focused on accelerating net-centric warfighting capabilities into the Fleet. Operating at an altitude of approximately 60,000 feet, the 'Global Hawk' boast endurance well in excess of 24 hours. [13.12.05]

JOINT PROJECT 129 GOES TO BOEING/ISRAELI UAV COMBO: Boeing Australia has been selected as the preferred tenderer to provide the Israel Aircraft Industries (Malat division) I-View 250 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system (UAVs and ground controllers) for JP 129. The $145m contract selection is said by Defence Minister Hill to have been won by Boeing because it offered the 'best value for money', beating out offerings from BAE Systems/AAI Corp and Thales/ADI Limited. A new Army regiment is to be formed to operate the tactical UAVs at Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera (Qld), whilst Boeing Australia will provide the through-life-support for the total UAV system. The first tactical UAVs are to be in operational service in 2008, complementing a layered ADF UAV capability of 'Raven' UAVs (procured for the Special Forces), short-range/miniature 'Skylark' UAVs being deployed to Iraq, and a high altitude long endurance maritime UAV proposed to be purchased under project Air 7000. [12.12.05]

SINCGARS RADIOS ORDERED FOR 'ABRAMS' TANK FLEET: US-based ITT Industries Inc has received a $4.6m order for several hundred of its newest SINCGARS systems from the Australian Department of Defence. Australian SINCGARS radios are to be used in project Land 907 'Abrams' tanks currently in the process of delivery, and configured for long-range operations vide 50 watt power amplifiers and routers for network operations. ITT says SINCGARS technology was purchased as part of on-going modernisation and interoperability plans for the Australian armed forces. Work will be performed by ITT’s Aerospace/Communications division, headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The newest generation SINCGARS combines data, voice and geo-location information into a seven and one-half pound package that can be placed in a rucksack or mounted in vehicles like tanks and personnel carriers. [12.12.05]

BALL SOLUTIONS GROUP LINKS-UP WITH UK-BASED QINETIQ: Canberra based Ball Solutions Group (BSG) - a subsidiary of Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp and part of the Fortune 500 Ball Corporation - has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UK-based QinetiQ, a global leader in delivering technology-based solutions to the defence, security and public infrastructure sectors. The MoU will enable both companies to share information and cooperate in the development and delivery of professional services and solutions in the defence and other respective core markets. It will initially focus on technology areas such as modelling, simulation and training, network enabled capabilities, interoperability, capability cost modelling and estimation, obsolescence management and biometrics. BSG is a leading professional services and solutions provider (PSP) and employs over 160 staff. [12.12.05]

COBHAM SUBSIDAIRY BREAKS INTO A400M TRANSPORTER PROGRAM: Via an order worth in excess of €85m, UK-based Flight Refuelling Limited, part of the Cobham Air Refuelling & Auxiliary Mission Equipment Division, has been selected by Airbus to supply its fourth generation refuelling systems for the A400M tanker version set for Germany, Spain and France. Cobham will provide its 908E wing pod dispensing equipment (already qualified for KC-130J, MC-130H, C-130E, A310 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) use and selected for the A330 MRTT), tailored to meet the A400M's requirements. A second order, to supply Satcom antennas for the A400M, has been secured by two Cobham Antennas Division companies, Chelton (Electrostatics) Limited in England and Omnipless in South Africa. The initial order is worth €5m, and will see supply of the Chelton Satcom HGA-7001, the latest in a range of advanced phased array antennas, designed to comply with the ARINC 781 specification, harsh military environmental conditions and life cycle cost expectations. [12.12.05]

AUSTRALIAN AND INDONESIAN SPECIAL FORCES EXERCISES: Defence Minister Hill has confirmed that counter-terrorism exercises between Australian and Indonesian Special Forces will resume early next year with Exercise 'Dawn Kookaburra', which will be conducted in Perth as a combined counter-hijack and hostage recovery exercise. The two-week exercise will involve Australia's Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) and Indonesia's Armed Forces (TNI) specialist counter-terrorism unit, Kopassus Unit 81 - considered as possessing the most effective capability to respond to a counter-hijack or hostage recovery threat in Indonesia. Other cooperative counter-terrorism activities will include senior and working level visits, subject matter exchanges, sharing information and attendance at conferences. [11.12.05]

'AEGIS' COMBAT SYSTEM ORDER TO SUSTAIN US PRODUCTION LINE: Defence Minister Hill has confirmed the Government's approval for $1 billion of expenditure to purchase three 'Aegis' weapon systems from the US Navy, to ultimately form part of the 'Aegis' combat system to be installed on the RAN's three new Sea 4000 air warfare destroyers (AWDs). Hill said placing of the order now for the systems "allows the US to continue manufacturing the systems for Australia without halting its production line, (thus) bringing about greater efficiency and achieving considerable savings. The purchase will also maximise opportunity for Australian industry to provide sub-systems such as communications, electronic warfare, sonar, electro-optical sensors and other equipment." [09.12.05]

INTERIM DESIGN CENTRE TO ADVANCE AWD DESIGN OPTIONS: Following the 10 November decision to construct a greenfields AWD Systems Centre adjacent to the ASC 'Collins' submarine construction/support facility - with supporting nodes in Sydney and Melbourne - Senator Hill also confirmed that good progress was being made by the DMO Program Office and alliance industry participants "to commence work in the new AWD Systems Centre, in Adelaide, early next year." Given the South Australian government is currently still finalising plans for infrastructure upgrades at the site and no such Systems Centre building has yet been constructed, the said work is likely to commence in interim facilities to established within the ASC. [09.12.05]

NEW AUTHORITY FOR ADF TO USE 'REASONABLE FORCE' ON CITIZENS: Legislation giving new powers to the ADF to respond quickly and effectively using reasonable force when called-out to a domestic terrorist incident has been introduced to Federal Parliament. The new Bill seeks to amend the Defence Act to give appropriate powers and protections to Defence personnel if called out for an incident which is beyond the capacity of the civil authorities to resolve. The Bill is to be debated in the Senate Committee stage next year before being voted on. Defence Minister Hill argues current call-out provisions for domestic security operations are complex, and are not flexible enough to allow the ADF to respond quickly to a range of possible terrorist incidents, such as those that might be anticipated at next year's Commonwealth Games. The legislation also extends domestic security operations powers to aviation and maritime security, and the protection of critical infrastructure. [09.12.05]

NO COMMITMENT TO BRING IRAQ TROOPS HOME BY XMAS 2006: Responding to news the Japanese Government had renewed deployment authority for its engineering force in Iraq for another year, Prime Minister Howard says "that does not mean automatically the Japanese unit will stay there the entire 12 months … but it is unlikely that (Australia) will be out by May - that will depend a great deal on how things unfold. If after the (elections) a new and stronger Iraqi Government can emerge, then that’s a very hopeful development, although terrorism will go on. But over time, if democracy can be further introduced and begin to be consolidated and the local security forces continue to be enhanced, then you can then start looking at some kind of wind down of foreign forces. I don’t want our forces to stay any longer than necessary." [09.12.05]

COMMONWEALTH GAMES SECURITY TO COST OVER $600 MILLION?: Further responding to media suggestions the security cost of the Commonwealth Games could be as high as $600 million, Howard said, "that sounds a bit high to me. Depends a bit on what you include in any such calculation – (but still) sounds rather high to me. We’re providing a lot of the resources and we’ve reached a very amicable agreement with the Victorian Government, and we’ve put a lot of money into the Games and obviously a lot of our own assets and resources that we bring, we (also) provide financial coverage. So the answer, in short, is yes – we’re providing a lot of things but clearly the provision of police by Victoria is a matter for the Victorian Government." [09.12.05]

REPORT RECORDS CUSTOMS' SUPPORT FOR HOMELAND SECURITY: Confirming the tabling of the Australian Customs Services' 2004/05 annual report, Customs Minister Ellison has pointed out a record year of effort in maritime surveillance. According to Ellison, in 2004/05: Coastwatch alone (not including Defence's Operation 'Relex') increased its flying hours to 20,520 amounting to over 139 million square nautical miles; an additional 4.86 million sq nm's was covered by a Coastwatch contracted satellite, and 1.5 million sq nm's was covered by High Frequency Surface Wave Radar'; there was a 67% increase in the number of actions taken by Customs and Navy vessels against illegal foreign fishing vessels; the ADF contributed in excess of the 1800 'Fremantle'-class patrol boat days and 250 P-3C 'Orion' surveillance hours; and a program of regular armed patrols was also set up in the Southern Oceans, with five armed joint Customs and Fisheries patrols conducted to protect Australia’s sovereign interests surrounding the Heard Island and McDonald Islands. [09.12.05]

QANTAS DEFENCE SERVICES SETS UP IN CANBERRA: Qantas Defence Services (QDS) has inducted into its new aircraft support centre at Canberra airport, the first RAAF C-130 to undertake heavy maintenance. QDS notified its intention to start-up a Canberra facility (at the ex-Impulse hangar) in July, and this hangar has now received its first C-130 for heavy maintenance. The induction ceremony entailed a welcoming speech by Mike Caldwell, Head of QDS, followed by Ted Quinlan, the ACT's Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Economic Development, Business and Tourism. Senior representatives of the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and Canberra Airport Authority were also in attendance. [09.12.05]

B-CLASS 'SEAHAWK' REPLACED IN US NAVY HELICOPTER FLEET: Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron - Light (HSL) 41 has been the first squadron to receive 5 December the US Navy's new MH-60R 'Seahawk' helicopters at NAS 'North Island' in California. The MH-60R replaces the ageing SH-60B and SH-60F 'Seahawk' helicopters, providing significant capabilities and improvements to naval aviation. The MH-60R features sonobouy and ‘Hellfire’ missile launching, forward-looking infrared, radar and electronic support measures capabilities from the SH-60B and adds to it the dipping sonar and torpedo launching capabilities from the SH-60F, along with a 'glass cockpit.' The squadron's name will now change to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 to reflect the aircraft's multi-mission capabilities. [09.12.05]

BELGIUM JOINS THE NH90 MULTIROLE HELICOPTER CLUB: European-based NHIndustries has welcomed a decision by Belgium to become 14th Country to select the NH90 helicopter. Belgium is to acquire ten maritime search & rescue/transport NH90s and relative support through the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA), which represents the Governments that launched the design and development of the NH90 Helicopters in 1991, namely France, Germany, Italy, and The Netherlands, joined by Portugal in 2001. The current NH90 back-log totals 357 firm orders (including 12 for Australia), 120 options and more than 73 announced selections by 18 Armed Forces of 14 countries overseas. [09.12.05]

AWD ALLIANCE 'PRINCIPALS' COUNCIL FORMED FOR SEA 4000: Defence Minister Hill has confirmed that an Alliance Principals' Council - independently chaired by former Navy chief, Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie - has been established to build strong team partnerships between the key partners of the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Program. Hill said the Principals' Council had a very important role to play over the next two years in shaping the course of the AWD program, leading up to second pass consideration by the Government in mid-2007. Members of the Principals' Council include: John Prescott, Chairman of ASC; Dan Smith, Executive Vice President of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems; LtGen David Hurley, Chief of Capability Development Group; and Dr Stephen Gumley, CEO of the Defence Materiel Organisation. Hill said the new Council will sit above the Alliance Project Board, and "is designed to build strong team relationships between the project's alliance partners." [08.12.05]

JSF COLLABORATION WITH TURKEY NOT ON DISCUSSION AGENDA: During the course of a visit to Canberra by the Turkish Prime Minister, HE Recep Erdogan, Prime Minister Howard has confirmed discussions touched "many economic issues (and) how we can further strengthen relations between Turkey and Australia." In a press conference dominated by questions as to Australian plans to legislate that the Gallipoli peninsular would be declared as a site having special historical significance, Howard confirmed discussion regarding the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) project "was not on our agenda in meetings," despite Australia and Turkey being joint (SDD) partners in the F-35 project along with nine other countries. [08.12.05]

AIR 87 'TIGER' ARH COMPLETES 'HELLFIRE' MISSILE FIRING TESTS: EADS Australian Aerospace reports the last test 'Hellfire' missile has been fired (via its M299 launcher) from an Australian Army 'Tiger' armed reconnaissance helicopter (ARH) in Woomera, South Australia. The firing completes the 'Hellfire' test program, thus demonstrating full integration of the Lockheed Martin missile system onto the ARH version of the 'Tiger'. The seven missile test program is said to have demonstrated performance and capability of the missile system by day and night, from 6 to 8 km, with self and remote designation and included live military loads. [08.12.05]

RECOILLESS GUN TECHNOLOGY FOR PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Melbourne-based Recoilless Technologies International Corp (RTI) says a breakthrough Australian invention - for which it holds exclusive rights - is now set to eliminate recoil in both ballistic weapons and a range of commercial tools. Early applications of the new technology are expected to include pistols, rifles and several types of field artillery and naval guns, however, it also has direct applicability to high-powered industrial tools. Substantial efficiencies and occupational health and safety advantages are accordingly anticipated in numerous manufacturing, construction and engineering applications. RTI says the performance of the new technology has been verified via independent testing of a prototype system in Melbourne. [08.12.05]

ERICSSON TECHNOLGY BROADENING DEFENCE COMMUNICATIONS SCOPE: A decision by Telstra to choose Ericsson to provide a national 3G/WCDMA network based on WCDMA 850 MHz has implications for communications upgrades being pursued by Defence under Joint Project 2072 and project Land 125. The rollout of a new national 3G network is designed to provide broadband internet and video-conferencing capabilities to users across the Australian continent. In the future, software upgrades using High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) will give users access at speed up to 14 Mbps when combined with a new generation of terminals. [08.12.05]

LOCAL AGENCIES BEING FUNDED TO COUNTER TERRORISM: The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has confirmed that more than 400 projects across Australia will receive $14m in grants designed to develop self-reliance at both the community and local government levels to boost emergency management and response capability. Administered by Emergency Management Australia (EMA), Ruddock said the grants would boost capabilities "in the event of emergencies and disasters, including a terrorist attack." Some 500,000 people in Australia volunteer their services in some emergency management capacity, and 350,000 of those are directly involved in emergency first response. [08.12.05]

VOLUNTEER RESPONSE GROUPS GET $46m CASH POOL: Under the 'Working Together to Manage Emergencies' initiative, the Government will fund $16m over four years to the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund (NEVSF), and $30m over four years under local grants schemes (LGS) to assist local councils to develop/implement community emergency risk management initiatives, fund security upgrades around critical infrastructure and provide training for staff. Applications for the 2006/07 'Working Together' funding round have now been opened, with responses due in by 3 March 2006. Surf www.ema.gov.au/communitydevelopment for details. [08.12.05]

OPPOSITION CALLS FOR SWITCH IN MILITARY EFFORT FOCUS: Speaking to media the Shadow Defence Minister, Robert McClelland, has drawn on comments by Defence Minister Hill that Australians are 'living in a dangerous neighbourhood' to call for a re-direction of counter-terrorism effort from Iraq to Southeast Asia. According to McClelland, "the $1.2b that we are spending in Iraq is more than what we are spending per year on the entire Australian Federal Police budget. There is a lot we can and should be doing in our region with the US as part of our alliance obligations. In our region, the US is actually spending far more than we are spending on security right here in South East Asia. So when the Government says we need to be in Iraq to satisfy our alliance obligation that is rubbish. There is plenty we can do and should be doing to satisfy our alliance obligations but more importantly to protect our security in our region." [08.12.05]

DCP CHANGES NEEDED TO SATIFSY ALLIANCE OBLIGATIONS: McClelland also cited the contents of a report to the Congress on support for the US-Australia alliance which purportedly classifies Australia as putting in a very low effort in supporting the military capacity of the alliance. According to McClelland, "in terms of ground combat capacity, there is a rating of less than 50% of what is an acceptable. Naval supplies, support aircraft, refuellers - in fact across all military categories - (Australia is) assessed as rating below a satisfactory capacity. The alliance is vitally important to Australia, and we should be saying to the US: look we can add greatest value in the fight against international terrorism by focusing on our region." [08.12.05]

FERRA ENGINEERING WITH VIPAC ENGINEERS FOR JSF WORK: Vipac Engineers & Scientists has won a $2.2m contract with Ferra Engineering to provide specialist component testing for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) project. Vipac will test an armament adaptor manufactured by Brisbane-based Ferra via fatigue, vibration and shock tests and certify it to stringent US Air Force and Lockheed Martin standards. Vipac says it beat out the California-based Wyle Labs for the contract by offering a superior service in both price and delivery time. The acquisition of the contract marks the first time that the US Government has allowed independent certification outside of the normal US Government approved laboratories. Phase 1 of the project will commence in 2006 at Vipac’s Sydney Environmental Test Lab. [08.12.05]

MAINTENANCE FLAW SUSPENDS 'SEA KING' FLYING PROGRAM: The Department of Defence has formally advised that during routine maintenance of a Navy 'Sea King' helicopter conducted on 24 November 2005, an unserviceability was detected. As a result of a series of subsequent technical investigations concluded 6 December, the root cause of the unserviceability was determined to be an incident of inappropriate maintenance at 817 Squadron. As a precautionary safety measure, the Maritime Commander has now suspended 'Sea King' flying until the matter has been fully investigated. Recommendations from this investigation will then be incorporated into the ongoing Maintenance Reinvigoration Program, and will also be reviewed by the Maritime Commander to provide the basis for a decision to lift the suspension on 'Sea King' flying. [08.12.05]

FOUR FIRMS TO CONTEST LEAP IN DEFENCE ACCOMMODATION: Four organisations - Synersec, Lend Lease/DHA, Pinnacle Housing and Plenary Living - have been shortlisted as potential strategic partners (through a Public Private Partnership arrangement) with Defence on the Single LEAP (Living Environment and Accommodation Precinct) project. A total of 1300 new rooms will be built as part of Phase 1 of the Single LEAP. Nine organisations responded to the Defence's EOI to upgrade single ADF members' accommodation at Holsworthy (NSW), Gallipoli Barracks (Enoggera) and RAAF Base 'Amberley' (SE Qld). An EOI for Phase 2 of Single LEAP is to be released in mid-2006 for accommodation services at other Defence sites around Australia. [08.12.05]

MALAYSIA CONTRACTS FOR FOUR A400M MILITARY AIRLIFTERS: The Malaysian government has confirmed at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA ’05) that it has signed a contract to purchase four A400M military airlifters. Contract signature has been negotiated on the back of an agreement that Malaysian industry will receive high-technology work packages worth initially 1 billion Ringgits, (about €200m) relating to the design and manufacture of A400M airframe components to be delivered worldwide. Malaysia follows South Africa (April 2005) into the A400M program. [08.12.05]

SURVEILLANCE AUSTRALIA SECURES CMS04 'SERVICE A' COMPONENT: National Air Support (NAS) subsidiary and Adelaide-based 'Surveillance Australia' has been selected as preferred tenderer for the $1 billion 'Service A' component of the Customs Coastwatch Civil Maritime Surveillance (CMS04) contract. The new 12-year contract will commence in January 2008, and is to be resourced by an all-Bombardier 'Dash 8' all-weather, day/night electronic surveillance-enabled aircraft fleet, which will be doubled from the current five, to ten, aircraft. The new contract will also allow Coastwatch to increase its use in the future of sophisticated surveillance technology, including satellite imagery and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). [07.12.05]

SURVEILLANCE DATA TO DRIVE JOINT OFFSHORE PROTECTION COMMAND: National civil maritime surveillance outputs supplied by Surveillance Australia will be supported by the Coastwatch Torres Strait helicopter service (vide the CMS04 'Service B' contract won by Australian Helicopters), regular patrols by Customs and Navy patrol boats and the trial of a High Frequency Surface Wave Radar system. Data from these patrols will be fed into the new Joint Offshore Protection Command (JOP-C), which under previous Government initiatives is progressively combining the resources and expertise of Customs and Defence to create a single joint maritime surveillance, response and interdiction system in order to deliver an over-arching military capability for offshore maritime protection. [07.12.05]

ANTI-TERRORISM POWERS UPGRADE PASSES PARLIAMENT: Despite criticisms and alleged scaremongering, the Attorney-General says the Opposition joined 6 December with the Government to pass the entire Anti-Terrorism (No.2) Bill. The Bill reflects the counter-terrorism package foreshadowed by the Prime Minister on 8 September, and subsequent agreement reached with State/Territory leaders at COAG on 27 September. Key features include: a regime that will enable courts to place controls on persons who pose a terrorist risk to the community; arrangements to provide for the detention of a person for up to 48 hours to prevent an imminent terrorist attack or preserve evidence of a recent attack; an extension of the stop, question and search powers of the Australian Federal Police (AFP); powers to obtain information and documents designed to enhance the AFP's ability to prevent and respond effectively to a terrorist attack. [07.12.05]

COUNTER-TERRORISM 'HOTLINE' FLOODED WITH CALLS: On the back of so-called counter-terrorist 'raids' in Sydney and Melbourne, the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has revealed that calls to the Government's terrorism 'hotline' went up 70% and are now averaging 3000 calls per week. According to Ruddock, "normally about 50% of people are seeking reassurance in asking questions, so those providing information went up to over 70%. What we have found is that people are providing information which, when you put it together with other bits and pieces of information, helps very significantly with some of the inquiries." One of the most recent areas of observation is that relating to unusual purchases of products that might be used to aid terrorist activities. [07.12.05]

AUSSIE ETHERNET ENCRYPTOR LAUNCHED IN CANBERRA: Defence Minister Hill has launched in Canberra a new product from Melbourne-based Senetas, a 'CypherNET Ethernet Encryptor', which works with Ethernet systems commonly found in most large organisations to encrypt all the information travelling between different locations. Senetas has been providing military grade encryption to Australian and US military forces for some time, and has now extended product distribution to regulated private industries such as banks, insurance firms, health providers, utilities and critical infrastructure to protect them from terrorist-related cyber-threats. [07.12.05]

THALES BREAKS INTO A400M ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION: As part of its Aerolec joint venture with Goodrich, Thales has been selected to supply the electrical power generation system for the new Airbus A400M military transport aircraft. This contract follows recently gained business to supply the electrical power generation system for the Airbus A380 and the electrical power conversion system for the Boeing 787 'Dreamliner'. A400M electrical power generators are being designed to meet a total power supply requirement of 400 kVA - relatively high for a military aircraft. Thales is also supplying the aircraft's integrated modular avionics, cockpit display system and head-up display with enhanced vision system. [07.12.05]

'ORION' FLEET BEING PRIMED FOR REGIONAL COUNTER-TERRORISM: A RAAF AP-3C 'Orion' long-range maritime patrol aircraft from 92 Wing at 'Edinburgh' is visiting the Philippines to highlight the value of having an air-based maritime surveillance capability to prevent the movement of terrorists and criminal groups in the region. The deployment follows Defence Minister Hill's visit to the Philippines in October to discuss joint counter terrorism initiatives to prevent the growth of terrorist networks within the Philippines. In addition to maritime patrol capabilities, the ADF is looking at opportunities to provide further assistance in intelligence and Special Forces training, strengthening maritime security and helping the Philippines develop a small watercraft capability to better patrol the southern riverine and marshland areas of Mindanao. [06.12.05]

NEW GROUP TO UNDERTAKE AVIATION SECURITY CHECKS: A new division is to be established within the Attorney‑General’s Department from 1 July 2007 to coordinate background checks on people working in the secure areas of air and sea ports. The initiative follows a recommendation of the Wheeler Review of Airport Security and Policing, which sought to centralise background checks within a single government department. People who work in air and sea port secure areas are already required to have Aviation Security Identification Cards (ASICs), and respectively, Maritime Security Identification Cards (MSICs). [06.12.05]

HEALTH SECURITY REPORT CHARTS PANDEMICS TO BIOTERRORISM: A new report from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) titled 'Plague Anatomy: Health Security from Pandemics to Bioterrorism' examines the spectrum of biological threats, both natural and deliberate, and looks at how prepared Australia is to meet these challenges. The report argues that the potential impact of infectious diseases on Australia's national interest demands that such threats should be considered within the broader national security agenda. In the case of a major influenza pandemic, ASPI says it could devastate trade and commerce in the region and around the globe. [06.12.05]

BOEING PLOTS INTEGRATED URBAN WARFARE SIMULATION: A joint urban warfare scenario demonstrating command and control on the move has provided the blueprint for this year’s Boeing joint network-centric operations experiment. The one-hour demonstration, conducted by Boeing Phantom Works and Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, linked nine Boeing sites and featured a mix of live and simulated platforms and systems from 17 programs. During the scenario, US and coalition forces used network-enabled technologies to eliminate a surface-to-air missile site and a hostile convoy, conduct a multi-lingual interrogation and translation at a security check point, conduct surveillance of an escaping high-value target and eventually take out the high-value moving target. [06.12.05]

MINIMUM RENTAL GUARANTEE INTRODUCED FOR DHA PROPERTIES: Defence Housing Australia (DHA) is offering for the next 12 months a minimum rental guarantee on properties taken up by external investors under their 'Sale and Leaseback' program. Lease periods vary from three to 12 years and can include generous 'make good' provisions where the house is painted inside and out and the carpet replaced at the end of the lease. All DHA properties are of a high standard, with quality inclusions throughout, and are tenanted by members of the Australian Defence Force and their families for the entire lease period. [06.12.05]

FIRST JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER ENGINE COMPLETED: Pratt & Whitney's F135 team has completed the engine that will power the first Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) flight. The F135 is an evolution of the F119 engine used in the F/A-22 'Raptor'. The first flight test F135 engine will be delivered to Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth (Texas) plant later this month, and the F135 program will achieve Initial Flight Release in the northern spring of 2006. The engine will be installed in the first flight test JSF aircraft early next year, and the F135 will be the exclusive power for the F-35's first flights, which will begin in the third quarter of 2006. [06.12.05]

RAYTHEON SUPPORTING 'AEGIS' EQUIPMENT FOR THE US NAVY: US-based Raytheon Integrated Defense System's (IDS) has been awarded two contracts by the US Navy totalling US$15.7m for 'Aegis' equipment support. A $10.2m performance based logistics contract renews IDS' Surveillance & Sensor Systems business direct responsibility for administering 'Aegis' technical support for spares and repairs requirements of US Navy and Foreign Military Sales customers. A second $5.5m transmitter upgrade contract calls for the manufacture, test and delivery of solid state amplifiers for use in RF (radio frequency) monitor cabinets in SPY-1 radar transmitters. [06.12.05]

APPLIED SIGNAL & IMAGE TECHNOLOGY FALLS TO L-3: US-based L-3 Communications has acquired Linthicum Heights (Maryland)-based Applied Signal and Image Technology Inc (ASIT) for an undisclosed sum. ASIT designs, develops and integrates tactical communications intelligence (COMINT), measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT) and electronic attack (EA) systems for both ground and airborne installations, including fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). L-3 expects ASIT to add approximately US$20m to its sales in 2006. [06.12.05]

EXPLOSIVES DETECTOR LAUNCHED IN CANBERRA: Perth-based QRSciences has shown revolutionary new explosive detection system for airports at a security technology demonstration at Parliament House in Canberra. Developed under a $2.8m Australian Government innovation grant, the new technology identifies unique chemical signatures of high threat explosives, which until now could easily go undetected by current X-ray and scanning devices. Two of the new units have already been installed in Australia, with substantial interest being generated through trials in Singapore, the United States of America and Italy. [05.12.05]

FORWARD DIAR.com PUBLISHING SCHEDULE OVER XMAS BREAK: To align resources for the forthcoming Pacific 2006 International Maritime Exposition in January 2006, and to ensure editorial staff a reasonable holiday break, weekly DIAR.com e-Newsletter production is being extended for the remainder of the year. The next edition (#1 of 2006) will be published as at 3 January 2006, with the usual weekly e-Newsletter publication cycle commencing thereafter. [05.12.05]

FURTHER US FUNDING FOR REMOTE WEAPON SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT: Brisbane-based Metal Storm Limited has announced that its US subsidiary, Metal Storm Inc, had been awarded a two year contract worth approximately A$1.32m from the US Department of Defense for further research and development of a remotely operated weapon system. Under a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract, Metal Storm will develop, produce and evaluate an anti-personnel, unattended, weapon pod and controller using the company’s proprietary electronically initiated munitions delivery systems. The weapon pod and controller is to be integrated into a command and control system developed under the Network-integrated Remotely Operated Weapons system project, which is sponsored by the US Defense Threat Reduction Agency. [02.12.05]

MAN MILITARY VEHICLE SYSTEMS CHANGES OFFICE LOCATION: The General Manager of MAN Military Vehicle Systems, Mike Riley, advises that with effect from Monday, 12 December 2005, MAN Military Vehicle Systems Australia (MMV-A) Pty Ltd will move to a new physical address and change its postal address. New office premises are at Level 1, 25 Napier Close, Deakin ACT 2600, with new postal address being: PO Box 9595, Deakin ACT 2600. MAN are providing the prime movers and trailers for the Army's new M1A1 'Abrams' tanks (project Land 907), are bidding their military vehicles product line into project Land 121. Email mriley@manmilitary.com.au or surf www.manmilitary.com.au for further details. [02.12.05]

KONGSBERG ACQUIRES GALLIUM SOFTWARE COMPANY: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has signed an agreement to buy the Canadian company, Gallium Software Inc, for approximately NOK 174 million on a debt-free basis. The agreement is conditional on Board approval from Kongsberg Gruppen ASA. Gallium's main product is 'InterMAPhics', a well-known map graphics tool for military command and control systems. This software is able to identify large numbers of movements at high speed on a map in real time. Gallium also has a long history supporting the Air Traffic Management area with 'InterMAPhics' and is prominent in Great Britain and Canada. The company a turnover of NOK 69.6m and earnings before tax of NOK 19.7m in fiscal 2004. [02.12.05]

WHOLE-OF-LIFE COSTING FOR ASSET MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE: IQPC is to present in Sydney over 22-23 February 2006, its third annual conference on Whole-of-Life Costing for Asset Management. To be held at the Swissotel, the new conference follows a successful event in 2005 and will feature a keynote international case study led by Jennifer Bowles, Lead Operations & Sustainment Cost Analyst for Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Affordability, from the US Department of Defense's NAVAIR division. David Kirkpatrick, Emeritus Professor of Defence Analysis at the Defence Engineering Group of the University College London (and a former UK Ministry of Defence official), will speak on the second day of the conference. Surf www.iqpc.com.au/MaintenanceIQ for details. [02.12.05]

AIRBUS CUTS RESEARCH AGREEMENT WITH VICTORIAN CRC: Airbus has established a Research and Technology Framework Agreement with Australia's Cooperative Research Centre for Advanced Composite Structures Limited (CRC-ACS) based in Melbourne, Victoria. Airbus has been working in conjunction with the CRC-ACS for the past ten years, and the new agreement is seen as a further opportunity to cement that relationship with a more substantial strategic partnership. Airbus and CRC-ACS will establish a joint Steering Group that will involve research partnership managers from Airbus' Engineering Department which will work directly with the CRC-ACS management team headed by Professor Murray Scott, the Chief Executive Officer of the CRC-ACS and a major international figure in the world of composite structures technology. The agreement will also facilitate the establishment of further joint technology projects with CRC-ACS in the future. [02.12.05]

GOVERNMENT AGREES TO ENHANCE ANTI-TERRORISM BILL: The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, says the Government has settled on its final amendments to improve and strengthen the Anti-Terrorism Bill currently before Parliament. Ruddock said the amendments "respond both to recommendations made by the Senate Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee, and also to suggestions raised by other government members. The Government has confirmed it will proceed with the sedition provisions, which will outlaw the urging of force or violence, while removing any doubt about the ability of people to make political comment and criticisms. [01.12.05]

PACIFIC 2006 MARITIME EXHIBITION AND CONGRESSES PROGRAM: The Pacific 2006 Maritime Congress and Exposition will take place at the Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre, Darling Harbour, from Tuesday 31 January to Friday, 3 February 2006. The Congress programs have been designed to permit all delegates to visit the many industry displaying the Exposition itself, and to conduct informal professional discussions with exhibitors and fellow delegates. The Congress and Exposition involves three inter-related events: The Pacific 2006 International Maritime Exposition (email expo@maritime.net.au); The Pacific 2006 International Maritime Conference (email pacific2006imc@tourhosts.com.au); and the RAN Sea Power Conference 2006 (email seapower2006@tourhosts.com.au). [01.12.05]

DCN TO TAKE ON LEADERSHIP IN APPLICATION OF UAVs to NAVIES: France’s DCN group has won an important R&D contract to study the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and naval platforms. The aim of the contract is to study the physical and functional constraints affecting the integration of UAVs with operational warships. This topic is of strategic importance to DCN as it will have a direct impact on major current programmes such as the FREMM frigates and on DCN products for client navies in general. DCN will draw not only on group-wide expertise in the physical and functional integration of airborne systems and warships, but also on the proven know-how of UAV manufacturer Sagem and French aerospace and defence R&D agency Onera. [01.12.05]

JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER VERTICAL TAILS INSTALLED: BAE Systems (BAES) and Lockheed Martin (LM) Aeronautics Company have completed the installation of the Joint Strike Fighter's (JSF) vertical tails. The subject vertical tails were designed, manufactured and assembled by BAES in Samlesbury (England), and their successful installation onto the F-35 signals the final stages of the new aircraft's structural component assembly, thus moving the program towards first flight in the fall of 2006. The right and left-hand vertical tails were joined to the BAES-produced aft fuselage at LM's facility in Fort Worth, Texas. With the latest addition of the vertical tails, the first F-35 continues to take shape with the front, centre and aft fuselages and the wing now in place and joined together. [01.12.05]

PRATT & WHITNEY F-35 ENGINE LOGS 4,000 SDD TEST HOURS: Pratt & Whitney F135 ground test engines are said to have logged more than 4,000 (SDD) ground test hours as the company nears completion of the engine that will initially power the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), as well as its first flight next year. The 4,000 SDD hours comes on top of more than 3,500 hours accumulated during the JSF's developmental Concept Demonstration Aircraft (CDA) phase, and covering both Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL)/Carrier Variant (CV) and Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) configuration engines. The Pratt & Whitney F135 propulsion team has delivered five CTOL/CV configuration and four STOVL configuration F135 engines to test for a total of nine engines for the SDD program. [01.12.05]

'GLOBAL HAWK' GROUND SEGMENTS CONTRACT AWARDED: Raytheon has been awarded a new Lot 4 (but value unspecified) contract to produce ground segments for Northrop Grumman's 'Global Hawk' program, which will be used to support LRIP of the US Air Force's RQ-4A/B 'Global Hawk' unmanned aerial system (UAS). Raytheon will build additional 'Global Hawk' ground segments consisting of the launch and recovery element, the mission control element (MCE), and associated ground communication equipment. The sensor data obtained from each 'Global Hawk' is transmitted to the MCE via wideband RF line-of-sight or satellite data link. Data is then disseminated to existing command and control systems or directly to properly equipped tactical field users or exploitation centres. [01.12.05]

SMITHS VIDEO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR A400M TRANSPORT: Airbus has selected Smiths Aerospace to supply the Video Distribution and Processing (ViDP) system on the A400M transporter, generating more than US$55m in revenue through to 2023. The main portion of the system will be basic equipment on the launch base of 180 aircraft, plus exports forecast throughout the lifetime of the program. The A400M aircraft will complete initial certification and enter service in 2009. The ViDP system performs switching and video processing to permit display of various video functions and format on the primary cockpit displays and loadmaster work station. Inputs include refuelling and cargo video cameras and several computer-generated video images. Smiths Aerospace is currently supplying similar type systems for the C-130 AMP and A380. [01.12.05]

November

[TOP]

'CHOOKS' TO BE UPGRADED FOR HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS: The Army's fleet of six 'Chinook' heavy lift helicopters are to undergo a $25m 'rapid acquisition' upgrade to fit them with electronic warfare self protection equipment (EWSP), additional ballistics protection for crew and passengers and advanced communications to boost situational awareness to ensure they are combat ready for future operations. They will also be fitted out for aero-medical evacuation and have improved gun mounts. Defence Minister Hill says the new equipment "will improve the safety and survivability of the aircraft, as well as its ability to work closely with Coalition forces, if needed." 'Chinook' upgrades for EWSP were originally approved under phase 2 of project Air 5416, whilst a much larger helicopter upgrade ($350-450m) was envisaged under phase 5B of project Air 9000. Hill now says the new equipment "will soon be acquired by Defence through a rapid acquisition tender process with Australian industry and foreign equipment suppliers. The 'Chinook' acquisition program will continue to examine technology upgrades to ensure the best possible capabilities and protection are provided to our troops who are deployed on operations." [30.11.05]

CANADA SELECTS M777 FOR MOBILE FORCES ARTILLERY: The Canadian Department of Defence is to spend C$234m on equipment specifically required to carry out Canada's new peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan. As part of the acquisition package, BAE Systems' 155mm M777 lightweight towed howitzer has been selected as the most suitable and capable system available to meet the Army's operational requirement, and is available for deployment to Afghanistan in early-2006. The M777 is the lightest 155mm howitzer available, weighing in at 4,175kg and will fire the new 'Excalibur' munition which it to be procured by the Canadian Army through the US military. 'Excalibur' extends artillery ranges to 40km, whilst significantly increasing accuracy. The M777 is also in contention for Australian project Land 17. [30.11.05]

ELECTRONIC SUPPORT MEASURES FOR FLIGHT 0 LCS SHIPS: EDO Corporation has been selected by General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems to provide up to two of its ES 3601 tactical radar Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and surveillance systems for use on General Dynamics' Flight 0 Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). The ES 3601 is a modern precision system that enhances ship survivability by detecting, identifying, and locating hostile ship and missile radar signals early and efficiently. With this information, the ship's commander is able to react to the threat. [30.11.05]

DEFENCE PROGESSING LAND 146 WITH INDUSTRY SURVEY: Defence has issued an initial survey round Request for Information (RoI) in relation to the future acquisition of Combat Identification (CID) for Land Forces - specifically 'an assured, positive identification system for Land forces, using electronic systems to prevent fratricide - under phase 2 of project Land 146. The Phase 2 project scope is confined to acquisition of mature products with developmental technologies to be considered in a later, currently unapproved, Phase 3. Defence nevertheless remains interested in obtaining information on both mature and developmental technologies as an aid to planning the evolution of Australia's CID capability, and its introduction into service from 2009 onwards. [29.11.05]

KOKODA FOUNDATION TURNS ITS GUNS ON INTELLIGENCE BASE: Writing in the first edition of the Kokoda Foundation's new refereed journal, 'Security Challenges', a former Head of Intelligence for the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and a former senior analyst in the Office of National Assessments (ONA), Dr Sandy Gordon, argues that Australia’s intelligence system is still structured primarily to meet the needs of the Cold War. While the 9/11 Commission has driven a substantial refocusing and integration of the United States intelligence community, Australia’s processes of change are said to have been far more modest and, overall, are inadequate. Surf www.kokodafoundation.org for journal and membership details. [29.11.05]

STOVEPIPE ORGANISATION LEADS TO SUCCESSIVE DISASTERS: Dr Gordon goes on to argue Australia’s primary intelligence gathering and assessment organisations remain ‘stove-piped’, and have only modest and relatively slow links to many of the agencies and departments that play front-line operational roles. This means that key operating agencies, including the AFP, the Australian Crime Commission, Customs, Coastwatch, the Department of Multicultural and Regional Affairs and the Department of Transport and Regional Services do not have timely access to the intelligence they need to operate with high efficiency. The paper points to numerous cases where these inefficiencies caused Australian intelligence reporting to be less than adequate, from the 'Sandline' affair in PNG, to the crisis in the Solomon Islands and the 'Children Overboard' debacle. [29.11.05]

PRIVACY ACT AMENDMENTS TO DEAL WITH CHAOS OF NATURAL DISASTERS: The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has flagged the Government will amend the Privacy Act 1988 next year to enhance information exchange between Australian Government agencies, state and territory governments, non-government organisations and the private sector in an emergency or disaster situation. According to Ruddock, "in an emergency or disaster situation, there may not always be time to resolve any potential privacy issues and apply the Privacy Act on a case-by-case basis, (so) the amendments will provide the required clarity and certainty, and result in quicker and more streamlined access to assistance, support and services for victims and their families." State and territory governments and other stakeholders will be consulted about the scope of the changes to the Privacy Act before legislation is introduced into Parliament next year. [29.11.05]

RADIO BASED COMBAT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM DEMONSTRATED: AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has successfully completed an intense development effort with the UK Ministry of Defence to support the US Department of Defense's Advanced Concepts Technology Demonstration of options for a battlefield radio based combat identification system (RBCI). The RBCI requirement was born out of a desire to reduce fratricide - the killing or wounding of friendly forces, on the battlefield by air attack. A generic radio based option was developed and then integrated with the AgustaWestland Collective Training System. It was then fitted to a British Army AgustaWestland Apache AH Mk1 helicopter for an exercise on Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA) last month. [29.11.05]

REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION: Australia and Indonesia are to co-host a second Regional Workshop on the Biological Weapons Convention in Indonesia early next year. The event will build on the first workshop held in Melbourne in February 2005, and is part of an ongoing process to reduce the possibility of terrorists acquiring and using biological weapons and prevent countries in the region from inadvertently assisting the development of biological weapons programs elsewhere. Participants from regional countries are to be invited to attend the meeting, which will specifically discuss further practical ways that regional nations can cooperate in countering bio-terrorism in the lead up to the 2006 Biological Weapons Convention Review Conference. [28.11.05]

DUAL LEAD-SHIP DD(X) BUILD STRATEGY APPROVED: The Defense Acquisition Board (DAB) has given the US Navy's DD(X) destroyer program 'Milestone B' authority, thus meaning it can move forward with an initial build. On the basis of the approval, DD(X) contractors Northrop Grumman/Ingalls (Pascagoula, Mississippi) and General Dynamics/Bath Iron Works (Bath, Maine) will each enter into an SDD Phase which includes detailed design and construction as well as the Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of at least two ships. While each of the shipyards will adopt during LRIP a novel dual-lead ship build strategy, the DAB approval also appears to give the Navy requested authority to move ahead with a down-select to a single contractor in the 2009 timeframe. Funds to begin building DD(X) will be requested in Fiscal Year 2007 (FY07), when the Defense budget is submitted to Congress in February. The Navy hopes to build between five and eight vessels, and has estimated the cost of the lead ships at US$3.3b each. [28.11.05]

THALES AIRBORNE SYSTEMS TO ADVANCE A RESTRUCTURE: Thales Airborne Systems' senior management has presented an industrial and economic restructuring plan to the company's central works council, which is designed to ensure the company stays competitive against what the company sees as an increasingly harsh business environment as the 'Mirage' export program ends and 'Rafale' and 'Mirage 2000' development comes to a close in the absence of any follow-on projects on the same scale. Thales accordingly expects a decline in workload of around 20% between the end of this year and the end of 2007 as activities currently conducted at Elancourt are moved to the Brest and Pessac plants, whilst 560 redundancies will be advanced across the three sites. [28.11.05]

OUTCOMES FROM PROPERTY INDUSTRY SECURITY SUMMIT: Speaking after a meeting with senior property industry representatives at a special summit to discuss the industry's role in helping to protect Australians from terrorism, the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has said the issue of uniform standards for property security and property security staff is "not a new issue. It's been on the agenda of the Standing Committee of Attorneys General (SCAG) for some time, and also on the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agenda. It's one of the areas where you do need to have very close harmonisation of entry requirements and supervision. And, those matters are very much the subject of ongoing consideration by governments and there will be further announcements in relation to it in due course." [25.11.05]

NO SARBANES-OXLEY ACT REQUIREMENTS FOR AUSTRALIA: Addressing the annual seminar of the Information Security Interest Group (ISIG) in Sydney, the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has commented "the Internet, and our reliance upon it, poses the most challenging information security risk, due to the changing nature of the threat and the increasingly sophisticated methods used by attackers." In promulgating a response to such threat, Ruddock added "there is a role for governments in facilitating the adoption of standards which are consensus based, nationally consistent and trusted." Whilst not claiming to speak for future governments, the Attorney-General said, "I don't see any likelihood of Australia making compliance with the information security standards in Sarbanes-Oxley mandatory. I see it as up to individual companies to undertake a risk analysis to determine whether there will be commercial or other benefits in being compliant or not." [25.11.05]

BOEING STRENGTHENS GLOBAL MODELLING & SIMULATION CAPABILITY: The strategic importance of Boeing Australia’s Brisbane-based Systems Analysis Laboratory (SAL) to Boeing's global modelling, simulation and analysis (MS&A) capability has been recognised with the signing of a partnering charter with the Boeing Company's Analysis, Modelling and Simulation (AMS) organisation, located within the company’s Phantom Works’ Integrated Defense Advanced Systems (IDeAS) division. AMS is part of the company’s Integrated Defense Systems Engineering unit and is aligned with and supports Phantom Works IdeAS, which acts as the conduit for transitioning network centric operations (NCO) technologies. The new charter will see the SAL become a peer capability within Boeing’s worldwide AMS organisation, which is responsible for coordinating and integrating the company’s global MS&A resources. [25.11.05]

TENIX CHIEFS SWEEP AIDN VICTORIA ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS: The Victorian Minister for Manufacturing and Export, André Haermeyer, has jointly presented to Paul Salteri (Group Managing Director, Tenix Group) and Robert Salteri (Executive Director and CEO Tenix Defence) 23 November, the 2005 Australian Industry Defence Network Victoria (AIDN-Vic) Terry Kelly Memorial Award. The Award recognised Paul and Robert's involvement with Tenix for over 25 years, and their assiduous work to include Australian SMEs in their Defence projects. The Terry Kelly Memorial Award presentation took place at an AIDN-Vic networking meeting hosted by Haermeyer, and sponsored by BAE Systems (BAES) Australia. [25.11.05]

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AWARD FOR BAE SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA: BAE Systems (BAES) Australia Project Management & Business Improvement Director, Peter Madsen, has confirmed the company's receipt of Project Managed Organisation (PMO) certification, Level 4, awarded by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM). Madsen says "the importance of this achievement should not be underestimated. This certification is a first for South Australia, and one of the very few Level 4 PMOs in Asia Pacific. The endorsement of the AIPM, the Australian peak body for project management, provides confidence to customers that BAE Systems has the right structures, methodologies and training to complete successful projects, consistently.” [25.11.05]

EMPLOYERS TO OBSERVE RESERVISTS IN THE FIELD IN MALAYSIA: A group of 17 employers, including Bovis Lend Lease, Virgin Mobile and Daimler Chrysler, will travel to Malaysia next week to visit Rifle Company Butterworth, a force of about 160 Army Reservists from New South Wales' 8th Brigade. The visit is organised by the Defence Reserves Support Council under the 'Bosslift' program, and gives employers an opportunity to see their employees working in the field. The 8th Brigade Reserve soldiers, who are in Malaysia for four months, are participating in bilateral exercises with Malaysian soldiers, and will learn skills in weaponry, communications and navigation. They will also learn about local customs and the local language. [25.11.05]

SPANISH SYSTEM TO KEEP A400M SAFE FROM FRIENDS & FOES: EADS CASA has awarded Indra the contract to develop the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system for the A400M Airbus Military European transport aircraft following an international tender which included the main companies in the sector, including French-based Thales. Indra began developing its IFF systems over 20 years ago, and is presently considered as one of the world leading companies in both military and civil air-traffic control applications. Indra's IFF systems have been developed for both French and Spanish 'Tiger' Helicopters, F-18 'Hornet' and P-3 'Orio'n aircraft and for civil aviation in Poland and the Ukraine. [25.11.05]

SOCIAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM COMPLEMENTS SECURITY TASK: Opening a mobile health clinic in As Samawah (Al Muthanna Province, Iraq), Defence Minister Hill says his visit aims to "assess the progress of (the ADF's work) in helping to support the Japanese Humanitarian Mission, and also progress in helping train Iraqi security forces." Whilst committed to supporting the Japanese through to May 2006, Hill says the longevity of the ADF support "depends on the intentions of the Japanese in relation to their humanitarian mission. But whilst we’re primarily fulfilling a military and security role, we’re very keen to also support the people of Al Muthanna with projects such as this mobile health centre, and some of the other projects we’ve been working on." [24.11.05]

PATRIA TO ACQUIRE SAAB STAKE IN NORDIC AMMUNITION COMPANY: Patria has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire Saab's 27.5% of shares in Nammo AS (Nordic Ammunition Company) for SEK 400 million. Nammo is currently owned by the Norwegian State (45%), Patria (27.5%) and Saab (27.5%). The Shareholders' Agreement of Nammo gives the Government of Norway the right to acquire additional 5% of Nammo's shares, leading to equal 50% ownership with Patria. The Norwegian Government is to announce their intention of exercising the right before 18 December 2005. [24.11.05]

TESTS PROCEEDING TO PROVE JSF CBR DECONTAMINATION: Members of the Joint Strike Fighter Integrated Test Force, under direction of the JSF Program Office, are using a recently retired F-16 to test chemical and biological decontamination processes ultimately designed to be used to safely return the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) to service after exposure to a chemical or biological agent during combat operations. The JSF is the first US fighter aircraft to have a requirement for both chemical and biological survivability. The test effort is comprised of three internal and one external contamination trials using a simulated chemical agent and a simulated biological agent. Future test phases include the decontamination of the F-35s environmental support system, JSF-specific support equipment, pilot flight equipment, a complete F-35 and, if needed, subsystems of the F-35. [24.11.05]

CANADIANS TO RESEARCH 3D SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES FOR F-35: The Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) is to use C$5m provided by the Canadian Government to invest in a US$12.5m research and development project being undertaken by Vancouver-based NGRAIN (Canada) Corporation, seeking to advance its three-dimensional (3-D) software technologies for use in the design, assembly and maintenance of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). NGRAIN currently provides installation, maintenance and repair training solutions to the defence industry, however, Government officials claim its technology "will revolutionise aircraft design and assembly for the next generation." [24.11.05]

DEFENCE MINISTER IN SUDAN TO RECEIVE OPERATION 'AZURE' THANKS: Defence Minister Hill has met with Lieutenant General Salva Kiir, President of the Government of Southern Sudan and Vice President of the Government of National Unity of Sudan, during a visit to the Sudanese capital of Khartoum. Senator Hill said Lt Gen Kiir thanked Australia for the help it had given both in aid and in providing refuge to fellow countrymen and women. He also said to have thanked Australia for its contribution to the United Nations Mission (UNMIS), which is supporting implementation of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Hill also visited the ADF's 15-person contingent in Khartoum. [23.11.05]

'SHADOW' AWARD HIGHLIGHTS UAV SYSTEM VALUE FOR THE ADF: Noting the US Army's 'Shadow 200' Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) program has earned a first-ever special achievement award from the Department of Defense for readiness and mission success in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), the General Manger of BAE Systems (BAES) Australia, Stephen Birrell, has said the award "highlights the significant pedigree and real-world experience the 'Shadow 200' would bring to the ADF. It is truly the best vale for money solution being offered for Joint Project 129. The ADF will directly benefit from the experience gained from operating the Shadow 200 in Iraq, and coupled with the previously announced US$300m ongoing investment in the TUAV, is the most capable and lowest risk solution for JP129. [23.11.05]

RAYTHEON SECURES AMPHIBIOUS SHIPS SUPPORT CONTRACT: Raytheon has been awarded a US$19.2m contract option from the US Naval Sea Systems Command for life cycle engineering and support on the LPD 17 'San Antonio'-class, the US Navy's next generation of amphibious warfare ships. The contract also includes other option years. Under this contract, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) is the prime contractor for life cycle engineering and support as well as the total ship electronics systems integrator for the LPD 17 program. By leveraging transformational technology advancements achieved as the mission systems integrator on the DD(X), LPD, and CVN ship programs, Raytheon will further support the application of common technologies and processes across multiple platforms in the fleet. [23.11.05]

SERVICE LIFE EXTENSION KITS BEING OFFERED FOR P-3 ORIONS: In a development of interest to Australian proposals to extend the life of its AP-3C 'Orion' long-range maritime patrol fleet under project Air 5276, Lockheed Martin (LM) has announced it will open a new outer wing production line at its facility in Marietta (Georgia) to support service life extension of the P-3 and CP-140 aircraft around the world. Interest in extending the service life of the world's P-3 and CP-140 fleet has increased as a result of the United States' P-3 Structural Life Assessment Program (SLAP), which revealed the P-3 was accumulating fatigue damage faster than had been previously believed. Rick Kirkland, the head of LM's Maritime Surveillance Enterprise says, "with many of the P-3 aircraft in operation now reaching their service life limits sooner than expected, and with no affordable replacement maritime patrol aircraft available, a service life extension is the only way for nations to maintain this vital operational capability." [23.11.05]

CLAWS SYSTEM TEST ENGAGES SIX TARGETS OVER THREE DAYS: The Raytheon-supplied Complementary Low Altitude Weapon System (CLAWS) surface-to-air missile system has completed a series of operational tests to mark the end of development testing - thus signifying its readiness to enter the fielding phase (Initial Operational Capability), of the program. To test demonstrate the complete 'Family of Systems' architecture, the large volume air picture was provided by the TPS-59 radar and AN/TYQ- 23 Tactical Air Operations Module. Close air picture and tracking data were provided by the Thales Raytheon Systems MPQ-64 'Sentinel' Radar. Command and control, with air picture and track correlation, was performed by the Marine Air Defense Communications Platform updated with the Raytheon 'Solipsys' Multi- Source Correlator Tracker and Tactical Display Framework. Fire control and launch were by the CLAWS launcher, with intercept via Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. [23.11.05]

AZIZ CHARTS GLOBAL ROLE FOR AUSTRALIA AND PAKISTAN: Speaking during the course of Prime Minister Howard's visit to Islamabad, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shaukat Aziz, has said following discussions with Howard "Australia and Pakistan share many things in common. We want peace in the world, we want settlement of disputes through dialogue. We are against terrorism. We are all together in this fight against terrorism across the world. We want more economic cooperation, political cooperation and technical assistance between the two countries. Australia has already been generous with the earthquake and sending so many people and financial assistance to Pakistan." [22.11.05]

HOWARD DELIVERS DECLARATION ON MODERATE ISLAMIC NATIONS: Responding to Aziz via way of an address, Prime Minister Howard has said, "nothing is more important in the successful prosecution of the war against terrorism than the strength, the stability and the success of moderate Islamic countries. I think of Indonesia, our nearest neighbour, I think of Pakistan, the two most populous Islamic countries in the world. And their success, their stability, their strength will be to the detriment of terrorism and the detriment of those who seek to wrongly invoke the name of Islam to justify their evil. It’s important that those countries that have Islamic minorities (also) treat those minorities fairly and properly. [22.11.05]

COUNT-TERRORISM THEME REPEATED IN AFGHANISTAN: Speaking later in Kabul during a press conference with the President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, Howard added, "the fight against terrorism in any country can only be won through a combination of a number of things. Clearly strong security forces are needed and building up strong security forces in Afghanistan is important, as it is very important in Iraq. Strong intelligence agencies are very important - I’ve often said that good intelligence is the best anti-terrorist weapon of all. But also encouraging the emergence of strong, open, democratic institutions and making sure that those who would seek to pervert Islam to justify terrorism are defeated intellectually and spiritually as well as their so-called martyrs being defeated, militarily." [22.11.05]

AUSTRALIAN SECURITY BEING WON ON THE PLAINS OF AFGHANISTAN: President Karzai responded to Howard's comments saying, "the Afghan people are immensely grateful for Australian sons and daughters to come all the way, thousands of miles away from their homes to serve in Afghanistan, but to serve for a cause that is ours together – it is the cause of the Afghan people and it is also the cause of the Australian people. It’s the cause of the world, it’s the cause of the humanity. The stability of Afghanistan will eventually be stability and peace in Australia, as it will the stability and peace in the rest of the world. So by serving in Afghanistan, and I hope that that service will be smooth and without danger, we are actually bringing stability to Afghanistan, the reconstruction to Afghanistan which needs it so badly, but by extension that service is also bringing stability and peace of mind to Australian people." [22.11.05]

CUSTOMS TO ARM FRONT-LINE BORDER SECURITY FORCE: Around 80 Customs officers who investigate the import and export of prohibited goods (including weapons and non-narcotic drugs), will now be armed, joining almost 300 armed officers currently involved in waterfront patrols and the boarding of international vessels when they arrive in Australia. Suitably trained officers will be issued with Glock handguns, personal body armour, batons, capsicum spray, and handcuffs. The first deployment of officers will be in Melbourne to assist with the preparation of security for the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The use of firearms is governed by the direction of the Customs CEO under the Customs Act. [22.11.05]

BAE SYSTEMS CONTRACTS WA FIRM FOR DIGITAL REPOSITORY: Following an extensive tender evaluation, BAE Systems (BAES) has awarded Perth-based eLearning solutions developer, HarvestRoad, a $2.2m contract to develop an element of its 'trilogi content management system' (tCMS) digital repository capability. The 'tCMS' will provide increased efficiencies by using a consistent toolset, repository and process, allowing the organisation to share data and act as one business. The new capability supports the 'write once, use many times' ethos through a fully integrated and common solution for the generation, management and production of customer technical information covering all platforms and applicable standards. According to HarvestRoad management, the BAES contract award "is another major return on our continued investment in defence industry standards for the publishing and managing of both technical and learning content.” [22.11.05]

ERICSSON AND SELEX-SI TO DEVELOP NEXT GENERATION RADARS: Ericsson Microwave Systems AB and 'Selex' Sistemi Integrati SpA have signed 11 November a framework agreement in Rome (Italy) to co-operate and jointly develop, produce and market radar systems. The new cooperation is said to confirm the two companies’ interest to work together and develop industrial and commercial exploitation of the result of their mutual cooperation. Officials advised the two companies were already working on the detailed definition phase of a state-of-the-art radar system for both naval and ground applications. [22.11.05]

EUROPE GETS ITS ACT TOGETHER ON DEFENCE COMPETITION: EU Defence Ministers have agreed at a meeting of the European Defence Agency (EDA) Steering Board in Brussels 21 November, to a voluntary Code of Conduct to encourage more use of open competition for Defence equipment procurements within the EU. The new Code comes into effect for subscribing Member States from 1 July 2006, and establishes principles for European Community (EC) public procurement rules: transparency, non-discrimination and equal treatment of suppliers from any EU Member State, currently exempted from the EC procurement rules by Article 296 of the Treaty of the European Community. The creation of an internationally competitive European Defence Equipment Market (EDEM) has been one of the EDA's 'flagship' projects for 2005. [22.11.05]

HAND-HELD READER TO BOOST RFID PRODUCTIVITIY: Savi Technology and Intermec Technologies Corporation have introduced a new active radio frequency identification (RFID) reader system designed specifically to read bar codes and active RFID tags. The lightweight, highly functional reader system enhances the ability of military logistics personnel to identify and keep track of in-transit military supplies marked with bar code and active RFID technologies. First orders and shipments of the dual-frequency reader system already have been made to the US Department of Defense. The RFID reader system integrates three key technology components: a special edition of Intermec's powerful 700 Series colour mobile computer with a full alphanumeric keypad; the Savi Mobile Reader (SMR-650), based on Savi's EchoPoint technology; and Savi 'SmartChain' Mobile Manager software. [22.11.05]

GAS TURBINES INSTALLED ON FIRST LITTORAL COMBAT SHIP: Lockheed Martin (LM) reports it has installed two main propulsion gas turbines on the 75%-built 'Freedom' (LCS-1), the first of two competing designs for the US Navy's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program, and set for a launch in the summer of 2006, and delivery to the US Navy in early 2007, only 24 months after the start of construction. The 'Freedom' will be powered by a new combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion plant, with steerable water jet propulsion. Two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines, the largest gas turbines ever to be installed on a Navy ship, will sustain the LCS-1 to sprint speeds at 40+ knots when lightly loaded. The LM-led LCS team includes: naval architects Gibbs & Cox; ship builders Marinette Marine (a subsidiary of The Manitowoc Company Inc); and Bollinger Shipyards. [22.11.05]

STORK AEROSPACE TO UNDERTAKE MMA WIRING MISSION: Netherlands-based Stork Aerospace has reached an agreement with Boeing to undertake mission system wiring management for the US Navy's new P-8A multi-mission maritime aircraft (MMA) system development and demonstration (SDD) phase. The package includes development of all P-8A Mission System wire bundles, fibre optics, coax and data bus wiring systems and delivery of systems for the first three developmental test aircraft, development laboratories and four follow-on optional operational test aircraft. The contract is currently valued at approximately US$12m over a 4 year period. Boeing was awarded a $3.89b contract for the P-8A SDD in June 2004. [22.11.05]

ADBR 'PACIFIC 2006' SPECIAL EDITION EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING DATES: Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) magazine will be producing a special edition for release at the Pacific 2006 International Maritime Exposition on 31 January 2006. The special edition will feature lead stories on: 'Engineering the AWDs for Australia'; 'Underwater Warfare and Project Sea 4000'; 'Stalking Joint Project 2048 and the Offshore Build Option'; 'Naval Surveillance & the Unmanned/Manned Aerial Vehicle Debate (Air 7000); 'What's Going Wrong with the 'Collins' Submarine Combat System Upgrade' (Sea 1439); and 'Empowering the RAN with the SM-2 and ESSM Missile Systems'. ADBR is seeking to finalise editorial/advertising contributions through to the middle of December, with all materials to be delivered into its Canberra office no later than 13 January 2006. For further details please telephone Lissa Fabbo [+61 (0)2 6260-5944] or email busicom@ozemail.com.au. [22.11.05]

DEADLINES FOR PACIFIC 2006 PRINTED DIAR.com DAILY NEWSLETTER: Following endorsement from the organisers, Defence Industry & Aerospace Report (DIAR.com) will again be providing a daily printed newsletter bringing together all relevant news items generated at the Pacific 2006 International Maritime Exposition being held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre (Darling Harbour) from 31 January 2006 to 3 February 2006. DIAR.com will produce a printed newsletter each business day (Tuesday to Friday) of the exposition, which will be distributed to all stand holders at mid-day on the four substantive trade show days. Inquiries in regards to sponsorship and advertising opportunities for the daily DIAR.com newsletters for distribution at Pacific 2006 should be directed to Lissa Fabbo (02/6260-5944) or email busicom@ozemail.com.au. [22.11.05]

FORWARD DIAR.com PUBLISHING SCHEDULE OVER XMAS BREAK: To align resources for the forthcoming Pacific 2006 International Maritime Exposition in January 2006, and to ensure editorial staff a reasonable holiday break, weekly DIAR.com e-Newsletter production is to be extended for the remainder of the year. The next edition (#48) will be published as at 19 December (thus making up the full annual DIAR.com subscription entitlement). A Xmas/New Year wash-up edition will be published on 3 January 2006, with the weekly e-Newsletter publication cycle commencing thereafter. [22.11.05]

HMAS ‘NEWCASTLE’ RETURNS TO SYDNEY FROM PERSIAN GULF: The guided missile frigate, HMAS ‘Newcastle’ returns to her home port of Fleet Base East (Sydney) today after a six month deployment to the Persian Gulf under Operation ‘Catalyst’, the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) ongoing operation in support of the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq. Meeting the ‘Newcastle’ upon arrival will be: the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Teresa Gambaro, MP; and the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Shalders. [22.11.05]

WIND SETS INTO SAILS OF JOINT RAAF AIR SUPERIORITY INQUIRY: The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) has just invited submissions for its inquiry into the status of the ADF’s achievement of regional air superiority. A reference secured by the JSCFADT on 14 June empowers it to inquire into: the ability of the ADF to maintain air superiority in our region to 2020, given current planning; and any measures required to ensure air superiority in our region to 2020. Email jscfadt@aph.gov.au to lodge enquiries or submissions. [21.11.05]

AUSTRALIA TO FUND REGIONAL AVIAN/PANDEMIC FLU EXERCISE: Prime Minister Howard has confirmed at the APEC meeting in Korea that Australian will provide $4m, and considerable logistical support, to coordinate a simulation exercise in 2006 to test the region’s preparedness and response mechanisms for a human-to-human outbreak. Funding will also support the development of a register of experts who have specialist skills in human and animal health and disaster response from across the APEC region. Support for the exercise comes as part of an Australian offer to provide $100m over four years for initiatives to combat the threat of pandemics and other emerging infectious diseases within the region. The new monies are in addition to $41m already committed since 2003 to combat avian influenza and other infectious diseases, including $15.5m for Indonesia, $8m for Vietnam and $3m for Pacific states. [19.11.05]

SEMINAR NEXT WEEK ON DELIVERING ADF AEROSPACE CAPABILITY: The next in the series of C3I ‘Defence Watch’ seminars is to be held at the National Press Club in Canberra on Monday, 28th November 2005, and will feature: AVM Clive Rossiter, the DMO's Head of Aerospace Systems Division, speaking on ‘Delivering Aerospace Capability’; Air Commodore Roy McPhail, DG Air Combat Systems, speaking on Project Air 5376 (‘Hornet’ Upgrade); Brigadier Mark Patch, DG Army Aviation Systems, speaking on projects Air 87 (‘Tiger’ ARHs) and Air 9000 (NH90 Troop Lift Helicopters); and Air Commodore Colin Thorne, DG Aerospace Maritime & Surveillance Systems, speaking on Project Air 5276 (AP-3C ‘Orion’ Upgrade). Surf www.c3i.com.au/ASDRegForm2005.pdf for details. [19.11.05]

ORDER FOR ‘BOMBS AWAY’ FOLLOWING AUSMIN UNDERTAKING: A meeting of defence and security ministers from Australia and the United States marking the 20th anniversary of AUSMIN consultations and 54 years of strategic partnership, has concluded with an agreement for the United State to re-commence a regular program of strategic bomber training visits by USAF B-52, B-1 and B-2 aircraft overflying the ‘Delamere’ air weapons range in the Northern Territory and RAAF Base ‘Darwin’. Practice bombing missions are due to commence in the New Year, with aircraft either using the bombing ranges and immediately returning to their overseas bases, or alternatively, landing in Darwin. [18.11.05]

JOINT COMBAT TRAINING CENTRE AGREEMENT STITCHED UP: AUSMIN attendees also welcomed the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding on the Joint Combined Training Centre (Joint Project 2098), which will ultimately see joint Australian and US expenditure to upgrade the instrumentation of existing training facilities at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland to support Exercise ‘Talisman Sabre’ in 2007. Australia and the US first agreed to update the Shoalwater Bay facility at AUSMIN talks in 2004. Consideration is also to be given as to how Australia might interface and support extension of the US Global Peace Operations Initiative into the Asia-Pacific. [18.11.05]

COLLABORATIVE EXERCISES TO LOOK OUT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: With planning now well underway for Exercise 'Talisman Sabre' in 2007, Australia and the US have also signed an historic 'Statement of Environment and Heritage Principles', in Adelaide. The Australian Department of Defence already has in place a comprehensive environmental management regime to ensure major exercises do not have any significant impacts on the environment. As such, the new Statement of Principles will assist Australia and the United States to further improve environmental performance for future combined military exercises. The Commonwealth Department of the Environment & Heritage has also endorsed the Statement of Principles. [18.11.05]

GLOBAL AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS CENTRE SET FOR VICTORIA: BAE Systems (BAES) Australia and the Victorian State Government have announced plans to establishment a global Centre for Autonomous Systems - focusing $36.6m of investment on the rapidly growing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and related systems market. The investment program includes: $15m from BAES to develop its current autonomous systems capability in Australia; $4.8m from Department of Defence Capability and Technology Demonstration (CTD) projects; and $16.8m in new investment by BAES and the Victorian Government to establish new infrastructure, develop export markets and undertake Research and Development (R&D). [18.11.05]

NEW UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE PROPOSALS: BAES Australia confirmed to media the new UAV infrastructure would include: an Autonomous Systems Design & Development Facility and an Autonomous Systems Integration Laboratory (both in Melbourne); and a UAV Flight Testing and Trials Facility at West Sale, in regional Victoria. Establishment of a dedicated facility at West Sale is said to be 'a first for Australia'. Air Services Australia and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority are further said to have recently approved the declaration of airspace around West Sale as a permanent UAV Operations Area, with the facility also be used by UAV-builder, Aerosonde. R&D investment is proposed to focus on: Decentralised Data Fusion; a Future UAV for Reconnaissance & Interdiction (FURI); Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Management System (IMS); and UAV Experimentation System (UES). [18.11.05]

TACTICAL DATA LINK CHOSEN FOR MRH90 HELICOPTER FLEET: Australian Aerospace, a Eurocopter subsidiary, has selected Innovative Concepts' IDM V304(TM) as the tactical data link solution for installation aboard the 12 MRH90 helicopters to be delivered to the ADF under phase 2 of project Air 9000. Eurocopter says the ADF "is designing their Network Centric Warfare (NCW) capabilities around the Variable Message Format (VMF) Message Set, designated as MIL-STD-6017 and the MIL-STD-188-220 Combat Net Radio protocol. (Because it) desires full interoperability with the US Army Aviation platforms, this made IDM Technology the logical choice, as the IDM V304 provides the same robust data communications for US Army aviation platforms including: the AH-64D 'Apache'; the OH-58 'Kiowa Warrior; the CH-47 'Chinook'; and the UH-60 'Blackhawk. So the technology will provide the MRH90 platform with guaranteed interoperability. Innovative Concepts is a wholly owned subsidiary of US-based Herley Industries Inc. [18.11.05]

SIXTH SUCCESSFUL AEGIS BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENCE TEST: The US Missile Defense Agency has a further successful 'Aegis' ballistic missile defence (BMD) 'hit to kill' intercept flight test has been conducted jointly with the US Navy off the coast of Kauai (Hawaii). The test involved for the first time a 'separating' target - meaning the target warhead separated from its booster rocket. This was the sixth successful intercept test in seven flight tests conducted since intercept tests began in 2002. Previous tests were against unitary (non-separating) targets representative of 'SCUD'-type ballistic missiles. The interceptor missile was launched from the USS 'Lake Erie' (CG 70) using an operational version of 'Aegis' BMD Block 2004 configuration, which includes the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block I missile. [18.11.05]

JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER DAS SENSORS BEING TESTED: Northrop Grumman reports it has begun initial flight testing of Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) electro-optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS) sensors, which will ultimately surround the aircraft with a unique protective sphere of situational awareness. Designated the AN/AAQ-37, and consisting of six electro-optical sensors, the full DAS will enhance the F-35's survivability and operational effectiveness by warning the pilot of incoming aircraft and missile threats, providing day/night vision and supporting the navigation function of the F-35's forward-looking infrared sensor. The first complete F-35 electro-optical DAS suite is scheduled to be delivered to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in April 2006, where it will be installed into the JSF Mission Systems Integration Lab and tested with other F-35 mission avionics systems. [18.11.05]

HILL OUTLINES DETAIL OF AUSMIN DISCUSSION AGENDA: Speaking at the State Library in Adelaide, Defence Minister Hill says the 20th Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) meeting envisaged discussing: "the global war against terror, and the part that each of our countries are playing in that fight, and the continuing challenge against (the) proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We will also look at operations in which we’re engaged jointly in Iraq, in Afghanistan and a number of other peacekeeping operations around the world. We’ll look at the bilateral relationship in terms of operations, interoperability, intelligence exchanges, training opportunities (and) missile defence." Although not a specific agenda items, the Senator also envisaged the situation of alleged terrorist, David Hicks, would also be discussed. [17.11.05]

FURTHER DEFINITION FOR ADF ROLE IN PHILIPPINES ASSISTANCE: Senator Hill also confirmed he would be discussion with US Defense Secretary Rumsfeld Australia's position in working with US forces to assist the Philippines in counter-terrorist operations. According to Hill, "there's more we could do to help them in maritime surveillance … they’re interested in developing a Coast Watch capability that’s not dissimilar to ours - using Dash-8 aircraft. So we’ve had a lot of experience in that regard, we’ve provided them with a lot of information already and we’re continuing to talk to them about that." The Government has previously flagged assisting Philippines forces with a small-boat capability to enable them to penetrate marshlands suspected of providing refuges for terrorist interests. [17.11.05]

HOWARD STAYS FIRM ON COUNTER-TERRORISM POLICY: Responding to media questions in regard to a tape discovered in Indonesia by terrorism suspect Noordin Top specifically naming John Howard and Foreign Minister Downer, the Prime Minister has replied, "I don’t think the threat to Australia is going to change markedly over the next few years. We have to accept that in common with a lot of other Western countries, and also countries that wouldn’t regard themselves as Western, we’re going to have to live with a terrorist threat for a lot of years into the future. It is idle to pretend that this is something where we can predict an end date, that is not the nature of the threat - it is not the nature of the enemy against which we are now pitted. If anybody thinks that by pulling out of Iraq tomorrow we would dramatically and markedly reduce the terrorist threat, they don’t understand the mind of terrorists." [17.11.05]

NEW PROCESS MANAGEMENT TOOLS FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Expanding upon their current partnership, Beacon IT Australia and US-based 'Business Engine' have launched a new application entitled 'BEN Method Engine' to assist acquisition project portfolio management. The new BEN product allows organisations to easily deploy methodologies and other home-grown best practice business processes, whilst also supporting a variety of commonly used project management methodologies and frameworks, such as 'PMBOK', 'PMMv2' and 'Prince2' (as used by the Department of Defence). Business Engine serves over 80,000 end-users at global organisations including Boeing, Deutsche Bank, ING, Merrill Lynch, Pfizer, and Siemens. [17.11.05]

WHOLE-OF-LIFE COSTING FOR ASSET MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE: IQPC is to present in Sydney over 22-23 February 2006, its third annual conference on Whole-of-Life Costing for Asset Management. To be held at the Swissotel, the new conference follows a successful event in 2005 and will feature a keynote international case study led by Jennifer Bowles, Lead Operations & Sustainment Cost Analyst for Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Affordability, from the US Department of Defence's NAVAIR division. David Kirkpatrick, Emeritus Professor of Defence Analysis at the Defence Engineering Group of the University College London (and a former UK Ministry of Defence official), will speak on the second day of the conference. Surf www.iqpc.com.au/MaintenanceIQ for details. [17.11.05]

'WHICH BANK' COMMENDED FOR ITS SUPPORT OF RESERVISTS: The Commonwealth Bank has been commended by the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC) for acknowledging the unique requirements of Defence Reservists in its corporate Military Leave Policy. The DRSC provides a link between the Australian Defence Force, employers and the community from which Reservists are drawn, and assists employers with any queries they may have about the employment of Reservists. Under the Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act 2001, employers have a range of obligations towards the Reservists they employ. They are also eligible to claim $991.20 a week for releasing their Reservists, under the Employer Support Payment Scheme, and in aggregated have collected almost $40m since the scheme began in 2001. Surf www.defence.gov.au/drsc for further details. [17.11.05]

US COMMITS TO EVOLUTION & DEVELOPMENT OF 'SHADOW 200' UAV: BAE Systems (BAES) Australia has confirmed that its 'Shadow 200' tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (TUAV) system - offered as a solution to Australia's Joint Project 129 requirement - is set to remain at the forefront of battlefield operations and capability following news the US Army will commit more than US$300m over the next five years to ongoing TUAV system evolution and development. According to BAES’ Stephen Birrell, the 'Shadow 200' is "the only solution offered for JP129/2 to be deployed in a tactical capacity anywhere in the world. It has amassed more than 53,000 flight hours in Iraq alone, resulting in the identification of system enhancements and modifications." BAES Australia is teamed with US-based AAI Corporation and leading Australian SMEs for project JP129. [17.11.05]

AUSTAL FORMALLY OPENS ALABAMA SHIPBUILDING FACILITY: Mobile (Alabama)-based Austal USA has celebrated the grand opening of its new construction facility being brought on-line to build a 127-metre trimaran demonstrator to compete the US Navy's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program. When added to the existing facility, the new construction halls will provide a combined total covered area of 16,500sqm for ship production, roughly quadruple the existing facility. The expansion also adds two large bays (each 41 metres wide) under a common roof for module fabrication/erection and component storage, connected by two mezzanine levels in the centre, and two mezzanines on the outboard sides for shop space, material storage, and small assembly fabrication; two additional launch aprons in front of each bay; a combined wharf (bulkhead) length of 238 metres; and additional overhead cranes capable of lifting 80-ton modules in each bay. [17.11.05]

ANTI-FRATRICIDE SYSTEM APPROVED FOR COST REDUCTION PROGRAM: Raytheon has received a US$5.4m US Army contract to develop and validate methods to reduce the cost of its Battlefield Combat Identification Device (BTID), a millimetre wave system that can prevent 'friendly fire' incidents in combat. Successful results of the new Army program - called Combat Identification Device (CID) Cost Reduction - could ensure BTID's affordability by minimising production, installation and life-cycle costs. The twenty-month effort will focus on reducing all three. BTID is a fratricide avoidance system that identifies friendly force fighting vehicles with more than 99% accuracy. Recently evaluated for use by US and coalition forces during Operation Urgent Quest, BTID is said to have demonstrated its ability to track blue forces in real-time. The ADF is monitoring BTID developments under the auspices of Joint Project 90. [17.11.05]

L-3 DISPLAY SYSTEMS TO SUPPLY JSF COCKPIT DISPLAY: L-3 Communications' Display Systems division has been awarded an SDD contract from Lockheed Martin (LM) Aeronautics to provide the 'panoramic cockpit display' sub-system for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Potential contract value over the life of the F-35 program is over US$200m, with delivery of the first operational aircraft to the armed services scheduled for 2009. L-3 Display Systems is to lead an international 'integrated product development' team that will design, qualify and manufacture the high-resolution, high-brightness, night vision-compatible 20"x 8" active matrix liquid crystal display, and a highly redundant display management computer. Other lead team members include: Logic Sistemi Avionici of Milan (Italy); Aydin Yazilim ve Elektronik Sanayii AS (Turkey); and Philips Mobile Electronics of Heerlen (The Netherlands). [17.11.05]

STORK AEROSPACE TO PRODUCE F135 ENGINE COMPONENTS: Netherlands-based Stork Aerospace and aircraft engine manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney (P&W), have signed a Heads of Agreement for the production development of components for the new P&W F135 jet engine that will power the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The agreement involves new 'high performance machining' technology for titanium components, and is said to represent a breakthrough in titanium machining as an advanced and efficient production technology for aircraft jet engines. The value of the agreement is US$1.25m in the SDD phase, with a potential (but not yet contracted) turnover value of some US$200m through the life of the program. [17.11.05]

AUSSIE 'ABRAMS' SECURES FINAL DELIVERY ORDER: General Dynamics (GD) Land Systems has been awarded the final US$42m delivery order of a $70m foreign military sales (FMS) contract from the US Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command to provide 59 refurbished M1A1 'Abrams' Integrated Management (AIM) tanks to the Australian Army. Under this contract, M1A1's from the US Army inventory will be completely disassembled, overhauled and refurbished to like-new "zero-mileage" condition by existing GD and US Department of Defense employees in Anniston (Alabama), Lima (Ohio), Scranton (Pennsylvania), and Tallahassee (Florida). The 59 M1A1s are scheduled for delivery to the Army in two shipments - in June and December 2006. GD says it will offer Australia the same comprehensive material and logistics support for its tanks that is available to the 'Abrams' fleet world-wide. [16.11.05]

LOCKHEED MARTIN BUILDING ITS AIR COMBAT SIMULATION CAPABILITIES: Lockheed Martin (LM) says two new simulators - set to investigate emerging/future F/A-22 'Raptor' and Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) capabilities - will be added to its existing network-centric laboratory to provide net-enabled air combat simulations for the testing of new capabilities, technologies, interoperability and operational concepts within the framework of the network-centric battlespace. The F/A-22 and F-35 JSF are the first aircraft to combine stealth and supersonic speed with the ability to exchange vast amounts of battlespace-critical data with a wide array of combat assets in the air, on the surface and in space. The new simulators will be linked into the company's Global Vision Network of 28 laboratories and nodes (including LM's Integrated Warfare Development Centre in Fort Worth, Texas), as well as its Centre for Innovation's Global Information Grid (GIG) test bed. [16.11.05]

'RAPTOR' PRODUCTION AUTHORISED TO EXCEED THE CENTURY: Lockheed Martin (LM) has been awarded a US$2.9b Lot 5 F/A-22 'Raptor' fighter production contract by the US Air Force, thus extending aircraft production through to November 2007. The new contract increases the total number of aircraft contracted 107, with 53 aircraft having already been delivered, and 66 having completed final assembly. The USAF is now flying the F/A-22s at four bases across the United States, and is preparing for Initial Operational Capability in December at the 1st Fighter Wing's 27th Fighter Squadron at 'Langley' AFB in Virginia. LM says that through Lot 4, the US-wide production team has achieved 'Lot to Lot' cost reductions greater than 10%. [16.11.05]

TERRORIST FINANCING TYPOLOGIES WORKSHOP HELD IN MALAYSIA: The Minister for Justice & Customs, Senator Chris Ellison, has advised the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) and the South East Asian Regional Centre for Counter Terrorism (SEARCCT), have been conducting in Malaysia this week a high level counter-terrorist financing workshop, which has brought together analysts and 'typologies' experts from financial intelligence units in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Australia. The workshop was conducted under AUSTRAC's four-year South East Asia Counter Terrorism (SEACT) program. The SEARCCT was established in Malaysia in 2003, and focuses primarily on organising training courses, seminars and workshops related to counter-terrorism capacity building for regional authorities in law enforcement, banking and other sectors. [16.11.05]

MASTER AGREEMENT TO SUPPORT AP-3C ORIONS FOR LIFE-OF-TYPE: Tenix Defence Aerospace Division (TDAD) and Australian Aerospace (AA) have signed an AP-3C 'Orion' Master Agreement with the Government to provide innovative capability upgrades and through-life support (TLS) solutions for the RAAF's long-range maritime patrol and strike weapons fleet. Similar to 'Alliance' arrangements currently supporting the 'Anzac' frigates, the new 'P3 Accord' places the Commonwealth, TDAD and AA into a unique risk-sharing contractual arrangement to develop and implement all AP-3C capability upgrades and TLS solutions through to the aircraft’s planned withdrawal date - currently 2015, but likely to be extended to 2025 vide the new 2006-2016 Defence Capability Plan. [16.11.05]

JOINT MANAGEMENT OFFICE TO MANAGE 'ORION' FLEET TO 2025?: The three 'P3 Accord' parties have now established a Joint Management Office (JMO) to supervise all 'Accord' activities. To date, Tenix has been involved in support of the P-3s since the mid ’90s, including the recent EWSP modification, the Air 5276/2A 'Sea Sentinel' program, Electro-Optical capability modification and software, and aircraft integration activities at RAAF Base 'Edinburgh'. Australian Aerospace has been the P-3 fleet deeper maintenance provider since 1993, and was prime integrator for the RNZAF's 'Kestrel' program, which re-winged and substantially extended the life of New Zealand's 'Orion' fleet. [16.11.05]

LOCAL INDUSTRY PLAN TO SUSTAIN MARITIME PATROL/STRIKE FORCE: Tenix and AA will also develop an Industry Plan designed to foster the role of SMEs in providing niche expertise to the AP-3Cs, and a comprehensive workforce development and sustainment program will be established. Key 'Orion' upgrades planned for the next few years include addition of a Lightweight Torpedo (JP 2070) and a new stand-off weapon (Air 5418). Other projects to be jointly implemented under the Accord include: Air 5276/4 - Electronic Warfare Self Protection; Air 5276/5B - Electro-Optics Integration; Air 5276/6 - Data Links; Air 5276/8A&B - ESM Update; MIS 886 - Acoustic Data Collection & Recording System; and MIS 554-P3 - Crash Data Recorder. [16.11.05]

ORIONs TO PROVIDE STOP-GAP TO NCW SURVEILLANCE FORCE: Defence Minister Hill reportedly has before him recommendations for a project to fund at least 12 life-extended (to 2025) AP-3Cs, developed in the aftermath of a 16 May confirmation Australia would not participate up-front in the US Navy's P-8A multi-mission maritime aircraft (MMA) SDD program. The deferral of any MMA commitment is believed to be related to a decision to advance the introduction into ADF service of higher-altitude unmanned aerial reconnaissance vehicles (UAVs), that would progressively combine with the new Air 5077 'Wedgetail' AEW&C aircraft and the Air 6000 F-35 (JSF) fleet to provide a top to bottom intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance function, thus obviating the need to either replace the 'Orion' fleet or commit to the MMA. [16.11.05]

ACQUISITION STUDIES REPORT ON STATUS OF US FORCE DEVELOPMENT: A new round of US Department of Defense selected military program acquisition reports (SARs) has confirmed DD(X) destroyer schedule slips of seven months for SDD (Milestone B) approval to November 2005, and nine months in the 'lead-ship' award date, now planned for January 2006. Of interest to Joint Project 2048, the SAR's confirm the final amphibious ship (LHD-8), currently under construction, is scheduled to be delivered in July 2007, thus potentially opening up an opportunity for US amphibious design/build capability to enter into the now deferred decision on the Royal Australian Navy's amphibious ship choice. A related US Government Accounting Office report has also noted a 26.8% increase in Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program costs - from the initial 2,866 aircraft for US$189.8b, to 2,458 aircraft for $206.3 billion. [16.11.05]

HOWARD FINDS THE HOLE IN SHIFT TO 'EFFECTS-BASED' DEFENCE: Responding on radio to a letter from a 'non-violent' Muslim admitting "in a curious way I'd be a proud father (if) any of my children (committed) acts of terrorism … to defend Islam", Prime Minister Howard has replied, "that is alarming … normally when you are confronting an enemy, that enemy has some instinct for self-survival and you can assume that if that person's life is put at risk he will adjust his behaviour accordingly to preserve it. But when you're dealing with people who are willing to give their own lives in a fanatical cause, the equation alters, and that makes the nature of dealing with terrorism all that much more difficult. That view is abhorrent to me (and) all Australians." [15.11.05]

PRIME MINISTER ON WHIRLWIND TRIP DURING PARLIAMENTARY BREAK: The Prime Minister has confirmed he will depart Australia for Busan (Korea) on 16 November to attend the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting. He will then travel to Pakistan for a bilateral visit (and meeting with President Musharraf), then moving on to Malta for the 18th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on 25-27 November. Howard says the APEC leaders’ meeting "will be an important opportunity to discuss the urgent need for progress in the World Trade Organisation 'Doha' Round. (It) will also be an opportunity to discuss regional responses to the emerging threat of avian and pandemic influenza. We will also build on the practical measures being taken in APEC to confront terrorism." [15.11.05]

NEW TREATIES WITH MALAYSIA TO STRENGTHEN TERRORISM/CRIME NET: During the course of a visit to Kuala Lumpur, Justice & Customs Minister Ellison has signed with the Malaysian Attorney-General, the Hon Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, an Extradition Treaty and a Treaty for Mutual Assistance. Ellison says the two countries "share a common goal in tackling crimes such as terrorism, drug trafficking, fraud, money laundering and people trafficking. The new (Extradition) treaty will bring greater certainty to the extradition relationship between Australia and Malaysia (while) the mutual assistance treaty will enhance the ability of both countries to help each other to investigate and prosecute criminal offences when carrying out search and seizure, serving documents and arranging for witnesses in the other country to give evidence." [15.11.05]

RUDDOCK INITIATES REVIEW OF SEARCH WARRANT DETAILS: Following the release to media of details of police informants assisting with counter-terrorism inquiries as a result of their personal details being listed on search warrants issued to alleged offenders, the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock says, "I have asked for the whole question of what information should be included in search warrants to now be examined, (including) how (information) is provided to the people on whom it's served." The Attorney-General added, "it's not just journalists who might be able to follow up these matters up, it's far more serious than that. There is no doubt that (currently), the information that is provided (on the warrant), if you are prepared to make further inquiries, would reveal the identity of the people involved in potentially providing the information." [15.11.05]

JOINT EXERCISE TO SIMULATE ANZAC SYNTHETIC ENVIRONMENT: On the back of a successful joint exercise with Singapore (Exercise ‘Lion Spirit) to test the capabilities of the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) comprehensive new Defence Synthetic Environment, NZDF officers this week are joining with officers of the Australian Army Simulation Wing to test work being undertaken to establish an ANZAC Synthetic Environment. As such, an activity has been structured to conduct a force-on-force synthetic exercise this week with the objective of building the foundation for future trans-Tasman synthetic exercises. [15.11.05]

'COLLINS' COMBAT UPGRADE RUNNING TO SCHEDULE & COST: Defence Minister Hill says that design and installation of the replacement combat system for the 'Collins'-class submarines (project Sea 1439/4A) and related heavyweight torpedo system (Sea 1429/2), are on schedule and on cost. Hill said the first combat system under the combined $857m investment (2005/06$s) "has been delivered and is currently undergoing integration with Australian components and sensors at HMAS 'Stirling' in WA." HMAS 'Waller' will be the first submarine fitted out with a new combat system, and will be ready to start sea trials in early 2007. [14.11.05]

RUSH FOR CREWS TO MAN INCREASE IN OPERATIONAL SUBMARINES: With a larger 'Collins'-class submarine fleet to crew as a result of the completion of successive upgrades, Defence has confirmed that Australians wanting a career as Naval submariners will soon be able to directly apply to join the Submarine Force, without prior Defence qualifications. Defence Minister Hill says the new initiative "would involve personnel joining the Navy and starting training having already been assigned to the Submarine Force." A stringent selection process is to be used to this end - similar to the process used for recruiting Special Forces as part of the Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme. The Navy is also investigating further creative measures to recruit submariners and promote the Submarine Force. [14.11.05]

NEW COMPUTING STANDARD FOR DEFENCE & HOMELAND SECURITY: Silicon Graphics (SGI) says it has combined industry-standard components and powerful server architecture in a complete redesign of its flagship 'Altix' line of computing platforms. Capable of tailoring hardware to application needs, Altix 4000 servers have been designed for high power computing and database users in technical, scientific and data-intensive commercial markets, including manufacturing, life sciences, energy, research and defence & homeland security. MSC.Software, in collaboration with SGI and Intel, have also developed an integrated solution to streamline the collaborative deployment of virtual product development. [14.11.05]

AUSTRALIAN 'STARLIGHT' CERTIFICATION UNPRECEDENTED: A computer security device developed by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) under its 'Starlight' research program has been granted the highest possible level of security certification by the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) in the United States. It is the first time that any security device has received EAL (Evaluation Assurance Level) 7 certification. The device, known as 'Data Diode', allows operators to access both classified and unclassified networks, such as the Internet, from the same computer without compromising security. [14.11.05]

SUCCESSFUL COMMERCIALISATION OF LOCAL DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY: The DSTO's 'Starlight' technology was subsequently licensed to the Tenix Group, which formed 'Tenix Datagate' to commercialise the products. In addition to the 'Data Diode', NIAP has also awarded a related product - known as a 'keyboard switch' - with EAL5+ certification. Both the keyboard switch and the Data Diode are used widely in Australia by a number of Government departments, including the Australian Defence Organisation and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. [14.11.05]

US NAVY COMMISSIONS LATEST 'ARLEIGH BURKE' DESTROYER: The US Navy has commissioned its latest 'Arleigh Burke'-class guided-missile destroyer, the USS Bainbridge (DDG 96). The ship is the 46th of 62 DDG-51 series of air warfare destroyers currently authorised by the US Congress. The 9,200-ton 'Bainbridge' was built by General Dynamics subsidiary, Bath Iron Works (BIW) in Maine, and has an overall length of 509.5 feet, a waterline beam of 59 feet, and a navigational draft of 33 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots. [14.11.05]

ADBR 'PACIFIC 2006' SPECIAL EDITION EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING DATES: Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) magazine has advised it will be producing a special edition for release at the Pacific 2006 International Maritime Exposition on 31 January 2006. The special edition will feature lead stories on: 'Engineering the AWDs for Australia'; 'Underwater Warfare and Project Sea 4000'; 'Stalking Joint Project 2048 and the Offshore Build Option'; 'Naval Surveillance & the Unmanned/Manned Aerial Vehicle Debate (Air 7000); 'What's Going Wrong with the 'Collins' Submarine Combat System Upgrade' (Sea 1439); and 'Empowering the RAN with the SM-2 and ESSM Missile Systems'. ADBR is seeking to finalise editorial/advertising contributions through to the middle of December, with all materials to be delivered into its Canberra office no later than 13 January 2006. For further details please telephone Lissa Fabbo [+61 (0)2 6260-5944] or email busicom@ozemail.com.au. [14.11.05]

DEADLINES FOR PACIFIC 2006 PRINTED DIAR.com DAILY NEWSLETTER: Following endorsement from the organisers, Defence Industry & Aerospace Report (DIAR.com) will again be providing a daily printed newsletter bringing together all relevant news items generated at the Pacific 2006 International Maritime Exposition being held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre (Darling Harbour) from 31 January 2006 to 3 February 2006. DIAR.com will produce a printed newsletter each business day (Tuesday to Friday) of the exposition, which will be distributed to all stand holders at mid-day on the four substantive trade show days. Inquiries in regards to sponsorship and advertising opportunities for the daily DIAR.com newsletters for distribution at Pacific 2006 should be directed to Lissa Fabbo (02/6260-5944) or email busicom@ozemail.com.au. [14.11.05]

FORWARD DIAR.com PUBLISHING SCHEDULE OVER XMAS BREAK: To align resources for the forthcoming Pacific 2006 International Maritime Exposition in January 2006, and to ensure editorial staff a reasonable holiday break, weekly DIAR.com e-Newsletter production is to be extended for the remainder of the year. The next edition (#47) will be published as at 3 December, to be followed by edition #48, which will be published on 19 December (thus making up the full annual DIAR.com subscription entitlement). A Xmas/New Year wash-up edition will be published on 3 January 2006, with the weekly e-Newsletter publication cycle commencing thereafter. [14.11.05]

NEW AFGHANISTAN DEPLOYMENT TO SET PRT GROUNDWORK: The Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill, has confirmed that three ADF personnel will be deployed to Afghanistan next year as part of the Canadian led Multinational Brigade to be based in Kandahar. The group will deploy for six months, beginning with a move to Canada next week for training prior to joining the Canadian Headquarters in Kandahar - as part of the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The new ADF deployment is designed to build situation awareness of developments in southern Afghanistan at a time the Australian Government is considering its options in terms of committing a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) to Afghanistan next year. ADF staff will be involved in operations, logistics and explosive ordnance management. [13.11.05]

NEXT PSI EXERCISE PLANNED IN APRIL 2006 FOR 'AROUND DARWIN': Australia is to host the next Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) exercise, 'Pacific Protector', which will have its focus on air interdiction, as compared to the usual maritime interdiction - as just practiced in August via Singapore's Exercise 'Deep Sabre' (involving ADF and Customs vessels). To be held around Darwin in April 2006, the 'Pacific Protector' exercise will be the first PSI 'air interdiction' exercise in the region and will also include extensive ground based activities. Through collaboration, PSI supporting nations aim to disrupt and deter illicit shipments of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems and related materials to terrorists and countries of proliferation concern. [13.11.05]

DEFENCE CAPABILITY CUTS SEE FFG FRIGATE DECOMMISSIONED: HMAS 'Canberra' has become the first 'Adelaide'-class guided missile frigate (FFG) to be decommissioned from the Navy after Defence capability cuts announced by the Government in 2003. Launched on 1 December 1978 at the Todd Pacific Shipyard in Seattle (USA), the 'Canberra' is the second of six FFG's to be acquired by the RAN. Defence Minister Hill says the Government has decided to offer the ship to be sunk and used as a future diving attraction off the coast of Australia, in a similar manner to the former Navy vessels 'Swan', 'Perth', 'Hobart' and 'Brisbane'. HMAS 'Canberra' is 138 metres long, displaces 4100 tonnes and had a crew of 210 including helicopter aircrew and maintainers. [12.11.05]

NEW RESERVES BOOST ARMY HEALTH CARE CAPABILITY: Eight new appointments to the Army Reserve, sworn in as medical specialists at Victoria Barracks (Sydney), have been credited to a joint initiative between 1 Health Support Battalion, Defence Force Recruiting and the Army Personnel Agency (Sydney) which functions as a 'one-stop shop' for busy professionals to engage with the Army Reserves. Called a One-Day Module, the program combines all recruitment assessments, Office Selection Board and appointments for selected Army Reserve medical specialists, meaning a much quicker process. The new appointments include surgeons, GPs, anaesthetists, radiologists, and Intensive Care Unit nurses. [12.11.05]

EXTRA DEFENCE CHILDCARE PLACES CONFIRMED FOR 2006: Defence families across Australia are to benefit from an extra 550 child care places in 2006 under a major expansion of the Defence Child Care Program. Six new ABC centres are set to increase the number of dedicated long day care places available to Defence families to 1545 by January next year. Locations that will benefit from the expansion include: ABC Kensington (Sydney) - 64 places; ABC Townsville - 131-places; ABC Riverside Gardens (Townsville) - 100 places; ABC Salisbury North (Adelaide) - 90 places; ABC Smithfield (Adelaide) - 90 places; and ABC Palmerston (Darwin) 75 places. Defence families wishing to apply for positions should call 1800 222 543. [12.11.05]

MCDEVITT MOVES FROM AFP TO BECOME HEAD OF CRIMTRAC: The Minister for Justice & Customs, Senator Chris Ellison, has announced the appointment (for 5 years from 1 January 2006) of Ben McDevitt as the new CEO of CrimTrac - the national law enforcement support agency which assists Australian police services through forensic science, information technology and communications advances. McDevitt is currently the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Assistant Commissioner - National Manager Counter-Terrorism. Prior to that he headed Australia’s law enforcement assistance to the Solomon Islands by performing the dual roles of Commander of the Participating Police Force, and Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police. [11.11.05]

COUNTER-MANPADS SYSTEM TAKES FIRST COMMERCIAL FLIGHT: BAE Systems (BAES) reports it has achieved first flight of its laser-based infrared countermeasures system on a commercial airliner. The subject missile protection system, called 'Jeteye', is currently installed and being flight tested on a Boeing 767 aircraft, and has had its design based on the Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures (ATIRCM) system, developed to protect military aircraft. BAES is partnered with American Airlines Maintenance and Engineering Services, which provided the Boeing 767 test aircraft, as well as engineering services for system installation, operations and support. [11.11.05]

FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR CONTAINERISED AIR CARGO SCREENING: US-based L-3 Communications' Security and Detection Systems subsidiary (working with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology), has received a US$4.8m contract from the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to conduct a feasibility study to determine the effectiveness of neutron resonance radiography (NRR) for containerised air cargo explosives screening. The NRR project uses an accelerator to generate neutrons, which are passed through objects at different energies, providing the ability to perform elemental differentiation to identify explosives. By analysing how the neutrons behave as they pass through materials at multiple energies, the resulting data can determine whether explosives are present. [11.11.05]

ALL EYES ON ADELAIDE FOR AIR WARFARE DESTROYER PROGRAM: South Australia has been selected to establish the new $30m Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Systems Centre, assisted by the promise of a $10m assistance package from the South Australian government. The new Centre will create up to 200 additional jobs in state, and will become the central point for managing the design schedule, budgets and work breakdown structures of the Sea 4000 shipbuilding project. Explaining the Government's decision, Defence Minister Hill said "the advantage of basing the centre in Adelaide is the proximity to the shipbuilder ASC, and also to the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), which is providing the key system integration laboratories." [10.11.05]

AWD EXPERTISE CONSOLIDATION THREATENS INTERSTATE SUPPLIERS: Senator Hill further confirmed the new AWD Systems Centre hub would include representatives from the AWD Alliance Partners - the Commonwealth, ASC, Raytheon and Gibbs & Cox. He added it was "also expected to include Lockheed Martin and the US Navy (supporting the 'Aegis' combat system). The centre may also carry out integrated logistics support, test and evaluation, training and crew preparation." Seeking to quell concerns that consolidation of AWD design skills will rob established capabilities in other States, Hill said, "specific design projects will be carried out where they can be done most economically and productively, with systems nodes expected to be created in Sydney (for combat system design work) and Melbourne (for ship design work)." [10.11.05]

LABOUR MOVES TO VALIDATE AWD DECISIONS WITH NEW INQUIRY: As AWD Alliance partners collectively moved to publicly congratulate the Government for its Systems Centre decision, the Opposition successfully secured a referral to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee to undertake an inquiry into Naval Shipbuilding. Opposition Defence Spokesperson, Mark Bishop, emphasised that in regard to both the air warfare destroyer and new amphibious ship projects, it was critical for future defence needs that these projects included "a degree of self reliance when it comes to (the) maintenance of our fleet in Australia. Building ships locally or overseas are economic options to be analysed and rigorously tested." [10.11.05]

GOVERNMENT TO FINANCE BUNGENDORE HQ FROM ITS OWN POCKET?: The high profile Joint Operations Command headquarters - proposed to be constructed under a private financing (PPP) arrangement - is said to have been undermined by the withdrawal of Macquarie Bank as the adviser on the PPP project. According to Opposition Defence Spokesperson, Mark Bishop, "tenders have now been recalled following a down-sizing of the project - allegedly the result of initial prices exceeding the budget estimate of $318m." Baulderstone/Hornibrook, Leighton Contractors and Multiplex are said by Bishop to have been asked to re-tender for a smaller project following a Defence review of management levels and staff required to populate the Joint Project 8001 headquarters. Defence Minister Hill is further said to have conceded at Estimates Committee hearings that no Commonwealth funding was available to upgrade roads in NSW and the ACT serving the new headquarters. [10.11.05]

POST-GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS SEEK SMARTS FOR DEFENCE EDGE: The Secretary of the Department of Defence and Chief of the Defence Force have awarded two post graduate research scholarships to: Peter Barger - who will undertake research focusing on speaker verification technologies that will identify individuals through the distinctive characteristics of their voice; and Wing Commander Darcy Brooker - for his research into the impact of the human dimension in strategic decision making. Each year the Secretary of Defence and CDF award full‑time study scholarships for Defence-related postgraduate research for a period of 12 months. The awards are designed to encourage and support the professional development of Defence personnel through sponsorship of innovative research that will complement other initiatives to promote Defence as a leading edge knowledge organisation. [10.11.05]

AUSTRALIAN FIRMS EXHIBITING AT I/ITSEC TECHNOLOGY SHOW: Australian-based Harvest Road has confirmed it will be exhibiting at I/ITSEC training and simulation show in Orlando (Florida) along with collaborative partners, Boeing Australia and the Australian Department of Education Science and Training (DEST). The group will be demonstrating the use of repositories to share content between SCORM training modules and S1000D technical publications based on authoritative data sources. The demonstration assembles Boeing’s authoritative source content and metadata schema in the HarvestRoad 'Hive' digital repository - which enables content authors, trainers and technical writers to re-use components of authoritative source data across suites of publications and training courses. HarvestRoad provides product into the education, training and defence communities. [10.11.05]

TAX CHIEF TO TAKE OVER CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION: Justice & Customs Minister Ellison has confirmed the current Commissioner of the Australian Taxation Office, Michael Carmody, will become the new Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Customs Service for a 5-year term beginning 1 January 2006. Carmody will replaces Lionel Woodward, whose decade-long term as CEO of Customs ends on 31 December 2005. Ellison says in addition to its more traditional responsibilities, "the Australian Customs Service is more than ever charged with the task of securing our borders from the threat of terrorism and transnational crime." [10.11.05]

SEDITION (AND OTHER) OFFENCES SET FOR COMMITTEE REVIEW: During the course of his second reading speech on the Anti-Terrorism Bill (No.2) 2005, the Attorney-General (Philip Ruddock), has reiterated his commitment to conducting a departmental review of Australia's sedition offences. To this effect, Ruddock cited his 12 October establishment of a Security Legislation Review Committee to be chaired by the Hon Simon Sheller, a recently retired NSW Supreme Court Judge. According to the Attorney-General, and as required by the Security Legislation Amendment (Terrorism) Act 2002, "the review will focus on the existing counter-terrorism laws, however, it might be possible for other matters to be referred to that review." [10.11.05]

DEFENCE SECURITY TRAINING PROGRAM AT MARIBYRNONG FACILITY: Defence Force personnel are to undertake a military training course within Melbourne's Maribyrnong Defence Facility from 10-22 November, as part of a program to ensure the military's ability to deal with security-related incidents is well practiced. The training will be conducted during normal working hours and at night, with soldiers using blank and simulated ammunition, as well as simulated grenades. Defence accordingly advises the exercise "will result in loud explosive sounds, which are likely to be heard by local residents living in the areas surrounding the Maribyrnong Defence Facility." The training is designed to teach soldiers various techniques required to operate in urban areas. [10.11.05]

VIDEO EVIDENCE LEGISLATION TO HELP TRY COUNTER-TERRORISTS: The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, says the legislation just passed by Parliament will enhance continuing efforts to combat terrorism by assisting the prosecution of terrorism and related offences. The Law and Justice Legislation Amendment (Video Link Evidence and Other Measures) Act 2005 creates new video link evidence provisions in the Crimes Act 1914 so that, wherever possible, important evidence from overseas witnesses unable to travel to Australia can be put before the court using video link technology. The Bill also makes complementary changes to the Foreign Evidence Act 1994 to facilitate the use of foreign material as evidence in proceedings for terrorism and related offences. [10.11.05]

ON-LINE INFORMATION SERVICE SET UP FOR DEFENCE FAMILIES: The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, De-Anne Kelly, has launched a new Defence Families of Australia (DFA) website to help Defence Force families contribute to policy and conditions of service development. DFA - an independent organisation - was formed in 1986 to officially represent the views of Defence families to the Government, and the ADF's senior leadership group. Kelly says the new DFA website now gives members and national delegates "easier access to information and the facility to lodge contributions and suggestions on-line. DFA gives ADF families a formally recognised 'voice' in the development of departmental policies, procedures and military conditions of service entitlements. This advocacy role is very important and the Government values the views and contributions of DFA members." [10.11.05]

SMALL DIAMETER BOMB BEGINS OPERATIONAL TESTING: Two months after development flight testing ended, the US Air Force says it has recently begun eight months of operational testing of Boeing's Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) at 'Eglin' AFB, in Florida. The SDB entered low-rate initial production last April, and Boeing has received a Lot 2 contract from the Air Force for US$38.3m to produce 567 additional SDBs and 140 carriages. The all-weather and 60 nautical mile stand-off range SDB is compatible with every US fighter and bomber aircraft. At 71 inches long, the 250-pound weapon quadruples the number of weapons each aircraft can carry, and will first be deployed on the F-15E 'Strike Eagle' in 2006. [10.11.05]

BATH IRON WORKS SUSTAINS DDG-51 DESTROYER LEAD: The US Navy has awarded Bath Iron Works (BIW) - a subsidiary of General Dynamics - a US$12m contract to provide ongoing Lead Yard Services for the DDG 51 'Arleigh Burke'-class 'Aegis' destroyer program. Since 1987, BIW has supplied program management, engineering and design support for DDG 51 ships under the Lead Yard Services Program. Since 1991, BIW has manufactured and delivered 25 DDG 51’s to the US Navy. Six additional ships are currently under construction in Bath, and three more are under contract for delivery by 2010. [10.11.05]

HIGH POWERED LASER TEST MARKS DAWN OF NEW WEAPONS: A high-energy, solid-state laser developed by Northrop Grumman for the US military is said to have fired one of the most powerful beams yet produced by an electric laser - more than 27 kW with a run time of 350 seconds. The company says it has now surpassed the power and run time requirements of the Joint High Power Solid-State Laser (JHPSSL) Phase 2 demonstration program, a military effort to leap frog speed-of-light technology. In a separate test, the laser reportedly demonstrated a focusable beam quality at 19 kW. The JHPSSL program was funded by the USAF Research Laboratory at 'Kirtland' AFB in New Mexico, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense - Joint Technology Office, in Albuquerque. [10.11.05]

'PHALANX' BLOCK 1B TO PROTECT NEW FLEET OF AMPHIBIOUS SHIPS: Raytheon's 'Phalanx' Block 1B Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) has been selected to provide the ship self-defence capabilities for the US Navy's new LHA 6-class amphibious assault warship. The Block 1B weapon contains a fully integrated radar/infrared surveillance and tracking sensor suite, which provides for both automatic (or manual) acquisition and the tracking of enemy threats. It is designed to protect crews and their ships against an increased number of threats, including: small, fast gunboats; standard & guided artillery; rotary- and fixed-winged aircraft; mines and a wide variety of anti-ship missiles. More than 895 'Phalanx' systems have so far been built and deployed in the navies of 22 nations. [10.11.05]

ADF MEDICAL TEAM READYING FOR PAKISTAN DEPLOYMENT: Prime Minister Howard has announced an ADF medical team of up to 140 personnel is to be deployed to Pakistan for up to 90 days to provide vital health care assistance to those affected by the recent earthquake. In the next few days, the team will travel by RAAF B-707 and C-130s to a base at Dhanni, about 20km north east of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan. The ADF team will not be armed and security will be provided by the Pakistan Defence Force. Four 'Black Hawk' helicopters will accompany the team to operate from a central medical facility to be established in Dhanni. [09.11.05]

HOTLINE GETS AUSSIES REPORTING ON SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES: The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, says a significant increase in calls to the national security hotline in the past 24 hours "has again demonstrated the willingness of the Australian public to assist authorities in their investigations into terrorist activity." The Hotline is said to have received 240 calls to the previous midnight, with 187 calls providing information about potentially suspicious activity. Some 96 calls had been received as of midday (9 November), 79 of which provided information from the public. Ruddock added, "significantly, close to 80% of yesterday's calls were to provide information about suspicious activities." More than 64,000 calls have been received since the hotline was established in December 2002. [09.11.05]

RAAF TO UPGRADE C-130 'HERCULES' TACTICAL TRAINING CAPABILITY: CAE has been awarded a $12m (C$11m) contract to provide a Tactical Training Capability Upgrade to RAAF 'Hercules' transport training systems. Existing C-130J/C-130H full flight simulators are to be enhanced, including the addition of an off-board instructor operator station linking both devices. The visual system on both simulators will also be upgraded to CAE's 'Medallion-S', with a common synthetic tactical environment significantly enhancing mission and tactical training capabilities. The C-130H simulator will also be equipped with a navigator station in the cockpit to allow full flight crew training. The upgrade was contracted using the existing Management and Support of ADF Aerospace Simulators (MSAAS) contract, which CAE was awarded in 2003. [09.11.05]

FEDERAL POLICE TO JOIN DEFENCE FORCE PERSONNEL IN SUDAN: Ten Australian Federal Police (AFP) personnel are to be deployed for peacekeeping to the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) for an initial period of 18 months. The AFP contribution forms part of the Government’s humanitarian response, which earlier (May) saw 15 Defence Force specialists (including air-movement and logistics support personnel and military observers) deployed to UNMIS - established 24 March under UN Security Council Resolution 1590. UNMIS' role is to support implementation of January 2005's Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Sudanese Government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, which ended the long-running north/south civil war. [09.11.05]

MORE ADACEL TECHNOLOGY FOR THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE: Melbourne-based Adacel reports that under a $2m (US$1.6+m) purchase agreement, it will supply the USAF with Precision Approach Radar (PAR) simulation and training capability for deployment in 90 existing tower simulator systems (TSS) in operation throughout the world. The contract task is to integrate a voice controlled module capable of training controllers on all aspects of PAR skills and techniques without the use of pseudo pilots. The PAR simulator will also supply the comprehensive set of phraseology necessary to provide control instructions to aircraft conducting various PAR and Airport Surveillance Radar Approaches. [09.11.05]

NEW KIWI DEFENCE 'BROOM' LOOKING FOR NEW MILITARY CHIEFS: The process for selecting a new Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force and chiefs of the NZ Army and Air Force will begin this month, says newly appointed NZ Defence Minister, Phil Goff. He adds, "the Chief of NZ Defence Force, Air Marshal Bruce Ferguson, had advised me that his contract, and those of the Chief of Army, Major General Jerry Mateparae, and the Chief of Air Force, Air Vice Marshal John Hamilton, end in February next year, and that succession planning should now commence. The appointments process will be professional and merit-based, and overseen by the State Services Commissioner and the government." [09.11.05]

WORK PACKAGES RESOLVED FOR RNZAF B757 TRANSPORT UPGRADE: Singapore Technologies Aerospace has confirmed that its US facility, ST Mobile Aerospace Engineering (MAE), has been awarded a US$38m (S$65m) contract by the NZ Ministry of Defence involving conversion and avionics upgrades for two RNZAF Boeing 757-200 transports. Targeting to induct the first aircraft in October 2006, MAE will convert the aircraft from an all passenger arrangement to a configuration that allows the carriage of passengers/freight/mixed passengers & freight, VIPs and Evacuation under a Boeing-licensed Special Freighter supplemental type certificate originally developed for DHL aircraft. Completion of the program is expected to take about two years. [09.11.05]

MMA PRELIMINARY DESIGN REVIEW CONCLUDED WITHOUT AUSTRALIA: Boeing and the US Navy concluded In Seattle last week a successful P-8A Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) Preliminary Design Review (PDR). Although nine items have been identified for action before the PDR can be considered officially "closed" or complete, review participants are nevertheless said to have "deemed it a success". The P-8A, a B737-800-based aircraft, is destined to ultimately replace the P-3C 'Orion' in USN and allied fleets. Whilst its primary mission is to provide persistent anti-submarine warfare, the aircraft will also contribute to anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance warfighting capabilities, as defined in the 'Sea Shield' and 'FORCEnet' elements of the Navy's Sea Power 21 program. MMA Critical Design Review is scheduled for 2007. [09.11.05]

ASC ANNUAL REPORT MARKS TRANSITION TO DESTROYER BUILDER: ASC Pty Ltd (formerly the Australian Submarine Corporation) has reported a 2004/05 consolidated annual profit of $16.2m ($16.1m in 2003/04), after provision for income tax expense of $4.4m on revenue of $299.3m ($222.9m in the previous year). ASC declared its principal activity as "the design, engineering, upgrading and maintenance of six submarines for the Royal Australian Navy", although after being selected as preferred shipbuilder for project Sea 4000, the company is set to make a major transition to a DDF-51 'Arleigh Burke'-derivative air warfare destroyer builder. [08.11.05]

SUBMARINE REPAIR REVENUE PROVIDES STEADY BASE FOR SALE: With close to $2 billion of direct revenue (net of payments to sub-contractors) set to accrue to the 100% Government-owned ASC over the next thirteen years, the Government is moving to appoint tenders to undertake a scoping study (for completion in early-2006), to pave the way for the sale of the company. ASC in 2004/05 was into its second year of a long-run contract to support the 'Collins' submarine fleet, thus stabilising revenue in the period running up to the commencement of an AWD build contract. Total dividends paid back to the Government were $9.7m in 2004/05, and $5m in 2003/04. [08.11.05]

PRESCOTT CROWS OVER DESTROYER BUILD TENDER SUCCESS: ASC Chairman, John Prescott, explains in the 2004/05 annual report the key elements of the company's success in its AWD build tender, including: achieving cultural change from an adversarial contractor to a committed service delivery partner; organically growing ASC's high-end skills; focusing on customer outputs; transitioning to a submarine 'designer'; stabilising the company’s underlying submarine maintenance business; and establishing alliances with world-leading capability partners. Prescott further notes, "achieving our strategy was only possible due to the sustained contribution of ASC's management and staff." [08.11.05]

HOWARD SPEAKS TO MEDIA AFTER COUNTER-TERRORISM RAIDS: Speaking to media after counter-terrorism raids in Melbourne and Sydney overnight, Prime Minister Howard has said, "this country has never been immune from a possible terrorist attack. That remains the situation today and it will be the situation tomorrow. It’s important that we continue to mobilise all of the resources of the Commonwealth and the States to fight terrorism. That is my commitment and it will be my commitment in cooperation with the Premiers of the various States. The proper processes of the law will (now) be followed - the people charged are entitled to a presumption of innocence, and the less that is said about operational details by me and by others in political positions the better." [08.11.05]

NAVY GATHERS FOR EXERCISES OFF WESTERN AUSTRALIAN COAST: Ships, submarines and aircraft from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force will gather in the WA exercise area off the coast of Perth between 7 and 25 November 2005 to participate in two consecutive exercises. The Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise 2005 (ASWEX-05) will run 7-18 November, while the Principle Warfare Officers' (PWO) Sea Assessment Week will run 21-25 November. The latter aims to complete the training and provide an assessment for ten officers on the RAN's PWO's Course. [08.11.05]

NEXT USAF 'GLOBAL HAWK' PRODUCTION RUN APPROVED: The US Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a US$60m contract to begin production of the next five RQ-4B 'Global Hawk' high altitude unmanned aerial reconnaissance systems. The new contract allows the company to start purchasing long-lead air vehicle parts, enhanced integrated sensor suites (for four of the air vehicles), one mission-control element, and one launch-and-recovery element. Production of the hardware for the five new air vehicles is expected to begin late this year, with assembly starting next year. The RQ-4B is designed to carry a 3,000 pound payload, 50% more than the original RQ-4A configuration. [08.11.05]

DEFENCE STILL UP TO ITS NECK IN FINANCIAL AUDIT QUALIFICATIONS: The 2004/05 Department of Defence Annual Report, outlining expenditures of $18.2 billion dollars, has continued to attract a series of qualifications by the Auditor-General, on top of admissions by Defence Secretary Smith and Acting Chief Finance Officer, Ken Moore, that financial accounting uncertainties within the Department mean the 2004/05 Annual Report has breached the requirements of Section 48 of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997. The total value of General Stores, Explosive Ordnance; Repairable Items; Infrastructure/P&E; and Leave Provisions uncertainties for 2004/05 is said to be $6.9 billion. [07.11.05]

MATERIEL ACQUISITIONS CLAIM SUCCESS PRIOR TO AGENCY PRESCRIPTION: The 2004/05 Defence Annual Report also marks the last point in Defence capability acquisition management running up to full prescription (and separation from the mainstream Department) of the Defence Material Organisation (DMO) on 1 July 2005. The report claims during the year the DMO "attained a number of significant achievements in delivering materiel on time, on schedule and to the required ADF capability, safety and quality standards." In particular, project Schedule performance is claimed to have 'significantly improved' over the previous year, with a comparison of the 'Top 20' projects indicating that slippage has reduced from 20% to 12% - a figure claimed to be "approaching private sector best practice (typically around 10%)." [07.11.05]

TENIX DEFENCE BUILDS UP ITS LOG OF TECHNOLOGY QUALIFICATIONS: Tenix's Defence Aerospace Division reports it has met the requirements of the US Software Engineering Institute’s (SEI) Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level 2 rating. The rating was achieved via an independent evaluation of the division’s engineering, software development and project management processes, and recognises the use of best practices in all these areas. Aerospace Division General Manager, Gerard Velayuthen, says the CMMI Level 2 rating "is just the first step, we are well into the planning for achieving the next level.” The Aerospace Division also holds ISO9001:2000 certification; AEO Certifications; and Australian Department of Defence certification for Earned Value Management. [07.11.05]

EUROPEAN AIR WORTHINESS CERTIFICATION FOR HAWKER PACIFIC: Hawker Pacific reports it has had European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification Part 145 Certification applied to its new maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Cairns, encompassing the activities of subsidiary Australian Avionics, as well as its well-established MRO component support facility at Archerfield, in Brisbane. The EASA Part 145 certification follows a substantial audit of the company’s Queensland facilities by the French DCAG, which resulted in positive recommendations to EASA in September 2005. Hawker Pacific's achievement is the first Part 145 Certificate in Australia to be secured that is not an upgrade/conversion from a Joint Aviation Authorities Certificate. [07.11.05]

BROADBAND TELEPHONY BEING EXTENDED TO DEFENCE COMMUNITY: Through an exclusive agreement with the Connecting the Community Program (CTCP) - a private sector initiative delivering welfare support and communications infrastructure to communities from all corners of Australia - Australian broadband phone company, 'engin' is to provide Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services to Australian defence personnel and their families based in Australia. The new service will work through CTCP’s ‘Stand-to’ project, which provides a range of services sourced from corporate Australia to enhance the quality of living for today’s ADF. The 'engin' service will allow Army, Navy and Air Force personnel across Australia to stay in contact with colleagues, friends and family locally, nationally and abroad at low cost rates facilitated by VoIP. [07.11.05]

AMITY & COOPERATION ANGUISH QUASHED VIA COMMITTEE REPORT: The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has tabled a report (No.68) recommending that Australia ratify the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), which will enable Australia to attend the first meeting of the East Asia Summit in December, in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). The Committee's favourable recommendation came after it had heard evidence the treaty will not affect Australia's relationship with states outside Southeast Asia, and its obligations under other bilateral or multilateral agreements such as the ANZUS Treaty and the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA). [07.11.05]

CONDOLENCES FOR SPECIAL FORCES MEMBER LOST IN THE MEAO: Defence Minister Hill has joined the Chief of Defence Force and the men and women of the ADF in expressing sadness at news of the death of a Special Forces soldier during a training incident in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO). Warrant Officer Class 2 David Russell Nary, from the SAS Regiment, was killed yesterday after being struck by a vehicle whilst participating in a training activity. His colleagues are reported to have administered immediate first aid, however Nary died on location. [07.11.05]

DEFENCE LASER RESEARCH EFFORT READY TO DAZZLE AGGRESSORS: A laser technology being developed by the USAF Research Laboratory at 'Kirtland' AFB in New Mexico is reportedly set to become the first man-portable, non-lethal deterrent weapon for protecting troops and controlling hostile crowds. The dual-wavelength laser system, described as the Personnel Halting and Stimulation Response (PhaSR), temporarily impairs aggressors by illuminating (or dazzling) individuals. A further prototype of the PhaSR will include the addition of an eye-safe range finder, and is planned for completion in March 2006. [07.11.05]

EADS TESTS EUROPEAN HIGH-SPEED UAV DEMONSTRATOR: EADS Military Aircraft reports it has concluded the successful first flight of a high-speed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) demonstrator call 'CARAPAS' (or CApacité drone RAPide AntileurreS). The aim of the flight was to check the system functions, the operating procedures and the technical installations. By carrying two payloads in the form of a movable electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) device working in conjunction with electronic spectrum measurement (ESM), the CARAPAS system is said to represent a world innovation realised on a high-speed tactical UAV. [07.11.05]

SINGAPORE DECIDES TO UPGRADE ITS SUBMARINE FLEET: The Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is to buy two 'Vastergotland'-class submarines from Sweden, to enter service from 2010 and replacing existing Royal Singapore Navy 'Challenger'-class submarines. The contract for the new submarine acquisition was signed between MINDEF and Kockums AB (part of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems). Currently in service with the Royal Swedish Navy, the 'Vastergotland'-class submarines will be transferred to Singapore upon completion of a modernisation program involving their conversion for operation in tropical waters. [07.11.05]

DIAR.com PRINTED NEWSLETTER AT PACIFIC 2006 MARITIME EXPOSITION: Following endorsement from the organisers, Defence Industry & Aerospace Report (DIAR.com) will again be providing a daily printed newsletter bringing together all relevant news items generated at the Pacific 2006 International Maritime Exposition being held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre (Darling Harbour) from 31 January to 3 February 2006. DIAR.com will produce a printed newsletter each business day (Tuesday to Friday) of the exposition, which will be distributed to all stand holders by mid-day. Inquiries in regard to daily newsletter sponsorship, back-page advertising or story placement arrangements should be initially directed to Lissa Fabbo (02/6260-5944) or emailed to busicom@ozemail.com.au. Pacific 2006 standholders looking to secure coverage in the pre-show electronic edition of DIAR.com should email their copy to busicom@ozemail.com.au by COB Wednesday, 25 January 2006. During the course of the Pacific 2006 exposition, standholders should drop printed releases into the DIAR.com stand by 3.30pm each day. [07.11.05]

NEW LAWS TO PUT THE MILITARY ON THE STREETS: The Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill, has confirmed the Government will introduce new legislation for the ready deployment of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) on city streets in the aftermath of a major terrorist attack or warning of imminent threat. Hill says current Defence Act call-out provisions have been found to be cumbersome, so – on the strength of a review undertaken last year – new provisions will be introduced into Parliament prior to Xmas in the hope that, after debate, they will pass early in the new year and in time for the March Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. [06.11.05]

DEFENCE ACT CALL-OUT DIFFICULT TO USE AND QUITE LIMITED: Senator Hill said the current Defence Act call-out provisions were limited to a particular terrorist site, adding “what might happen is a threat (might be) moving. (The current provisions) are very limited in terms of maritime threats - from the sea – and very limited in terms of an air threat. They’re (also) very restrictive in terms of the use of the Reserves. If there is an event that is beyond the capability of the civil authority (the Police) to handle, we want to be able to use the ADF flexibly and effectively to protect the lives of Australian people.” [06.11.05]

ARMY HNA SUBMISSION STILL TO CLEAR CABINET SCRUTINY: Turning to proposals to harden & network (HNA) Australia’s land forces, and prospectively increase the size of the Army by 1400 soldiers, Hill told media “we’ve invested a lot of money and a lot of effort in HNA so far, (and) we believe the Army will need to continue to grow a little to become heavier in terms of the protection of its troops. Those sorts of reforms and the money that’s involved in such reforms, certainly, will be needed to be considered by Cabinet in the not too distant future.” [06.11.05]

HILL NOT JUMPING SHIP FOR NEW YORK AMBASSADOR POST JUST YET: Turning to speculation that the Senator will shortly vacate his position as Leader of the Government in the Senate (and Minister for Defence) for the post of UN Ambassador in New York, Hill stated, that’s “a decision for the Prime Minister. I’m very happy with what I’ve got now, I’m enjoying the Senate job with my majority of one, which is an interesting new challenge. We’ve got a great deal of work in the Senate before now and Xmas, and that’s where my focus of attention is.” [06.11.05]

OPPOSITION SPROUTS ON RISE IN DEFENCE PERSONNEL WASTAGE: Picking up on the Government’s response to Senate Question 1095, the Opposition says wastage of manpower through medical discharge in 2003/04 cost the ADF 748 trained and skilled personnel - an increase of almost 9% on the previous year. Medical discharges now comprise 14% of all discharges – currently running at 10% of the total ADF complement. In the Navy, 35% of discharges were for mental disorders. This wastage, says the Opposition, “entails an enormous cost in lost manpower, lost skill, costs of recruitment and training to replace them – not to mention the cost of compensation and incapacity pay, liability for which currently stands at $452m. The cost of military compensation in 2005/06 is estimated at $130m.” [06.11.05]

REFORMED DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE FULL OF ‘GIFTED AMATEURS’: A new edition of the ADBR-Entrepreneur (ADBR-E) e-Newsletter has examined observations and recommendations made within the Kokoda Foundation's inaugural research paper on 'Preparing Australia's Defence for 2020: Transformation or Reform'. ADBR-E looks in particular at the Foundation's insights into the current state of Defence reform programs, and its assessment as ineffective many of the major Department of Defence reforms advanced by the Howard Government since 1996. This edition is complemented with an update of ADBR-E's 'Top 30 Defence Projects' review, and comments on the success or otherwise of DMO efforts to improve its record of delivery on major military acquisitions, as measured by Earned Value Management (EVM) criteria. Email busicom@ozemail.com.au for a sample copy of this ADBR-E edition. [05.11.05]

WHOLE-OF-LIFE COSTING FOR ASSET MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE: IQPC is to present in Sydney over 22-23 February 2006, its third annual conference on Whole-of-Life Costing for Asset Management. To be held at the Swissotel, the new conference follows a successful event in 2005 and will feature a keynote international case study led by Jennifer Bowles, Lead Operations & Sustainment Cost Analyst for Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Affordability, from the US Department of Defense's NAVAIR division. David Kirkpatrick, Emeritus Professor of Defence Analysis at the Defence Engineering Group of the University College London (and a former UK Ministry of Defence official), will speak on the second day of the conference. Surf www.iqpc.com.au/MaintenanceIQ for details. [05.11.05]

TELSTRA INVESTMENT IN KAZ PAYS OFF WITH $200M IT CONTRACT: Defence has signed up Telstra-owned KAZ Technology Services to provide Central Office Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services under a 5-year deal, and estimated to be worth $200m. KAZ is to deliver remote support to 90,000 desktops across 325 Defence sites throughout Australia, and will recruit more than 200 staff to work with ADF members and Boeing Australia from Defence facilities in Canberra. Elements of the new KAZ service are to include: 24/7 management of Defence's 'Restricted' and 'Secret' networks; ICT infrastructure management across Defence's Central Office functions; significantly enhanced Service Levels, particularly in relation to service desk and resolving service problems; and enhanced support during peak periods, throughout the year. [04.11.05]

FRACAS OVER INCREASING RATE OF ADF MEDICAL DISCHARGES: The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, De-Anne Kelly, says the Opposition is wrong to link the number of medical discharges from the ADF to the war commitment in Iraq. She says, "the temporary trend of increased medical discharges results from Defence's emphasis on deployability. As a responsible employer, Defence must have members fit for deployment both for the member's own safety and the safety of others. Those who cannot reach the necessary medical standards are given the option of moving to another trade or Service. Medical discharge is the last option and is necessary to ensure safety and deployability. Those who are medically discharged are given the opportunity to rehabilitate through the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the new Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act provisions." [04.11.05]

FEDERAL POLICE NUMBERS TOO LOW AT 2400 TO COUNTER TERROR: Speaking in response to criticism Australian Federal Police numbers are too low to effectively counter terrorist threats, the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, says "we are putting very considerable resources into the counter terrorism program. I think we are over the $5.6 billion mark with commitments that have been made, and when you are about resourcing organisations that are involved in the counter terrorism initiative, the skills that you need are not generally available in the Australian community - they have to be developed. We are moving to increase the size of our security agency ASIO - we have flagged that it will go from 900 to 1800, but there are speed limits." [04.11.05]

NO COMMENT, BUT YES, WE KNEW OF OMAR AL-FAROUQ ESCAPE: Asked by media to comment on the escape from US custody in Afghanistan of al Qaeda leader, Omar Al-Farouq, the Attorney-General has stated, "I am not able to comment on advice that we receive in relation to these matters, but I would simply say that we do have very close relationships with the United States, we exchange information in relation to sensitive security issues, and we continue to do so." Asked to make an assessment on Al-Farouq's potential to re-energise al Qaeda, Ruddock replied, "I am concerned when anybody escapes lawful custody." Calling for one last media question, he declined to enter into any further debate as to whether the subject US military base detention in Afghanistan was lawful. [04.11.05]

DEFENCE JOURNALISTS TO SKATE ON MUCH THINNINER ICE?: Speaking to media at the conclusion of a meeting of the Standing Committee of Attorneys General in Sydney, Federal Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock has said in relation to contempt action in the County Court in Victoria against journalists McManus and Harvey, "I have asked the Solicitor‑General of the Commonwealth, David Bennett, to seek leave to appear in the contempt proceedings as a friend of the Court. The Government is of the view that reform to evidence laws is necessary to ensure that confidential sources, including journalists’ sources are properly protected. We believe that ought to occur generally, with some discretion to not exempting national security questions, matters that might impact upon a budget, and matters that might impact upon the prosecution of criminal trials. We have asked the Court in this case to exercise its discretion to dismiss the charges against McManus and Harvey." [04.11.05]

SLAMRAAM COMPLETES TWO FULL SYSTEM REVIEWS: Raytheon's surface launched advanced medium range air-to-air missile (SLAMRAAM) program has received the go-ahead to continue further software build and fire unit development after conducting a successful system/software requirements review and critical design review. The program will now proceed with 'software build 2', aiming to provide SLAMRAAM integrated fire control network capabilities. SLAMRAAM's fire unit is derived from the Marine Corps Complementary Low Altitude Weapons System (CLAWS) program, and is designed to integrate into the SLAMRAAM open architecture-based integrated fire control network to provide enhanced capability against cruise missiles and unmanned air vehicle threats. [04.11.05]

ADF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES SET FOR IRAQ DEPLOYMENT: With the Government's decision on an initial purchase of medium-sized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the Army under Joint Project 129 apparently languishing as part of the current Strategic Update review, Defence Minister Hill has confirmed Defence has undertaken a rapid acquisition of miniature UAV systems comprising four 'Raven' UAVs, and ten 'Skylark' UAVs. Hill further confirmed four of the 'Skylark' systems would shortly be deployed to Iraq to assist the second rotation of the Al Muthanna Task Group (AMTG). A further two 'Skylark' systems are to remain in Australia for training and preparation purposes. The miniature UAVs will be used on reconnaissance and surveillance missions, and to provide real-time information about the terrain and activities in an ADF operating area. [03.11.05]

RUDDOCK KING-HITS CRITICS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM LAWS: Speaking in London 31 October on Australia's new counter-terrorism laws, the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has told a BBC audience there is "a requirement for people who settle in Australia … to respect the rule of law, our parliamentary institutions, our democratic values, and people are entitled to expect that their Government will provide for their safety and security. And for people to argue that some should be free to conspire to take other people’s lives without us endeavouring to take some pre-emptive action in relation to that misunderstand the nature of the debate that we are in today – a debate where those who are engaged in terrorist activity are prepared to use our values and our system to put themselves beyond reach." [03.11.05]

METAL STORM & ELECTRO OPTIC SYSTEMS FORM WEAPON ALLIANCE: Brisbane-based Metal Storm and Canberra-based Electro Optic Systems (EOS) have concluded a long-term teaming agreement to jointly develop and market a new weapon system that brings together the complementary features and benefits of their respective weapons technologies in a system designed to provide a new capability for dealing with multiple threats in modern conflicts, including Iraq. The two companies aim to quickly secure contracts to supply integrated weapon systems to the US Department of Defense and other customers in international markets. [03.11.05]

INTEGRATED WEAPON FOR BOTH AUTONOMOUS AND REMOTE OPERATION: EOS optical technology is currently used in the US Army’s Common Remotely Operated Weapons System (CROWS) program in Iraq. The new joint weapon to be developed will respond to a variety of operational situations, including the interception of incoming projectiles and the application of lethal and less-than-lethal force - all from a single integrated weapon system. Potential markets include vehicle self defence, perimeter and airfield protection, ship defence, high value asset protection and urban terrain operations. The new weapon system is scheduled to be trialed in 2006, with the objective of using it operationally from 2007. [03.11.05]

THINK TANK REPORT PRE-EMPTS DEFENCE STRATEGIC UPDATE: A new report from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) has sought to pre-empt some of the big decisions now before the Government in finalising the 2005 Defence Strategic Update. ASPI says substantive deliberations are now feeding into what is likely to be "Australia's biggest military build-up since the Vietnam War." ASPI's 'Crunch Time: Planning Australia's Future Defence Force' report examines issues being faced by the Government in bringing forward the new Strategic Update and its associated revised Defence Capability Plan, and also explores the critical question of long-term defence funding. [03.11.05]

GOVERNMENT RETAINING OWNERSHIP OF RAAF BASE 'POINT COOK': The historically significant RAAF Base 'Point Cook' is to remain in Defence ownership and management indefinitely, says the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Teresa Gambaro. To ensure the ongoing positive engagement with community interests in preserving Point Cook, the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoffrey Shepherd, has decided to form a RAAF Heritage Advisory Council to provide advice to him on strategy and policy that will help preserve RAAF Heritage whilst helping the RAAF Museum achieve its mission. Upon establishment of the RAAF Heritage Council, the Government will suspend indefinitely the Trust-based management arrangements proposed last year. Consultants to Defence have recently completed a detailed Heritage Management Plan for the base. [03.11.05]

SPAIN GOES FOR BROKE WITH 'AEGIS' BASELINE 7 REQUEST: The US Defense Security Co-operation Agency has notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Spain of a Lockheed Martin 'Aegis' weapon system of similar stature to the project Sea 4000 package being sought by Australia for its new air warfare destroyers. If all options are exercised, the package will cost US$550m and include: 1 x MK 7 'Aegis' Weapons System; 1 x MK 41 Baseline VII Vertical Launch System; and 2 x MK 45 MOD 1 Gun Mounts; and AN/SLQ-25A Torpedo Countermeasure System; an Aviation Support System; a MK III Shipboard System Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System; a Common Data Link Management System/Joint Tactical Information Distribution System; a Multifunctional Information Distribution System on Ships; a MK 162 MOD 1 Shipboard Gridlock System; a Navigation Sensor System Interface/Global Positioning System; and 'Harpoon' missile ORDALTS upgrade. [03.11.05]

MORE JSF CONTRACTS FOR CURTISS-WRIGHT CONTROLS: Curtiss Wright Controls Inc's Motion Control business segment has won a US$2.2m SDD contract from Lockheed Martin (LM) for Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) work with total program potential value of $120m, and requiring the supply of the Ordnance Hoist System and Ordnance Quick Latch System for the F-35. The equipment to be provided is a new requirement designated as Alternate Mission Equipment (AME) for ordnance loading, carrying, and unloading on all three aircraft variants (CTOL, STOVL, and CV). SDD hardware deliveries are anticipated to occur from 2006 through 2010. Work will be undertaken at Curtiss-Wright facilities located in Gastonia and Shelby, North Carolina. [03.11.05]

DMOSS PANEL FORMATION TO SHAKE-UP SERVICE DELIVERY: The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) is shortly to announce a shake-up in external service delivery via the establishment of a DMO Support Services Panel (DMOSS). The new panel will standardise the contracting of project, business and technical support services under a common deed, thus making it a key element in the DMO’s reform agenda. DMOSS will replace the existing Project Management Support Services (PMSS), Capability Definition Documents (CDD) and Risk Management Services (RMSS) Panels, which will not be renewed beyond their current termination dates. The new DMOSS Panel will provide access to service providers across 45 project support, business and technical skill sets for acquisition and sustainment activities across the organisation. [02.11.05]

CAMPAIGN TO CENTRALISE ALL PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN DEFENCE: The new five-year (plus two five-year extension) DMOSS arrangements have been structured to eliminate duplication, improve efficiency and reduce the cost of tendering for both the DMO and industry. Forecast reductions in contracting overhead will also permit the DMO to advance its campaign to more closely monitor contract performance, and provide the ability to review company performance across all DMO Projects and Divisions. Skill sets such as 'project management', which DMO Chief, Stephen Gumley, insists are 'core business', have been excluded from the new Panel as the organisation seeks to further strengthen its in-house capability. As such, industry is only to be approached to provide 'non-core specialist expertise'. [02.11.05]

BOOST FOR DEFENCE RECOGNISED SUPPLIER SCHEME: Defence Minister Hill has recently agreed to upgrade the Defence Recognised Supplier Scheme (DRSS) by establishing a new category within the subject Scheme to distinguish between companies that offer strategic goods and services from those that offer important, but less strategic products. A new ‘purple’ logo is now to be used to identify suppliers of strategically significant equipment and services which are specialised and which can be critical to the success of an operational deployment. The standard ‘green’ logo has also been updated for prospective eligible applicants. More than 270 companies currently have the right to use the DRSS logo on their letterheads and advertisements. [02.11.05]

CATALYST CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF INTERACTIVE LEARNING: Canberra-based Catalyst Interactive has celebrating ten years of achievement in e-learning and the successful delivery of training and education via the desktop since first being founded in 1995. Since that time, the company has grown from two people with a good idea in to a multi-faceted global business with annual turnover in excess of $5m. Employment now exceeds 40 people in three Australian offices (Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne), and exports are made to North America and Europe. Catalyst Interactive clients include: Australian Aerospace (project Air 87), ANZ, Alcoa, the Department of Defence (DCATS psychometric recruit testing), the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Flight Centre, GE Money, Lockheed Martin, Telstra, NAB and Woodside Petroleum. [02.11.05]

TERRORIST THREAT RESPONSE WIPES INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS REFORM: Prime Minister Howard has confirmed the Government will progress an urgent amendment to existing Counter Terrorism Legislation (as well as new Legislation in negotiation with the States) that effectively substitutes the definite article describing a terrorist act with the indefinite article. In other words, said Howard, "a ’the’ will be replaced by an ‘a’. The reason for this amendment is that the Government has received specific intelligence and police information this week which gives cause for serious concern about a potential terrorist threat (and we are) satisfied on the advice provided that the immediate passage of this amendment would strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies to effectively respond to this (new) threat." [02.11.05]

INTEGRATED SENSOR SUITES DELIVERED FOR 'GLOBAL HAWK': US-based Raytheon has delivered the first full production Integrated Sensor Suite (ISS) for Northrop Grumman's RQ-4A 'Global Hawk' unmanned aerial system. The full production configuration includes both synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) high resolution imaging capability in a single integrated sensor system. The recent ISS delivery is from Lot 2 of the 'Global Hawk' low-rate initial production (LRIP) program. Raytheon is currently building Lot 3 LRIP systems, consisting of two basic ISS systems and one enhanced ISS. The enhanced ISS is said to extend the range capabilities of both the SAR and EO sensors by 50% over the basic ISS. [02.11.05]

HARRIS TO PROVIDE ANTI-JAM SYSTEMS FOR JDAM WEAPONS: US-based Harris Corporation has been awarded a US$18.2m follow-on contract by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems to provide anti-jam Global Positioning System (GPS) modules for its Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM). The initial development contract was valued at approximately $3.9m, bringing the total value of the program for Harris to more than $21m since 2003. Full production and future options could further increase the program's value (for Harris) to more than $50m by 2008. JDAM is a low-cost tail kit that converts existing free-fall bombs into highly accurate 'smart weapons, and is being procured by the RAAF under project Air 5409. [02.11.05]

ATK CONTRACTED FOR JDAM PRECISION PROXIMITY SENSORS: US-based Alliant Techsystems (ATK) has received two modifications to a contract valued at a total of US$29m for additional production of DSU-33C/B precision proximity sensors, used in the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and other air-delivered ordnance. The DSU-33C/B proximity sensor is an all-weather, battery-operated sensor that initiates detonation above the ground, increasing the effectiveness of air-delivered ordnance. The contract sees first production of the DSU-33C/B in ATK's new electronics assembly and integration facility after it successfully consolidated all fuse operations into West Virginia. Production for this contract begins in October 2005, with deliveries scheduled through September 2007. [02.11.05]

ASIO ANNUAL REPORT WARNS OF INTERNAL SECURITY THREATS: The 2004/05 annual report of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has warned the Government it must expect that Australia and its interests here and around the world "will continue to be at threat from terrorist attacks, not only against diplomatic missions but also against a range of soft targets and critical infrastructure." ASIO further identifies threats from 'extremists in Australia' which it says "come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Some of the more extreme individuals ASIO has identified and investigated are Australian born. Some have participated in terrorist training overseas while others have never travelled abroad." [01.11.05]

CRITERIA REVEALED FOR CLASSIFYING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE: ASIO's annual report also discusses threats to critical infrastructure and nationally vital assets, along with measures for its collective protection, as outlined in the National Counter-Terrorism Plan. Criticality (in terms of sensitivity to terror threats) is divided into four areas: Vital (alternative services/facilities not readily available); Major (major restrictions will apply if the subject service/facility is compromised); Significant (alternative services/facilities will be available, but with restriction); and Low (alternative services/facilities can be provided). Nationally critical sectors are classified (high to low) as: food; health; energy; utilities; transport; manufacturing; communications; banking & finance; government services; icons and public gatherings. [01.11.05]

MEDIAWARE STEPS UP US REPRESENTATIONAL MANAGEMENT: Sydney-based Mediaware has recruited Jason Frye to fill the newly created position of Vice President, Defense & Intelligence, based in Washington D.C. Formerly with L-3 Communications Government Services Inc, Frye will be responsible for formulating and executing US Defence market strategies and business development for the company. Mediaware is one of the world’s leading developers of compressed digital video systems and solutions for the defence and broadcast sectors. In addition to the Australian Defence Force, Mediaware’s systems and technologies are deployed widely among the US military, including implementations within the Army, Air Force, and Navy, as well as within the US National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, and the Joint Special Operations Command. [01.11.05]

SEMINAR COMING ON DELIVERING ADF AEROSPACE CAPABILITY: The next in the series of C3I ‘Defence Watch’ seminars is to be held at the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday, 28th November 2005, and will feature: AVM Clive Rossiter, the Defence Materiel Organisation’s (DMO) Head of Aerospace Systems Division, speaking on ‘Delivering Aerospace Capability’; Air Commodore Roy McPhail, DG Air Combat Systems, speaking on Project Air 5376 (‘Hornet’ Upgrade); Brigadier Mark Patch, DG Army Aviation Systems, speaking on projects Air 87 (‘Tiger’ ARHs) and Air 9000 (NH90 Troop Lift Helicopters); and Air Commodore Colin Thorne, DG Aerospace Maritime & Surveillance Systems, speaking on Project Air 5276 (AP-3C ‘Orion’ Upgrade). Surf www.c3i.com.au/ASDRegForm2005.pdf for details. [01.11.05]

MAROTTA CONTROLS SELECTED FOR JSF PUMP CONTROLLERS: US-based Marotta Controls has been selected by Eaton Aerospace to design, develop, qualify and manufacture the ground maintenance motor pump (GMMP) controller for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The GMMP provides hydraulic power on the ground to actuate doors during maintenance mode, whilst also providing backup hydraulics in the event of an engine failure. Marotta Controls claims over 200 patents and more than 60 years' experience in providing a wide range of fluid control systems for the marine, space, aerospace and pneumatic weapons markets. The company has subsidiaries in Cheltenham (UK) and Dublin (Ireland). [01.11.05]

EDO WINS SECOND CONTRACT FOR MMA FIT OUT: US-based EDO Corporation has again been selected by the Boeing Company to supply critical components to the US Navy's new P-8A Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA). After an initial US$12.7m selection to supply the sonobuoy launcher, EDO has now been selected to design and develop pneumatic ejector bomb-rack units for the aircraft under a fixed-price contract not to exceed $7.2m. Together, both systems contracts have the potential to yield more than $200m for EDO over production of the anticipated 108 MMAs for the US Navy. [01.11.05]

October

[TOP]

MINE CLEARANCE EXERCISE FOCUSES ON PORT PHILLIP BAY: The Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) annual mine warfare activity, Exercise 'Dugong', has commenced in the vicinity of Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. Running from 31 October until 18 November, the exercise involves four coastal mine hunters (MHCs), two auxiliary minesweepers (MSAs), and diving/ explosive ordnance specialists. Participating Navy units include: the MHCs HMA Ships 'Diamantina', 'Huon', 'Hawkesbury' and 'Yarra'; the MSAs 'Bandicoot' and 'Wallaroo'; Australian Clearance Diving Team One; mine warfare specialists from HMAS 'Waterhen'; and a RAAF explosive ordnance specialist. [31.10.05]

AMPHIBIOUS EXERCISE 'SEA EAGLE' BEGINS NEAR TOWNSVILLE: More than 500 RAN and Army personnel are converging on Cowley Beach, north of Townsville, to participate in the ADF's amphibious training activity, Exercise 'Sea Eagle'. The two week long exercise (31 October to 11 November) will involve: HMA Ships 'Kanimbla', 'Tarakan' and 'Betano; Amphibious Task Group planning staff from the Deployable Joint Force Headquarters (Maritime); and elements from the Townsville based 2nd RAR, 5th Aviation Regiment and 10 Force Support Battalion. The main exercise activity will be a simulated evacuation of Australian citizens from Cowley Beach. [31.10.05]

SECURITY UPGRADES FOR TEN MORE REGIONAL AIRPORTS: Projects valued at more than $2.3m have been announced from the Regional Airport funding program to upgrade basic security measures at region airports located at: Coen (Qld); Cooktown (Qld); Ceduna (SA): Merimbula (NSW); Port Macquarie (NSW); Gunnedah (NSW); Ramingining (NT); Bankstown (NSW); Boulia (Qld); and Dunk Island (Qld). Since 10 March 2005, some 146 regional airports have been designated as security-controlled airports and have had a transport security program approved the Government. [31.10.05]

BIOMETRIC PASSPORTS SET TO IMPROVE BORDER SECURITY: The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, has formally confirmed 25 October introduction of ePassports upon the progressive establishment of processing facilities at Australian and overseas airports. The ePassport features a special code to write data to a microchip embedded in the centre page of the passport which contains the digitised facial image and personal details of the passport holder, as they similarly appear on the printed data page. The chip is protected by a secure electronic ‘key’ and additional access codes to prevent electronic eavesdropping (or ‘skimming’) of information on the microchip. [31.10.05]

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE RESPONDS TO KEY PROGRAM CUTS: The US Department of Defense (DoD) has submitted its annual "appeals" package to Congressional defence appropriators seeking to resolve differences between contending House and Senate Fiscal Year 2006 defence appropriations bills. Among issues of interest to Australia include: the 'Global Hawk' UAV - DoD requested $317.7m for procurement and $70m for long-lead purchases. The House cut the request by $100m, and the long-lead request by $10m. The Pentagon notes that the cuts, if sustained, will result in a one-year delay in the stand-up of a planned forward operating location and increases in future aircraft and sensor costs. [31.10.05]

FUTURE OF JASSM THE KEY TO PROJECT AIR 5418 OUTCOME: In regards to the Joint Air-to-Surface Stand-off Missile (JASSM), DoD requested $150.2m in procurement. The Senate provided $100m and the House gutted the program altogether, providing only $2m. JASSM is one of two candidates for Australian project Air 5418. DoD also requested $152.4m in advance procurement funding for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), however, all F-35 funding was removed by the House. The Senate sliced $270m from the $4.87b requested for research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E). DoD opposed the removal of procurement funds saying it "would increase costs and delay JSF operational capability to all services and international partners." The modest Senate-proposed cuts to RDT&E would instead result in a one-month slip in the Critical Design Reviews for all JSF variants, as well as first flight. [31.10.05]

SINGAPOREANS COMMISSION PROJECT LAND 17 EQUIVALENT: The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) have commissioned the first of their 'Pegasus' 155mm light weight howitzers, said to be the world's first 155mm gun that is both self-propelled and helicopter-portable (ie: CH-47D 'Chinook'). The new gun was jointly developed by the SAF, Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and Singapore Technologies Kinetics (ST Kinetics). Weighing 5.4 tons, the 'Pegasus' is said to offer better range and firepower than the current 105mm light guns it will replace. The SAF's artillery systems will all be standardised (at 155mm) after the 'Pegasus' is fully phased into service. [31.10.05]

J-UCAS PROGRAM MOVES FROM DARPA TO THE SERVICES: US Defense officials have confirmed the Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS) program, managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) since October 2003, will be moved to Service leadership by 1 November 2005. A new joint US Air Force/Navy office is to be headquartered at 'Wright-Patterson' AFB in Dayton (Ohio), and will continue to be supported by personnel at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, and other Navy facilities. The J-UCAS program aims to develop, demonstrate and produce an affordable, lethal, survivable, and supportable unmanned combat air system. The two air vehicle prime contractors are Boeing (X-45), and Northrop Grumman (X-47). [31.10.05]

A400M ENGINE MAKES ITS FIRST SUCCESSFUL RUN: European-based Airbus Military has reported the successful first engine test of its new TP400-D6 engine, set to power the A400M transporter. The engine is designed for civil-standard life, reliability and availability in a military operation environment. The TP400-D6 is a three-shaft configuration combining engine modules developed by Europrop International (EPI), and will deliver a maximum power output in excess of 11,000 shaft horsepower at sea level. The engine also includes a dual Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC). Certification is scheduled for October 2007, with the A400M first flight due shortly after. [31.10.05]

FURTHER AUSTRALIAN SUPPORT TO CLEAR LANDMINES IN CAMBODIA: Australia is to provide a further $2m for landmine clearing operations in Cambodia, with the funds to be dedicated to clearance operations conducted by the Cambodian Mine Action Centre. Australia has committed $75m for mine action over the next five years to tackle land mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), on top of the $100m spent over the last decade, some $48m of which was specifically for Cambodia. Australia’s funds are to be managed by the UN Development Program’s multi-donor funding facility - ‘Clearing for Results’ - to be launched later this year. [30.10.05]

LIGHT AERONAUTICS INDUSTRY CLUSTER FOR ILLAWARA AIRPORT: Funding of $300,000 from the Government’s Regional Partnerships Program is to be used to establish a light aeronautics industry cluster at the Illawarra regional airport. Confirmed by the Prime Minister, John Howard, the new funding supports the construction of five hangars as part of a business park designed to attract light aeronautics businesses to the region. The Shellharbour City Council has also been involved in supporting establishment of the Cluster, including overseeing planning, design, construction and facilities operation. A further $250,000 will go towards helping the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society relocate to the Illawarra regional airport. [30.10.05]

SECURITY UPGRADES APPROVED FOR REGIONAL AIRPORTS: Projects valued at more than $4.6m have been announced from the Regional Airport funding program to upgrade basic security measures at region airports located at: Narrabri (NSW); Bourke (NSW); Albany (WA); Kalbarri (WA); Dubbo (NSW); Meekatharra (WA); Bathurst (NSW); Mount Hotham (Vic); Essendon (Vic); Jandakot (WA); Moorabbin (Vic); Cobar (NSW); Parkes (NSW); Leonora (WA); and Cambridge (Tas). Each regional airport security program is tailored to local conditions, but generally assists with fencing, lighting, CCTV coverage and access control. [30.10.05]

NEW PILOT SECURITY CHECKS REQUIRED BY END-DECEMBER: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has now become an issuing body for the new Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC). Applications by up to 35,000 pilots and related persons for ASICs are expected following changes to the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 Regulations requiring not only pilots, but anyone needing access to secure areas of security-controlled airports, to undergo a background check every two years. The deadline for displaying the new ASIC is 31 December 2005. [30.10.05]

NEXT 'PREDATOR' UAV VERSION TO SPORT A 500LB JDAM: With some 125 General Atomics MQ-1'Predator' unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) logging at least 4,000 hours a month in support of the war on terrorism and other operations, the US Air Force now says it wants to buy more of the aircraft whilst similarly developing a next-generation variant. This is occurring in the form of a new MQ-9 version which will deliver significantly expanded capabilities over the MQ-1 - flying twice as high, twice as fast and carrying four times the weapons, including: the GBU-12; EGBU-12; and the GBU-38 (500lb) Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM). The MQ-9 will also feature a synthetic aperture radar to hunt for targets. Initial combat capability versions are scheduled for delivery to operational units early in 2007. [30.10.05]

ASLAV INDUSTRY SUPPORT TEAM RETURNS FROM IRAQ: Twelve Defence industry civilian contractors deployed to Iraq as part of a 23-man team making up the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) Enhancement Group (AMEG), have just returned to Darwin. ASLAVs deployed as part of the Al Muthanna Task Group were urgently fitted with special spall liners (curtains) and 'Bar' armour in-theatre to protect the vehicles from heavy arms fire including anti-tank rocket attacks. Six of the contractors were from Adelaide-based General Dynamics Land Systems-Australia, whilst the remaining six contractors were sourced within Australia by Ontario (Canada)-based Armatec Survivability Corporation. [30.10.05]

SEMINAR COMING ON DELIVERING ADF AEROSPACE CAPABILITY: The next in the series of C3I ‘Defence Watch’ seminars is to be held at the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday, 28th November 2005, and will feature: AVM Clive Rossiter, the Defence Materiel Organisation’s (DMO) Head of Aerospace Systems Division, speaking on ‘Delivering Aerospace Capability’; Air Commodore Roy McPhail, DG Air Combat Systems, speaking on Project Air 5376 (‘Hornet’ Upgrade); Brigadier Mark Patch, DG Army Aviation Systems, speaking on projects Air 87 (‘Tiger’ ARHs) and Air 9000 (NH90 Troop Lift Helicopters); and Air Commodore Colin Thorne, DG Aerospace Maritime & Surveillance Systems, speaking on Project Air 5276 (AP-3C ‘Orion’ Upgrade). Surf www.c3i.com.au/ASDRegForm2005.pdf for details. [29.10.05]

PACIFIC ISLAND FORUM RESOLVES TO WORK ON COUNTER-TERRORISM: Speaking to media at the conclusion of the 36th meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum, Prime Minister Howard has confirmed Australia will extend a package of measures to improve security in the Pacific, including: $3m to help Pacific Island maritime institutions cope with the international regulatory environment; and a further $431,000 to enhance regional aviation and maritime security standards. Howard added the Australian Federal Police was establishing a Pacific trans-national crime unit in Solomon Islands, set to subsequently join units already established in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea. [27.10.05]

JOINT SECURITY EXERCISES BEGIN AS ANTE RISES IN THE MIDDLE EAST: The Prime Minister also confirmed Pacific States were going to hold a counter-terrorism exercise in Fiji, in November. Responding to threats of aggression against Israel by the Iranian President, Howard said, "it’s a very dangerous, serious, speech. I think it does represent grounds for very great concern to have the president of any country saying another should be wiped off the face of the earth - (and) is a reminder of the psychological pressure, quite apart from the actual pressure that the state of Israel is under. And this obviously is an issue that the United Nations has to address." [27.10.05]

BEAZLEY REJECTS POLL OUTCOMES POINTING TO POLICY BLUEPRINTS: Speaking on Sydney radio, the Leader of the Opposition, Kim Beazley, says that "a year after our pretty heavy defeat in the last election (the latest polls show) we're contestable." He added the ALP had been “busy putting out Blueprints speeches, so people will have a very clear understanding of what a Labor Government would be like if they elected it.” In terms of recent 'Blueprints', Beazley said, "we’ve put one down on fuel self-sufficiency. We’ve put one down on Skills. We’ve put one down on National Security (in the domestic sense) and the next one will be on infrastructure." [27.10.05]

AWARD PRESENTED FOR 'NULKA' ACTIVE DECOY MISSILE: BAE Systems (BAES) Australia has received a commendation in the Large Advanced Manufacturer category at the 2005 Governor of Victoria Export Awards. The award recognises the continued export success of the 'Nulka' active missile decoy system deployed on RAN vessels. The current value of 'Nulka' business awarded to BAES is well over $500m, having recently achieved a further $60m worth of contracts from the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and the United States Navy. BAE Systems is the 'Nulka' system prime contractor. 'Nulka' evolved from a concept devised years ago at the DSTO. [27.10.05]

MINCOM's 'ELLIPSE 6' TO DRIVE ENTERPRISE ASSET MANAGEMENT: Brisbane-based Mincom has launched a new version of its fully integrated Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) application suite, Mincom 'Ellipse 6', said to be set to further the company's functional lead in providing an integrated solution to industries such as mining, defence, utilities, government and transportation that are reliant on optimal asset performance for business success. The new release features functionality for the mobile workforce, business analytics and advanced maintenance planning - all delivered from a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) platform - and will complement integrated Assets & Works Management, Supply & Logistics Management, Financial Management & Human Resource Management business modules. [27.10.05]

TRIUMPH TO BUILD MORE M777 BODY UNITS FOR BAE SYSTEMS: US-based Triumph Group Inc's subsidiary, Triumph Structures-Los Angeles Inc, has been awarded a full rate production contract by BAE Systems (BAES) to supply 495 M777 155mm lightweight howitzer gun body units under a contact worth US$53m over the next four years. The M777 155mm lightweight howitzer is a towed artillery weapon, designed to provide fire support for light and medium US Forces. Triumph Structures has been providing the gun body units to BAES under a Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract of 94 guns. BAES is likely to offer the M777 as a solution for Australia's Land 17 155mm artillery acquisition program. [27.10.05]

NINE-POINT ROUNDUP OF NEXT GENERATION THREATS: Summing up two days of discussions in Canberra at the Kokoda Foundation's 'Next Generation Threats to Australia' conference, Foundation Chairman, Professor Ross Babbage, has recommended nine key points for input into the planning construct for new Australian defence & security capabilities. First on the list was the security environment posing new challenges, and thus requiring new leadership from the Department of Defence and other lead security-related institutions. The most serious future challenges, he says, will be macro-regional, not just Australia-local, meaning there will be much less natural protection from Australia's geography. [26.10.05]

CONCERN OVER ABILITY TO WITHSTAND DOUBLE HITS: Professor Babbage went on to propose future security challenges would be predominantly one of three: state-driven threats (ranging across traditional military - to information system - attacks); non-state driven threats (such as terrorism) and natural events-driven scenarios. The most worrying trend in these emergent threats, he says, is that they will be 'coupled': the emergence of one threat will become consequential upon another; for example, pandemics and economic disruption. In a more challenging world, Australia will also continue to retain an exceptionally strong interest in the future direction of the United States, in particular, its geo-strategic focus. [26.10.05]

STRATEGIC STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES NOW ANALYSED: Despite the widening spectrum of threats discussed at the Kokoda conference, Babbage nevertheless believes Australia has many strengths, including its proven democracy, commitment to the 'rule of law', trusted institutions, a strong and adaptable economy, and advanced infrastructure to defend against health-based threats. Pitched against these are a number of weaknesses, in particular: dangers from ‘short-termism’ in government decision making in response to changing threats; shortages of strategic thinking capacity; and complacency in regard to the emerging next generation threats environment. Moving on, he said, there is a need for a more 'whole-of-nation' approach to security planning, as well as a new-style of strategic leadership, thinking and decision making. [26.10.05]

LOCKHEED MARTIN PREDICTED TO DOMINATE GLOBAL ISR MARKET: A new Teal Group report on the global Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) market released during the 42nd Annual Association of Old Crows (AOC) International Symposium & Convention, has forecast the annual airborne ISR market will increase from about US$1.5b in FY2000 to a peak of almost $5b in FY2013. Teal says that Lockheed Martin (LM) is predicted to garner the biggest share of the coming decade's market (FY2005 to FY2014), and estimated at $43b. The market for hyperspectral sensors and UAV ISR (EO and Synthetic Aperture Radars) is further estimated to more than double over the next ten years, with world-wide (contestable) spending growing from $300m to about $650m annually. [26.10.05]

TEAL SAYS 'POD' WAR WINNER DIFFERS FROM RAAF's CHOICE: The Teal reports also predicts Lockheed Martin (LM) will increasingly dominate the largest market segment of the next ten years, manned EO/IR (electro-optical/infrared) targeting and surveillance, fighters and attack helicopters. With solid production begun for 'Sniper/Pantera' and at least a half-share of Joint Strike Fighter IJSF) EO/IR development, LM holds about 40% of the fighter market. Northrop Grumman will also hold about 40% of the market for the next couple of years, but then Raytheon's ATFLIR is predicted to eat into the share held by the company, just chosen to supply the RAAF's new 'Litening AT' pods under project Air 5376. By the end of Teal's forecast (FY2014), Raytheon is expected to have been pushed back to a 10% fighter market share, whilst Northrop rebounds to about 30%. LM will nevertheless hold 60% by then, returning to the dominance of its 'Lantirn' days. [26.10.05]

BOEING NAMES MMA WEAPONS BAY DOOR DRIVE SYSTEM SOURCE: Curtiss-Wright Corporation, together with Parker Hannifin Controls System Division (CSD), have been selected by Boeing to provide the weapons bay door drive system for the P-8A multi-mission maritime aircraft (MMA) program. The subject drive system opens and closes large doors installed on the bottom of the aircraft allowing the deployment of weapons or surveillance devices during flight. Curtiss-Wright will provide the rotary actuators, angle gearboxes, torque shafts and the electronic control unit. Parker Aerospace will provide the power drive unit, up-lock mechanisms and system integration. The first P-8A aircraft is expected for flight testing in 2009. [26.10.05]

NEED TO ADDRESS BROADER HUMAN ISSUES BEHIND NEW THREATS: In an opening message to the Kokoda Foundation's 'Next Generation Threats' Conference in Canberra, the Governor-General HE MajGen Michael Jeffery (Retd) has said Australia's future security "will be strongly affected by the stability of East Asia. This in turn will be shaped by the strategic consequences of China's rise as an economic power and the prospects for finding a peaceful resolution to nuclear issues in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and to ongoing tensions across the Taiwan straits. [25.10.05]

WARNING ON BOMBING THREATS FROM NON-STATE ACTORS: The Governor-General went onto say the Bali and Jakarta embassy bombings "remind us of Australia's vulnerability to terrorist acts carried out by individuals and groups who appear to have no nation-state sponsors, and who are not deterred by conventional diplomatic and military means. Thus we need to address the broader human issues of education, opportunity, communication and - as a direct result - that other psychological condition: identification with civilisation rather than against it. Inclusion rather than exclusion." [25.10.05]

UPDATE ON JP 2064 PHASE 2 REQUEST FOR TENDER PROCESS: Additional documentation and clarification have been added to the website for phase 2 of Joint Project 2064 in response to industry queries regarding the RFT issued for the building of an on-line management facility to process inquiries and requests for Geospatial Information (GI), and electronic delivery of GI products from eight provider agencies to Defence users in the Joint Command Support Environment and Defence Secret Network. RFT information was first lodged on the AusTender website on 19 September, with Tenders due to be lodged by 12.00 noon AEST on 19 December 2005. [25.10.05]

FRENCH ARMY TESTS NH90 HELICOPTER ATTRIBUTES: The Airmobile Group of the French Army's Engineering Branch (Gamstat) reports it has completed extensive evaluation of the tactical capabilities of the German Army's new PT4 version of the NH-90 helicopter. The trials aimed to verify that mission systems operated as intended in an operational environment, validated the flight vision system, and studied work sharing between crew members. The majority of test flights took place at night to test the standard French Army Air Corps (ALAT) night vision goggles, and the 'Topowl' helmet coupled to the piloting FLIR. The NH90 is in the midst of its qualification phase, with ALAT expecting to receive initial TTH version NH90s in 2011. The NH-90 is also being procured for the ADF under phase 2 of project Air 9000. [25.10.05]

BAE SYSTEMS TESTS DEFENCE FOR INCAT-BUILT CATAMARAN: BAE Systems (BAES), supported by Germany's Rheinmetall Waffe Munition, has successfully demonstrated Rheinmetall's Multi-Ammunition Softkill System (MASS) shipboard decoy launcher system aboard the US Army Theater Support Vessel 'Spearhead' (TSV-1X). The TSV is a 319-foot wave-piercing catamaran built by Incat in Tasmania, and is currently part of an advanced concept technology demonstration to provide high-speed transport for troops and equipment across inter-theatre seaways. MASS is under evaluation as part of a TSV electronic warfare self-protection demonstration program. The MASS is currently used on vessels in several Western European navies. [25.10.05]

CAMM2 DEPLOYED IN SUPPORT OF ADF AIR OPERATIONS: Defence and consultants Accenture report they have successfully developed and deployed the second generation Computer Aided Maintenance Management (CAMM2) system. Built to support the ADF’s air operations, CAMM2 provides an integrated set of functions to support the maintenance and operation of military aircraft. With support from Accenture, the ADF is now said to have rolled out CAMM2 to all Commonwealth-owned Navy, Army and Air Force aircraft at 12 sites. More than 12,000 Defence staff will use the system, including engineers, logistics personnel and aircrew. [24.10.05]

COUNTER-TERRORISM DECONTAMINANT LAUNCHED IN CANBERRA: A new product to assist in the decontamination of potential terrorist threats in the form of chemical or biological warfare agents (such as Anthrax) has been launched by Martin International and US-based Hypherion Corporation in Canberra. The product, termed ‘Decon-Shield’ is said to be a non-corrosive, biodegradable and easily applied (sprayed or fogged) decontaminant proven against both biological and chemical warfare agents, and having a two-year shelf life. The product is also said to effectively fight the spread of contaminants such as the Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) and similarly mutated viruses such as Golden Staphylococci and MRSA (a superbug). [24.10.05]

ADACEL SUPPORTING US ARMY AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SIMULATORS: Adacel has confirmed its receipt of multiple orders, valued (with options) at around A$1.7m, to provide air traffic control simulation services for the United States Army. These new agreements include a complete visual and voice upgrade for seven Enhanced Tower Operating Systems (ETOS) located at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Additionally, Adacel will provide on-site support and training, with options, through May 2008. The US Army is expected to use the newest 'MaxSim' simulator-related upgrades to enhance the training process at their state-of-the-art Air Traffic Control (ATC) training complex. [24.10.05]

ROLLS-ROYCE GLOBAL OPERATIONS CENTRE IN BRISTOL: Rolls-Royce has unveiled a new Operations Centre in Bristol to become the focal point of its military engine support business. The centre is the latest initiative in the expansion of Mission Ready Management Solutions (MRMS), the engine support package that now generates 55% of company defence sales. The centre will initially be staffed by between 12 to 15 people and support five programs – the 'Spey' engine powering the 'Nimrod' MRA2 aircraft; the RB199 in the RAF's 'Tornado'; and the 'Adour' contracts covering 'Hawk' trainer aircraft in-service in the USA, Canada and Australia. MRMS integrates usage data to enable support teams to predict likely operational issues and make decisions quickly to maintain aircraft operations or deal with technical problems. [24.10.05]

AUSTRALIA BACK IN KOREA TO BUILD NORTH/SOUTH CONFIDENCE: On the ground in the Republic of Korea for a four-day visit, Defence Minister Hill has announced an Australian Army Warrant Officer is to be attached to the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC), and will work out of Camp ‘Bonifas’ within the De-Militarised Zone (DMZ). The subject Warrant Officer will be the first Australian in the international team monitoring border crossings through the DMZ - especially to the new industrial zone at Kaeyson - between the north and the south, although two other ADF members currently contribute to UNCMAC activities. [23.10.05]

MINISTERIAL VISIT RELEVANT TO ‘WEDGETAIL’ AND LAND 17: Following discussions with the South Korean Minister for National Defence, Yoon Kwang-Ung, to discuss the security situation of the Korean Peninsula and opportunities where Australia and South Korea can build defence industry cooperation, Hill confirmed he was able to showcase Australia's 'Wedgetail' AEW&C aircraft capabilities, currently a candidate (via Boeing) for a South Korean acquisition. The Senator also met with representatives of Hyundai Heavy Industries to talk about project Sea 4000, given Hyundai is building South Korea's first air warfare destroyer, and both the Korean Government and Hyundai are interested in exploring opportunities for cooperation in these two projects. Senator Hill also visited Samsung Techwin (in Changwon) to inspect production of the new K9 self-propelled Howitzer, which South Korea has indicated it would like to offer the ADF for its project Land 17 requirement. [23.10.05]

CAMTECH SUCCEEDS IN THE USA WITH MULTISPECTRAL REFLECTOR: Rydalmere-based Camtech Camouflage Technology has reported its first sale of multispectral reflectors and absorbers to an unnamed US aircraft manufacturer. Camtech has been manufacturing under-license the Spectro Dynamic Systems range of multispectral reflectors and absorbers since early 2005. Camtech MD, Owen Graham, says "because the product has so many uses, we aren't sure what they are doing with it. Sales have so far been evaluative, but the client has indicated they will take all available stock and most of next year's production". [21.10.05]

UAV MARKET TO TOP US$13 BILLION BY 2014 SAYS NEW STUDY: A decision by the USAF to expand the number of 'Predator' unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) squadrons from three to 15, amongst other developments, will drive the international market for UAV reconnaissance systems over the next ten years to US$13 billion, says a new report from Forecast International (FI). Of this total, the US market will represent around 50% of the global total, not just on the account of the 'Predator', but with an estimated 200 'Global Hawk' UAVs adding another $3.5b to the total. FI estimates more than 9,000 UAVs will be purchased over the next 10 years by countries in every region of the world. The Australian Government is shortly to make an announcement in regard to UAV purchases under phase 1 of project Air 7000, and for smaller UAVs under Joint Project 129. [21.10.05]

BOEING BEING SQUEEZED OUT OF AIR TRANSPORT MARKET BY EADS: Another Forecast International (FI) report says global demand for new military transports is estimated at 929 aircraft (worth nearly US$54b) during the next ten years. Although Boeing's C-17 and Lockheed Martin's C-130J will hold market share through the decade, FI says both manufacturers will come under pressure from Airbus Military's A400M and EAD-CASA's CN-235/295 and Alenia's C-27J, the latter two of which are currently pitching for the US Army's Future Cargo Aircraft competition. The Australian Government is shortly to make announcements in regard to the upgrade of its C-130H fleet and the acquisition of a new Battlefield Airlifter under project Air 8000. [21.10.05]

AL MUTHANNA PROJECTS PROVIDING DIRECT BEFEFITS TO IRAQIS: Defence reports the Army's Al Muthanna Task Group (AMTG) has improved the quality of life of thousands of Iraqis after the completion of three civil-military projects. A total of 14 cooperative projects are currently being funded in Al Muthanna Province as part of a $2.25m program. In short, the three completed projects include: in the village of Al Ryawasha (outskirts of As Samawah), a $31,000 repair of electricity feeder lines and upgraded the transformers; in Ar Rumaythah, a $37,000 refurbishment of a public bus station with shelters, seats, shops, hard standing, and toilet facilities; and at the Al Salman Community Centre, an $83,500 internet and IT public access project supported by ten computers, printers, scanners, and cameras. [21.10.05]

ACT EMERGENCY SERVICES GETS REAL-TIME COMMON PICTURE: Canberra-based Australian Technology Information (ATI) has been highly commended with an award (in the joint project pre-disaster category) from Emergency Management Australia (EMA) for its command, control and communications (C3) technology. Following Canberra's 2003 bushfires, ATI was awarded a 'sole source' contract to provide its Mobile Asset Command and Control (MAC2) system for integration into the existing computer-aided dispatch system used by both the ACT Fire Brigade and Ambulance Services. ATI says the MAC2 system now enables dispatchers to be able to incorporate Rural Fire Services, State Emergency Services and aircraft into a common operating picture of emergency circumstances, with enhanced situational awareness now facilitating improved decision-making and analysis processes. [21.10.05]

SIMTECT SET FOR MELBOURNE CONVENTION CENTRE IN MAY 2006: The annual Simulation Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) simulation technology & training (SimTecT) conference and exhibition is to be held at the Melbourne Convention Centre over 29 May to 1 June 2006. Program details are: 29 May - workshops, welcome reception and SimTecT golf challenge; 30 May (Tuesday to Thursday morning) - conference & exhibition; 1 June (afternoon) - site visits. Abstracts of proposed conference papers are currently being sought in the areas of Defence, transport and manufacturing. Email exec@siaa.asn.au for further details. [21.10.05]

DEFENCE ROLE ACKNOWLEDGED IN FISHERIES PROTECTION: The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is said to have concluded its involvement in a three week combined operation (code-named 'Clearwater II') off north and north-western Australia, targeting foreign fishing vessel activity in the Exclusive Economic Zone. 'Clearwater II' was progressed as an inter-agency activity under the auspices of Coastwatch, and led by the Darwin-based Northern Command. According to its Commander, Commodore Cam Darby, thirty-seven vessel boardings were conducted and thirty-one boats and 187 foreign crew were apprehended. A range of other RAN vessels also participated in the operation, including: HMA Ships 'Ipswich', 'Balikpapan', 'Bunbury', and 'Bendigo'. [20.10.05]

'MERCURY 2005' CONCLUDES WITH ALL SOULS FORTUNATELY SAVED: Justice & Customs Minister Ellison says Australia’s largest-ever counter-terrorism exercise (Mercury '05) "met all objectives and reinforced some valuable lessons for more than 4000 participating members of Australia's national security agencies and emergency services." The four-day long exercise just concluded included: mock bombing attacks or threats in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney; a threat to gas facilities in South Australia; a siege following the hijacking of a bus load of foreign athletes; and the recovery of a foreign vessel with terrorists aboard. Simulated poison gas attacks and shootouts with terrorists were also played out in the exercise, which also tested new Joint Offshore Protection Command (JOPC) coordination arrangements. [20.10.05]

INVESTMENT UPPED IN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES TECHNOLOGY: BAE Systems (BAES) Australia reports its investment in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technologies has reached new heights with the company's Weapons Systems business in Abbotsford (Victoria) committing further funds to expand its autonomous systems capability. The new investment just confirmed supplements $15m already invested by BAES into the development of current autonomous systems over the past seven years. Recent flight trials of the 'Kingfisher' UAV system at West Sale (Victoria) are said to have successfully demonstrated BAES' Decentralised Data Fusion Capability Technology Demonstrator project, and its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Management System (IMS). Highlights of the three-week trial were the achievement of a dual UAV flight with hand-off between IMS ground stations, and demonstrations of data fusion across a dynamic air and ground network to locate and track targets. [20.10.05]

DUTCH JSF INDUSTRY REPORT FINDS OTHER-THAN-SDD BENEFITS: An interim report exploring spin-off and spillover effects from the Netherlands' involvement in the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, undertaken by the Institute of Applied Research at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Tilburg University, has argued that on top of JSF system design and demonstration (SDD)-related contracts, Dutch industry could benefit from US$1.1b in spin-off and $120m in spillover effects - defined as additional activities from JSF program involvement that occur both within and outside Dutch aerospace industry, and further amplified as knowledge and technology become more developed over the life time of the program. [20.10.05]

CROSS-INDUSTRY ADVANTAGES FROM NEW FIGHTER INVESTMENT: According to the interim report, structural impulses to Dutch aerospace clusters by participating in the JSF program provide "unique opportunities to small and medium sized enterprises, and generating up to 15,000 jobs." Beyond primary influences on Dutch aerospace industry, the study also noted JSF effects would spread to other industries. For example, Stork Aerospace (which is working on advanced wiring for the JSF) is also forging links with Boeing and Pratt & Whitney. Perot Systems Nederland (formerly Syllogic) is similarly developing JSF diagnostic systems that can be applied not only to other aerospace programs, but also to automobiles, the transport industry and logistics. [20.10.05]

JDAM TRIUMPHS IN AIR 5409 ACQUISITION: Defence Minister Hill has confirmed a contract has been signed with Boeing to acquire its Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) as the project Air 5409 'bomb improvement program' solution. The JDAM selection involves the procurement of 'smart' bomb guidance kits for installation on RAAF F/A-18 'Hornet' fighters "to significantly increase (their) combat effectiveness." Hill said the global positioning system (GPS)-guided JDAM had been selected "after a thorough evaluation across a range of areas including operational capability, level of current integration on F/A-18 aircraft, cost and risk." New capability acquired via the $50+m acquisition is expected to be in service in 2008. [19.10.05]

BOEING SOLUTION EDGES OUT VIETNAM-ERA TECHNOLOGY: Boeing's JDAM offering was preferred over offers from Raytheon and Lockheed Martin to upgrade 'Paveway' guided bomb technology already in service with RAAF F-111s. JDAM guidance kits (also to be flown on the JSF) are said to be capable of guiding inventory warheads ranging in size from 500-2000 pounds. Since 1998, Boeing has produced more than 120,000 JDAM guidance kits for US and international customers. Described as a 'transformational system', Boeing says the JDAM "has changed weaponeering metrics from sorties per target, to targets per sortie - thus contributing directly to aircraft efficiency and survivability due to reduced sortie requirements. JDAM also provides significant reductions in collateral damage due to its inherent accuracy, permitting the use of fewer and smaller weapons." [19.10.05]

MINCOM UPS ITS GAME IN USA/CANADA MILITARY LOBBYING: Brisbane-based Mincom Limited has appointed Lieutenant-General, William (Bill) Leach as Vice President Mincom Defence, in a move to help drive the company's defence-related activities in the United States and Canada. A graduate of The Royal Military College of Canada with more than 40 years' service in the Canadian Army and Canadian Forces, LtGen Leach retired from military service in 2000 and spent five years with Honeywell International (serving as Vice President Operations, Honeywell Canada Logistics Services), before recently joining Mincom. The company is currently developing the world's first fully-deployable, fully integrated, tri-services military logistics solution, beginning with the ADF. [19.10.05]

ADACEL SATISFIES USMC CONTROL TOWER SIMULATOR APPETITE: Melbourne-based Adacel reports it is to supply 'MaxSim' air traffic control tower simulators to the United States Marine Corps (USMC) for training at air traffic control facilities at the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) 'Miramar' in California, MCAS 'Cherry Point' in North Carolina and MCAS 'Beaufort Air Station' in South Carolina. The supply agreement contains an option for additional procurements. With the additional procurements in place, Adacel says "more than 100 'MaxSim' simulators will be in use throughout the US defence forces - in the US Air Force, Army, Special Operations and Marines." [19.10.05]

DEFENCE WELCOMES OMBUDSMAN REPORT INTO MINORS TREATMENT: The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, has welcomed release of the Defence Force Ombudsman's report into the management of service personnel under the age of 18 years. Houston said the ADF would implement ten of the report's 11 recommendations, all designed to improve policies and procedures for managing uoung people in the Defence Force. In addition, he said, "we will also extend the implementation of many of the recommendations to all young members in their first year of service, rather than only to those members under 18 years of age." As at July 2005, and out of a total workforce of 51,200 personnel, 196 ADF members were under 18 years of age. [19.10.05]

HOUSTON PRAISED FOR GENUINE COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE ADF: Commenting on the Ombudsman's report, the Shadow Minister for Defence, Robert McClelland, says Houston's response to the report proved he had "a genuine commitment to making our military as responsible for its people as the community is proud of them. We understand why the ADF has decided not to carry forward the recommendation to raise the recruitment age to 18 years of age. But this (decision) underscores just how important it is to address recruitment shortfalls that continue to pressure our Defence Force. Labor has consistently pushed the Government to focus on the issue of ADF recruitment, retention and skills shortage." [19.10.05]

NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE INDUSTRY AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE: North Shore-based Yakka Apparel Solutions Limited (YASL) has taken out the 2005 Category A (for major suppliers of goods and services to the New Zealand Defence Force) award for its efforts in the warehousing and distribution of all NZDF clothing items. Whilst clothing is not generally regarded as 'high tech' or 'innovative', YASL was commended for the way it works with local industry, with in excess of 90% of stock lines being New Zealand made. The Category B (sub-contractors and lower level suppliers) award went to North Shore-based Marops Limited, for excellence in the design and provision of courseware material and instructor guides for the RNZAF's P-3K 'Orion' operational conversion course. [19.10.05]

SPANISH F-100 FRIGATE COMPLETES QUALIFICATION TRIALS: Lockheed Martin, in support of the US Navy destroyers USS 'Halsey' (DDG-97) and USS 'Howard' (DDG-83) and the Spanish Navy's F-100-class frigate 'Blas de Lezo' (F-103), have completed a three-ship international joint Combat System Ship Qualification Trial (CSSQT) off the California coast, as part of a planned series of four joint tests between Spain and the US. During the trials, each ships' 'Aegis' combat system was evaluated for combat-readiness through surface, subsurface and anti-air warfare exercises, including manned raids and electronic attack scenarios, as well as through testing of the systems' tactical data link and air defence capabilities. The air defence testing was the culmination of the CSSQT, where the three ships successfully engaged more than a dozen missile targets. Spanish industry partners include: Navantia; FABA; INDRA; RYMSA; and SAINSEL. [19.10.05]

L-3 SPAR COMMENCES MODERNISATION OF RNZAF 'HERCULES' FLEET: L-3 Communications' SPAR Aerospace subsidiary reports it is about to begin work at its Edmonton (Canada) facilities on the first Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) C-130H 'Hercules' aircraft, as part of the US$100m six-year Life Extension Program (LEP). L-3 describes the LEP as the most comprehensive avionics, mechanical systems and structural refurbishment program ever to be performed on the C-130H. Under this program, its says, "the RNZAF will have one of the most modern C-130H aircraft fleets in the world, and will be able to safely operate its five aircraft (averaging 38 years of age) beyond the predicted withdrawal date of 2017." [19.10.05]

WESCAM HELP FOR INDONESIAN NAVY SURVEILLANCE EFFORT: US-based L-3 Communications 'Wescam' has been selected by PZL-Mielec to supply imaging sensors into the Indonesian Navy's fully integrated airborne surveillance solution. The order includes a total of seven MX-15 electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) imaging turrets for installation aboard the Indonesian Navy's PZL M-28 maritime patrol aircraft, with ongoing deliveries scheduled through to September 2006. Wescam says the order will make Indonesia the leading user of MX-15 sensors for maritime surveillance, anti-piracy, fisheries patrol and search & rescue within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. [19.10.05]

JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER ON SHOW AT KOREAN DEFENCE EXPO: Lockheed Martin (LM) has displayed its Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) cockpit demonstrator and full-scale model during this week’s Korea Aerospace and Defence Exhibition, with officials indicating the F-35 could be available as early as 2014 through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program for countries not currently participating in the SDD and LRIP phases of the project. According to LM Vice President of International Business Development, David Scott, “the F-35 stands as a logical, real choice that enables air forces from around the world to affordably replace aging legacy fighter forces and to gain unparalleled dominace on the battlefield.” [19.10.05]

AUSTAL TO RECEIVE $4M SKILLS SUBSIDY FROM DEFENCE: WA-based Austal Ships is to receive just on $4m over the next three years as part of the $215m 'Skilling Australia's Defence industry' program. The money will go towards the development of highly skilled engineers, project managers, specialist technicians, key trades people and apprentices. Over the next three years, Austal proposes to assemble: 45 additional apprentices; 15 additional people undertaking dual apprenticeships; 15 additional mature age apprentices; and 45 additional work experience places. There will also be 200 additional on-the-job training places for existing employees; 75 additional TAFE short course places for existing employees; 15 additional places for existing employees on leadership development courses; and 103 additional places for existing employees on supervisor/coordinator courses. Other initiatives are set to address staff attraction and retention issues. [18.10.05]

FIRST-OF-CLASS 'ARMIDALE' GOES FROM SHORE TO ACTIVE DUTY: The Royal Australian Navy's newest ship, HMAS 'Armidale' - the first of fourteen new patrol boats being acquired under project Sea 1444 - has assisted overnight in an illegal fishing boat apprehension. The new ship only just completed her Mission Readiness Evaluation last Friday, and has instantly found itself involved in a hazardous apprehension on day two of duty. In a joint operation with the Customs vessel 'Roebuck Bay', the 'Armidale' assisted in the difficult boarding of a large Indonesian Type-111 ice boat. Officials said the boarding could not have been achieved without HMAS Armidale's assistance. The subject fishing vessel is being towed into Darwin. [18.10.05]

SHADOW MINISTER COMMENTS ON PHILIPPINES TERRORISM RISK: Speaking on Defence Minister Hill's recent visit to the Philippines, the Shadow Minister for Defence, Robert McClelland, says the Howard Government "must now build on cooperative efforts in the Philippines and redouble its efforts to confront the growing menace of piracy in and around the Malacca Straits. Smuggling and piracy in waters to our north is on the increase and stands as a threat to regional security and trade." McClelland added a Labor Government would establish an Australian Coastguard which would "play a significant role in helping our northern neighbours confront piracy and terrorism in the Malacca Straits. In the Philippines agreement, I hope that we are seeing the Howard Government refocus its defence priorities back on to the region." [18.10.05]

RESEARCH CENTRE ANALYSES NATIONAL SECURITY TRAINING: A new edition of the Australian Homeland Security market 'Insight' e-Newsletter has looked at the strengths and weaknesses of the country's national security training regime, finding several weaknesses - including the fact that more and more people charged with undertaking national security training have little background in the area. The 'Insight' notes the huge increase in Government national security training demand coming from the decision to double the size of ASIO by 2010, and the fact that most of this training will be delivered up front, as against private industry which tends to spread training requirements over a longer period of time, whilst delivering critical modules 'just in time'. Surf www.homelandsecurity.org.au for e-Newsletter details. [18.10.05]

GOODRICH BREAKS INTO A400M CONTRACTOR SUPPLY BASE: US-based Goodrich Corporation has been selected to supply the flap actuation package for its A400M military transport aircraft, whilst Aerolec (a Goodrich joint venture with Thales), will be supplying EADS-CASA with the main and auxiliary power unit electric generators for the aircraft's electrical power generation system. The flap actuation package consists of actuators and the associated transmission and gearboxes. The subject A400m electrical power generation system includes Goodrich's variable frequency generators and control units. [18.10.05]

EADS CONSOLIDATES STAKE IN LAND/SYSTEMS MANUFACTURER: EADS and Thales have agreed to simplify the shareholder and management structure of French armament systems manufacturer TDA, by selling EADS’ 50% share to Thales - thus delivering 100% control to Thales. TDA specialises in four main areas: land based weapon systems, air launched weapon systems, munitronics (munition electronics) and missile components. The deal is expected to be finalised by the end of 2005. TDA is based in La Ferté Saint Aubin (France) and Herstal (Belgium) and employs 471 people. It generated annual turnover of approximately €90m in 2004, half from export sales. [18.10.05]

AIR WARFARE DESTROYER ROADSHOW STARTS IN CANBERRA: The national 2005 air warfare destroyer (project Sea 4000) information 'roadshow' has had a symbolic start at the National Museum in Canberra, with AWD project director, Warren King, ruminating that unlike most of the exhibits at the museum - whose capability had progressively slipped from their time of initial commissioning - he saw the new AWDs capability continuing to improve throughout their life. At the time of their paying off, he said, these new ships "should be at the peak of their capability." [17.10.05]

TWO-HORSE RACE STILL A RIGHT TO THE DEATH COMPETITION?: King said that project Sea 4000 was now proceeding on the basis of a value-for-money based competition between the preferred DDG-51 'Arleigh Burke' evolved design submitted by US-based Gibbs & Cox, and a military-off-the-shelf (MOTS) F-100 design being developed by Spanish-based Navantia with the absolute minimum number of changes to accommodate essential Royal Australian Navy requirements. Phase 2 of the project would see: a capability requirements review in early-2006, a systems design review in mid-2006, concluding with a preliminary design review in mid-2007. [17.10.05]

MAJOR SEA 4000 PROGRESS REVIEW SET DOWN FOR MID-2006: Second pass consideration of the evolved 'Arleigh Burke' design versus Navantia's MOTS F-100 is scheduled for July 2007, however, before this (mid-2006), King confirmed Defence would undertake a substantive interim project review to specifically advise the Government on how the overall project was progressing. Critical design review for the phase 3 (AWD build) component is currently scheduled for mid-2008. King confirmed it was "still my greatest wish" that the first of the new destroyers would sail through Sydney heads on 4 October 2013, the 100th anniversary of the RAN's first entry into that harbour. [17.10.05]

RESOURCES INCREASED TO TARGET PHILIPPINES TERRORISM THREAT: During a visit to the Philippines, Defence Minister Hill has discussed with local military and security officials last year's doubling (to $10m) of counter-terrorism assistance to the Philippines, and new ways to help the country better protect its borders and waterways. Hill met with the Mayor and military leaders of the southern province of Zamboanga, to discuss the provision of further intelligence support, Special Forces training, the supply of long-range vehicle reconnaissance vehicles and promulgation of small watercraft capabilities to help patrol Mindanao, particularly the southern riverine and marshland areas said to be used by Jemaah Islamiyah. Hill added, "Australia and the Philippines are also committed to strengthening maritime security in the region and developing greater cooperation in maritime surveillance with neighbouring countries, such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand." [17.10.05]

STATUS OF FORCES AGREEMENT NOW UNDER NEGOTIATION: The Senator further confirmed that following discussions earlier in the year, both in Australia and jointly in Singapore, the Australian and Philippines government’s were in advanced discussions to determine a Status of Forces Agreement (SoFA) that would ultimately govern the increased presence of Australian military and related security forces when in future despatched to the Philippines to assist with military/police training and exercises. Hill confirmed Australia had been invited to observe forthcoming joint counter-terrorism exercises between the United States and the Philippines, with the aim the ADF would join in in such exercises in 2006 if the SoFA had been concluded. [17.10.05]

SPEAKERS CORNER SAFE FROM DRACONIAN COUNTER-TERROR LAWS: Speaking to media about the real effects of the Government's new counter-terrorism laws, the Commonwealth Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock says, "save for those people who want to go out and barrack for and encourage terrorist acts, it should have no impact at all. I simply make the point that this is a refinement of law that has been (out) there over a long period of time dealing with sedition, (that is) people who are seeking to undermine the state. Free debate about our engagement in Iraq is something that will not be canvassed adversely by this new legislation." [17.10.05]

RUDDOCK TRAWLING EUROPE FOR COUNTER-TERRORISM IDEAS: The Attorney-General is travelling to Europe to discuss counter-terrorism developments with government representatives in France, Spain, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Ruddock described the visit as "an important opportunity to build on the positive relationships Australia maintains with European countries in increasing global counter-terrorism cooperation. It follows similar visits on security issues to South-east Asian partners and the United States earlier this year." From October 21-28, the Attorney-General will discuss cooperation in the areas of national security, intelligence-sharing and emergency management, as well as new initiatives being investigated to enhance Europe’s efforts in the fight against terrorism. [17.10.05]

AUSTRALIA RATES 77.5% IN COUNTER-TERRORIST FINANCING MEASURES: A Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) evaluation of Australia’s anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) measures has found Australia’s AML/CTF laws satisfactorily address requirements under 31 of the 40 recommended international anti-money laundering standards issued by FATF. Customs & Justice Minister Ellison said the evaluation showed Australia had "a comprehensive system for reporting suspicious transactions, and that its mechanisms for international cooperation and information sharing were working well." [17.10.05]

AUSTAL MOVES 'A NOSE AHEAD' IN LITTORAL COMBAT SHIP COMPETITION: The US Navy has awarded a US$223m contract to General Dynamics' Bath Iron Works (BIW) to commence construction on the first (of two) planned 'Flight 0' Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). The contract award is significant for WA-based Austal Ships as the company is the designer/builder of the LCS seaframe being used by BIW for its LCS bid. Approximately half of the contract value awarded to BIW will go to Austal for construction of the LCS seaframe, thus representing the company’s largest ever individual contract. The BIW/Austal consortium is competing against a Lockheed Martin LCS design, which has been similarly awarded a developmental LCS construction contract. [17.10.05]

DEFENCE RESERVES SUPPORT COUNCIL EMPLOYER AWARDS: Adelaide-based Mitsubishi Motors, Broken Hill's 'Barrier Truth' newspaper, the University of New England (Armidale) and Perth-based Edith Cowan University and Chalmers & Partners, have been confirmed as winners of the 2005 Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC) National Employer Support Awards. The ceremony acknowledges employers who have supported their Reserve employees with leave arrangements and other special considerations necessary for them to fulfil their Defence service obligations. Mitsubishi Motors is said to have developed a specific leave policy for its Defence Reservists. [17.10.05]

ANTEON PURCHASE DRIVES FURTHER INTO MISSILE DEFENCE PROGRAM: US-based Anteon International Corporation has acquired, for US$31.5m, the $21m annual turnover Milestone Group, a high end provider of IT professional services and solutions to key US Government clients, especially the Missile Defense Agency, Defense Information Systems Agency, the US Army and the FBI. The acquisition is described as supporting Anteon’s business strategy of closely aligning the company’s capabilities with the mission requirements of federal government customers and US national defence & security priorities. [17.10.05]

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN UNVEILED FOR BEEFED-UP ASIO: The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has outlined a five year strategic plan for ASIO that will see numbers roughly double from the current 980 staff, to 1860 by 2010-2011. Ruddock says the recent attacks on London and in Bali have highlighted the threat and consequences of terrorism, including the possibility of domestically-produced attacks. ASIOs resourcing has also recently been reviewed by former ASIS Director-General, Allan Taylor. The additional resourcing, to be confirmed in next year’s Federal Budget, will enhance intelligence collection and assessment capabilities, as well as an increase in surveillance capability. IT systems are also to be upgraded to assist investigations, and cope with the vast volume of intelligence now being developed and exchanged internationally. [16.10.05]

COUNTER-TERRORISM EXERCISE ANTICIPATING COMMONWEALTH GAMES: More than 4000 people from a wide range of government, law enforcement, security and emergency management agencies across five states and territories, as well as the Australian Government, are participating this week in Execerise ‘Mercury 2005’. Agencies in Western Australia, NSW, South Australia, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory will be put through scenarios designed to test a range of issues such as call-outs and deployments, critical infrastructure, media and public information and consequence management and recovery. More than 70 persons from 24 countries will also observe Mercury 05 as part of Australia’s ongoing counter-terrorism engagement with the region. [16.10.05]

TRACKING NEW GENERATION THREATS TO AUSTRALIA: A new form of conference employing 'search' techniques is to be held by The Kokoda Foundation over 25-26 October 2005, at the National Convention Centre, in Canberra. The conference will address the altered threat space Australia is likely to increasingly face over the next 25 years. Individual workshops will consider: Conventional Threats to Australia; Threats to the Australian Biosphere; Threats to the Australian Economy; Threats to Australian Willpower; and Threats to Australia's National Integrity. Email manager@kokodafoundation.org for registration details. [16.10.05]

FIRST-OF-CLASS 'ARMIDALE' NOW READY FOR SEA MISSIONS: The RAN's newest ship, HMAS 'Armidale', has completed her Mission Readiness Evaluation, meaning the vessel is now ready to start patrolling and protecting Australia's coastline. HMAS 'Armidale' is the first of 14 new state-of-the-art 'Armidale'-class patrol boats being acquired under project Sea 1444. Contract negotiations for the last two boats in the series, added as part of Government October 2004 election campaign undertakings, are still being negotiated between DMS/Austal and the Department of Defence. [16.10.05]

SEA 1444 'ARMIDALE' PATROL BOATS NOW COMING IN PAIRS: A 'dual naming' ceremony for the second and third 'Armidale'-class patrol boats has been held at the Austal shipyard at Henderson, WA. The 56 metre all-aluminium monohull vessels were named NuShip 'Larrakia' and 'Bathurst'. According to Austal Executive Chairman, John Rothwell, “feedback from Navy indicates that as well as providing personnel with improved levels of comfort and onboard services, these boats are handling and performing very capably in heavy weather." The 'Larrakia' is to be offered for Navy acceptance in Darwin on 24 October, whilst the 'Bathurst' is scheduled for acceptance in late-December. [15.10.05]

AL MUTHANNA ROTATION GROUP LEAVING DARWIN FOR IRAQ: Around 450 ADF soldiers forming the next rotation of the Al Muthanna Task Group heading for Iraq have been officially farewelled in Darwin. Prime Minister John Howard joined family and friends at a barbecue at Robertson Barracks to farewell the members of the Task Group which will fly out within the next month. The Task Group comprises soldiers predominantly from the 5th/7th Battalion, RAR, extracted from Darwin's 1st Brigade and led by Lieutenant Colonel Peter Short. Australian forces continue to provide a secure environment for Japanese construction engineers undertaking reconstruction operations in the Al Muthanna Province. [15.10.05]

STANHOPE CRITICISED FOR ACTION ON COUNTER-TERRORISM LEGISLATION: Speaking to media about the actions of ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope - in listing supposedly confidential details of new Federal counter-terrorism legislation on his website - the Commonwealth Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, says the other State Premiers and Chief Territory Minister "did not deserve to be hijacked in relation to their ability to participate in consultation by one Chief Minister, for whatever reason he saw fit to (release the information) without consulting with others who were engaged in that process. I think it was grossly offensive to the other Premiers and Chief Minister." [15.10.05]

BOOST TO MARITIME COUNTER-TERRORISM PROTOCOLS SECURED: The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has welcomed news of the adoption in London overnight of two protocols set to enhance maritime security and global counter-terrorism efforts. The protocols, adopted at a meeting of the International Maritime Organisation, promise to "significantly strengthen international efforts to counter terrorist threats to maritime security and offshore oil and gas facilities," says Ruddock, and "will bolster and complement existing strong measures, including those relating to offshore maritime security and Australia's commitment to the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)." Resulting from three years of intensive negotiations, the protocols will amend the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation. [15.10.05]

INTEREST SOUGHT IN ADF LIVING ENVIRONMENT & ACCOMMODATION: Expressions of Interest (EoI) have been called to engage a strategic partner through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to provide accommodation for Single Defence members on high priority sites. The EoI will establish a shortlist of preferred tenderers who are considered capable of delivering the accommodation services, with a Request for Proposal (RFP) expected to be released in early-2006 with a view to contract signature in the second half of 2006. A total of 1300 new rooms will be built as part of phase 1 of the $113m (over four years) Project 'Single LEAP' (Living Environment and Accommodation Precinct). Phase 1 of the project will see the construction of around 500 single bedroom units at Enoggera and Holsworthy, and around 300 units at Amberley. [15.10.05]

'HAWK' LIFT FLEET REACHES 30,000 FLYING HOURS IN AUSTRALIA: The RAAF's fleet of 33 BAE Systems (BAES) 'Hawk' 127 Lead-in Fighter trainers acquired via project Air 5367 have achieved 12 September 30,000 flying hours. The 'Hawk' LIF trainer fleet was delivered to the Air Force by BAES in 2000-2001 and are operated by 76 Squadron at Williamtown (NSW) and 79 Squadron at Pearce (WA). Deeper maintenance support for the aircraft by BAES, with continuing work said to be going on to introduce new capabilities to the aircraft fleet. The Hawks are powered by Rolls-Royce's 'Adour' turbofan. [14.10.05]

HAWKER PACIFIC ACHIEVES ARMY AUTHORISED MAINTENANCE STATUS: Bankstown (NSW)-based Hawker Pacific says it has been granted an Authorised Maintenance Organisation (AMO) certification to cover maintenance and support of the Army's new Fixed Wing fleet based at Oakey (Qld). In the 14 weeks that have elapsed since Hawker Pacific signed the contract to deliver three Beechcraft 'King Air 350' aircraft to the Army, the company says it has not only delivered the first of those aircraft, but has now obtained the necessary maintenance certification. The three King Air 350 aircraft are a replacement for the King Air 200 and Twin Otter aircraft previously supplied and maintained by Hawker Pacific as part of a nine-year contract with the ADF. [14.10.05]

PROBE OF SECURITY INTEGRITY OF AUSTRALIAN SEA PORTS: Justice & Customs Minister Ellison says the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) Board will be asked to consider tasking the Commission to collect intelligence on crime at seaports, and in the maritime and related sectors. The request has been formed as part of an array of Australian Government initiatives in the aviation security sector. Ellison's announcement of the ACC Board request followed a resolution supporting the move at the 6th meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee of the ACC just held in Brisbane. Ellison says, "intelligence gathered by the ACC and issued identified by the 'Wheeler' Review indicate there are potentially significant criminal threats in the maritime sector." [14.10.05]

CWID BLOWN AWAY BY KIWI 3D MONITOR TECHNOLOGY: The annual Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration (CWID) - this year supporting trials at 30 sites around the world - is said to have evidenced an impressive showing of hardware and technology by foreign industry. One particular example having enamoured CWID participants at the US Navy's SPAWAR site (San Diego), was multi-layer display (MLD) technology provided by New Zealand company, PureDepth. The company's double screen, 3D viewing monitor enables users to simultaneously view two separate fields of data, and has overcome issues of convergence, motion parallax and restrictions in the view angle common to other displays and 3D visualisation. Surf www.puredepth.com for details. [14.10.05]

GALILEO AVIONICA TO SUPPLY RF COMPONENTS FOR JSF: Palermo-based Galileo Avionica (a Selex Sensors & Airborne Systems SpA company), has been awarded a contract by US-based BAE Systems (BAES) Information and Electronic Warfare Systems to develop radio-frequency components for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The Palermo plant specialises in the design and production of microwave tubes and micro-electronics. The subject contract is the first under an MoU signed with BAES in June 2004, and providing for orders in excess of US$20m. The first contract covers activities up to Preliminary Design Review stage, and is expected to be followed with a development activity through to, and including, prototype qualification of the RF components. [14.10.05]

HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND SELECTED FOR F-35 FUEL PUMPS: GE Transportation-Aircraft Engines has selected Hamilton Sundstrand to supply the fuel system pumps for the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team's F136 engine, set to power the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). A unit of United Technologies Corp, Hamilton Sundstrand said the contract could be worth more than US$400m over the life of the aircraft program. Hamilton Sundstrand is responsible for the design, development and qualification of several fuel system components including a suite of three fuel pumps, associated control valves, and fuel filtration for the F136 engine. Initial production of the F136 fuel pump system is expected to begin in 2012. [14.10.05]

AGREEMENT STRUCK ON AUTONOMUS UNDERWATER VEHICLES: US-based General Atomics (GA), Kongsberg Maritime (via Kongsberg Underwater Technology Inc), and Lafayette (Louisiana)-based C&C Technologies have agreed to cooperate on the development of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and associated technologies. GA is currently active in systems integration for several US Navy programs, including: an electromagnetic aircraft launch system; advanced arresting gear; integrated fight through power conversion equipment; a superconducting homopolar propulsion motor; and an electromagnetic 'railgun'. Kongsberg Maritime produces advanced hydroacoustic instruments and the HUGIN family of AUVs. C&C Technologies Inc is a world leader in AUV operations having performed more than 50,000km of commercial survey lines and hundreds of AUV launches and retrievals over the last few years. [14.10.05]

HOUSTON ASSURES AL MUTHANNA TASK FORCE CAPABILITIES: Speaking to media as a 450-strong ADF rotation force was preparing to depart for Al Muthanna province in Iraq, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston has said, "I was up in Darwin last weekend, and I saw the final throes of the mission rehearsal exercise, and I was deeply impressed with the quality of the training that these people who are about to deploy have undergone. What we are doing is exploiting modern technology to get the (best) possible training outcome. I think these people are very well prepared, are very well trained, and ready for the challenge of the environment that they (will) face in Al Muthanna Province." [13.10.05]

ASPI PAPER PONDERS HOW TO EFFECTIVELY DEAL WITH CHINA: A new Strategic Insight paper authored by Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) Director of Program, Peter Jennings, has argued the case for an Australian policy towards China that balances the nation's long-term interests in having both a sound economic relationships and growing political and strategic contacts with China. Jennings' paper offers several new policy initiatives designed to promote Australia's interests in China, and to balance these interests against vital national objectives. Surf www.aspi.org.au for details. [13.10.05]

RAYTHEON TRIALS BATTLEFIELD IDENTIFICATION DEVICES: Raytheon Systems Limited (RSL) has confirmed it is now trialling two Battlefield Target Identification Device (BTID) Transponders at the Coalition Combat Identification Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrator (ACTD) trials (Exercise 'Urgent Quest') being undertaken on Salisbury Plain. BTID is a cooperative system where transponder equipped friendly vehicles are queried by interrogator equipped combat vehicles as part of their target acquisition process to provide positive identification of friendly forces, with Raytheon equipment being fielded on UK, US and Italian combat vehicles. Participating nations involved in the trials also include the UK, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and the United States. Australia is advancing force identification acquisitions under Joint Project 90 and project Land 146. [13.10.05]

UK NOT FOLLOWING DEFENCE PROJECT INVESTMENT TARGETS: A new UK Public Accounts Committee (PAC) investigation has found Britain's defence materiel procurement system is still running over budget and behind schedule, leaving the Armed Forces coping with old, less capable equipment. According to the PAC, Ministry of Defence (MoD) procurers are not following 'Smart Acquisition' guidelines to spend up to 15% of a project's cost on the assessment phase, thus leading to problems further down the acquisition line. Finding the actual amount being spent on assessment was more like 5%, the PAC recommended, in any case, the MoD "should focus less on the input and more on the actual progress achieved. It should only approve business cases if the project can be shown to have reached the appropriate level of maturity in all aspects." [13.10.05]

SGI PROVIDES VIRTUAL PROVING GROUND FOR SIKORKSY: US-based Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation has recently deployed high capacity SGI (Silicon Graphics) solutions to support computer-aided engineering design and analyses of current and future aircraft, including: the US Navy's Heavy Lift Replacement helicopter; the US Army's UH-60M 'Black Hawk' upgrade; the USAF's new Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR-X) helicopter; Canada's Maritime Helicopter Program; and the new high speed X2 Technology demonstrator. Sikorsky engineers have utilised a high-density SGI 'Altix' 3700 Bx2 system which enables them to subject digital models of new aircraft rotors or wings, or entire helicopters, to the type of forces they would encounter in flight. Large data sets are accessed from the 'InfiniteStorage' array and run complex 2D and 3D electromagnetic calculations, computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis studies. [13.10.05]

'AEGIS' WEAPON SYSTEM SURMOUNTS OPEN ARCHITECTURE TESTS: Lockheed Martin's (LM) 'Aegis' weapon system is said to have moved a significant step forward in its evolution to an open computing architecture with the successful integration/demonstration of tactical operation of multiple sub-systems built with commercial system software under the US Navy's 'Aegis' Open Architecture (AOA) program. AOA brings together several sub-systems that formerly ran customised software developed to military specifications, and promises to reduce the cost of the 'Aegis' weapon system, while also enhancing its capabilities and extending its service life. 'Aegis' technology has been mandated for use on Australia's new air warfare destroyers (project Sea 4000). [13.10.05]

FULL-SCALE TESTING FOR X-47B UNMANNED COMBAT AIR VEHICLE: A full-scale pole model of the Northrop Grumman Corporation-led X-47B Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS) program offering has just completed its first round of testing at Lockheed Martin's (LM) Helendale measurement facility. The pole model is being used to provide critically relevant data about the J-UCAS vehicle, with radar cross section testing set to continue throughout 2006. Later in the program, components from LM, Northrop Grumman and Pratt & Whitney will be further integrated and tested. [13.10.05]

KOKODA FOUNDATION TRACKS AIR 6000 NUMBERS: A new report by the Kokoda Foundation has looked into the current dynamics facing the Howard Government in terms of its forthcoming (2008) decision on the numbers of Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft required to be procured to effectively replace the existing fleet of upgraded F/A-18 fighters and F-111 bombers. Reviewing both current strategic guidance and the emerging regional threat scenario, the Foundation warns against an order of less than 75 aircraft, considering instead a purchase of between 97-120 aircraft as more likely to suit recent declaratory statements by Defence Minister Hill of the need to expand the ADF's expeditionary warfighting capabilities. [12.10.05]

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE TO REVIEW SYDNEY 'BLACK HAWK' SQUADRON: Defence Minister Hill has confirmed the Parliamentary Public Works Committee is to review the $92m project to re-locate 200 personnel and 12 'Black Hawk' helicopters (171 Aviation Squadron) to Sydney's 'Holsworthy' barracks from early-2006. The new works (commencing mid-2006 for mid-2008 completion) will provide working accommodation, runway improvements, aircraft shelters and vehicle compounds. The Government is concurrently progressing a $207m redevelopment of Special Forces accommodation and infrastructure at 'Holsworthy' to support training activities, including electronic and live firing ranges and a mock-up aircraft, plus training for counter terrorism scenarios. [12.10.05]

RFT RELEASED FOR SPECIAL FORCES AIR-DEPLOYABLE RHIBs: The Commonwealth has issued a Request for Tender (RFT) based on the ASDEFCON Complex templates for the prime contract for the provision and support of ten sets of Special Forces air-drop deployable rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs). To be split between the newly-created Commando Battalion and Tactical Assault Groups located on the East and West coasts, the C-130H deployable RHIBs are designed to provide Australia’s special forces to intercept potential threats at much greater distances from Australian than is currently possible. [12.10.05]

INDEPENDENT COMMITTEE SET TO REVIEW SECURITY LEGISLATION: The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has confirmed an independent committee has been set up to assess the operation and effectiveness of Australia's existing security laws. In particular, the review (chaired by the Honourable Simon Sheller AO QC) will examine: the Security Legislation Amendment (Terrorism) Act 2002; the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism Act 2002; the Criminal Code Amendment (Suppression of Terrorist Bombings) Act; the Border Security Legislation Amendment Act 2002; and the Telecommunications Interception Legislation Amendment Act 2002. Progression of the review is a statutory requirement of the Security Legislation Amendment (Terrorism) Act 2002. [12.10.05]

NEW COUNTER-TERRORISM LAWS OUTSIDE TERMS OF REFERENCE: Ruddock made clear the review "will focus on existing legislation, and will not cover the Government's new counter-terrorism initiatives." The committee comprises: former ACT Chief Police Officer, John Davies APM OAM; the Inspector General of Intelligence and Security, Ian Carnell; Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis; Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Sev Ozdowski OAM; Commonwealth Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan; and Law Council of Australia representatives - Gillian Braddock SC and Dan O'Gorman. Public hearings will be conducted in early-2006, with a report due to Ruddock within six months. [12.10.05]

DISCUSSION PAPER ON EXTRADITION LAWS COMING BY XMAS: Customs & Justice Minister Ellison has advised that following the progression of internal reviews of The Extradition Act 1988 and related 'mutual assistance' arrangements in criminal matters, discussions papers will be released for public comment on Extradition (end-2005) and Mutual Assistance (during 2006). Ellison says the reviews are being conducted by an Attorney-General's Department team with a view to overhauling outdated and cumbersome legal frameworks. He adds, "it is essential that we have effective arrangements in place … to combat terrorism and transnational/domestic crime, including people smuggling, illicit drug and firearms, money laundering and corruption." [12.10.05]

RAYTHEON SECURES FURTHER 'PAVEWAY II' PRODUCTION ORDERS: The Raytheon Company has been awarded a US$45.5m contract for the US Air Force's fiscal year 2005 procurement of 'Paveway II' laser guided bomb kits, a system which turns conventional 'dumb' bombs into precision guided weapons. Paveway is said to have been the most widely used precision munition in Operation Iraqi Freedom, with more than 8,700 units dropped. The semi-active laser guided munition, which homes in on reflected energy directed at a target, boast accuracy, reliability and cost-effectiveness. Additional Paveway kits orders are currently being considered by the RAAF under project Air 5409. [12.10.05]

BREAKTHROUGH FOR AUTONOMOUS UAV DATA DELIVERY: Northrop Grumman Corporation reports it has successfully led the first demonstration of a system that autonomously controls low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to deliver real-time surveillance data to US military forces in urban battle zones. The flight exercise - under the US Department of Defense's Heterogeneous Urban RSTA (reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition) Team (HURT) program - showed that individual warfighters could receive video surveillance information about enemy positions on handheld computers, making their efforts safer and more effective. The exercise utilised four small UAVs - two Ravens and a Pointer (both fixed-wing aircraft), and an RMAX helicopter - all deployed at low altitudes under HURT system control. [12.10.05]

PROJECT MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE AWARD FOR 'HERCULES' EWSP: NSW-based APP Corporation has been awarded an Australian Institute of Management (AIM) 'product development' award for its role in supporting the RAAF's rapid application of electronic warfare self protection (EWSP) to the C-130 'Hercules' fleet in time for Operation 'Catalyst' in Iraq. The AIM says the project is a success because a key Defence capability was delivered "more than two months under the original time-frame and $4m under feasibility estimates." Extensive planning and 'front end loading' is said to have been undertaken "to ensure that the scope was clear, appropriate, understood and deliverable within a deadline that was always going to be brought forward." [11.10.05]

TENIX 'DATAGATE' MOVES TO HIGHEST SECURITY LEVEL: The United States' National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) is reported as having certified, for the first time, Tenix Datagate Inc’s 'Data Diode' product at EAL 7 level, along with according an EAL5+ certification for the Datagate’s keyboard switch. Along with the Data Diode, the keyboard switch is a critical component of the Interactive Link information security system. The technology allows defence and commercial clients to analyse and share data safely across classified networks from one workstation, thus cutting costs and increasing productivity and accuracy. The Interactive Link (developed under licence from the DSTO) is already certified to E6, the highest level possible under the ITSEC system. [11.10.05]

NAVY BOOSTS FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR SKILLS RETENTION: Difficulties being experienced in retaining Marine and Electronics Technical sailors are to be met with a new package of short, medium and longer-term initiatives, lead by an immediate offering of bonuses of up to $10,000 per year. Payments are to be based on a sliding scale according to experience, competency and qualifications. Other initiatives affecting employment and conditions are being addressed through Navy's 'Sea Change' program. Defence has allocated $8m per year for retention bonuses, and $2.5m per year for completion bonuses for Marine and Electronics Technical sailors over the next three years. [11.10.05]

MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR BOOST TO COUNTER ILLEGAL FISHING: The Government has approved a four-year/$88m strategy to boost the capability of the Australian Customs Service, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, the Department of Immigration, and the Director of Public Prosecutions to better manage the growing numbers of foreign fishing boats and crews detained in Australian waters by Customs and RAN vessels. Customs & Justice Minister Ellison says an extra 28 Customs officers, 30 Fisheries officers and four new tactical response vessels are to be deployed in Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory, with an extra six Customs officers also being employed to coordinate increased levels of activity to combat illegal fishing. [11.10.05]

PLASTIC EXPLOSIVES DEAL TO HELP AID DETECTION: The Government has tabled a National Interest Analysis (NIA) submission as the first step towards accession to the United Nations Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection. The Convention aims to deter the misuse of plastic explosives by requiring that a detection agent (ie: such as an odorant) is incorporated into their manufacture, thus making the explosives easier to detect and more difficult for would-be terrorists to smuggle on board an aircraft or into other targets. First signed at Montreal in 1991, the Convention has been generally in force since 1998, and now has 120 signatories. The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties is to conduct a review before formal accession is progressed. [11.10.05]

PROGRESS UPDATE ON MONEY LAUNDERING & TERRORIST FINANCING: The Government has agreed to progress Australian implementation of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations in two tranches: the first will cover the financial and gambling sectors and bullion dealers (along with lawyers and accountants, but only to the extent that they provide services in direct competition with the financial sector); followed by extension of obligations to real estate agents, jewellers and professionals (ie: accountants and lawyers) when they provide non-financial services. Under the first tranche of reforms, the industry sectors covered will be required to: verify the identity of customers; report suspicious matters and high value transactions; maintain rigorous internal anti-money laundering/counter-terrorist financing programs; and keep appropriate records. [11.10.05]

ROLLS-ROYCE TURBOMECA ENGINE QUALIFIED FOR NH90 HELICOPTER: Rolls-Royce Turbomeca reports that their RTM322 turboshaft engine has been qualified to specific military requirements of the NH Industries (NHI) NH90 twin-engine multi-role helicopter, currently being acquired by the ADF under phase 2 of project Air 9000. The subject milestone, along with the engine's 2004 civil certification, was marked by Eurocopter’s signature of the Declaration of Design and Performance (DDP) for the RTM322-01/9, which is rated at 2,427 shp. The FADEC-equipped RTM322-01/9 has been selected by ten of the eleven nations ordering the NH90 including: Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Portugal and Sweden. [11.10.05]

F-310 FRIGATE 'AEGIS' WEAPONS SYSTEM TEST COMPLETED: Lockheed Martin (LM) and Spanish shipbuilder Navantia report they have successfully completed initial at-sea testing of the first 'Aegis'/SPY-1F weapon system-equipped F-310 Norwegian frigate, the 'Fridtjof Nansen', during sea trials conducted off the coast of Ferrol. The achievement is said to mark an important milestone in integrated weapon system (IWS) testing for the first of Norway's five new 'Aegis'-equipped frigates, with the vice president and general manager of LM's Maritime Systems & Sensors' Surface Systems business, Orlando Carvalho, commenting the Norwegian Navy's frigate program "is a great example of successful international teamwork and industry partnership." [11.10.05]

BAE SYSTEMS TO DEVELOP A400M ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM: BAE Systems (BAES), in partnership with Hispano-Suiza, is to develop the full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC) for EuroProp International's TP400-D6 engine, slated to power the new Airbus A400M military transport. The 'FADEC 3' control will govern engine fuel flow and variable engine geometries, manage propeller blades (including synchrophasing), and carry out other advanced functions. The TP400-D6 will be the first turboprop derivative of the FADEC 3, which is currently used on numerous commercial platforms. [11.10.05]

FORMER DEFENCE CHIEF TO OPEN 'SEA POWER 2006' CONFERENCE: Admiral Chris Barrie (Rtd), the former Chief of the Defence Force, is to provide the keynote address at the 'Sea Power 2006' conference being held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre (Darling Harbour) from 31 January 2006, in parallel with the Pacific 2006 International Maritime Exposition. Following agreement with Pacific 2006 organisers, DIAR.com will again be providing a daily printed newsletter bringing together all relevant news items generated at the show, and distributed to all stand holders at mid-day on the four substantive trade show days. Inquiries in regards to sponsorship and advertising opportunities for the daily DIAR.com newsletters for distribution at Pacific 2006 should be directed to Lissa Fabbo (02/6260-5944) or email busicom@ozemail.com.au. [11.10.05]

KOKODA FOUNDATION PITCHES 10-POINT DEFENCE 2020 PLAN: A major new study for release 12 October has outlined ten key changes required to prepare Australia's defence system for the challenges of 2020. Published by the not-for-profit Kokoda Foundation (with support from Jacobs Sverdrup Australia), the 85-page document brings together the views of some of Australia's most senior defence officers, officials and researchers - as expressed during the course of 16 closed half-day workshops - and summarised by Professor Ross Babbage. The Foundation will similarly publish another report looking critically into the logic behind Project Air 6000 - the new air combat capability - likely to see replacement, prospectively with Lockheed Martin's Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), of the F/A-18 and F-111 force after 2012. [11.10.05]

TRACKING NEW GENERATION THREATS TO AUSTRALIA: The Kokoda Foundation is also hosting over 25-26 October 2005, a new form of conference employing 'search' techniques at the National Convention Centre, in Canberra. The conference will address the altered threat space Australia is likely to increasingly face over the next 25 years. Individual workshops will consider: Conventional Threats to Australia; Threats to the Australian Biosphere; Threats to the Australian Economy; Threats to Australian Willpower; and Threats to Australia's National Integrity. The 'new generation threats' conference is being supported by Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) magazine. Email manager@kokodafoundation.org for registration details. [10.10.05]

HMAS 'PARRAMATTA' LEAVES FOR PERSIAN GULF DEPLOYMENT: Commander Jonathan Mead, RAN and 165 personnel on-board the 'Anzac'-class frigate, HMAS 'Parramatta', have departed the ship's homeport of Fleet Base East (Garden Island, Sydney) for her first deployment to the Persian Gulf. The 'Parramatta' will take over duties from HMAS 'Newcastle', which departed Australia in May 2005 to take up Gulf operations from June. The Federal Member for Wentworth, Malcolm Turnbull MP (representing the Minister for Defence), and Maritime Commander Australia, Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas, AM, CSC, RAN farewelled the ship - the RAN's twelfth rotation since 2001. [10.10.05]

DATES SET FOR AIR WARFARE DESTROYER NATIONAL ROADSHOW: A national roadshow is shortly to commence in Canberra under the auspices of the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Alliance - recently formed to advance project Sea 4000. Half-day seminars will firstly provide a general AWD project brief, followed by concurrent sessions on AWD: Shipbuilding; Combat System; and Platform System Design. Seminar dates are: Canberra - 17/10; Sydney - 19/10; Adelaide - 20/10; Melbourne - 21/10; Perth - 25/10; Hobart - 26/10; Brisbane - 28/10; Cairns - 31/10; Darwin - 2/11; and Newcastle - 3/11. Surf www.ausawd.com/registration/briefing.php for venue details. [10.10.05]

'TOOWOOMBA' LAUNCH CULMINATES NAVY WEEK CELEBRATIONS: The seventh 'Anzac'-class frigate, HMAS 'Toowoomba' (under Commander Gregory Sammut), has joined the RAN's operational Fleet following a traditional commissioning ceremony held in Brisbane. The ship will commence operations in December following transit to her home-port in Perth later this month. The ceremony was attended by the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, LtGen Ken Gillespie, the Chief of Navy, VAdm Russ Shalders and the Maritime Commander Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas. [08.10.05]

DEFENCE RECRUITMENT KIT HAS KIDS HOOKED, LINE & SINKER: The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, De-Anne Kelly, has launched 'ADF Aviator' - an on-line game designed to use on-line technology to attract recruits to the ADF. The new game, which joins a number of challenging exercises already on the 'defencejobs' web site, shows potential recruits what it takes to be a pilot in the Navy, Army or Air Force. Kelly says web site usage has increased from 45,000 unique users a month to over 115,000 a month, in just over a year. She adds, independent research shows the site is 'number one' for young males 16 to 24 years, and the fourth most popular recruitment site. The ADF needs to recruit around 8,500 full and part time employees this year, an increase over previous years. [07.10.05]

IRIDIUM SATELLITE LINKS USED TO SUPPORT SAVI RFID TECHNOLOGY: The Iridium Satellite company is providing satellite links for a new mobile system that uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to track the movement of critical military supplies in forward operating areas. A Portable Deployment Kit (PDK) developed by Savi Technology and NAL Research provides a lightweight mobile RFID solution to the challenge of extending supply-chain visibility directly into the Area of Operations (AO), where there is usually no fixed RFID infrastructure. The US Marine Corps plans to deploy 100 initial units in Southwest Asia in coming months. The ADF has also just confirmed RFID will be rolled out for Middle East operations in early 2006. [07.10.05]

NEW DISPLAY SYSTEMS CONTRACT FOR 'AEGIS' PLATFORMS: The US Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin (LM) two contracts totalling US$119.4m as a follow-on to the five year (and $500m) AN/UYQ-70 advanced display systems contract, initially awarded to LM in 1994. Under the original contract, LM and industry partner DRS Technologies have provided ruggedised COTS-based tactical display and computing systems that support common operating environments in US Navy 'Aegis'-equipped surface combatants, aircraft carriers & amphibious ships, 'Virginia'- and 'Los Angeles'-class attack submarines, and E-2C 'Hawkeye' aircraft. [07.10.05]

MD HELICOPTERS GOES ITS OWN WAY ON US ARMY HELICOPTERS: MD Helicopters Inc (MDHI) has confirmed it will bid its twin turbine MD 'Explorer' helicopter for the US Army's US$1.3b Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) program. MDHI had originally been pared with Lockheed Martin, but since the two companies parted ways, has decided to enter the competition alone - albeit not discounting partnering with another company to provide consolidated logistics support. According to MDHI officials, the MD 'Explorer' is "the single helicopter that most meets the specifications of the LUH program," and features the patented 'Notar' system for anti-torque and directional control. [07.10.05]

HURLEY LAUNCHES UPDATED NETWORK CENTRIC WARFARE ROADMAP: The Chief of Defence's Capability Development Group, LtGen David Hurley, has officially released the updated Network Centric Warfare Roadmap, which contains a vision to achieving a combined joint seamless Network Centric Warfare (NCW) force by 2020. Speaking on the Gold Coast at the at the Army's Land Warfare Conference, Hurley said NCW was about significantly enhancing the ADF's warfighting capability by drawing upon operational benefits to be derived from enhanced information flows, as currently being demonstrated in Afghanistan and Iraq. [06.10.05]

WHOLE OF DEFENCE OBJECTIVE FOR IMPLEMENTING NCW: Hurley said the updated Roadmap provided a 15-year framework to align the ADF's NCW capability development, and identifies four key actions for the ADF to become a mature NCW force. These were: setting NCW related targets and milestones; establishing the Network; initiating changes in doctrine, and education and training; and accelerating the process of change and innovation through mechanisms such as RPDE. He added, "it is understood that the human dimension, the way our troops interact and utilise the information, is just as important in achieving maximum effectiveness. NCW will change the ADF's training, education, organisation and culture." [06.10.05]

AUSTRALIAN NCW ACQUISITION PROJECTS TRACKED OUT TO 2015: Several key milestones (and details of their related military acquisition projects) have been established in the new Roadmap to measure progress in evolving NCW capability. These include: 2008 - broadband networked maritime task group (initial capability) and networked aerospace surveillance and battlespace management capability; 2009 - interim networked land combat force; 2010 - networked fleet (mature capability) and integrated coalition network capability; 2012 - first networked brigade; 2013 - networked air warfare force; 2014 - second networked brigade; 2015 - robust battlespace network and networked joint task force. [06.10.05]

'BLACK HAWK' HELICOPTERS WARMING-UP FOR 'MERCURY 2005': Army 'Black Hawk' helicopters from 171 Aviation Squadron will be operating in Victoria (Port Philip Bay and Bendigo) and Nowra (NSW) this month in support of the ADF's participation in Exercise 'Mercury 05' (being coordinated by the Attorney General's Department) to practise counter-terrorism and consequence management skills. The helicopters will support command and control and the rapid deployment of Defence response teams. Lead-up training activities will run from 6-16 October (the specific counter-terrorism Exercise 'Mars Anchor' will run in Port Phillip Bay from 10-16 October), whilst the actual 'Mercury 05' exercise will occur between 17-21 October 2005. [06.10.05]

REPORT ON SECOND MEETING OF MUSLIM REFERENCE GROUP: Speaking to media on the risk of authorities adopting 'racial profiling' to garner terrorist suspects, the Chairman of the Government's Muslim Reference Group (and head of the Australian Federation of Islamic Communities), Dr Ameer Ali, has said "there are rednecks in every society, not only in (non-Muslim) Australia and they might be able to twist and turn these laws, but generally, we put our trust in the Government, and we are confident that the broader community will not target the Muslim community." After the London train bombings, Ali says there was "not one incident (of anti-Muslim violence) reported in this country. That goes to the credit of every community." [06.10.05]

ADACEL SCORES ADDITIONAL CONTRACT FOR US OCEANIC PROGRAM: Melbourne-based Adacel reports it has received a further $5m contract extension to provide software support to Lockheed Martin (LM) for the US Federal Aviation Administration’s Advanced Technologies and Oceanic Procedures (ATOP) program - set to modernise air traffic control throughout US oceanic airspace. Adacel has supplied oceanic air traffic management automation software for the ATOP program, for which LM Transportation and Security Solutions serves as overall systems integrator. When fully implemented, ATOP will be the world’s most advanced oceanic system. [06.10.05]

SOLTAM SYSTEMS JOINS BOEING FOR LAND 17 ARTILLERY: Boeing Australia Limited (BAL) and Israeli-based Soltam Systems have formed a partnership to offer the 155mm/52 calibre ATHOS towed/ATMOS truck mounted integrated artillery solutions to the ADF in response to its evolving requirements under project Land 17. The partnership will draw on Soltam's 50 years of experience in artillery systems, and Boeing's systems analysis laboratory and test & integration facilities (including legacy ADF command & control systems integration), to bring forward what Soltam's Business Manager, Viki Fadlon, says will be "a cost effective, flexible solution to Land 17 that has economical life support." [06.10.05]

HOUSTON COMMITS DEFENCE TO BETTER MILITARY JUSTICE OUTCOME: The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, says he is "totally committed" to driving implementation of the Government new military justice reforms over the next two years. According to Houston, "the Secretary, Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Service Chiefs and I are very focussed on revamping the military justice system. I have appointed Rear Admiral Bonser to lead a dedicated and fully resourced Defence team to oversee the implementation of the reforms. He will report to us each month on the progress made, as well as recommendations that Defence is already implementing as a result of previous reviews. We will also provide a progress report every six months to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade over the next two years." [06.10.05]

EUROCOPTER LAUNCHES HELICOPTER PARTS VISIBILITY PROGRAM: A new overhaul & repair workshop for dynamic helicopter components has been opened at Eurocopter's 'Marignane' facility, thus marking a decisive step in the two year old 'Mercure' project, which has at is core a new 'customer satisfaction' focus. More than 7000sqm of workshop area is said to have been refitted. Workshop processes have also undergone an overall re-engineering, with benefits being greater transparency for customers in knowing the progress of components (eg: main gearboxes) undergoing repairs, and a 30% reduction in the time required for overhaul/repair cycles. Ultimately, Eurocopter says "the flexibility of the Mercure facilities will allow the same types of activities to be preformed for the 'Tiger' and NH90." [06.10.05]

DCN GROUP REPORTS FIRST-HALF 2005 FINANCIAL RESULTS: French-based naval prime contractor, the DCN group has announced first half consolidated revenue for 2005 of €1,509m, 6% higher than in 2004. Operating income is said to have risen substantially (by 65%) to €154m, or 10.2% of revenue - an increase of three percentage points over the 2004 figure. Net profit came to €111m, or 7.4% of revenue. Officials indicated this latter figure was "comparable to that reported last year with improved group performance making up for the absence of exceptional financial income. We anticipate that our full-year results for 2005 will reflect continuing improvement compared with 2004.” To accommodate the 2004 switch from revenue accounting by completed contract, to revenue accounting by milestone, the above comparisons have been made relative to 2004 figures, reduced by half. [06.10.05]

SMALL DIAMETER BOMB PARTNERSHIP FACES OFF AGAINST RAYTHEON: Boeing and Lockheed Martin (LM) will exclusively team to compete the USAF's Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) Increment II program, combining LM's multi-mode seeker technology with Boeing's originally developed (2001 contract) air vehicle and data link, to be able of hitting moving targets. The US GAO latterly recommended the SDB competition be re-opened after LM successfully challenged the initial contract award in light of Darlene Druyen's admissions that, as a senior Air Force procurement officer, she had favoured Boeing in a number of contracts in order to get a job with the company. Boeing and LM will now line-up against Raytheon, which has expressed an intention to enter the Increment II competition. A formal SDB Increment II RFP is due in late October, with a risk reduction contract award expected next spring. [06.10.05]

GE-AVIATION TO USE RFID TECHNOLOGIES TO TRACK SPARE PARTS: GE-Aviation reports that following a multi-year test, it has now successfully launched radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking technology across its shipping and receiving logistics for aircraft engines spare parts. The RFID technology is hailed as providing productivity gains by eliminating manual bar code scans and preparing GE-Aviation for compliance with the US Department of Defense's RFID policy, which comes into effect in early 2006. GE is also testing RFID technology with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), whilst running several pilot projects using RFID technology further up the supply chain. [06.10.05]

RFID CONFERENCE SET FOR MELBOURNE END-OCTOBER: The broad range of RFID technologies and strategies for their integration into supply chains, both military and civilian, is to be examined in a special two-day IQPC conference on RFID Integration, to be held at the Le Meridian Rialto (Melbourne) over 26-27 October 2005. The ADF's Director-General for Materials Systems, Brigadier David McGahey, will be a keynote speaker at the conference, and is expected to outline Defence expectations for increased visibility to significantly reduce its overall supply costs from recent RFID investments. Email registration@iqpc.com.au or surf www.iqpc.com.au/SupplyChainIQ for details. [06.10.05]

DECISION HANDED-DOWN ON MILITARY JUSTICE IMPROVEMENTS: In response to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee Report into the Effectiveness of Australia's Military Justice System, the Howard Government is to: establish a permanent Australian Military Court that is independent of the chain of command (replacing individually convened trials by Courts Martial and Defence Force Magistrates); appoint an independent civilian president to head mandatory Commissions of Inquiry for suicides by ADF members and deaths in service; establish a Tri-Service ADF Investigation Unit that is independent of the Service chains of command; and implement a streamlined ADF complaints and redress of grievances system in accordance with the 2004 joint Defence Force Ombudsman/CDF Redress of Grievance System Review. [05.10.05]

STRUCTURE FOR NEW AUSTRALIAN MILITARY COURT DETAILED: Defence Minister Hill said the new Australian Military Court will consist of a Chief Judge Advocate and two permanent judge advocates, with a part-time reserve panel. Court procedures will include options for judge advocates to sit alone or, in more serious cases, with a military jury. The CDF is also to establish a mandatory Commission of Inquiry for all ADF incidents that result in death, with an independent civilian (with judicial experience) appointed as Commission President. Hill added, "a tri-Service Investigation Unit will be established to investigate more serious offences, and will be headed by a new ADF Provost Marshal, who will be independent of Service chains of command." [05.10.05]

BILL FOR NEW HEADQUARTERS BEING REVIEWED AFTER STAFF CUTS: The three shortlisted tenderers vying to build the ADF's new Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQ-JOC) facility outside Canberra have been asked to refine their estimates of construction costs following a decision to cut staff at the new HQ from the originally-estimated 1185 positions, to 750 staff. Confirmation of the staff reductions came in the aftermath of a review of the ADF's higher command structure, said to have been undertaken in light of lessons learned from recent deployments and the impact of technological change on command, control and communications systems and methods. Defence Minister Hill says that despite the extra time needed to scale down construction bids by up to $50m, the target date of early to mid-2008 for the new headquarters to become fully operational “remains the Government's intention." [05.10.05]

EMPHASIS GIVEN TO ROLE OF INDUSTRY IN SUPPORTING THE ADF: Addressing a lunch time session of the 2005 Land Warfare Conference (LWC) being held on the Gold Coast, the Chairman of ADI Limited, Paul McClintock, has spoken of the threat to Australian defence-industry from changes in global high technology industry and IT players. He says, "local defence industry will shrink to sales offices and low level support without a determination to see key capacities retained here. Australia will need to be focussed on what it wants here in Australia. Each company has the challenge of effectively locking into global supply chains, and R&D efforts, without losing capacity to work independently." [05.10.05]

ADI SWAMPS ARMY CONFERENCE WITH CITY-SIZED DISPLAY: In one of the largest stands ever seen at an Australian military equipment and services exhibition, ADI Limited has put on display at the LWC elements of its Giat 'Caesar' 155mm artillery system (proposed for project Land 17); modifications to its 'Bushmaster' infantry mobility vehicle to yield an armoured combat support vehicle (ACSV); solutions from Oshkosh and Pinzgauer for its project Land 121 bid; and aspects of its integrated data services project using the variable message format tactical data link for exchanging data between the Air 9000 troop lift helicopter and Joint Project 2089 legacy system upgrades. [05.10.05]

NEW COLLABORATIVE BATTLELAB TO TEST MILITARY CAPABILITIES: Thales Australia has launched at the 2005 LWC a new Australian Transformation and Innovation Centre (ATIC). Centred at ADI’s Garden Island (Sydney) facility, the ATIC offers a collaborative environment for undertaking military capability concept development and experimentation, operational analysis, system engineering and technology integration. The facility is being jointly funded by ADI Limited, Thales Training and Simulation, Thales Underwater Systems and Thales Air Traffic Management, thus enabling Thales Australia companies to deliver new system capabilities to their broad range of Defence, Government and commercial customers. [05.10.05]

KBR SIGNS AIR 87 TRAINING THROUGH LIFE SUPPORT CONTRACT: Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR) has signed 29 September a contract with Australian Aerospace (AA) for the delivery of training services under the 'Tiger' armed reconnaissance helicopter (Air 87) project. Under the contract, KBR (as part of the AA training system team) is to provide Army Aviation aircrew, technician and groundcrew operator level training for the 'Tiger' ARH. KBR will also provide through life support of the training courseware. [05.10.05]

'JAVELIN' MISSILES FIND INCREASING POPULARITY IN IRAQ: The Raytheon-Lockheed Martin 'Javelin' joint venture has received a US$110m modification to an initial $119m May contract for an additional 901 'Javelin' anti-tank weapon command launch units and 101 trainer systems. 'Javelin' is in service with the US Army and Marine Corps, and has been deployed by the US and Australia in Operation 'Iraqi Freedom', where more than 1,000 rounds have already been fired against buildings, vehicles (including armour and pick-up trucks) and fighting positions. Coalition forces are also said to be effectively employing the system's Command Launch Unit in surveillance and anti-Improvised Explosive Device (IED) operations. [05.10.05]

NEW 'GLOBAL HAWK' SENSOR UNIT ACCEPTED FOR RQ-4As: Northrop Grumman has completed acceptance testing of the first production version of a new integrated sensor suite produced by Raytheon Space & Airborne Systems, to be installed on RQ-4A 'Global Hawk' UAVs to enhance imaging capability for the US Air Force. The new sensor package, which includes electro-optical and infrared cameras and synthetic aperture radar, features improvements derived from U-2 program technology. Two RQ-4As with the new production sensor suites are expected to be ready to deploy this northern hemisphere fall. [05.10.05]

AUSTRALIAN SPECIAL FORCES SOLDIER WOUNDED IN AFGHANISTAN: Defence Department officials have confirmed an Australian Special Forces Task Group soldier has received "a minor shrapnel wound" during a clash with anti-coalition militia (ACM) forces in Afghanistan over the weekend. The soldier is said to have been, "part of a Coalition patrol involved in security operations against insurgents. He was treated on the scene and evacuated to a Coalition medical facility (and) is expected to return to duty following a short recovery period in Afghanistan." [04.10.05]

DOUBTS RAISED ABOUT EFFECTIVENESS OF JEMAAH ISLAMIYAH BAN: Prime Minister Howard has told media the question of whether declaring Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) illegal in Indonesia has the effect of making Australian's safer in Bali "will depend on a whole lot of things over which the Australian Government does not have control. We have argued all along that there should be a proscription of that organisation, but I’ve also said (and Mr Downer has said), just declaring it illegal - given the shadowy nature of the organisation and the difficulty of knowing whether people belong to it or not - does not, of itself, mean that it won’t continue to carry out terrorist acts." [04.10.05]

AAI CORPORATION GROUND CONTROL FOR NEW UAV PROGRAM: AAI Corporation has been awarded a US$30m (full potential) contract by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) to provide its 'One System' ground control station (GCS) and technologies for the US Army's new Extended Range/Multi-Purpose (ER/MP) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, which uses GA-ASI's 'Predator' UAV developed as the 'Warrior'. AAI developed the 'One System' GCS as part of the US Army's ongoing 'Shadow' Tactical UAV program. BAE Systems (BAES) is offering the 'Shadow' in Australia for Joint Program 129, whilst GA-ASI is offering the 'Predator/Mariner' into phase 1 of project Air 7000, as well as Customs' CMS-04 program. The ER/MP 'One System' GCS complies with NATOs STANAG 4586, which enables various UAVs to share information through common ground stations, thus enhancing interoperability among allied military forces. [04.10.05]

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS FINDS CRITICAL MMA COMPONENT ROLE: Two L-3 Communications divisions have been awarded contracts by Boeing for its P-8A Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) program. L-3 CS-West will provide high-rate communications using the Common Data Link, and L-3 CS-East will provide a suite of high performance, rugged, magnetic disk storage systems from its strategic/tactical airborne recorder product line. Current plans call for the US Navy to procure 108 MMAs to replace its fleet of 169 P-3C 'Orion' maritime patrol aircraft. [04.10.05]

AGUSTAWESTLAND & L-3 TEAM FOR NEW US ARMY HELICOPTER: AgustaWestland Inc (AWI) and L-3 Communications Integrated Systems (L-3/IS) have teamed for the US Army's Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) program offering the US 139 - a customised, non-developmental variant of the FAA certified AB139 twin-engined helicopter, and capable of carrying 15 passengers or four stretchers with six passengers. The US139 cruises at in excess of 165 knots with a useful load of more than 6000lbs, and is said to have been "designed from its inception as the replacement for the UH-1 'Huey'." [04.10.05]

HOWARD TALKS TO YUDHOYONO ON BALI BOMBING ISSUES: Having spoken with the President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, about the second round of bombings in Bali, Prime Minister Howard has told media of Yudhoyono's commitment that "no effort would be spared by Indonesia in tracking down those responsible. We talked for a while about the ongoing challenge of terrorism, and we both agreed … that tragic incidents such as this, so far from driving apart the people of Australia and Indonesia, would only bring us closer together." [03.10.05]

WAY OF LIFE UNDER THREAT FROM ONGOING TERRORIST STRUGGLE: The Prime Minister added during a doorstop interview that the struggle against terrorism, "will go on for some years, and it’s a struggle that’s very important for our way of life, and it’s very important for the future of this country in our part of the world. The terrorists are targeting a stable democratic moderately Islamic Indonesia They have an interest in causing the maximum amount of instability and chaos in that country." [03.10.05]

FOREIGN COUNTRY TERRORISTS NOT THE SAME AS AUSTRALIA: Howard further advised media, "it would be wrong to say that this event in Bali has heightened the likelihood of a terrorist attack in Australia. There is no automatic link between the two. We do not have the same home-grown challenges. We are a different society. I believe in relation to potential terrorist attacks we are a much safer society, but I have never ruled out the possibility of a terrorist attack. Our willingness to cooperate in gathering intelligence is unlimited, but human intelligence in these situations is best gathered in Indonesia, by Indonesians." [03.10.05]

METAL STORM SECURES HOMELAND SECURITY OPPORTUNITY: Brisbane-based Metal Storm has signed a one-year US$216,000 contract with the US Department of Energy (DOE) for R&D into a short range weapon system capable of protecting critical facilities, including nuclear power plants. The new weapon is to be capable of distributing large quantities of ammunition over a large area in an extremely short time frame, namely, saturating a target area 30-50 metres away from the firing point in four 90-degree quadrants. Saturation is defined as one 40mm HE round (5m kill radius) in every 100sqm area. [03.10.05]

DOME SIMULATORS TO SUPPORT AUSTRALIAN 'TIGER' HELICOPTERS: Thales reports it has signed a contract with Barco to provide and install 15 high-resolution dome projection systems in 'Tiger' helicopter full-flight simulators. The simulators will be used to train 'Tiger' aircrews for a full range of operational missions at the Ecole Franco-Allemand (EFA), the joint training centre for French & German pilots at Le Luc. The contract is a continuation of an early order for four systems, two of which have been installed and are in use at Le Luc, and two set for delivery to the Australian Army under the Air 87 program. [03.10.05]

'CHINOOK' UPGRADE PROGRAM SETS INTO MANUFACTURING: Boeing reports it has started production on the new CH-47F 'Chinook' heavy-transport helicopter as part of the US Army's Cargo Helicopter modernisation program. The new airframe is being constructed utilising advanced manufacturing techniques where large single piece components replace built-up sheet metal structures and aluminium honeycomb formers - thus reducing operating and support costs whilst improving the structural integrity of the aircraft, and extending the overall useful life of each 'Chinook'. Related air transportability modifications will also reduce the time necessary to prepare the aircraft for cargo transport, whilst providing advanced corrosion protection. [03.10.05]

AUSA CONVENTION SEES THE LATEST IN NETWORK CENTRIC WARFARE: Rockwell Collins has displayed a fully equipped High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) containing the latest in situational awareness, mobile command and control and wide-band communications capabilities during the AUSA exposition in Washington, DC. Ruggedised personal computers (PCs) now allow information within the network to be distributed to Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2)/Blue Force Tracking (BFT) systems via the Joint Variable Message Format (JVMF) and long range transmission using internet protocol (IP). Other sensor related information can be easily time-tagged, geo-referenced and distributed over the net to enable the soldier as a sensor. [03.10.05]

EADS AND SIKORSKY COMBINE FOR NEW LIGHT US HELICOPTER: EADS North America has expanded the industrial team for its UH-145 advanced helicopter with the addition of Sikorsky Aircraft, which will provide its expertise in contractor logistics support for the US Army’s Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) mission. Also joining the UH-145 team are WestWind Technologies (fast-reaction helicopter systems Integration) CAE, specialising in simulation and training. Sikorsky is said to occupy "a prominent position in the medium-to-heavy military helicopter marketplace, and its products are used by all branches of the US armed forces, as well as many foreign militaries." Sikorsky does not produce an aircraft in the LUH category that meets the US Army's requirements. [03.10.05]

DEFENCE FORCE RESPONSE TO SECOND BALI BOMBINGS: As part of Australia's response to Saturday night's bombings in Bali, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) deployed specialist medical personnel and aircraft to Bali and Darwin to assist in the support to those who have been affected. Defence immediately provided a Medical Assistance Team (MAT) of three personnel in support of the Government's Emergency Response Team. A further ADF surgical team, a medical staging facility, and a small coordination element were first deployed from Richmond (NSW) to Darwin aboard RAAF C-130 aircraft, and then onto Bali. [02.10.05]

September

[TOP]

CSC AUSTRALIA FOR JSF AVIONICS INTERFACE CONTROLLER: Northrop Grumman has contracted CSC Australia to provide the test program set and interface test adapter for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) communications, navigation and identification (CNI) avionics interface controller. The aircraft's CNI avionics are being developed by the Radio Systems business unit of Northrop Grumman's Space Technology sector (under contract to Lockheed Martin), and uses sophisticated software-defined radio technology to simultaneously support numerous capabilities such as various voice and data communications, automatic acquisition of fly-to points and friend-or-foe identification. [30.09.05]

BATH IRON WORKS CONTRACTED FOR DD(X) ENGINEERING: The US Navy has awarded General Dynamics subsidiary, Bath Iron Works, a US$53.4m six-month contract to undertake engineering and design efforts relating to its next generation land attack DD(X) destroyer. Work to be performed includes beginning the development of functional diagrams, primary structural and non-zone outfit products, class-common equipment procurement specifications, joint design/build and production plans and further refinement of design and manufacturing process refinements. [30.09.05]

AUSTRALIAN CONTRACTOR FOR JSF STRESS ANALYSIS WORK: Vipac Scientists & Engineers has beaten out global competition to win a new US$2.5m/two-year contract with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, to provide design and stress analysis services on the airframe (including systems and sub-systems support), and wing development of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Specifically, Vipac will undertake finite element modelling and dynamic transient analysis to predict the dynamic response of F-35 structural elements, thus enabling the recovery of detail stresses at critical locations. [30.09.05]

METAL STORM STRIKES WEAPONS DEAL WITH SINGAPORE TECHNOLOGIES: Brisbane-based Metal Storm has teamed with Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd (ST Kinetics) to cooperate in the development, production and marketing of 40mm munitions for Metal Storm weapon systems. The teaming follows a recent agreement with the US Army Research Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) to develop and adapt munitions for use with Metal Storm 40mm weapons systems - meaning the company has one arrangement to convert US Army inventory rounds in the United States, whilst in all other markets, munitions will be made available through ST Kinetics. [30.09.05]

GENERAL DYNAMICS TEAM SELECTED FOR JOINT PROJECT 2072: US-based General Dynamics, in partnership with ADI Limited and Tenix, has been selected as the preferred Tenderer for the design, development and implementation of Defence's future digital communications system. Estimated to cost up to $800m, Joint Project 2072 has been broken up into three phases over the next 10 years, with equipment to be introduced into service from 2007/2008. Phase One is approved for $97m, and will focus on the development of the overall systems design and architecture for future procurements of communications equipment for the Land Force, as a key component in the delivery of network centric warfare to the land environment. [29.09.05]

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS POLITICS HITS DEFENCE CONTRACTING: Asked by media for his comments in regard to news that Defence contractor, ADI Limited, had allegedly won the right to discriminate by race when employing staff, in particular, being allowed to hire only Australians or Americans on projects in Western Australia, Prime Minister Howard has replied, "well I'd like to get some more information about that. If it's related in some way to security, that may be a perfectly reasonable thing." Howard overnight had broken news the Government proposed to retain unlawful employment termination clauses (ie: race, gender, family responsibilities or trade union membership), whilst moving to abolish unfair dismissal laws for firms employing fewer than 100 people. [29.09.05]

TRACKING NEW GENERATION THREATS TO AUSTRALIA: A new form of conference employing 'search' techniques is to be hosted by the Kokoda Foundation at the National Convention Centre, in Canberra, over 25-26 October 2005, and will address the altered threat space Australia is likely to increasingly face over the next 25 years. Individual workshops will consider: Conventional Threats to Australia; Threats to the Australian Biosphere; Threats to the Australian Economy; Threats to Australian Willpower; and Threats to Australia's National Integrity. Email manager@kokodafoundation.org for registration details. [29.09.05]

EADS/THALES TO SUPPLY A400M MISSILE WARNING SYSTEM: EADS Defence Electronics is to equip the A400M transport aircraft with a newly developed Multi-Colour Infra-Red Alerting Sensor (MIRAS) missile warning system, after being awarded a contract to deliver 85 missile warning systems from 2010. The new product, to be developed jointly by EADS Defence Electronics and Thales, will rely on infrared superlattice detector technology successfully developed by AIM Infrarot-Module GmbH of Heilbronn, in Germany. Some work packages will also be subcontracted to Turkish-based Aselsan. MIRAS is the first missile warning system world-wide applying simultaneous, single-chip multi-colour infrared detection technology which provides a combination of detection probability, detection range and low false alarm rates. [29.09.05]

TERROR LAWS FOR 800 'SHADOWY, ELUSIVE, LETHAL' ENEMIES: Responding to media queries regarding the severity of the Government's new counter-terrorism laws package, Prime Minister Howard says, "the enemy of old was the enemy that rolled its army across a border or tried to attack our country. Terrorists are different enemies, they fight a borderless war, and therefore, we need different methods. I don’t like having to introduce these laws, I wish we didn’t live in that age. But I have believed for a long time that this is a threat that’s going to be with us for some years. I can’t put an end date on it, and the London bombing was a wake up call that there could be people who are living in our midst who might be capable of a terrorist act." [28.09.05]

RUDDOCK DENIES TERRORIST WATCH LIST RELEASED TO COAG: Responding to media reports ASIO briefed COAG it was watching up to 800 suspected terrorists in Australia, the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, replied "yesterday the Director-General of Security made it very clear that he was not giving any numbers, and that use of numbers is quite unhelpful. So that is not information that was provided to the premiers, and is not information that ASIO put in the public arena or would want in the public arena. Now I can’t confirm or deny particular numbers. But I do say, it is public knowledge that people have trained with terrorist organisations, and there are people who maybe motivated to carry out terrorist acts in Australia. We don’t deny that. That’s why these issues are serious." [28.09.05]

MINCOM ACCOUNTS BENEFIT FROM GLOBAL GROWTH AND PMKEYS: Brisbane-based software developer, Mincom, has reported a return to profitability supported by growth across all revenue lines and what it says has been "a razor sharp focus on core vertical specialisaton". The company has reported a full-year profit of $6.1m (on revenue of $165.1m) before tax and restructuring costs for the year to 30 June 2005, compared to a $4.7m loss in the previous year. After tax profit was $1.4m, compared with an after tax loss of $7.3m in 2003/04. Mincom CEO, Richard Mathews, says "2004/05 marked a new beginning for Mincom with a new constitution, a more independent Board of Directors and the introduction of executives with more international expertise." [28.09.05]

R&D FOCUS HELPING TO GROW MARKETS IN AUSTRALIA & OVERSEAS: Mathews added that through the profit turnaround Mincom had maintained its research and development (R&D) spending, as the company continued to invest in comprehensive business solutions for customers in mining, energy, transportation, government and defence. He said that in 2004/05, "we continued our focus on providing comprehensive enterprise asset management solutions. An example of this is the work we will be doing with the Australian Defence Force to scope and design the world's first fully deployable, integrated tri-services military logistics solution, which will form the backbone of a global defence solution." [28.09.05]

KELLY ANNOUNCES ADF PERSONAL CARE LEAVE INITIATIVE: The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, De-Anne Kelly, says ADF personnel in future will have access to five days' dedicated carer's leave per year - in addition to the existing seven days' compassionate leave per year - to look after the health needs of their families. According to Kelly, "carer's leave is particularly important for military personnel who often serve far away from extended family support networks that might otherwise be able to provide some assistance in times of need." The new measure builds on the recently announced $35m package of service allowances, leave and travel benefits designed to help lessen the impact on ADF members and their families serving in northern Australia. [28.09.05]

THALES BUILDS PRESENCE ON-BOARD A400M TRANSPORTER: Thales has been selected to provide two avionics systems for Airbus Military's new A400M transport: the TACAN Tactical Air Navigation system; and the Enhanced Vision System (EVS). The TACAN system proposed for the A400M is based on a commercial off-the-shelf solution in series production for over ten years. Compliant with civil (DO-160, DO-178) and military standards (STANAG 5034), it is said to be well suited to the A400M's functional and operational environment and offers scope for future technology insertion. Linked to the aircraft's head-up display (HUD), the EVS system will use an infrared camera to assist pilots during take-off, approach, landing and taxiing. During tactical flight, it will also offer extended pattern recognition, detection and surveillance capabilities. [28.09.05]

NEW SECURITY PACKAGE FOLLOWS COAG AGREEMENT ON TERROR LAWS: Prime Minister Howard has confirmed a further $40m will be spent on bolstering public safety and security measures, in addition to the $200m allocated for tightening security at Australia’s major airports in response to the Wheeler Report. In short, $17.3m will be spent over five years to establish an Australian Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Data Centre located alongside the Australian Federal Police's (AFP) Bomb Data Centre. Some $2.4m over five years will also be spent to support the establishment of a Chemical Warfare Agents Laboratory Network, which will provide a network of laboratories across Australia for the analysis of chemical agents. [27.09.05]

MEDIA CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT MORE COUNTER-TERRORISM EXERCISES: Australia’s national counter-terrorism exercise regime will get a further $9.2m over four years to focus exercises on the ability to manage mass casualty incidents, particularly in major city precincts and transport hubs. Some $1.3m over four years will also be spent to support the development of a national strategy to explain to the public - through a set of clear, concise messages - the arrangements set out in the National Counter-Terrorism Plan, supplemented by improved, centralised communication with the media during a crisis. A further $1m over three years will help implement the National Counter-Terrorism Committee’s (NCTC) review of urban mass passenger surface transport security arrangements; and $700,000 will fund Commonwealth participation in the NCTC's review of closed circuit television capability and related development of a national code of practice. [27.09.05]

POLICING UPGRADE AS ISLAMIC COMMUNITY BROUGHT INTO SECURITY NET: A $5.9m program in 2005/06 will also resource efforts to develop a national action plan to build on the 'Statement of Principles' agreed at the 23 August meeting with Islamic community leaders, and to undertake a range of related work including Muslim community liaison, community partnership projects, a national youth summit and leadership and media training. The Australian Government has also agreed to fully fund, under the unified model, a full-time community policing presence of AFP officers wearing AFP uniforms and under AFP command at all major Australian airports, with officers seconded or recruited from State and Territory police forces. A communique issued after the COAG meeting nevertheless indicated funding details for this initiative remain to be settled. [27.09.05]

SECURITY BRIEFING SCARES THE PANTS OFF STATE PREMIERS: Perhaps summing up the views of State Premiers concerned at public perceptions of their hand in the implementation of allegedly 'draconian' counter-terrorism laws, ACT Chief Minister John Stanhope said, "I came to the meeting concerned about the implications for the Australian accepted notion of the rule of law and our commitment to liberty, civil liberties and human rights. I had indicated that I would be seeking from the Commonwealth, through the Prime Minister, a detailed explanation and justification for the proposed new regime of law, and that it was a proportionate response to the threats we face from terrorism. The Prime Minister, assisted by the Director General of ASIO, the Director General of the ONA and the Commissioner of the AFP, provided that detailed security briefing … and provided, I believe, a strong justification for a range of new laws." [27.09.05]

ADI LODGES PFI DEAL FOR MULWALA FACILITY REDEVELOPMENT: ADI Limited has provided further details of a $200+m investment/20-year private financing/facility operation proposal to redevelop the Mulwala military propellants and explosives facility in concert with Bovis Lend Lease and US-based ATK Thiokol (and its sister company ATK Ammunition and Energetics). The 1943-vintage Mulwala facility, owned by the Commonwealth Government and operated by ADI, manufactures propellants and high explosives, which are then transported to ADI’s facility in Benalla for incorporation into ammunition and other explosive ordnance for the ADF. [27.09.05]

CHAIN BEING DRAGGING ON BIG BUCKS EXPLOSIVES INVESTMENT: The Department of Defence has been reviewing its requirements for long-term explosive ordnance supply since a series of incidents at the Mulwala facility culminated in the death of an employee. ADI says it lodged its PFI development proposal with Defence in March. Defence Minister Hill is accordingly faced with either putting to Cabinet a major Government-funded capital facilities upgrade for the Mulwala facility, accepting ADI's PFI offer to advance the required upgrade on the Government's behalf, or making a highly strategically sensitive decision to wind-down domestic explosives manufacture as part of a shift to imported product. [27.09.05]

FUSE NOW LIT ON REGIONAL POLITICS AND ADF SELF-RELIANCE: ADI Managing Director, Lucio Di Bartolomeo, has told the Government that Mulwala employees have the most to benefit from the redevelopment through "reduced exposure to potentially hazardous processes, and the surrounding environment will benefit from a significant reduction in vapour emissions.” This assurance was also topped off with the warning, "whilst some significant environmental and safety improvements have been made in recent years, only the redevelopment can address the remaining significant safety and environmental issues.” Subject to the PFI option approval, ADI says construction work would commence in 2006, and is expected to be completed by 2010. [27.09.05]

GIG ACCESS NOW DRIVING GLOBAL MILITARY SATCOM MARKET: A new report from Frost & Sullivan (F&S) says the US Government's vision for every service member and Defence civilian to have access to any information they need, whenever they need it, from anywhere in the world is now driving allies into joining the burgeoning North American Strategic Military Communications Market, projected to reach $9.37b 2010 compared to $7.71b in 2004. F&S says broadband via satellite is the key enabler for the Global Information Grid (GIG), a network-centric system envisioned as providing storage, management, and transport of information to support military, national security, and related intelligence missions and functions. The GIG is also expected to interface with allied, coalition, and non-GIG systems, thus requiring complementary investments by allies to access the GIG. [27.09.05]

FUTURE CARGO WHEEL SLOWLY TURNING FOR AIR 8000 CONTENDERS: Global Military Aircraft Systems (GMAS), a joint venture of L-3 Communications Integrated Systems (L-3/IS) and Alenia North America Inc (a Finmeccanica company), has confirmed its offering of the C-27J military aircraft for the US Army's Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA) program - which calls for the procurement of a new fleet of multifunctional aircraft, able to perform logistical re-supply, medevac, troop movement, airdrop operations, humanitarian assistance, and missions in support of US Homeland Security. The US Army's deadline for proposals for FCA is 15 October 2005. Australia is also looking for a new 'battlefield airlifter' under phase 2 of project Air 8000, with the C-27J expected to be one of the favoured contenders. [27.09.05]

NEW ROCKET ACCURACY SAID TO BE BETTER THAN AERIAL BOMBS: The US Army has confirmed its first in-theatre use in Iraq of new Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Unitary rockets, designed to greatly reduce collateral damage by providing enhanced accuracy up to 70 kilometres away. According to US officials, "this (system) allows ground commanders to precisely attack small targets, even in an urban environment, with even lower collateral damage than other artillery or precision bombs used by the US Air Force." The new GMLRS is deployed with the US Army's 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment. The ADF is currently developing a 'first pass' proposal for new artillery capability under project Land 17. [27.09.05]

'EXCALIBUR' ROUND OFFERS SOLUTION TO 155MM ACCURACY DILEMMA: The Raytheon Missile Systems-Bofors' 'Excalibur' team has reported further successes in trials of a global positioning system (GPS)-guided 155mm artillery projectile. The 'Excalibur' team is currently responding to an urgent request from the US Army to accelerate the program so that within the next six months, US forces can deploy the 10-meter accuracy projectile, which yields a level of accuracy unavailable from any other artillery projectile. The 'Excalibur' projectile was fired from a 155mm 'Paladin' howitzer using MACS-4 (modular artillery charge system) charges. Both rounds deployed their canards, acquired the 'Direct Y' GPS signal, and completed their pre-programmed navigational manoeuvres. [27.09.05]

MBDA TEAM TO LEAD UK WORK ON NETWORKED WEAPONS: An industrial consortium led by MBDA has been awarded a £4m contract by the UK MoD's Research Acquisition Organisation (RAO) for a two-year Integrated Weapons research program, concentrating on bringing forward new integrated technology concepts for future strike weapons operating in a Networked Enabled Capability environment. Consortium members include: Insys (currently being acquired by Lockheed Martin UK); Thales Missile Electronics; BAE Systems Land Systems; Selex Sensors and Airborne Systems; Cranfield University; Imperial College; Northrop Grumman; Ordnance Technologies; and Rockwell Collins. [27.09.05]

'PREDATOR' SWARM TESTED VIA MULTI-AIRCRAFT CONTROL SYSTEM: The latest upgrade to General Atomics' MQ-1 'Predator' - known as the Multi-Aircraft Control (or MAC) system - is reported as having entered operational testing with the first two-ship and four-ship 'Predator' sorties. The MAC technology allows a ground control station and single pilot to simultaneously control up to four 'Predator' aircraft, thus offering warfigters even longer-endurance, and concentrated 'Predator' firepower for application to dynamic battlefield scenarios. Operational testing of the MAC system is scheduled to conclude in November. [27.09.05]

APAR INNOVATION CHRONOLGY MATCHED TO SEA 1448 DECISION: A new edition of Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) magazine has charted the decade-long quest by Canberra-based CEA Technologies to have its active phased array radar (APAR) technology picked-up by world navies, including the breakthrough just confirmed for phase 2B of project Sea 1448, relating to the anti-ship missile defence (ASMD) upgrade of the 'Anzac'-class frigates. ADBR also looks into APAR's potential to replace the SPS-49 long-range search radar on the 'Anzac' frigates, as well as the opportunity for a higher-powered APAR version now under development to substitute for Lockheed Martin 'Aegis' technology on the Sea 4000 air warfare destroyers. Email busicom@ozemail.com.au to request a copy of this story. [27.09.05]

HILL CHECKS OUT AFGHANISTAN SPECIAL FORCES OPERATION: Defence Minister Hill has visited Australia's Special Forces Task Group at their new base in Afghanistan, following last month's deployment of 190 personnel, including SAS, Commandos and support personnel. The Task Group was deployed to Afghanistan for one year, and is now said to be "fully established and carrying out regular operations in Afghanistan." Hill also met with the Governor of the Province, and the head of a United States Provincial Reconstruction Team working in the same Province. [26.09.05]

REGIONAL MILITARY BALANCE TURNING AGAINST AUSTRALIA: Addressing an Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) dinner, Australia's new Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, has spoken of factors impacting on the current '2005 Strategic Update'. Houston said that over the next five to ten years, Australia faced "a significant increase in the complexity of the regional military balance, and a challenge to the ADF, which has long based (its) strategy on maintaining a capability edge in key areas. (This will require) the careful development of strategic policy and the adroit management of its execution." [26.09.05]

AUSTRALIA-UNITED STATES AVIATION AGREEMENT SIGNED: Australian Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Warren Truss, and the United States Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Regional Director for the Asia and Pacific Region, Nancy Graham, have signed the Implementation Procedures for Airworthiness (IPA) accord, negotiated through the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA). Truss says the IPA "will benefit and promote Australia's aviation exports to the US, and ensure that our manufacturers' products when certified and approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority will be recognised by the Federal Aviation Administration." [26.09.05]

HILL TALKS WITH HAMID KARZAI ON AFGHANISTAN DEPLOYMENT: The Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill, has met in Kabul with the President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, to discuss current operations, the work of Australia's Special Forces, and options for a possible further deployment of an Australian Provincial Reconstruction Team in 2006. During the visit, Hill also met Afghanistan’s Defence Minister, Abdul Rahim Wardak, its Deputy Foreign Minister, Zalmai Aziz, and Coalition military commanders. Hill described the meeting as “a good opportunity to explain to the Afghan Government Australia’s commitment to the fight against terrorism and our determination to work with the Afghan people to achieve a more stable and peaceful future.” [25.09.05]

FIRST CASUALTY IN AFGHANISTAN SPECIAL FORCES OPERATIONS: Defence Minister Hill has confirmed that in commencing operations in Afghanistan, Australia's Special Forces Task Group (SFTG) has been immediately involved in an engagement with opposing forces, resulting in one Australian soldier being slightly wounded. Hill said the wound "was minor and he did not require evacuation." The subject Australian soldier has subsequently returned to duty. After establishing its operating base and conducting final familiarisation training, the SFTG is said to have begun operations with the Afghan National Army (via combined patrols) to support and protect remote polling centres and security checkpoints during the Afghan National Elections. Hill added, "the SFTG is also conducting broader operations to improve security and stability within Afghanistan." [23.09.05]

DESK RESEARCH BEING DONE FOR EXERCISE 'MERCURY O5': The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has addressed more than 200 intelligence and security personnel attending a counter-terrorism exercise in Melbourne, designed to undertake 'behind-the-scenes' work in the lead up to the week-long multi-jurisdictional exercise 'Mercury 05', currently set down for October. The subject participants were said to be focusing on 'investigation and detention' (and) clarifying and testing legislation in force in each jurisdiction against a realistic scenario, in order to underpin critical decision making. Ruddock will travel to Ghana next month to attend a Commonwealth Law Makers' meeting. [23.09.05]

EMA TEAMS NOT REQUIRED FOR POST-'KATRINA' ANALYSIS TASK: Confirming the return to Australia of an Emergency Management Australia (EMA) team previously sent to America to assess the extent of the Hurricane 'Katrina' disaster, and offer assistance in the recovery operation, the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has confirmed that after meeting with Australian Embassy officials in Washington and with officials from the State Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Embassy has been advised by the US State Department that, after thorough investigation of the offers of assistance made by more than 20 nations, none had been accepted. [23.09.05]

METAL STORM SUBSIDIARY TO ADAPT 40MM TECHNOLOGY FOR US ARMY: Metal Storm Inc has signed an agreement with the US Army Research Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) to advance a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to take existing certified munitions from the US Army inventory, and convert them to Metal Storm 40mm weapons systems configuration, thus providing an opportunity for the company to display its systems integration capabilities. The cost to Metal Storm of the scope of works under the up to five year CRADA agreement is some US$549,000 (A$730,000), which the Company expects to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months. [23.09.05]

AUSSIE SIMULATOR TECHNOLOGY FOR US HOMELAND SECURITY: Melbourne-based Adacel reports it has achieved its first entry into the US Homeland Security market with its North American business unit being awarded a contract to provide advanced security control room simulators to Sandia National Laboratories of Albuquerque (New Mexico). The company says its Command and Control Security Simulator and Emergency Dispatch Communications Simulator will be used "to provide operator training on the new generation of IP based security systems." The systems simulate the security control room operators’ station and communications system for critical national infrastructure such as airports, harbours and nuclear power facilities, as well as for buildings and temporary installations. [23.09.05]

PARLIAMENTARIANS TOUR DEFENCE FACILITIES IN NSW: Federal Parliamentarians Senators Jeannie Ferris (SA) and Judith Adams (WA), and Louise Markus MP (Member for Greenway), have just completed a five-day ship-to-shore tour of duty with the Royal Australian Navy. The three Parliamentarians commenced their tour on-board the 'Anzac'-class frigate, HMAS 'Stuart', with a stop at HMAS 'Creswell'. They then headed to Nowra to visit HMAS 'Albatross', home to the Navy's Fleet Air Arm. From Nowra, the three Parliamentarians trekked north to Sydney to visit the historical naval establishments: HMAS 'Kuttabul'; HMAS 'Waterhen'; HMAS 'Penguin'; and HMAS 'Watson'. [23.09.05]

BEAZLEY FALLS INTO HURRICANE HOWARD/'KATRINA' TRAP: Responding to calls by Opposition Leader, Kim Beazley, for Australia to create a Department of Homeland Security to prepare for Hurricane 'Katrina'-type contingencies, Prime Minister Howard has told media, "I'd point out to Mr Beazley the Department of Homeland Security does not appear to have operated very well in relation to Hurricane 'Katrina'. There’s been widespread condemnation; it hasn’t been the all-embracing bureaucratic solution that people said it was going to be. This is just another example of my opponent slavishly copying something because it’s American or because it’s overseas. The reality is that we have quite good cooperative disaster relief arrangements in operation in this country." [22.09.05]

PARKIN LOBBY SECURES ASIO ASSESSMENTS REVIEW: Responding to media queries relating to alleged security assessment leaks in regard to deported peace activist, Scott Parkin, the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, says "I can neither confirm or deny the material which is reported, it would be quite inappropriate for me to do so given that assessments are confidential and remain confidential, and for very good reasons. These matters are being reviewed by the Security Ombudsman, the independent Inspector General of Intelligence and Security, and he has initiated an inquiry of his own volition. The material that ASIO collects that the Leader of the Opposition wants to see under the Act, he is (already) entitled to access. He has, in this instance, indicated he wasn't taking the matter further." [22.09.05]

L-3 ACQUISITION MOVES FURTHER INTO ELECTRO-OPTICAL PRODUCTS: US-based L-3 Communications is to acquire for US$49m in cash Ann Arbor (Michigan)-based EOTech Inc, a designer, manufacturer and marketer of electro-optical products and systems utilising advanced laser and holographic technology to enhance target acquisition systems. EOTech invented and manufactures the world’s first holographic sighting system to interface with tactical small calibre weapon platforms, with the system now extensively used in elite military and law enforcement agencies. L-3 says the EOTech acquisition will complement its existing Brashear business, which already services the special operations, special mission and law enforcement markets. [22.09.05]

SMITHS ACQUISITION SURFS ANTENNA AND MILLIMETRE WAVES: UK-based Smiths Group has acquired for US$33.5m in cash Massachusetts-based Millitech Inc, a specialist in the design and manufacturing of millimetre wave components, assemblies and fully integrated antenna positioning systems for satellite communications, radar, passive imaging, space and remote sensing applications. Officials indicated the acquisition was designed to extend Smiths' capabilities at the upper end of the microwave frequency spectrum, and into millimetre wave frequencies, thus providing greater communications bandwidth, higher resolution imagery and higher security to satisfy customer demand for greater connectivity, particularly with the expansion of network centric operations. [22.09.05]

DEFENCE MINISTER VISITS NAVANTIA FERROL/FENE SHIPYARDS: During the course of a visit to Navantia's shipyards at Ferrol and Fene on the north west coast of Spain, Defence Minister Hill has reviewed work on the company's construction of its Strategic Projection Ship (SPS), one option being proposed for the RAN's Joint Project 2048 requirement. Hill also discussed with Navantia executives developments of its F-100 air warfare destroyer (AWD) option being used to cross-evaluate the Gibbs & Cox evolved AWD design, as recently selected for further advancement under project Sea 4000. [21.09.05]

COALITION PARTNERS DISCUSS SHIPS & AFGHANISTAN: During the above visit, Senator Hill also met with Spanish Defence Minister, Jose Bono Martinez, "to further strengthen Australia's Defence relationship with Spain and to discuss future Defence projects." Also on the agenda for discussion was NATO operations in Afghanistan, and future proposed operations of Spanish and Australian troops. Hill next visited EADS CASA in Madrid to view A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) production (project Air 5402), the first (of five) of which are set to be delivered to Australia in 2008. Subsequent to the visit he commented, "I am pleased to see that engineering testing and ground testing of the boom system is proceeding exactly to schedule." [21.09.05]

NEW AIRPORT SECURITY PLAN FOLLOWS 'WHEELER' REPORT: In the aftermath of Cabinet's consideration of the report by Sir John Wheeler reviewing Australia's airport security and policing arrangements, Prime Minister Howard has outlined a new package of airport security policy settings. Heading the list is the appointment of Airport Police Commanders, and the integration of Commonwealth and State policing at all major Australian airports. The implementation of such recommendations requires the agreement of State and Territory governments, and therefore, will be presented to this week's (Tuesday - 27/9) special meeting of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) on counter-terrorism. [21.09.05]

ENVIRONMENT FOR AIRPORT SECURITY & AIRPORT POLICING: In short, Howard is proposing: $40.9m for five new Joint Airport Investigation Teams (includes $36.5m for AFP and $4.4m for Customs); $48.7m for increased air-side Customs border patrols; $19.8m to further upgrade Customs' closed circuit television (CCTV) capabilities; $38.0m to strengthen air cargo security arrangements (including the detection of explosives); $43.9m for improved aviation security/crime information exchange (includes $20.5m for the Australian Crime Commission, and $23.4m for the Department of Transport and Regional Services); an immediate review of the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 and associated regulations; the further tightening of background checking and processing arrangements for the issue of Aviation Security Identification Cards; and $3.8m to introduce a new national aviation security training framework to support the aviation industry. [21.09.05]

AIR FARE COSTS YET TO FEEL IMPACT OF NEW SECURITY IMPOST: Responding to media queries in regard to the impact of the new aviation security package on already rising air fare costs, Howard replied, "I don’t know how airlines are going to respond (but the initiatives) do not of themselves form the basis of further increases. But I can’t rule out that there won’t be because I don’t control what the airlines do. Now I think by and large the public accepts that there is some additional expense in being safer, and they want to be safer even if it costs a bit more. But they don’t want to be exploited in the name of safety, so as in all of these things, it’s a question of fairness and balance." [21.09.05]

AUSTRALIA TO SUPPORT EAST TIMOR AIRPORT SECURITY PLAN: During the course of a visit to East Timor to officially open its new National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL or Policia, Nacional de Timor-Leste) Information Technology Training Centre at the PNTL Police Academy, the Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison, has expressed the Australian Government’s commitment to the “early implementation of closed circuit (CCTV) cameras within Dili airport to enhance security." Ellison added, "the Australian Government would fund the equipment and installation phase." [21.09.05]

DAN SMITH RECOGNISED FOR AIR DEFENSE CONTRIBUTION: The President of Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) business unit, Dan Smith, has been inducted into the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara, in recognition of his contribution to the air defence community during the past several years. The subject Order is an honorary military society of the US Air Defense Artillery, and is managed by the US Air Defense Artillery Association. IDS is Raytheon's lead business unit for joint battlespace integration. [21.09.05]

INTERNATIONAL MARKET FOR MILITARY LIGHT TRACKED VEHICLES: A new Forecast International (FI) light tracked vehicle market survey notes the subject market has evolved into two distinct segments: armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and mechanised infantry combat vehicles (MICVs). Over the next 10 years, FI projects more than 14,800 light tracked vehicles - worth nearly US$19.7b - will be produced, but concentrated into the 'family of vehicles' concept – featuring a modular common chassis design serving as the basis for a variety of combat vehicles. FI adds, "the various players in the international market are adapting to an evolving market environment precipitated by the end of the Cold War, and the emergence of new threat scenarios and military doctrines." [21.09.05]

2006 COMMONWEALTH GAMES SECURITY PLANS REVEALED: Federal Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has confirmed the Australian Government will fund a $293.7m package of assistance in relation to counter-terrorism measures and support the for Victoria Police in meeting 2006 Commonwealth Games security responsibilities. Deployment plans include: an ADF Tactical Assault Group - with supporting 'Black Hawk' helicopters; a range of chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) response equipment; and a taskforce of about 1200 service personnel to assist Victoria Police with searching venues, operating vehicle checkpoints, responding to bomb threats and clearing any underwater aspects of venues and events. [20.09.05]

DIRECT GAMES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PACKAGE TOPS $113M: Ruddock said that of the $239.7m, direct financial assistance comprised $112.0m, whilst the provision of services and support was valued at $180.8m. Maritime, land and air assets provided by the Commonwealth are likely to include: “helicopters; fast jets and ships with the capacity to divert aircraft and intercept vessels at sea (and) to counter specific threats should they arise." Other Federal support includes: Australian Federal Police with protective security, intelligence, investigative and technical support; the Australian Customs Service with border security; ASIO with security intelligence and protective security advice; Emergency Management Australia with coordination of CBR response and emergency management assistance; and the Protective Security Coordination Centre with security coordination. [20.09.05]

VCDF OUTLINES ‘EARLY VIEWS’ AFTER TWO MONTHS IN THE JOB: Addressing a C3I ‘Defence Watch’ seminar in Canberra 16 September, the new Vice Chief of the Defence Force, LtGen Ken Gillespie, has outlined the challenges of his new role – not only as VCDF – but also as Chief of Joint Operations (CJOPS). Gillespie spoke to the ADF’s rapid uptake of a joint model of command and control (C2) of operations, and the current review of Defence’s higher C2 structure now underway in advance of the shift to the new Headquarters Joint Operations Command at Bungendore (NSW) in latter 2008. Gillespie told the seminar, “Bungendore cannot, and will not, be the same old system in a new building: we will use the opportunity this project presents to design new ways of doing our business better.” [20.09.05]

WARGAMES PROVING JOINT OFFSHORE PROTECTION COMMAND: LtGen Gillespie also talked about Defence’s new Joint Offshore Protection Command (JOPC), which is headed by Rear Admiral Russ Crane. As part of the amalgamation of Defence, Coastwatch and Customs resources to form up the new Command, Gillespie confirmed Crane has assumed command over all the military and civilian forces assigned to Operations ‘Relex’ (combating unauthorised boat arrivals) and ‘Cranberry’ (maritime surveillance of the Australian EEZ). He further confirmed senior commanders were working through a series of wargames “to test and stress the new command in order to build an experience base, and to develop robust strategies, contingencies and plans.” [20.09.05]

VCDF HAS ASSUMED SIGN-OFF ON RAPID CAPABILITY ACQUISITIONS: The VCDF said he was also planning to take a more active role in military capability development and acquisition, confirming the Commandant of the ADF Warfare Centre (Spike McKaskill) as “my (new) capability development adviser; I now agree the operational requirements for Rapid Acquisitions; and I am now the sponsor for joint simulation.” Reconfirming his new role as approver of capability requirements regarding Rapid Acquisition, Gillespie said “we have cut the rapid acquisition process from months, to weeks. Our troops have the kit when they need it, where they need it and they are the envy of soldiers from other nations.” [20.09.05]

SHIFT TO CIVILIAN SUPPORT FOR DEFENCE DEPLOYMENTS COMING: LtGen Gillespie concluded his address advising Defence was now re-examining the experience of Operation ‘Anode’ (Solomon Islands), in particular, its contracting out of logistics and medical support. Amidst all sorts of dire predictions of failure, said Gillespie, “this has worked remarkably well. It reminds us that it is possible to not only deploy contractors to an area of operations, but actually given them carriage of logistics support for a multi-agency and international operation. I see significant growth in this area for future operations, but only where it is appropriate.” [20.09.05]

FIRST JSF PROPULSION SYSTEM FLIGHT HARDWARE DELIVERED: Rolls-Royce reports it has delivered on schedule the first propulsion system flight hardware for the first F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) development aircraft, and comprising its Variable Area Vane Box (VAVB) Nozzle. Developed specifically for the STOVL variant, the VAVB Nozzle - which has both thrust vectoring and area control capability - forms an integral part of the aircraft main keels, and operates as a primary flight control during jet-borne operations. It is the first hardware in the aircraft assembly sequence and, once installed, is not intended to be removed through the aircraft’s 8,000 flight hour/30-year service life. [20.09.05]

US ARMY AWARDS JOINT HEAVY LIFT ROTORCRAFT CONTRACTS: The US Army has awarded five 18-month/US$30m concept design and analysis (CDA) contracts for a new vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) Joint Heavy Lift rotorcraft, set to be much faster than conventional cargo helicopters currently in use. Sikorsky won two contracts: the first for its 165-knot X2 Technology Crane; and the second, for its 245-knot X2 Technology High Speed Lifter. Boeing also won two contracts: the first relating to its own-design 165-knot Advanced Tandem Rotor Helicopter (ATRH); and the second (in conjunction with Bell) offering the 275-kont Quad Tilt Rotor (QTR). The fifth (and fastest option) is Frontier Aircraft's 310-knot capable Optimum Speed Tilt Rotor (OSTR). [20.09.05]

CONTRACT ENDORSES LOCKHEED MARTIN LASER BOMB KIT: Lockheed Martin (LM) has been awarded a US$50m contract to deliver laser-guided bomb (LGB) kits to the US Air Force next year, and involving the manufacture and delivery of GBU-12 kits for application to 2,000lb and 500lb bombs. The LM kits can be used by all Air Force, Navy and international aircraft currently authorised to carry and release LGBs. The LM LGB solution can also be upgraded from laser-terminal guidance to dual-mode guidance by adding an all-weather global positioning system and inertial navigation system (GPS/INS) capability. The company is currently competing a similar RAAF requirement for LGB enhancements under project Air 5409. [20.09.05]

FIRST PRODUCTION 'OSPREY' DELIVERED TO US SPECIAL FORCES: The US Air Force has taken delivery of the first production CV-22 'Osprey' at the Bell Helicopter production facility in Amarillo (Texas). The CV-22 is the Force’s Special Operations Command V-22 variant, and will be used for long-range special operations missions, contingency operations, and evacuations and maritime operations. The current acquisition program calls for the fielding of 50 aircraft. Prior to initial operational capability in 2009, the CV-22 will complete developmental testing at Edwards AFB, followed by initial operational test and evaluation, with operational utility evaluation set down for next year. [20.09.05]

CHIEF OF ARMY'S PERFORMANCE REVIEWED IN LEADING JOURNAL: Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) magazine will release this week at the Chief of Army's Conference in Canberra (22-23 September), a series of articles in a feature edition looking into the development of the Australian Army under the leadership of its current Chief, LtGen Peter Leahy. ADBR specifically examines progress in the implementation of HNA - 'Hardening & Networking' the Land force, the role modern simulation tools can play in evaluating new land vehicle acquisitions, and mistakes from projects Land 106 and Land 116 currently at risk of being repeated in project Land 121. Email conventions@optusnet.com.au for late registrations. [20.09.05]

HILL CONSULTS REID ON SPECIAL FORCES TASKS IN AFGHANISTAN: Defence Minister Hill has met in London with the UK Secretary of State for Defence, John Reid, to discuss key issues including military operations for the Special Forces Task Group deployed to Afghanistan, and the situation in Iraq, in particular, the progress being made in training Iraqi Security Forces in the southern Al Muthanna Province. Hill told media, "it is hoped that the Iraqi Security Force will be able to accept responsibility for security in the Province in the New Year." Following the meeting, Senator and Mrs Hill represented Australia at the Battle of Britain commemorative service at Westminster Abbey. [19.09.05]

GRANT TO IMPROVE ROADS IN SHOALWATER BAY TRAINING AREA: Defence is to grant $7.4m to the Livingstone Shire Council to upgrade access roads to Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) in time for Exercise 'Talisman Sabre' with the United States in 2007. Extension of the grant fulfils a Government election campaign promise. Defence primarily uses two roads for access to the SWBTA - Raspberry Creek Road and Rossmoya Road - and has provided $1m to the Council over the past five years for road maintenance. A third route - Stanage Bay Road - has been closed to general military use since 1999, with the exception of agreed use during major exercises. All three will benefit from new works under the Commonwealth grant. [19.09.05]

BRIEFINGS FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES ON NEW JOC HEADQUARTERS: Headquarters Joint Operations Command project Director General, Air Commodore Jack Plenty, is to provide a further series of evening briefings (starting at 7.00pm) relating to phase 2B of Joint Project 8001. The briefings will begin with a general project update, and then turn to explaining the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the conditions of project approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The meetings schedule is: Hoskinstown War Memorial Hall - 21/9; Stoney Creek Community Hall - 5/10; Queanbeyan City Council Hall - 6/10; and Bungendore School Hall - 10/10. [19.09.05]

DUHAIN SELECTED AS NEW HEAD OF EADS INTERNATIONAL: Christian Duhain (55) has been appointed as the new Head of EADS International, the corporate marketing organisation of EADS, and reporting to Jean-Paul Gut. Duhain succeeds Gut who was appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) for marketing, international and strategy last June. Since 2000, Duhain has served as Senior Vice President for South Asia & Pacific within EADS International, and was credited with the breakthrough sale of A330 tankers to Australia (Air 5402), and the new 'Tiger' (Air 87) and NH 90 (Air 9000) helicopter acquisitions. [19.09.05]

THYSSENKRUPP AND EADS PITCH FOR ATLAS ELEKTRONIK: ThyssenKrupp Technologies (60%) and EADS (40%) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to form a 60/40 team to bid for Atlas Elektronik, currently a subsidiary of BAE Systems. Following a series of restructurings within the German naval shipbuilding industry, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems has positioned itself at the core of competence in conventional submarines and surface vessels, whilst EADS sees itself contributing 'systems partner' expertise to the shipbuilding industry. Should they be successful, the two partners have undertaken to sustain Bremen as headquarters of the 1750-employee Atlas Elektronik. [19.09.05]

ORBIMAGE LAYS OUT US$58.5M TO BUY SPACE IMAGING: Orbimage Holdings has agreed to acquire the assets of Space Imaging (SI) for US$58.5m less unspecified amounts to be paid by SI on its existing debt prior to closing of the deal. Privately owned and Denver (Colorado)-based Space Imaging launched the world's first one-meter resolution, commercial Earth imaging satellite, 'Ikonos' in September 1999, with distribution supported by resellers/affiliates and ground stations around the world. Orbimage is a provider of earth imagery products and services, with digital remote sensing satellites and an integrated world-wide image receiving, processing and distribution network. The company is currently building a next-generation satellite, OrbView-5, to support the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's 'NextView' image acquisition program. When launched in 2007, the OrbView-5 will acquire up to 700,000 square kilometres of imagery each day at a resolution of 0.41-meters. [19.09.05]

SENATOR VISITS AUSTRALIAN EXHIBITORS AT DSEi IN LONDON: Defence Minister Hill has visited about 20 Australian companies exhibiting defence and security-related products at the 2005 tri-service Defence Systems & Equipment International (DSEi) exhibition being held in London's docklands. Hill said he was pleased the Government had been able to sponsor a 'Team Australia' stand at the exhibition. About 26,000 visitors are expected to visit DSEi over four days, including 83 overseas delegations from 60 countries. More than 1200 companies are exhibiting from 34 countries. [17.09.05]

HOWARD TELLS THE UNITED NATIONS JUST WHO'S IN COMMAND: Updating the United Nations with his views on the organisation's global role, Prime Minister Howard says, "we should not think that the United Nations can solve all the world’s problems, nor that it should attempt to do so. The type of multilateralism embodied in organisations such as the UN can only be but one element of a comprehensive foreign policy. The nation state remains the focus of legitimate action for order and justice in our world. As nation states, our collective challenge and responsibility is to identify those things that the UN can do, and ensure that it is fully equipped to do them." [16.09.05]

ATTORNEY-GENERAL SAYS ASIO DOCUMENTS TO STAY SECRET: Responding to media questions regarding the deportation of US peace activist, Scott Parkin, Attorney-General Ruddock has said "where it is suspected that there may be politically motivated violence, the ASIO Act contains an obligation to protect the Australian community. That means that if an agency makes a determination and produces an adverse assessment … decisions are taken, and if a person has come from abroad and there is an adverse assessment of the Migration Act, there are certain consequences that follow. There was (for Parkin) an adverse assessment. A visa was cancelled, and (he) was lawfully detained (and) removed from Australia. That is a natural outcome for a person who has no lawful entitlement to be here. None of that gives rise to applying for compensation." [16.09.05]

TALKS TO DETERMINE SPECIAL FORCES ROLE IN AFGHANISTAN: Defence Minister Hill has met with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer (at NATO Headquarters in Brussels), to discuss operations in Afghanistan involving Australia's 190-strong Special Forces detachment, and the possible role a 200-strong Australian Provincial Reconstruction Team could play if deployed next year. NATO has a key role in security and stability in Afghanistan, and has led the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) since October 2003. ISAF has been operating under a UN Security Council mandate since 2002, and includes more than 8000 troops from 36 countries. [16.09.05]

AGREEMENT TO MANAGE CLASSIFIED COMMUNICATIONS WITH NATO: Senator Hill's visit to NATO Headquarters follows the first ever visit to Australia by a NATO Secretary General earlier this year. Hill said that as part of building a stronger relationship with NATO, Naval Commander Clive Dunche would be taking up this week the position of Australia's new Defence Adviser to NATO and the European Union. Dunche is being specifically tasked to work within NATO's newly-established Terrorist Threat Intelligence Unit, whilst also monitoring work on a Joint Information Security Agreement to facilitate the exchange of classified information between NATO and the Australian Government. [16.09.05]

DEFENCE ACCOUNTS PROCESSING CENTRE SET FOR EFFICIENCY: The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Teresa Gambaro, has officially opened the Defence Centralised Accounts Processing Centre at the Puckapunyal Army Base, in Victoria. The centre is one of range of business improvement initiatives being implemented by Defence's Corporate Services and Infrastructure Group through its Business Improvement Program. Defence Minister Hill approved in June 2004 the selection of Puckapunyal as a site for the location of the larger of two Centralised Accounts Processing Centres. Utilising Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Technology the centre will eventually process up to 70% of the approximately 1.2 million payments that are annually made by Defence. [16.09.05]

NEW DEFENCE GUIDE INTO GREENING THE NEIGHBOURHOOD: The Department of Defence has launched a guide to assist ACT organisations and residents in the selection of appropriate plant species native to Canberra for landscaped areas and gardens. The guide, titled 'Landscaping for Biodiversity: Australian Capital Territory Endemic Species Planting Guide', will be applied by Defence in selecting new and replacement plants for landscaped areas across Defence bases and office premises this spring and into the future. Copies of the CD version of the Guide will be available to Canberra 'Floriade' visitors (at the Weedbusters Display), or via email request to plantingguide@defence.gov.au. [16.09.05]

THALES HARDWARE TO HELP COMBAT ALLIED FRATRICIDE: Thales has received funding from the UK Ministry of Defence, Sweden's FMV, France's DGA and the US Marine Corps to supply Battlefield Target Identification Device (BTID) hardware for the US-led NATO Coalition Combat Identification (CCID) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrator (ACTD) program. The CCID ACTD is a key part of the process to select a technology that will become the core of co-operative battlefield target identification systems for NATO and non-NATO allies. Amongst the Nations taking part, and with an interest in this program are: Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Sweden, USA and the UK. [16.09.05]

DD(X) COMPLETES CRITICAL DESIGN REVIEW HURDLE: The US Navy's new multi-mission DD(X) destroyer has successfully completed a system-wide Critical Design Review (CDR) - representing the culmination of years of design effort that encompassed the ship, mission system, human, and shore designs that now comprise DD(X). Completion of the CDR marks the end of the Phase III development, which resulted in the design, construction and test of 10 engineering development models. Under the Navy's proposed dual-yard acquisition strategy, Northrop Grumman Ship Systems and General Dynamics Bath Iron Works will simultaneously build lead ships beginning in Fiscal Year 2007. [16.09.05]

HELICOPTER LANDING BREAKTHROUGH CREDITED TO AUSTRALIA: A new helicopter landing aid sensor under development by BAE Systems (BAES) Australia is set to make the landing of helicopters safe in conditions currently considered too dangerous or impossible, said to be a regular occurrence. The system's concept technology demonstrator uses 3D synthetic vision to add further capability BAES' laser radar based 'Eagle-OWL' obstacle warning sensor. The new system is said to be applicable to the ADF's 'Black Hawk', 'Chinook', 'Tiger' armed reconnaissance helicopters, and the new MRH-90 troop lift helicopter. [16.09.05]

FIVE POWERS EXERCISING IN MALAYSIA/SINGAPORE PENNINSULA: More than 1000 Australian Defence Force personnel have commenced participation in Exercise 'Bersama Lima' in and around the Peninsular of Malaysia, Singapore and the South China Sea. The two-week exercise under the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) is being hosted by the Royal Malaysian Armed forces and involves Navy, Air Force and Army assets from Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, NZ and Australia. Australia's participation includes seven Navy ships, a clearance diving team, up to nine F/A-18 Hornets, a 707 tanker aircraft, two AP-3C Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Air Force airspace surveillance and control elements and an Army RBS70 ground-based air defence troop. [15.09.05]

TALKS CONCLUDE ON REGIONAL NATURAL DISASTER RESPONSE: A regional workshop of 24 ASEAN member countries on Civil Military Operations, and co-hosted by Australia and the Philippines in Manila this week, has agreed to compile an inventory of the disaster response capabilities of ASEAN Regional Forum members as the first step in improving collective abilities to respond to natural disasters. Defence Minister Hill said the workshop focused on improving disaster response capabilities, coordination between the military and civil agencies, and interoperability among ASEAN Regional Forum members. The workshop builds on discussions between Hill and the Philippines National Defence Secretary, Avelino Cruz, during a visit to Australia in April and discussions at the Fourth Asia Security Conference (Shangri La Dialogue) held in Singapore in June. [15.09.05]

ACCOUNTANTS BRIEFED ON STOPPING TERRORIST MONEY TRAIL: A further meeting of the Roundtable on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) has seen Justice and Customs Minister Ellison meeting with representatives of the Accountancy Sector to explore issues related to proposed AML and CTF reforms and prepare for the release of draft exposure legislation. Ellison has previously met with representatives from CPA Australia, The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and the National Institute of Accountants. The purpose of the meeting was to examine issues arising for the accountancy sector as a result of implementing the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF). [15.09.05]

NEW GUN FIRES TEN PGMs/MINUTE AT RANGES UP TO 83NM: The DD(X) National Team and the US Navy have just concluded a rate-of-fire test for the 155 mm Advanced Gun System (AGS) - the primary battery for DD(X). The fully automated AGS is designed to fire up to 10 precision-guided munitions per minute at ranges up to 83 nautical miles. The test successfully demonstrated a sustained maximum rate of fire of at least ten rounds per minute in eight round bursts, and unloaded eight complete rounds from a pallet in 45 seconds or less. The test event was conducted by BAE Systems under subcontract with the DD(X) design agent Northrop Grumman Ship Systems. Each DD(X) will be armed with two advanced guns and an expandable magazine that can hold up to 920 rounds. AGS has a 10-meter barrel and is specifically designed to fire LRLAP, which uses a rocket motor, canards, and a GPS guidance system, to manoeuvre in flight. [15.09.05]

SENATOR TAKES ANOTHER STAB AT THE CONCENTRIC CIRCLES: Defence Minister Hill has told the inaugural Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) Conference in Canberra that the Government recognises, "the limitations of self reliance and the inherent risk of continental defence. In an increasingly interrelated world, even policies of layered defence will not best protect Australians or Australian interests. As I said once before, we see the seas to our north not as a moat but as a highway to the world. The role of the expeditionary force might have changed, but the need to be able to project our military forces – in meeting today’s security challenges, is as vital as ever – possibly more so." [14.09.05]

STRATEGY CHANGES WRAPPED UP IN 2005 STRATEGIC UPDATE: Hill continued, saying "we don’t see an increased conventional threat to Australia or Australian interests. And we don’t see any sudden change in major power relativities or alignment. We believe Islamist terrorism will continue for some years (and) it will manifest itself across the world. No city or region is completely safe from those engaged in Jihad. But it will not succeed in establishing the caliphate, and its strategic consequences will be limited. Other armed conflict will tend to be increasingly asymmetric and marked by the use of unconventional force. Western defence forces will need to adjust to this changing dynamic. Non state players adopting like tactics will play a more important role in the global security environment, although they will not threaten the supremacy of the state. [14.09.05]

TENDER FOR SPECIAL FORCES RHIBs COMING IN OCTOBER: A request for tender (RFT) is to be be released in mid-October for new air-drop capable rigid hull inflatable boats for the Special Forces. The tender will seek to acquire ten new air drop boats, which Defence Minister Hill says will "increase the number of boats currently available to the Special Forces on Australia's East and West coasts, and replace other non-air drop Special Forces boats. This project will further boost the newly created Commando Battalion and Tactical Assault Group and the Special Air Service Regiment's counter terrorism capabilities on the East and West coasts respectively." The air-drop RHIBs will be deployed from RAAF C130H 'Hercules' aircraft through a parachute deployment system. [14.09.05]

MINISTER LAUDS 'HERCULES' EFFORT TO AUSTRALIAN MILITARY: On the occasion of the 1,000th mission in support of Operation 'Catalyst', Defence Minister Hill has praised the role of Lockheed Martin's 'Hercules' transports which, since 1958 (ie: C-130As) "have proven to be a steadfastly reliable and valuable asset for the ADF. The RAAF currently operates 24 'H'-model and 12 'J'-model Hercules transports. Speaking of the ADF's C-130 detachment in Iraq, Hill added, "their performance has been outstanding - achieving a serviceability rate of 96% over two years and 1,000 missions." [14.09.05]

TENIX CONFIRMS PROJECT AIR 5276 'ORION' WORK PROGRAM: Reporting the first RAAF AP-3C 'Orion' modified with Electronic Warfare Self Protection systems has entered active service in the Middle East.Tenix Defence describes the Air 5276 project as: Phase 1 - integration of the ALE-47 Counter Measures Dispensing System into the AP-3C to deploy decoy flares to enhance aircraft survivability; Phase 2 - the development of a design to install the AN/AAR-60 Missile Approach Warning System, its on-board installation, testing and certification and the development of a Software Support Facility; and Phase 3 - upgrade the operational mission simulator flight station and any modifications required resulting from in-theatre assessments. [14.09.05]

COMPOSITE TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALISATION ALLIANCE SIGNED: Australian Aerospace & Defence Innovations Ltd (AADI) and the Cooperative Research Centre for Advanced Composite Structures Ltd (CRC-ACS) have signed an MoU seeking a national effort to increase technology commercialisation initiatives in the defence and aerospace sector. The CRC-ACS claims to have developed a world leading position in innovative composite technology R&D, and has committed under the MoU to collaborate with AADI in seeking opportunities for engaging industry in the commercialisation of composites technology. AADI and CRC-ACS are co-located within the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) site at Fishermans Bend, in Victoria. [14.09.05]

RAAF TRAINING CAMBODIANS IN PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS: A group of ten Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) members have just completed a Peace Operations Military Observers' course run by the ADF Peacekeeping Centre, at RAAF Base 'Williamtown' (near Newcastle). Australia organises and funds the course as part of its Defence Cooperation Program, which in turn supports the Cambodian Armed Force's modernisation and reform. The subject course was presented by instructors from the ADF, the Malaysian Peacekeeping Training Centre and the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations. As well as the ten RCAF and four ADF participants, the course involved personnel from Vietnam, Fiji, Tonga, Thailand, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. [14.09.05]

TUNE OF LAND 17 CHANGING TO SONG OF 'STALIN ORGAN': The UK Defence Procurement Agency's execution of a £30.5m (first element of £360m) contract is to see into service by 2007 THE first batch of the latest Lockheed Martin-sourced Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), recently upgraded via a five-nation collaboration of the UK, France Germany, Italy and the US. The new all-weather rockets offer a host of improvements over the MLRS M26 bomblet warhead they will replace, and contain a powerful 200-pound unitary warhead able to neutralise the toughest targets while minimising collateral damage. The GPS guided rockets also feature unsurpassed accuracy out to a range of almost 70kms, much better than conventional artillery. A quest to better understand GMLRS technology has been blamed as one (of a number) of reasons delaying Defence's development of its 'first' pass submission for new artillery, project Land 17. [14.09.05]

PRODUCTION SYNERGIES EMERGING FOR JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER: As the first Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) moves toward its inaugural flight next year, Lockheed Martin JSF Program Manager, Dan Crowley, has highlighted major F-35 program priorities to the United States Air Force Association's 2005 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition, including: producing initial fighting capability for the military services, improving affordability through life-cycle cost reductions, awarding low-rate initial production (LRIP) contracts for the first phase of LRIP, maturing the plan to support and sustain the F-35 world-wide, and working continually to maintain the strength of JSF international partnerships. [14.09.05]

STOVL ENGINES DOING IT TOUGH IN JSF MODULE TESTING: Rolls-Royce reports it has achieved more than 3000 hours of testing of modules set to enable Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) vertical flight. Over 8,000 'LiftFan' clutch engagements are said to have been achieved, including 5,800 engagements on a single clutch. The clutch is a new rugged design, after the clutch used in the earlier phase of the program experienced a high degree of vibration and wear. The most heavily instrumented test unit is a fan rig, which measures nearly 1100 different parameters to determine the impact on performance and operability of the unique airflow patterns that will enter the 'LiftFan' in flight. The other modules of the 'LiftSystem' – the 3 Bearing Swivel Module and roll posts – have recently completed test objectives, with the 3 Bearing Swivel Module achieving over 3,000 operations. [14.09.05]

'X-CRAFT' CATAMARAN SEA FIGHTER NOW ACCEPTED: The US Navy has recently accepted the new Catamaran Sea Fighter (FSF-1), also known as the X-Craft. In June sea tests, the catamaran was said to have accelerated to speeds of over 50 knots. The test ship, which is 80 metres long and weighs 960 tonnes was built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders on Whidbey Island (Washington), and is equipped with a new integrated drive system from MTU Detroit Diesel. Two MTU 16V 595 diesel engines and two GE LM 2500 gas turbines have been integrated into a combined drive system that can use both diesel engine and gas turbine drives (CODOG), a new first for the USN. [14.09.05]

SHIPBOARD PROTECTION MOVES UP US NAVY PRIORITY LIST: Northrop Grumman Corporation has been selected by the US Navy to develop a Shipboard Protection System, intended to enable naval vessels to counter asymmetric terrorist threats while moored to a pier, at anchor or during restricted manoeuvring. Under the US$6m contract, Northrop Grumman will provide surface combatants, amphibious ships and aircraft carriers with a fully integrated and seamless sensor, analysis and response system. The system will provide constant 360 degree situational-awareness and engagement capability to counter such threats, with no increase in manning. [14.09.05]

INTERNAL SECURITY VEHICLE SHOWN AT DSEi IN LONDON: Tenix Defence has confirmed it is displaying its S600 Internal Security Vehicle (ISV) at this week's Defence Systems and Equipment International (DSEi) exhibition and conference, at the ExCel centre at London’s Docklands. The Tenix S600 range, which includes the ISV, is a highly mobile and manoeuvrable vehicle which provides all round protection for the driver, commander and up to 14 personnel in a range of security settings. It can be fitted with a range of options including: powered sliding door for narrow streets; barricade remover; winch; surveillance equipment; grenade launchers; public address system; and a mobile adjustable ramp system. [13.09.05]

PETER FRANCIS APPOINTED TO THE BOARD OF ADI LIMITED: Senior defence industry executive, Peter Francis, has been appointed to the Board of ADI Limited (as a non-executive director) following the conclusion of his full time executive role with ADI as its Chief Operating Officer. Francis was at the forefront of the Transfield-Thales joint venture’s acquisition of ADI from the Commonwealth Government in late 1999. Following the acquisition, he was appointed chief financial officer and executive director by the new shareholders and then chief operating officer in 2004. Prior to joining ADI, Francis was Chief Executive-Defence & Technologies for Transfield Holdings. [13.09.05]

SAAB SAYS $30M COMING TO IT FROM SEA 1448/2B DECISION: Saab Systems MD, Merv Davis, says that as a result of the Government approving the installation of a new CEA Technologies active phased radar on the 'Anzac'-class frigates, integration work in support of the project will net the company "an estimated $30m, and creating a number of new jobs for systems engineers." Via phase 2A of project Sea 1448, Saab is already upgrading the 'Anzac'-classes combat management system, including: enhanced processing capability; a modern operator console; and integration of an infrared search and track sensor to detect very fast supersonic missiles. Phase 2A will see the addition of phased array radar sensor units, which are to be linked to Saab's combat management system. [13.09.05]

LOCKHEED MARTIN FIGHTS BACK CRITICISMS OF F/A-22 & JSF: The Vice President for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Business Development, Rob Weiss, has questioned the FY06 Defense Budget's proposal to discontinue production of the F/A-18 after 2008, especially "when the F-35 isn't scheduled for Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with the USAF until 2013." In an address to the Air Force Association's 2005 Air & Space Conference, Weiss also said the two fifth generation fighters (F/A-22 & F-35) "will provide an order of magnitude increase in effectiveness and survivability over legacy fighters (and) are clearly the best value for the money today, and are the only fighters that can survive and defeat the threats of tomorrow." [13.09.05]

BAE SYSTEMS TO DEVELOP JSF FADEC ENGINE CONTROLLER: The GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team (FET) has selected BAE Systems to develop a full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC) for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). FADEC governs engine fuel flow, controls variable engine geometries, and incorporates a lift fan engine and nozzle controls. The first three production lots of the F-35 will use the F135 engine produced by Pratt & Whitney. As the interchangeable engine, the FET's F136 is slated to be incorporated in Lots 4 and 5. Beginning with Lot 6, and for all production needs thereafter, the FET will compete for the opportunity to supply F-35 engines. [13.09.05]

FORMER AUSSIE BAE MD TO CHAIR EADS DEFENCE & SECURITY: Defence & Security Systems (DS), the defence pillar within EADS, has appointed Robin Southwell (45) as Chairman of the D&S business in the United Kingdom (in addition to his current role as CEO of EADS UK). Commenting on the appointment, the CEO of Defence & Security Systems Division, Stefan Zoller, said "Robin is the perfect addition to the team, bringing with him invaluable experience of the wider UK defence industry." EADS Defence & Security Systems had revenues of about €5.4b in 2004 and roughly 23,000 employees across ten nations. [13.09.05]

US NAVY CERTIFIES 'AEGIS' BASELINE 7 WEAPON SYSTEM: The US Navy has certified that the latest evolution of the Lockheed Martin-developed 'Aegis' Weapon System (referred to as Baseline 7), is approved for deployment, beginning with the USS 'Pinckney'. Baseline 7 contains the first complete commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) 'Aegis' advanced processing computing architecture and the new AN/SPY-1D(V) radar. Officials indicated the transition to a complete COTS computing environment and network infrastructure would increase the 'Aegis' systems' capability, whilst open architecture was being designed to ease the introduction of future computing features and upgrades. [13.09.05]

TAPE SPARKS MEETING OF SPECIAL INCIDENT TASK FORCE: Responding to the broadcasting of a tape threatening Melbourne's Commonwealth Games, the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, says "at the moment we're not able to speculate about its contents, and what it means, but security agencies are working closely with their overseas counterparts to try and find further information about (the tape). It's standard practice when we're made aware of information of this sort that we pursue it as quickly and as vigorously as we can." [12.09.05]

DEFENCE INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY & EXPORTS PUSHED AT DSEi: Opening the 2005 Defence Systems and Equipment International (DSEi) exhibition at London's Docklands, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, John Reid, has outlined the Government's objectives in reviewing existing Defence Industrial Policy in order to develop a new Defence Industrial Strategy, and the importance of exports to both international security and the UK economy. Reid said the new strategy would produce "a clear joint statement to industry of the technologies and industrial capabilities which will be neeeded in the future to defend the UK and its interests, (including) capabilities that will need to be retained in the UK, those that we can develop with allies, and those that we are confident we can acquire from the global market." [12.09.05]

NEW ZEALAND SELLS ITS TACTICAL AIR FORCE FLEETS: The Royal New Zealand Air Force's (RNZAF) fleets of 'Skyhawk' and 'Aermacchi' aircraft have been sold 12 September to a private American company, Tactical Air Services Inc, for around US$110m. NZ Minister for Defence, Mark Burton, confirmed that money received from the sale (after aircraft regeneration, shipping and other costs associated with the sale), "will be available to continue the program of developing a modern, relevant NZ Defence Force." Whilst the Aermacchi's are fully operational, regeneration work on returning the Skyhawks to operational status is to be undertaken by Safe Air Limited, in Blenheim. [12.09.05]

AIRBUS SELECTS OXYGEN SYSTEMS SELECTED FOR A400M: Airbus has selected B/E Aerospace Inc as the exclusive manufacturer of integrated passenger and crew oxygen systems for the new Airbus Military A400M transport aircraft. The subject systems include crew and passenger oxygen storage, distribution and dispensing, as well as portable oxygen for medical and emergency use. Separately, B/E Aerospace has been selected by three major business jet manufacturers to supply integrated oxygen systems for three Very Light Jet (VLJ) airframes. The VLJ and A400M programs are initially valued at approximately $45m. A400M oxygen system deliveries are expected to begin in 2007. [12.09.05]

INQUIRY WEIGHING PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKE Vs AMITY & CO-OPERATION: The Joint Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing tomorrow as part of its examination of Australia's intent to sign the Treaty on Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. Signing up to the Treaty will allow Australia to participate in the East Asia Summit process first established in November 2004 by the ASEAN nations plus Japan, Korea and China. The Committee is looking at obligations undertaken in the 13 July Exchange of Letters regarding the Treaty to ensure it does not affect Australia's existing treaty commitments, including the ANZUS and Five Power Defence Arrangements. [11.09.05]

TOP CHIEFS OUTLINING JOINT OPERATIONS COMMAND THIS WEEK: LtGen Ken Gillespie (the Vice Chief of the Defence Force) and RAdm Rowan Moffitt, the Deputy Chief of Joint Operations, will jointly address this week a C3I 'Defence Watch' seminar on the roles and responsibilities of the new Joint Operations Command (JOC). The seminar is scheduled to begin at 10.55am, at the National Press Club in Canberra on 16 September 2005. The formation of the JOC was announced 16 March 2004, with the Command formally stood up on 13 April that year. Contact Mike Kreibig (02/6273-6900) for corporate table bookings or surf www.c3i.com.au/VCDFRegForm2005.pdf for seminar registration materials. [10.09.05]

AUSTRALIAN APAR RADAR FOR ANZAC FRIGATES VIA SEA 1448/2B: Canberra-based CEA Technologies has been chosen to provide its lightweight active phased array radar (APAR) system to complete the anti-ship missile defence (ASMD) upgrade of the Navy's eight 'Anzac'-class frigates, as envisaged under phase 2B of project Sea 1448. Defence Minister Hill says the major components of the CEA system are "a search and track radar (CEA-FAR) and a phased array missile illuminator (CEA-MOUNT)," with the $430m second phase of the project now bringing "the total investment in the ASMD system to over $700m. The Minister added the new 8-year phase is estimated to create "up to 130 jobs during acquisition and installation, and 25 jobs to support the capability through the life of the 'Anzac' frigates, with around $260m to be spent in Au