News Archive 2006

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December

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HMAS ‘TOBRUK’ DEPARTS SYDNEY FOR THE MIDDLE EAST: The Royal Australian Navy’s first purpose-built amphibious ship (from the UK 'Sir Belvedere' design), the HMAS ‘Tobruk’ has departed Sydney’s Fleet Base East for passage to the Persian Gulf in support of operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan. The ship’s mission is to deliver Australian military stores and equipment which will subsequently airlifted into Afghanistan by the United States Air Force. The ‘Tobruk’ will also take on Australian equipment in the Middle East for return to Australia. Defence says, perhaps a little datedly, the vessel is capable of transporting “18 ‘Leopard’ Main Battle Tanks in the tank deck and 40 Armoured Personnel Carriers on the vehicle deck,” the latter of which has been reinforced to enable the transportation of two Landing Craft Mechanical-8 (LCM-8) on specially designed cradles. [28.12.06]

STATEMENT ON DEFENCE WEAPONS & MUNITIONS SECURITY: Defence Minister Nelson has advised media his Department is continuing to cooperate fully with relevant State police investigations into the alleged theft of Defence weapons and munitions. In addition to the support Defence is providing to these investigations, Dr Nelson says a range of measures have been immediately taken to strengthen security and confirm stockholdings. These include: the suspension of further issues of the 66mm light anti-armour weapon (LAAW) until end-January (except for authorised operational needs); current holdings of this weapon being checked to ensure all munitions are accounted for (ie: some are deployed on operations); and historical accounting records for the LAAW being re-examined. [22.12.06]

DEFENCE SECURITY AUTHORITY AUDIT NOW UNDERWAY: Dr Nelson added that current holdings of all weapons and munitions at the Puckapunyal base in Victoria had been checked and accounted for. The Minister also advised his approval for a comprehensive audit of the security policies and practices that apply to Defence weapons, munitions and explosives. This audit is to be led by the Defence Security Authority, with assistance from Defence’s Inspector-General. The audit will be overseen by a board that will include a representative from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). The Australian National Audit Office will also be afforded observer status in the audit, whose initial focus (for report at end-January)will be the security arrangements applying to the 66mm LAAW. A wider second phase report looking at all weapons, munitions and explosives management is to be completed within the first half of 2007. [22.12.06]

SPAIN CONFIRMS ITS ORDER FOR 45 NH90 HELICOPTERS: Following a Spanish Government decision in May 2005 relating to the acquisition of NH90 helicopters, the Council of Ministers has approved the signature of a contract to supply the Spanish Armed Forces with an initial batch of 45 helicopters for its fleet modernization. The decision also reinforces the role of Eurocopter España as the third pillar of Eurocopter, as evidenced by the construction of a new plant in Albacete (to be officially opened in the first quarter of 2007), which will undertake NH 90 helicopter assembly as well as sole-source manufacturing of the NH90s front fuselage. The Albacete plant will also assemble and manufacture the rear fuselage of the ‘Tiger’ combat helicopter, and manufacture EC 135 helicopters purchased by the Spanish Ministry of Interior. First tactical transport (TTH) version deliveries of NH90 units to Spain will take place in 2010. [22.12.06]

NEW CUSTOMS VESSEL TO STRENGTHEN MARITIME ENFORCEMENT: Environment & Heritage Minister Campbell and Customs Minister Ellison have announced details of plans to strengthen Australia’s maritime presence and enforcement efforts in the environmentally sensitive Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve, and Cartier Island Marine Reserve. The Ashmore Reef/Cartier Island Reserves are located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 320km off Australia’s coast, but only 150kms south of the Indonesian island of Roti. Australia assumed responsibility for the Islands in 1933 from Britain, and they were declared as Commonwealth Marine Reserves in 1983 and 2000 respectively. Heading the list of new initiatives is the charter of a dedicated Customs vessel to combat illegal fishing activities in relation to trepang, trochus, shark and turtle. [21.12.06]

TASK FORCE TO TARGET TRADITIONAL INDONESIAN FISHERMEN OUTSIDE THE LAW: Senator Ellison added that the dedicated patrol vessel would boost Australia control over traditional Indonesian fishermen, who whilst allowed to operate in the subject areas under a Memorandum of Understanding between Australia and Indonesia, are not allowed to fish in the Reserves themselves. The new vessel, to be based at Ashmore, will be set up to operate as a command centre for Customs and Environment officers involved in patrol activities. It will be equipped with two high-speed tenders for patrols of the marine reserves and associated island and reef ecosystems, thus freeing up existing Customs ‘Bay’-class and RAN patrol boats for other border protection duties. [21.12.06]

THALES CONTRACTED FOR ‘APEC AUSTRALIA 2007’ SECURITY: Thales Australia has been appointed by the Government as ‘Exclusive Accreditation Partner’ for the trademarked ‘APEC Australia 2007’ year, and has also won a contract to act as the Prime Systems Integrator for the Accreditation and Security Access Control System (ASACS) and related services for the series of APEC meetings (ie: twenty-one member countries have been invited to meeting held over 100 days between January and September 2007, culminating in a meeting of world leaders in Sydney). In short, this adds up to thousands of people moving across 20 sites over a 10-month period, for which Thales has been contracted to provide hardware and software to register and accredit all staff and delegates, and using high tech contactless cards and visual recognition. Thales Australia has a strong history of providing core safety and security solutions at major world events like the Sydney Olympics in 2000, the Rugby World Cup in 2003, and the recent Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006. [21.12.06]

DUTCH AIR WARFARE DESTROYER VISITING SYDNEY OVER XMAS: The Royal Netherlands Navy anti-air warfare (AAW) frigate HNLMS ‘Tromp’ will visit Sydney from 23 December to 2 January 2007, after completing a recent series of exercises with the US Navy off Hawaii which tested embedded capabilities in the ship’s APAR multifunction/SMART-L volume search radars (ie: in regard to the terminal guidance requirements of SM-2 and ESSM missiles), with the aim of exhibiting growth potential into Tactical Ballistic Missile Defence (TacBMD). The first demonstrations of this capability occurred when the ‘Tromp’ participated US Navy TacBMD tests in November and December this year. The SMART-L long-range 3D volume search radar system is capable of automatic detection, track initiation and tracking of up to 1000 air targets up to a range of 400kms. [21.12.06]

ST ENGINEERING COMPLETES MAK TECHNOLOGIES INC ACQUISITION: Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) has confirmed – in relation to a 4 October 2006 announcement - that its US company, Vision Technologies Kinetics Inc (VTK), has completed its acquisition of 80% of US-based MAK Technologies Inc (MAK). MAK is a world leader in simulation software that enables users to link, simulate and visualise virtual worlds in a networked synthetic environment. MAK also uses its technical expertise to provide customised simulation solutions, and researches and develops cutting edge contemporary simulation technologies. Its customer base includes defence-industry leaders Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, BAE and Thales. [21.12.06]

AUSTRALIAN AEROSPACE BOOSTED WITH AP-3C MAINTENANCE CONTRACT: Defence has signed a nine-year/$201m contract with EADS-owned Australian Aerospace, to undertake long-term deeper maintenance (ie: 12-monthly and five-yearly cycles) on the RAAF’s AP-3C ‘Orion’ long-range maritime patrol aircraft fleet (currently based at RAAF ‘Richmond’ (NSW) and RAAF ‘Edinburgh’, in SA). The nine-year contract extends through to the planned withdrawal of the aircraft in 2015, from which time on the 2006 DCP indicates they will be replaced by new manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles planned for acquisition via project Air 7000. Signature of the contract is also said to establish management arrangements to integrate and coordinate around $600m of AP-3C maintenance upgrades to be effected under project Air 5276 (ie: AP-3C Capability Assurance Program) by Australian Aerospace and Tenix Defence Aerospace, courtesy of a 16 November 2005 industry alliance (‘P-3 Master Accord’). [20.12.06]

‘NO RISK’ CROWS TO LAND ON ARMY ‘BUSHMASTER’ VEHICLES: Queanbeyan (NSW)-based Fire Control Systems Pty Limited - a wholly owned subsidiary of Electro Optic Systems (EOS) - has won a $14m order to supply 44 units of its Stabilised Remote Weapon System (SRWS) to Thales Australia, for fitment by Thales to Australian Army ‘Bushmaster’ Infantry Mobility Vehicles, with units to be delivered between now and February 2007. The SRWS combines US-based Recon Optical’s ‘Raven’ R-400 stabilised weapon mount with EOS’ fire control and sensor package to enable weapons mounted on top of military vehicles to be fired accurately and swiftly by a gunner inside the vehicle. The ADF’s SRWS will be identical to M101 provided to the US Army under its common remotely operated weapon station (CROWS) program, which has already seen hundreds of these units used in Iraq. A similar weapon to the SRWS/CROWS was earlier sourced by the ADF from Swedish-based Kongsberg, and fitted to ASLAVs destined for Middle East service. [20.12.06]

NAS RE-CONTRACTED FOR LASER AIRBORNE DEPTH SOUNDER (LADS): Adelaide-based National Air Support (NAS), a UK Cobham plc company, has been awarded a three year (to late-2009) multi-million dollar contract extension to operate and maintain the Tenix LADS Corporation’s Bombardier Dash 8 aircraft, which carries the LADS MkII system currently engaged in surveying coastal waters worldwide. The contract extends a nine-year partnership between the two Adelaide companies which share complementary specialist skills and a common goal – to improve the safety of Australian coastal navigation. DIAR.com has previously reported on the Australian Department of Defence’s selection of Tenix LADS Corporation to undertake an initial contract for hydrographic surveying in the Torres Strait and northern Great Barrier Reef, which is being executed under the Fisheries Protection Survey and Charting Project. [20.12.06]

ANDREW PEACOCK TO RETIRE AS BOEING AUSTRALIA PRESIDENT: The Hon. Andrew Peacock, AC, has confirmed that he will retire as President of Boeing Australia Limited, effective at the end of February 2007. Peacock, 67, joined Boeing in July 2002 after a celebrated political and ambassadorial career to establish a new corporate head office for Boeing Australia and to co-ordinate the company's in-country business activities – the company’s largest global presence outside of the United States. According to the President of Boeing International, Laurette Koellner, “Andrew will continue in a consultancy role to Boeing to help maintain the excellent momentum he has established with senior level business and government relationships." The company plans to soon announce Peacock’s successor. [20.12.06]

NAVAL TRANSMISSION TOWERS SCOTCHED AT BELCONNEN: Via a series of actions to orchestrate a controlled fall, the Department of Defence had downed three 183m-high and decommissioned low-frequency radio transmission towers at the Navy’s Transmitting Station in the Canberra suburb of Lawson. The controlled fall was executed by selected guy wires on each tower being severed using small cutting charges at guy ground anchor points, and allowing the tower to fall over in a planned direction. The towers will now be cut up and removed from the site for recycling, although a segment of one of the towers will be retained on site for possible future static display. Removal of the towers was approved by Environment & Heritage Minister Campbell in January 2006. [20.12.06]

AVALON AIR SHOW TO AGAIN FEATURE F-111 DUMP AND BURNS: Organisers of the 2007 Australian International Air Show - to be held at Avalon from 23-25 March – have confirmed that RAAF F-111 aircraft will again take part in a high-energy flying display that includes simulated combat manoeuvres, and its famous ‘dump and burn’ procedure. For more than 30 years, the pig-nosed F-111 (or “Aardvark” as it is more affectionately known) has comprised the backbone of Australia’s long-range strategic and tactical strike capability, and boasts performance data rivalled by few other military aircraft. The ‘Aardvark’ is powered by two Pratt & Whitney TF-30 turbofans that deliver a top speed of Mach 2.4 or almost 2550 kilometres per hour. In battle configuration, the F-111 it carries 28 tonnes of assorted missiles and bombs. Aardvark’s appearing at Avalon next March will fly direct from their RAAF ‘Amberley’ (Qld) base. [20.12.06]

CLIMATE CHANGE SECURITY RISKS HEAD INAUGURAL ‘AUKMIN’ TALKS: The British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Margaret Beckett) and British Secretary of State for Defence (Des Browne), have met in London 18-19 December with Australian Foreign Affairs Minister (Alexander Downer) and Defence Minister, Brendan Nelson, for the inaugural Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial (AUKMIN) dialogue. The talks were agreed to by Prime Ministers Blair and Howard in Canberra in March 2006. In a formal communique issued after the meeting, Ministers acknowledged the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to dealing with threats to international security. They recognised the impact of contemporary threats such as terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, and the consequences of state fragility and failure, as well as threats such as the security implications of climate change. In respect to the latter, a UK-Australia Energy Dialogue is to be held in Canberra in February 2007. [20.12.06]

MUSLIM AGENDA RAISED TO COUNTER EXTREMIST IDEOLOGY: Following-on from the earlier AUSMIN talks with the United States (see last DIAR.com), there was a certain similarity in lead issues highlighted by the AUKMIN communiqué, including: countering WMD proliferation, support for the development of missile defences and research into countering MANPADS threats. In one area of difference – and acknowledging issues more common to the UK and Australia than the US - Ministers emphasised the importance of countering violent extremism, including through the reiteration of the shared values of tolerance and pluralism that underpin democratic societies. Ministers agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in researching and developing policies to counter radicalisation and terrorist recruitment both in their own societies, and globally. They particularly welcomed the efforts of Muslim countries and communities in countering extremist ideology. [20.12.06]

FPDA STILL IMPORTANT, BUT FOCUS ON REGIONAL INTEROPERABILITY: Ministers acknowledged the strategic and economic significance of East Asia and the increasingly active role being played by these countries in global affairs. They agreed the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) “remained an important element of regional security architecture,” but also acknowledged the role of the ASEAN Regional Forum (which the UK participates in as a member of the European Union). The two nations reaffirmed their close cooperation in all facets of intelligence and security. Ministers also welcomed the close and enduring bonds shared by their respective armed forces, and restated their commitment to exploring ways to enhance military interoperability and cooperation. In this respect, the recent agreement reached by Australia and the UK under the ‘Memorandum of Understanding on Military Capability Harmonisation and Equipment Cooperation’ (AUMICE), was welcomed. Ministers agreed the next AUKMIN Dialogue would take place in Australia in the first half of 2008. [20.12.06]

ERICSSON MOVES TO SECURE KILLER MOBILE TELEPHONE TECHNOLOGY: Swedish-based Ericsson has signed a definitive agreement to acquire for US$1.9 billion San Jose (California)-based Redback Networks Inc, in a move that will boost the company’s ability to accelerate its market growth in next generation Internet Protocol (IP) networks. Redback was founded 1996 and holds over 700 carrier customers in more than 80 countries. It employs about 800 people, including 500 R&D engineers. According to industry analysts, 15 of the top 20 telephone carriers worldwide use Redback's technology, including broadband routers to manage IP-based data, voice and video services. Redback also has a strong position in multi-service edge routing technology, which helps carriers deliver broadband, telephone, TV and mobility services over internet-based infrastructures. Sales in the first nine months of 2006 were $197m. [20.12.06]

‘SEA KING’ HELICOPTER CRASH BOARD OF INQUIRY OUTCOMES: Defence has confirmed the report arising out the Board of Inquiry into the 2005 ‘Sea King’ helicopter accident at Nias (Indonesia) had been submitted to the Maritime Commander, Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas, on 18 December. The report will now undergo review by subject matter experts, including lawyers and aviators. Defence says the results of this review “will form part of the final report and will also be made public” (ie: now expected to be late-April 2007). Admiral Thomas added the review process “will allow us to develop an Implementation Plan to ensure that we make the necessary changes in order to prevent such an occurrence ever happening again.” He further confirmed the Navy had not waited for the Board’s findings and recommendations before implementing “some positive cultural change, especially within 817 Squadron. The Navy continues to make improvements to the safety of its Fleet Air Arm (as evidenced by) the ongoing Maintenance Reinvigoration Program.” [19.12.06]

ROLLS-ROYCE TO PROVIDE ‘HOBART’-CLASS DESTROYER SHIPLIFT: Rolls-Royce has been selected by the SA Government to provide a $50m shiplift, as a key element the new Techport Australia shipbuilding and ship repair precinct being developed adjacent to the ASC site at Osbourne. The new 156m-long ‘Syncrolift’ will have capacity for ships of up to 9,300 tons (including the RAN’s new project Sea 4000 destroyers), and will enter service in 2009. It will be complemented by a ship transfer system supplied by Norwegian-based TTS, in order to move vessels between the ‘Syncrolift’ and maintenance/build berths on shore. Techport Australia’s installation will also be designed to permit a future increase in ‘Syncrolift’ length to 210 metres, extending ship handling capacity to Panamax-size ships. The ASC has its own ‘Syncrolift’ at Osbourne to service the ‘Collins’-class submarine fleet, while the RAN operates another at its Darwin Naval Base. Rolls-Royce currently supports 230 shiplift/transfer system installations operating in 68 countries. [19.12.06]

NORTHROP GRUMMAN COUNTS ITS JSF PROGRAM ACHIEVEMENTS: Palmdale (California)-based Northrop Grumman Corporation reports it has reached two major milestones on the F-35 ‘Lightning II’ aircraft program: the delivery of the center fuselage for the first US Marine Corps (USMC) variant; and the start of assembly of the center fuselage for the first US Navy variant. The center fuselage just delivered is only the second such unit to be produced under the F-35 program. The first, delivered in April 2005, was integrated on the first aircraft that took its maiden flight 15 December. Northrop Grumman plans to ship the USMC variant to Fort Worth (Texas) on 8 January for the beginning of the aircraft's final assembly. [19.12.06]

GROUP ‘B’ JSF PARTNERS FALTERING ON PSFD MOU COMMITMENT: Following the ready signing in the run-up to Xmas of the lead Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) SDD phase international partners (ie: the US, the Netherlands, Canada, the UK and Australia), a laggard (or Group ‘B’) list of countries including Norway, Italy, Denmark and Turkey have delayed their commitment to the Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development (PSFD) Memorandum of Understanding. Norwegian Defence Minister, Anne-Grete Strom-Erichsen, says the country has “put off” signing the MoU as it continues to consider the relative merits of the JAS ‘Gripen’ and Eurofighter ‘Typhoon’, which are being actively marketed on the back of generous industrial offset promises. Italy is claiming it cannot sign up to the PSFD MoU because its 2007 Budget has not yet passed the nation’s Parliament. [19.12.06]

ROBERT GATES SWORN IN AS 22ND UNITED STATES DEFENCE SECRETARY: Robert Gates has been sworn-in 18 December as the United States' 22nd secretary of defence, in a ceremony at the Pentagon. After President Bush introduced the new Secretary as "an experienced and thoughtful leader," Vice President Richard Cheney administered the oath of office (ie: Secretary Gates was officially sworn in at the White House earlier in the day during a private ceremony). Speaking in terms of forthcoming Defence Department briefings on Iraq, Gates said, "I look forward to hearing their honest assessments of the situation on the ground and of having the benefit of their advice, unvarnished and straight from the shoulder, on how to proceed in the weeks and months ahead." [19.12.06]

NEW ASSESSMENT OF GLOBAL HOMELAND SECURITY MARKET: In a just-released update to its highly-regarded National Domestic Security (NDS) analysis, Washington DC-based Civitas Group reports that, in the aftermath of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, the NDS market “continues to demonstrate strong growth and is a rapidly evolving and dynamic sector in both technology and services with a range of potentially profitable opportunities for a many types of companies”. Among its conclusions, Civitas notes: the NDS market will continue to grow at a steady combined annual growth rate of 8-10% over the next five years; while the estimated addressable (industry-available) global NDS market for FY 2006 is approximately US$55 billion (29% higher than projected two years ago). Civitas’ breakdown of the composition of the world-wide NDS market is: US (54% - $140b), Continental Europe (17%), UK (7%), high wealth Middle East (6%), Singapore (2%), Australia (2%), Japan (2%), Canada (2%), Israel (2%), and Rest of World (6%). [18.12.06]

CRITICAL DESIGN REVIEW FOR NETFIRES NLOS-PAM ARTILLERY: The NetFires LLC (Raytheon/Lockheed Martin JV) Non Line-of-Sight-Launch System (NLOS), Precision Attack Missile (PAM) and accompanying container launch unit has passed a joint US Army and Navy critical design review (CDR) on its accelerated path for incorporation into the Army's Evaluation Brigade Combat Team, Spin Out 1 (one of the 18 Future Combat System's core systems mandated to support the US Army's Future Brigade Combat Teams). Compared to systems with equivalent firepower (kills per combat load), officials say the NLOS launch system promises to provide “a tailorable, modular, highly deployable, and flexible precision fires capability for US joint manoeuvre forces, for a very low life-cycle system cost.” [18.12.06]

GOODRICH CORPORATION CHANGES GEAR FOR BALANCED GROWTH: US-based Goodrich Corporation is to re-organise into 11 strategic business units, within its three business segments, two of which will be renamed. The new structure is claimed to result in a significant reduction in the number of autonomous business units, and will come into effect from 1 January 2007. The former Engine Systems business will become the Nacelles and Interior Systems segment (under Cindy Egnotovich), while the former Airframes Systems business becomes the Actuation and Landing Systems segment (under Jack Carmola). The Electronic Systems segment remains the same, with Jerry Witowski as President. Officials described the changes as “the next natural step in Goodrich's deployment of its strategic imperatives of balanced growth, leveraging the enterprise and operational excellence.” [18.12.06]

HMAS ‘MELVILLE’ PINPOINTS LOST HELICOPTER POSITIONING BEACON: The RAN survey ship, HMAS ‘Melville’, has successfully localised the position of the Flight Data Recorder beacon from the Army ‘Black Hawk’ helicopter lost off HMAS ‘Kanimbla’ during operations to the south of Fiji on 29 November. Equipped with a ‘Towed Pinger Locating Drone’ supplied from the US Navy and operated by US civilian contractors, the ‘Melville’ detected the beacon during its first pass over the crash site, with subsequent survey runs undertaken to pinpoint the beacon’s position - in approximately 2900m of water. Defence officials consider that while there is no reason to suspect that the beacon does not remain with the aircraft, this cannot be confirmed. The Melville’s consolidated picture of the terrain of the sea floor around the beacon is now being used to establish the feasibility of any further military operations to assess the condition of the aircraft. [17.12.06]

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROGRAM RECOGNISED IN TERRY KELLY AWARDS: Australian Aerospace’s role in building local defence industry small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through sponsoring and funding the Defence Industry Intellectual Property Assistance and Training (DiiPAT) program, was recognized 29 November with presentation to the company’s CEO, Joseph Saporito, of the fourth annual Australian Industry Defence Network Victoria (AIDN-Vic) Terry Kelly Memorial Award. The DiiPAT program ran for 3 years between 2002 and 2005, and involved the delivery of intellectual property seminars and in-company visits to over 300 SMEs as part of the ‘Tiger’ armed reconnaissance helicopter (project Air 87) Australian Industry involvement initiative. At the same function, AIDN-Vic also presented its second annual Young Achiever Award to Tom Loveard, of Sentient Vision Systems. [17.12.06]

DEFENCE MINISTER RECOGNISES HISTORIC FIRST JSF FLIGHT: The Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson, has officially acknowledged the 15 December first flight of the Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), saying that as a result of the F-35’s first flight, Australia’s new air combat capability had moved “a step closer to delivery”. The Minister’s statement went on to extend the Australian Government’s congratulations to the JSF Program Office and Lockheed Martin, saying their “successful management” of the JSF Program had led to the achievement of a “significant milestone in Defence aviation history.” In comparison to previous test programs, added Dr Nelson, “the JSF continues to exceed in both performance and schedule.” [16.12.06]

AUSTRALIA-FRANCE DEFENCE COOPERATION AGREEMENT SIGNED: During a meeting in Paris 15 December with the French Minister for Defence, Michele Alliot-Marie, Defence Minister Nelson signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) - Australia’s first DCA with any European country. The agreement is said to provide “a framework for further cooperation across a broad range of military and defence civilian areas such as materiel and capability planning.” France, in cooperation with other nations (primarily Australia and New Zealand), already actively contributes to maritime surveillance, humanitarian and disaster relief assistance and support to regional defence and police forces in the Pacific and Southern Oceans. The Minister added, France is also “an important part of the European defence industry, and there is an increasingly significant level of materiel activity between Australia and France.” From Paris, Dr Nelson was to next visit the Netherlands to meet the Dutch Defence Minster, Henk Kamp, after which he was to attend the inaugural Australia-UK Ministerial talks (AUKMIN) in London. [16.12.06]

CARPENTER CONFIRMS $174M INVESTMENT IN WA SHIPBUILDING: Confirming a major new push for the RAN’s amphibious ships project (JP 2048), the West Australian government has outlined the scope of a re-budgeted $174m infrastructure upgrade at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) in Henderson, expected to create up to 3,000 jobs over the next 10 years. According to WA Premier, Alan Carpenter, the revised investment package includes: the construction of a 100-metre floating dock; a new land transfer system; the dredging of a 17m-deep basin to accommodate the floating dock; an extension of the existing eastern wharf; and supporting site works and electricity upgrades. Carpenter said the new infrastructure would enable WA “to bid for a range of other maintenance and construction projects across the marine, defence and resources sectors.” [15.12.06]

HENDERSON UPGRADE BEING LED BY SUBMARINE SUPPORT: In support of the basic AMC investment package’s economics, Premier Carpenter advised that the former submarine corporation - ASC Pty Ltd - “has committed to working at the AMC for the next 25 years. The company is investing $35m in maintenance and upgrade facilities to enable it to meet contracts to service the Royal Australian Navy’s ‘Collins’-class submarines, based at HMAS ‘Stirling’. In this financial year, ASC will undertake submarine work in WA worth $49m.” The new floating dock is to be used to lift and transfer submarines and surface ships ashore for major maintenance (a role currently undertaken by Tenix Defence). The submarines will then be moved across the wharf area on the new land transfer system and into ASC’s $35m, purpose-built, undercover maintenance facility. [15.12.06]

ASC CONFIRMS $35M INVESTMENT IN ‘COLLINS’ INFRASTRUCTURE: The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of ASC Pty Ltd, Ross Milton, has confirmed $35m will be spent constructing a specialist submarine maintenance and upgrade facility (including office accommodation for 185 people) at WA’s Australian Marine Complex (AMC). The facility, said Milton, will “consolidate all WA submarine maintenance and upgrade activities, and commit ASC to undertake work in the state indefinitely. ASC will benefit from the WA Government’s commitment to additional infrastructure, which includes a floating dock, as part of the Common User Facility (CUF). It will (also) incorporate land transfer capability enabling ASC to move submarines into the new facility ... (meaning) we will be able to carry out maintenance on as many as three submarines at any one time.” Tenders were called for ASC’s facility in July 2006, with construction expected to take around 14 months to complete. ASC plans to undertake its first AMC submarine maintenance docking in 2008. [15.12.06]

HOWARD PROMISES EXTRA $1 BILLION FOR DEFENCE RECRUITMENT: Speaking at Victoria Barracks in Sydney, Prime Minister Howard has committed the Government to spending an additional $1 billion over 10 years to boost recruitment into the ADF, along with the retention of those having already joined the military. Describing his announcement as “the first instalment … (with) further measures to boost recruitment and retention to be announced in 2007,” Howard said the Government would firstly move to streamline the recruitment process, with a $371m program to effectively to cut it from 30 weeks down to six weeks. The second initiative (as foreshadowed by Dr Nelson), is to introduce a military ‘gap year’ scheme to provide an opportunity every year for up to a thousand 17 to 24-year-olds (who’ve finished year 12 in the last two years) to experience military training and lifestyle. [15.12.06]

$226M BOOST FOR DEFENCE RETENTION BONUSES & ALLOWANCES: The Prime Minister added the Government’s third initiative was to implement revamped ADF retention bonuses and allowances, costing an additional $226m over the next seven years, and targeted at personnel in critical positions and holding key skill sets. Retention bonuses of up to $25,000 will be offered in future for selected Navy and Army employment and rank groups holding high-value skills and experience. An initial one year retention bonus of $10,000 (followed by completion bonuses of $30,000) will be paid for three years additional service for military ranks designated as critical to Army workforce growth. Some $100m has also been specially earmarked for a review of Navy seagoing and submarine service allowances, subject to independent Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal considerations. [15.12.06]

BAE SYSTEMS & L-3 COMMUNICATIONS TEAM FOR PROJECT AIR 7000: BAE Systems Australia (BAES) and L-3 Communications Integrated Systems (L-3 IS) have confirmed their signing of a teaming agreement in their quest to become Defence’s Industry Capability Partner (ICP) for the unmanned aerial system component (Phase 1) of project Air 7000. Defence is seeking to replace the RAAF’s current AP-3C ‘Orion’ fleet with manned (phase 2) and unmanned assets, and recently decided that for phase 1, the country would join the US Navy’s Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) program – seeking to bring forward a multi-mission unmanned aerial system (MUAS). The teaming agreement is said to combine BAES Australia’s in-country expertise in autonomous systems technologies with L-3 IS’ large scale systems integration and maritime surveillance expertise. Accordingly, the two companies’ joint expertise in complex systems integration, management and support should place them in a strategic position to secure development of the Australian integrated ground environment, along with support for MUAS introduction. [15.12.06]

PROVISIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF HMAS ‘SYDNEY’ AFTER FFG UPGRADE: Thales Australia has confirmed the first guided missile frigate (FFG) to be upgraded under project Sea 1390 - HMAS ‘Sydney’ – has achieved ‘provisional acceptance’ by the Department of Defence. The ship was initially handed back to the RAN for operational use in April, and has since spent time at sea participating in a number of exercises and undergoing further trials in various conditions. The 20 year old frigate has been upgraded with a new Australian Distributed Architecture Combat System (ADACS), along with new weapons systems, sensors and machinery. Further upgrades to ADACS software is expected as the full suite of capabilities initially envisaged under the Sea 1390 contract (as subsequently amended) are added. The second FFG into upgrade, HMAS ‘Melbourne’ is scheduled for provisional acceptance later in 2007. [15.12.06]

ANAO TO BE EMPOWERED TO CHASE UP TARDY DEFENCE PROJECTS: The Federal Parliament’s Public Accounts and Audit Committee has unanimously agreed to recommend that the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) receive additional funding of $1.5m in the 2007/08 Budget to produce an annual audit on the progress of major defence capital equipment projects (CEPs). Committee Chair, Tony Smith, said the ANAO’s recommended report would be based on data supplied by the Department of Defence and the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO), and focusing on the top thirty CEPs, currently valued at $30.2 billion. New Opposition Leader, Kevin Rudd, has picked up on the Committee’s recommendations, suggesting that substantial savings could be made available by a better run Department of Defence. The Committee’s inquiry is currently reviewing systems used by Defence and the DMO for financial reporting and the monitoring of CEPs, and especially project Sea 1390 (FFG Upgrade) and Air 87 (‘Tiger’ ARH helicopter). A final report is expected to be released in 2007. [15.12.06]

SHORT-FORM SADI APPLICATION CATCHES FIRST-TIME SME: Rosebank Engineering has become the first small to medium enterprise (SME) to join the Department of Defence’s Skilling Australia’s Defence Industry (SADI) program, benefiting from changes to SADI policy and application methods designed to facilitate the increased involvement of SMEs and open up the program to companies aspiring to bid into future Defence contracts, or who are on the DMO Support Services and other Defence Support Group panels. Over the next three years, Rosebank/SADI will invest up to $171,000 in critical Project Management and Systems Engineering skills related to maintaining the F/A-18 ‘Hornet’ fleet. Canberra-based micro company, Hallmark Logistics and Engineering, has also recently signed a ‘first of type’ SADI agreement based on a new short form application and agreement specifically designed for use by very small companies wishing to conduct one-off upskilling activities in the current financial year. [15.12.06]

EXTENDED TIME FRAME FOR PIP-ed OFF INDUSTRY TO REVIEW CONTRACTS: The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has extended the deadline for comment on its new Procurement Improvement Program (PIP) tendering and contracting templates to 12 February 2007. DMO General Counsel, Gillian Marks, completed last month a series of introductory meetings to discuss the PIP with industry representatives in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Darwin. Defence procurement reform initiatives were recently widely criticised by the Australian Industry Group (AiG) in a submission to the Defence Industry Policy Review being conducted by Bruce Billson MP under the authority of Defence Minister Nelson. A draft of proposed new defence-industry policy was released by Dr Nelson on 8 December, with comments due in by 21 December. Surf www.adbr.com.au to download a copy of an article on the AiG submission. [15.12.06]

PROGRAM COMING TOGETHER FOR DEFERRED D+I CONFERENCE: The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has confirmed it will host the 15th Annual Defence+Industry (D+I) Conference from 20 to 23 August 2007, in Adelaide. The SA Government’s Defence Unit, headed by Air Vice-Marshal (Rtd) Roxley McLennan, is developing a support program for the Conference. The 2007 Defence+Industry event will combine a trade exhibition with the conference. In addition to booths displaying Defence and Defence support elements (as undertaken in previous years), defence companies will also be able to exhibit at D+I in Adelaide. The DMO is currently refining the details of the exhibition, and considering a theme. Surf www.defenceandindustry.gov.au for further details. [15.12.06]

SOD TURNED ON NEW AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF POLICE MANAGEMENT: The $16.2m redevelopment of the Australian Institute of Police Management (AIPM) at Manly (NSW) has been formally marked with the 'turning of the first sod' for the project by the Minister for Justice & Customs, Senator Chris Ellison. More than 6000 senior police officers are estimated to have attended AIPM executive development programs in the past, including officers from Australia, New Zealand, the US, UK, the Pacific, South East Asia, Europe and Africa. Courses aim to develop the critical thinking, leadership and decision making skills that police increasingly need to anticipate and respond to current and future challenges in Australian and international law enforcement. [15.12.06]

FIRST JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER FLIGHT UNDERTAKEN AT FT WORTH: Lockheed Martin’s (LM) first conventional takeoff and landing Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) variant has completing a successful 35 minute inaugural flight, initially climbing-out to 15,000 feet, and then performing a series of manoeuvers to test aircraft handling and the operation of the engine and subsystems. The subject aircraft will now embark on a 12,000-hour flight-test program designed to validate tens of thousands of hours of testing already completed in F-35 laboratories. Following recent funding adjustments by Congress, the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, and the UK’s Royal Air Force and Royal Navy will now acquire a total of 2,581 F-35s. LM says international partners Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark and Norway are expected to add about 700 more aircraft to total initial production, with F-35 sales to other international customers expected to push the final number of aircraft manufactured to over 4,500. [15.12.06]

UNIVERSITIES BROUGHT IN TO BOOST LOCAL JSF WORKSHARE: The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has confirmed its New Air Combat Capability (NACC) integrated project team has made financial awards against 10 proposals (out of 121) received from 13 universities and two collaborative research organisations, each relating to an earlier solicitation for the nomination of research having short-term application to the Air 6000 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) project. The NACC team hosted a workshop in Canberra 5 December to provide academic contributors with feedback and discuss options for interaction with local industry to exploit intellectual property being developed via funds set aside to assist Australian industry and research organizations to win work in the F-35s SDD and PSDF components. This workshop will be followed up with a series of briefings in early-2007 to Australian defence industry by nominated universities (as sponsored by their respective state government development organiszations), to explore potential for early utilisation of emerging intellectual property. [15.12.06]

US NAVY RECEIVES ITS FIRST MK 48 MOD 7 CBASS TORPEDO: The US Navy has received and loaded aboard the USS ‘Pasadena’ (SSN 752) in Pearl Harbor (Hawaii), the first ‘warshot’ MK 48 Mod 7 Advanced Capability (ADCAP) Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (CBASS) Heavyweight Torpedo. The CBASS torpedo is the product of a joint engineering, development, manufacturing and support project between the US and Australia, and will be the primary littoral anti-shipping weapon aboard both navies' submarines. According to the US Navy’s Executive Officer for Submarines, RAdm William Hilarides, "the interoperability the CBASS provides is a force multiplier for both of our nations, and a critical factor in the Global Maritime Partnership Initiative." The new MK 48 is coupled with the AN/BYG-1 Combat Control System, also cooperatively developed between the USN and RAN. Sonar enhancements are said to make the torpedo “effective in shallow waters and allow it to defeat all types of countermeasures in all environments.” [15.12.06]

UK A STEP CLOSER TO NAVAL SHIPBUILDING CONSOLIDATION: BAE Systems (BAES) and the VT Group have confirmed that they are in early discussions regarding the combination of their surface ship build and naval support businesses into a joint venture. BAES has said the desired outcome of these talks was a joint venture involving the surface ship build and support capabilities of BAES and VT Group, while sustaining shareholder value remained a key consideration. BAES' submarines business is not included in the discussions, although the company said it was committed to finding a solution for its future – regarded as an important element of the UK's maritime industrial strategy. The UK MoD has been anxious to streamline the UK's naval shipbuilding capability, and the Defence Industrial Strategy announced last year urged consolidation. Europe-wide, there are several consolidations either currently underway or mooted for national naval vessel construction capabilities, including the merging of DCN and Thales Naval in France. [15.12.06]

KMW SWOOPS ON BLOHM+VOSS INDUSTRIES DEFENCE DIVISION: German-based Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) has acquired the defence division of Hamburg-based Blohm+Voss Industries (BVI), effective 31 January 2007 on the assumption of its receipt of Government regulatory approvals. The acquisition decisively strengthens KMW’s key position on the military land systems market given BVI was already an important supplier to KMW in the area of highly developed turret and hull manufacturing for military wheeled and tracked vehicles – with KMW the main customer of this division. Over the past several decades, BVI has produced more than 10,000 turret and hull structures for German and foreign customers, including the ‘Leopard’ 1 and 2 main battle tanks. [15.12.06]

DEFENCE SIGNS-UP FOR UNSPECIFIED TACTICAL UAV CAPABILITY: The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has confirmed the signature of contracts with Boeing Australia Limited for the delivery and support of a Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) capability for the Army. Initially advertised (via RFT) in July 2004, Joint Project 129 was to see a number of 3-4 aircraft operational group’s operated by the Enoggera (Qld)-based 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment, at an estimated cost of $100-150m for an in-service date of 2008-2010. Boeing Australia teamed with Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd’s MALAT Division (formerly Israel Aircraft Industries), for provision of the 6.7m wingspan/four hour endurance ‘I-View’ 250A UAV and supporting control system. Defence says the contracted capability “will enable 24 hour surveillance for the protection of Australian forces and identification of enemy targets,” which would require several batteries of TUAV’s - now scheduled to commence operational service in late-2009. [14.12.06]

PHIL GOFF IN TURKEY TO DRUM UP AFGHANISTAN BUSINESS: Visiting Turkey to sign-off on livestock and education export agreements, New Zealand’s Defence (and Trade) Minister, Phil Goff has also met with Turkey’s Defence Minister Gönül, and Foreign Minister Gül. According to Goff, “Turkey’s location on the borders of Europe, Eurasia and the Middle East gives it a strategically important (position) and a valuable perspective on trouble spots in which NZ takes a keen interest. I had excellent discussions with both Ministers on the outlook for Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Israel and the Palestinian Territories.” NZ and Turkey currently provide Provincial Reconstruction Teams in the neighbouring Afghanistan provinces of Bamyan and Wardak. After Turkey, Goff went on to visit Jordan, Oman and Egypt. [14.12.06]

HMAS ‘TOOWOOMBA’ PREPARED FOR MIDDLE EAST DEPLOYMENT: Recently assessed by Navy officials as ‘mission ready’, the RAN’s ‘Anzac’-class frigate, HMAS ‘Toowoomba’, is to deploy early in the New Year to the North Persian Gulf to assume the duties of HMAS ‘Warramunga’ in providing (in ADF speak), “an ongoing contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq.” As part of the ship’s preparations, the ‘Toowoomba’ made history 25 October when it took part in the first operational replenishment at sea with Australia’s newest member of the RAN fleet, the tanker HMAS ‘Sirius’ (formerly the ‘Delos’). In the first 12 months of her service (8 October anniversary), the ship had sailed 41,517 nautical miles, and by the end of her second year will have served in Operation ‘Resolute’ (Australian border protection) and Operation ‘Catalyst’ in the Middle East. [14.12.06]

GERMAN ‘BOXER’ ACQUISITION OPENS DOOR INTO PROJECT LAND 400: The German Parliament’s approval 13 December for acquisition of the ARTEC (Krauss-Maffei Wegmann - 36%, Rheinmetall Landsysteme - 14% and Stork - 50%) ‘Boxer’ armoured vehicle has given assurance to a joint German/Netherlands program of at least 400 of the 8x8 wheeled, transport vehicles (200 each), with Germany holding an option for a further 72 in the field ambulance configuration. The ‘Boxer’ also can be used in a combat engineering or tactical communications role. Weighing in at 32 tons, a fully equipped ‘Boxer’ can carry a useful load of up to seven tons. It can be transported by air (A400M and C-17) and provides protection against anti-tank mines and medium-calibre fire. The ‘Boxer’ will replace various vehicles in the Bundeswehr inventory, including the aging M113 armoured personnel carrier, and has relevance to elements of Australia’s project Land 400 acquisition. [14.12.06]

AUSTRALIA FIFTH SIGNATURE ON JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER PSFD MOU: The Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson, has officially confirmed his signature in Washington 12 December of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development (PSFD) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Australia is the fourth international Partner to sign the PSFD MoU, following the Netherlands, Canada and the United Kingdom. The four remaining SDD partners (Denmark, Italy, Norway and Turkey) are expected to sign the MoU in the next few months – well past the initial deadline set by the US. Dr Nelson added the MoU and associated documents “guarantees Australia’s access to the technology and data it needs to operate and support the JSF to meet Australia’s sovereign defence needs.” [13.12.06]

INDUSTRIAL BENEFITS LESS VISIBLE IN PSFD MOU SIGNING: Unlike other JSF partners - who released details of cost estimates and industrial benefits from their PSFD MoU signatures - Dr Nelson said only that “entering into the MoU opens up billions of dollars in opportunities for Australian industry, building on its success in the development phase.” To date, twenty-one Australian companies are said to have won some US$100m worth of work in the SDD phase, to which Australia contributed US$150m. Dr Nelson added, “work is expected to multiply significantly into the production and subsequent sustainment phases.” Second pass approval for the RAAF’s acquisition of up to 100 F-35 fighters appears to have been further delayed, with Dr Nelson confirming the critical commitment decision is now scheduled “for late-2008.” [13.12.06]

‘SUPER HORNET’ PURCHASE SET TO BRIDGE JSF PROGRAM DELAYS: A new edition of Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) magazine has undertaken a full analysis of three acquisition options currently being prepared by three separate areas in the Department of Defence in order to fully brief Government in late-2008 when Cabinet is scheduled to finally decide on Australia’s new aircraft combat capability (NACC). ADBR’s analysis comes on the back of media reports of comments in Washington by Defence Minister Nelson that the Government was considering endorsing an A$2.5 billion acquisition of 24 Boeing F/A-18F (dual seat) ‘Super Hornet’ aircraft to bridge anticipated delays in initial JSF deliveries, as well as open up additional savings from an earlier than planned (ie: pre-2010) phasing down of F-111 aircraft numbers. Surf www.adbr.com.au to download this story. [13.12.06]

NELSON CONFIRMS LEADERS MEETING ON NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENCE: Speaking to media separately in Washington after the conclusion of the 12 December AUSMIN talks, Defence Minister Nelson has confirmed - in relation to joint discussions on national missile defence - that “early next year we’ll be having a policy leaders meeting to discuss how we can further develop our joint cooperation in missile defence capability. I also spoke to the Americans about the decision we’ll make halfway through next year on the design of our (project Sea 4000) Air Warfare Destroyer, and the importance of the ‘Aegis’ Combat System as being a part of a missile defence capability that Australia may choose to develop. And we also discussed the Global Peace Operations Initiative where Australia will be working with the US to see that we have about 15,000 peace-keepers (that’s police and military) trained in our region to provide support where it’s necessary.” [13.12.06]

ACTION COMING ON DELAYS IN ACCESSING US MILITARY TECHNOLOGY: Dr Nelson added that in respect to speeding up approval for access to US military technology, “at the moment we’re spending about 144 days a year getting clearance on a number of our … capability acquisition projects. I’m advised by the US Deputy Secretary for Defense (that this) will be a priority for addressing over the next year. I think it’s very important that Australians understand that our alliance with the US has never been stronger … it’s clear that we’ve got very much (an) open door, significant access to all of the key capabilities and intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and everything we need with the United States.” [13.12.06]

THALES STEPS UP FOR DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS IT INTEGRATION: ADI Limited (now trading as Thales Australia) has been selected to deliver the integrated suite of command, control, communications, computing and intelligence (C4I) systems for the new $300m Defence Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) facility being constructed under Joint Project 8001 near Bungendore, NSW. Under a $58.3m contract, Thales will be required to integrate at least 45 individual and separate computer network and software systems operating across various security domains and serving around 750 military and civilian Defence staff. The majority of the proposed systems will first be built and tested off-site in the period leading up to the new headquarters being completed in July 2008. The subject C4I systems will then be installed direct into the HQJOC in time for Defence staff to commence work in late-2008. Queanbeyan-based Codarra Advanced Systems was also contracted in late-2005 (under a three-year/$7m arrangement) to provide project management and systems engineering services to assist Defence in delivery of the C4I systems into the facility. [13.12.06]

‘APEC AUSTRALIA 2007’ THREATS BRIEF FOR REGIONAL SECURITY STAFF: Security personnel from across the Asia Pacific region have met in Sydney for briefings on security arrangements for the coming Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) forum. Meetings for now trade marked ‘APEC Australia 2007’ Security Conference are said by the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, to have “allowed delegates to meet with APEC 2007 Taskforce representatives and discuss organisational, logistical and security arrangements for the ‘APEC Australia 2007’ year.” With 21 member economies taking part in 100 days of meetings, Ruddock described Australia’s hosting of APEC in 2007 as the nation’s “largest and most complex dignitary protection event in our history.” Funding of $167.5m over four years has been provided by the Federal Government to ensure security over the ‘APEC Australia 2007’ year. [13.12.06]

NEW PA CONSULTING GROUP CHIEF TO VISIT AUSTRALIA: The former UK Armed Forces Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Mike Jackson, is to join the PA Consulting Group in February 2007 (after retiring from the British Army), and will function as a Senior Advisor and Chair of PA's Defence Advisory Board. According to company officials, the appointment “further strengthens PA's position as one of the world's leading public sector consulting firms.” Jackson is also to visit Australia in 2007 to share his knowledge and first hand experience of key national defence issues with Federal MPs, Department of Defence officials, industry analysts and the media, and including: critical defence capability challenges, improving defence procurement, interoperability with allies and addressing defence skills shortages. [13.12.06]

US DEFENSE TRANSFORMATION LOOKED AT THROUGH AUSSIE EYES: A new Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) report authored by Richard Bitzinger (a Senior Fellow with the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies in Singapore), has examined how the US policy of defence transformation will affect leading nations and their militaries in the Asia-Pacific region and, in turn, how countries are responding to a rapidly transforming US military. Bitzinger says that, for Australia, “there might be hard choices to make in how far we should adapt our military capabilities given US transformation strategies and their implications.” ASPI’s Mark Thomson also takes up this theme in a short counter-point to Bitzinger’s writings. Surf www.aspi.org.au for publication details. [13.12.06]

JUSTICE MILDREN RE-APPOINTED TO ADF DISCIPLINE APPEAL TRIBUNAL: The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has confirmed the re-appointment of Justice Dean Mildren RFD (of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory) as a Member of the Defence Force Discipline Appeal Tribunal. Justice Mildren was first appointed to the Tribunal in 1996, and was re-appointed for a further term of five years in 2001. He has been a Judge of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory since 1991, and is a former Judge Advocate and Defence Force Magistrate. Ruddock added, “Justice Mildren has been an asset to the Tribunal and I am pleased to announce his re-appointment.” [13.12.06]

NH90 HELICOPTERS NOW CLEARED TO UNDERTAKE TRAINING: Eurocopter reports that “following a period of complex evaluation and comprehensive qualification processes, (it is) proud to now be able to officially launch the NH90 for training purposes,” with the first three NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopters (TTH) just handed over to the German Army for subsequent use for flight training at the German Army Air Corps Weapons School in Bückeburg. Qualification of the NH90 TTH was completed by the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) on 31 March, with German type certification granted on 1 December – thus clearing the way for deliveries initially to Germany as well as for the respective national certifications of the NH90 TTH for other NAHEMA and export customers. Eurocopter says it plans to deliver 14 aircraft to Bückeburg through to the end of 2007. The NH90 currently boasts an order backlog for 500 contracted deliveries (400 firm, plus 100 options) to equip 18 armed forces in 14 countries, including Australia via project Air 9000. [13.12.06]

‘SUPER HORNET’ DEVELOPMENT ENGINE SUCCESSFULLY TESTED: General Electric (GE) Aviation's F414-based advanced technology demonstrator engine – the XTE77/SE2 –has successfully completed a test program demonstrating its advanced two-stage, all-blisk (blade and disk) fan and new high-pressure turbine (HPT) design. The engine ran to 100% of maximum steady core speed over 20+ hours of testing. The new fan design incorporates 3D-aerodynamic forward-swept airfoil technology (providing 10% higher airflow), improved efficiency and reduced parts count compared with current F414 fans in engines which power the Boeing F/A-18E/F ‘Super Hornet’ fighter. This second phase of testing builds on work completed in 2005 to verify an advanced, six-stage compressor configuration. The testing was funded jointly by GE and the US Navy under the US Government’s Integrated High Performance Engine Technology (IHPTET) program. [13.12.06]

SMITHS AEROSPACE CUTS DEAL WITH GE OVER F404 ENGINES: US-based Smiths Aerospace has confirmed its entry into a ‘Risk and Revenue Sharing’ program with GE Aviation involving five F404 engine components manufactured by its facility in Asheville, North Carolina. The F404 engine family engines powers multiple aircraft performing a broad spectrum of missions from low-level attack to high-altitude interceptors, and including the US Navy's fleet of F/A-18 A/B/C/D carrier-capable aircraft. Some 3,700 units of the F404-GE-400 engine family have been built, with the USN inventory said to exceed 1,300 engines. Under the program, Smiths will produce the specified parts for new and spare engines. Deliveries will continue through 2023, with a potential sales value to Smiths Aerospace of more than US$60m. [13.12.06]

SECOND USN MARITIME DEMONSTRATION ‘GLOBAL HAWK’ DELIVERED: The second of two US Navy RQ-4A ‘Global Hawk’ Maritime Demonstration (GHMD) unmanned aircraft has arrived at NAS ‘Patuxent River’ (Maryland), and joins the first aircraft delivered in March 2006. The GHMD program is described as “a pathfinder” for a variety of US Navy objectives for its unmanned air system program. These include the development of maritime endurance unmanned aerial vehicle sensors; concepts of operations; tactics, techniques, and procedures; and Fleet integration with manned aircraft. The GHMD also includes specific maritime modes for Maritime Surveillance, Maritime Moving Target Indicator and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar, as well as 360 degree passive electronic sensors. The Australian Government earlier linked progression of its project Air 7000 UAV acquisition to a separate US Navy initiative, its Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) program. [13.12.06]

NUCLEAR MISSILE THREAT DOMINATES 2006 AUSMIN TALKS: Meeting in Washington for the 21st Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) held under the 55 year old ANZUS security pact, the US Secretary of State (Condoleezza Rice) and Deputy Secretary of Defense (Gordon England), have met with Australian Ministers for Foreign Affairs (Alexander Downer) and Defence (Dr Brendan Nelson). The meeting’s official communiqué confirmed agreement between the two nations that the alliance “has never been stronger … (and) especially since 11 September 2001 (it) has moved from strength to strength and amply demonstrated its critical importance to both countries.” Australia has agreed to host the next AUSMIN meeting in 2007. [12.12.06]

TRILATERAL BOOST TO NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENSE COOPERATION: The two countries further pledged at AUSMIN to continue to work closely with Japan through the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue on a wide range of issues, and noted their agreement to hold a ministerial meeting in the first quarter of 2007. The US welcomed the efforts of Australia and Japan to develop a closer bilateral security relationship, whilst the two nations undertook to explore with Japan areas for possible trilateral defence cooperation, as an early priority. It was further noted that North Korean and Iranian missile tests in 2006, and the widening proliferation of ballistic missiles, has reinforced the importance of missile defence. As such, they agreed to intensify cooperation under the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on Missile Defence, and committed to further collaboration in coming years. They also welcomed ongoing bilateral work on exploring options for cooperation in this area. [12.12.06]

MILITARY COOPERATION INCREASINGLY FOCUSING ON INTEROPERABILITY: Also reaffirmed at AUSMIN was the critical importance of strong bilateral defence relations in advancing shared US-Australia strategic objectives. Joint experience in Iraq and Afghanistan was said to have “reinforced the vital importance of interoperability between US and Australian forces.” As such, agreement was reach to “continue to strengthen this interoperability,” including through information sharing, training and exercises, capability development – involving cooperation in R&D – as well as acquisition and support of materiel, with activity extended to strengthening bilateral defence industry linkages, including through improved access. The two countries also welcomed signing of the Memorandum on Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development for the F-35 JSF, noting that an enhanced Australian air combat capability “will benefit the continued effectiveness of the alliance.” Australia’s Joint Combined Training Capability (JCTC) was also noted as an important element for training, and the future building of US-Australian interoperability. The two nations also agreed “to intensify cooperation in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, including in the context of acquisitions.” [12.12.06]

AUSTRALIAN ROLE TO COMBAT THE SPREAD OF WMDs IN SE ASIA: Both AUSMIN nations condemned North Korea’s nuclear test on 9 October, along with Iran's failure to comply with international obligations on nuclear activities. This prompted mutual agreement in regard to the potentially devastating consequences of allowing nuclear weapons and materials to fall into the hands of terrorists, and leading to a re-emphasis of their commitment to the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, and continue efforts to build international support for this initiative through outreach activities.” The United States welcomed Australia’s commitment to outreach in Southeast Asia. They also agreed to promote the goals of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) and to further strengthen their cooperation to interdict the flow of illicit WMD materials. [12.12.06]

COUNTER MANPADS INITIATIVE LINKED TO APEC ACTIVITIES: The two countries further agreed that man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) in the hands of criminals or terrorists pose a serious potential threat to commercial aviation and military aircraft around the world. As such, both countries agreed to take concrete steps to counter the emerging MANPADS threat to the international community, such as through Australia’s multilateral leadership on the issue as chair of APEC and its role in the Wassenaar Group and the USA’s stockpile security and destruction programs. In regional terms, the two nations also agreed to continue their efforts “to build partnership capacity in key security areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing, disaster relief and emergency response, and counter-insurgency and governance capabilities.” They also agreed to continue to work under the Global Peace Operations Initiative to help build peacekeeping capacity in the Asia-Pacific. [12.12.06]

RICE WEDDING SHOWER NOT SUFFICIENT TO EMBED ADF IN IRAQ: Speaking at the conclusion of the AUSMIN press conference, US Secretary of State Rice – when speaking glowingly of Australia’s role as an ally – said, “this is a country that not only in Iraq, not only in Afghanistan, not only in tsunami relief, not only in support for all that we're doing in the Asia Pacific, but also in taking really primary responsibility in places like the Solomon Islands, Fiji, East Timor, has put its resources and its assets at the disposal of peace and security in the region and in the spread of freedom. And I just can't think of a better friend and a better ally.” The words of praise were not sufficient, however, to turn Defence Minister Nelson’s view on a US proposal to embed Australian troops with Iraqi combat units. According to Dr Nelson, “in terms of embedding, we are certainly prepared and have already been doing embedded training. But what Australia is not disposed to do is to embed our soldiers in combat units.” [12.12.06]

NORTH WEST SHELF ‘VIRTUAL’ UAV TEST RESULTS PRESENTED: Results from the modelling and simulation exercise to support the North West Shelf Unmanned Aerial System trial undertaken at Northrop Grumman’s Cyber Warfare Integration Network (CWIN) in San Diego, California, have been presented to the Department of Defence by the company. The CWIN facility was used to simulate and model ‘Global Hawk’ UAV surveillance missions over Australia’s North West Shelf, and assess its ability to operate with RAN ‘Armidale’-class patrol boats.” The CWIN-based outcomes are to be combined with those of ‘live’ trials undertaken in September, and involving General Atomics’ ‘Mariner D’ UAV. According to the Deputy Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Ian Sare, the final report on the ‘real-world’ phase of the trial will be presented to government by the end of the year for use in helping to define requirements for the first phase of the project Air 7000 acquisition. [12.12.06]

SAAB FORGES TASMAN LINK TO TARGET KIWI DEFENCE PROJECTS: Adelaide-based Saab Systems (part of the Swedish Saab Group) and Auckland (NZ)-based Beca Applied Technologies have announced their formation of a strategic alliance to win defence systems work in New Zealand. The two firms have been collaborating over the past year exploring opportunities to work together in the defence market, and have identified a number of areas where their skills are complementary and can be focused on NZ Defence Force projects, including: the Joint Command and Control System currently being progressed by the Ministry of Defence; and the self defence upgrade of the RNZ Navy’s two ‘Anzac’-class frigates, initially built by Tenix Defence. The new collaboration agreement covers the design, development, sale, delivery and support of products and services in New Zealand. [12.12.06]

NAVY TO STAY PUT IN VICTORIA AT HISTORICAL HMAS ‘CERBERUS’: As part of a review of future RAN training infrastructure requirements - undertaken under the auspices of the Defence Force Disposition Program - Defence Minister Nelson has confirmed that HMAS ‘Cerberus’ (at Crib Point in Victoria), and four Sydney bases (HMAS ‘Kuttabul’ - the primary support base for Fleet Base East; HMAS ‘Watson’ - Watson’s Bay; HMAS ‘Waterhen’ – Waverton; and HMAS ‘Penguin’ – Mosman, the latter three being training and operational support bases), will be retained in their present locations. Dr Nelson said that analysis of the implications of closing HMAS ‘Cerberus’ and relocating those functions elsewhere showed that there would be “no measurable advantage to Navy personnel or to the Defence operating cost budget from such a proposal.” [12.12.06]

UK SIGNS UP TO JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER PSFD MEMORANUM: The US Deputy Secretary of Defense (Gordon England) and UK Minister for Defence Procurement (Lord Drayson) have signed a memorandum of understanding to begin future cooperation in the Production, Sustainment, and Follow-on Development (PSFD) phase of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. The UK was the first JSF partner, and has committed US$2 billion to the program’s development phase. The UK's increase in financial commitment into the PSFD stage was said by officials to be £34m. Over 100 UK companies have already won development contracts for the JSF, and will now turn to competing for PSFD work expected to exceed US$29 billion. [12.12.06]

DRAYSON DEFINES JSF ‘OPERATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY’ RULE: Lord Drayson further told media, “I have always been clear that the UK would only sign if we were satisfied that we would have operational sovereignty over our aircraft. I have today received the necessary assurances from the US on technology transfer to allow me to sign the MoU." 'Operational sovereignty' was said by UK officials to be defined as, “the UK having control over essential aspects of the aircraft so that it can be operated through life at the time of the UK's choosing. We need to be able to integrate JSF into the UK operating environment; operate, maintain, repair and upgrade the UK fleet to meet evolving through-life requirements; and certify the aircraft as safe to fly.” [12.12.06]

BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE RADARS ON THE MOVE: US-based Raytheon reports it has shipped ahead of schedule and under budget the second Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) Forward Based X-Band Transportable (FBX-T) radar to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) at ‘Vandenberg’ AFB (California) for final testing and acceptance. The FBX-T is a high- power, transportable X-Band radar designed to detect, track and discriminate ballistic missile threats early in flight, maximizing the capability of the BMDS to identify, assess and engage threats to the U.S., deployed forces and allies. Raytheon IDS, which was awarded a BMDS radar contract by the MDA in April 2003, delivered the first FBX-T radar in November 2004. The radar, currently deployed in Japan, is the first new MDA system to be developed and deployed as an operational asset outside the United States. [12.12.06]

LOCKHEED MARTIN TESTING UNMANNED GROUND CONTROLLERS: Lockheed Martin (LM) reports it has successfully conducted a series of tests of a new centralised controller device for unmanned air and ground vehicles. During these tests, the company demonstrated control of four different unmanned systems (a Honeywell ‘Micro’ air vehicle UAV; LM's ‘Silver Fox’ UAV and its ‘roll based operations architecture’ robot; and a LM unmanned ground vehicle demonstrator), from one centralised control device. LM is also currently experimenting with control of the iRobot Corporation ‘PackBot’ from the same centralised controller – thus covering the spectrum of small to medium UGVs, to vertical take-off and landing UAVs as well as fixed wing UAVs. [12.12.06]

NEW AIRLINE TO SERVICE AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC TERRITORY: Environment & Heritage Minister Campbell has confirmed the Government will lease an Airbus A319 to complement the current $46.3m fleet of Antarctic-based helicopters and CASA 212s which now fly personnel to field locations and between Australia’s stations within Antarctica. The A319 will be leased and operated by Sydney-based Skytraders for an initial period of five years, beginning in late January 2007. Construction of a snow-capped ice runway to handle jet flights began in December 2005, and will continue during the 2006/07 summer season. Campbell says utilisation of the A319 “will reduce the time it takes to travel from Australia to Wilkins runway in Antarctica from 10 days to four hours … (with) its inaugural flight to the new Wilkins runway expected in early February 2007.” [11.12.06]

PERMIAN ACQUIRED BY SMS MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY: SA-based systems and software engineering firm, Permian, has been acquired by SMS Management & Technology (SMS), Australia’s largest publicly listed management services company. Permian aims to benefit from SMS’s extensive infrastructure, quality accreditation, and financial strength, whilst for SMS, the acquisition provides a solid footprint into the growing Defence market in Adelaide, including a number of major defence industry clients nationally, including: BAE Systems, Boeing, Defence Science & Technology Organisation, Tenix, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin and Saab Systems. Under the new arrangements, former Adelaide-based Permian MD, Dr Mabbs, will maintain responsibility for managing and growing Permian’s existing work scope, and reporting directly to SMS CEO, Tom Stianos. [11.12.06]

UPGRADED NAVIGATION SYSTEMS FOR BPC PATROL BOATS: US-based Northrop Grumman Corporation has confirmed that its Sperry Marine division is to supply electronic navigation systems for the 13th and 14th RAN ‘Armidale’-class patrol boats being built specifically to protect Australia’s Northwest Shelf oil & gas facilities. Sperry Marine will supply the equipment through contracts awarded by Austal (the ‘Armidale’-class builders) to Electrotech Australia, which is supplying and installing the complete navigation and communication package for the new vessels. The subject electronic navigation equipment includes Sperry Marine radars with navalized features, as well as steering controls, autopilot, digital GPS, and heading and speed sensors. Electrotech has supplied similar navigation and communications systems for each of the previous 12 vessels first approved under project Sea 1444. [11.12.06]

NEW ROUND OF FUNDING OFFERED FOR EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS: Local governments and volunteer organisations are being invited to apply for 2007/08 grants which help communities develop increased self-reliance in the face of disasters. The funding comes through an Australian Government initiative called ‘Working Together to Manage Emergencies’, which has set aside $49m over four years for projects across Australia. Applications for funding in 2007/08 will close on 2 March 2007. Officials estimate about 500,000 Australians volunteer their services in an emergency management capacity, and 350,000 of those have been directly involved in the first response to an event. Grants are administered by Emergency Management Australia (EMA), a Division of the Attorney-General's Department. Surf www.ema.gov.au/communitydevelopment for further details. [11.12.06]

CANADA SIGNS UP TO JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER PSFD MEMORANDUM: US Deputy Secretary of Defense, Gordon England, and the Canadian Deputy Minister of National Defence, Ward Elcock, have signed a memorandum of understanding to begin future cooperation in the Production, Sustainment, and Follow-on Development (PSFD) phase of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Canada joined the SDD MOU in February 2002 for a cost of US$150m (after an initial $10m investment), and is the third JSF partner nation to sign up to the PSFD phase. The United States and the Netherlands signed on 14 November 2006. It is estimated Canada’s PSFD costs will exceed C$500m over 44 years, matched against some C$8 billion in local industry opportunities. Fifty-four Canadian organizations have so far won 154 JSF-related contracts worth C$157m. [11.12.06]

SECOND HULL FOR AUSTAL-BASED LITTORAL COMBAT SHIP: The General Dynamics Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Team – whose LCS design is based around an Austal trimaran hull - has been awarded a US$208m contract option to build its second LCS for the US Navy. The ship is required to deliver high-speed response in coastal waters operations supporting mine detection and elimination, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, and is designed to be particularly effective against small surface craft. The 127m surface combatant ship, equipped with open architecture-based combat systems and computing environment, is scheduled for delivery in July 2009. The first trimaran-based LCS, the ‘Independence’ (LCS 2), is already under construction at Austal USA, in Mobile, Alabama. [11.12.06]

NATO FOLLOWS AUSTRALIAN BUY OF FOUR C-17 AIRLIFTERS: The US Defense Security Co-operation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a possible US$589m Foreign Military Sale (FMS) deal with the NATO Strategic Airlift Capability (NSAC) consortium covering support equipment and logistics for four Boeing C-17 ‘Globemaster III’ aircraft. The proposed deal includes up to two Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 spare engines, up to four AN/AAQ-24V(13) Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Systems, and up to fifteen AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles. NATO also requires a variety of software packages. The C-17s will partially serve NATO's agreed military requirement for eight transport aircraft to rapidly deploy a force around the globe, including the NATO Response Force. [11.12.06]

FITZGIBBON TAKES DEFENCE IN RUDD SHADOW GOVERNMENT: Recently elected Opposition Leader, Kevin Rudd, has appointed Hunter (NSW)-based Joel Fitzgibbon as Shadow Minister for Defence (including defence-industry and procurement), replacing Robert McClelland, who moves to the Foreign Affairs Shadow portfolio. Fitzgibbon will be supported by Alan Griffin in regard to Defence Science & Personnel. Arch Bevis will continue as Shadow Minister for Homeland Security, with Kelvin Thomson appointed as Shadow Attorney-General. Joseph Ludwig continues as Shadow for the Justice & Customs ministries. [10.12.06]

UK ‘TRITON’ TESTBED TO POLICE AUSTRALIAN FISHERIES: A former UK R&D trimaran, the 98m ‘Triton’, is to be leased by Customs for 12 months at a cost of $17m to beef up Australia's response to illegal foreign fishing. Built in 2000, the diesel-electric powered ‘Triton’ has a top speed of 20 knots and is capable of remaining at sea for extended periods. Customs Minister Ellison says the vessel will sail with a civilian maritime crew of 14, however, can also carry up to 28 armed Customs officers capable of boarding and securing vessels operating illegally in the Australian Fishing Zone. The vessel will also be armed with two .50 calibre machine guns. The ‘Triton’ was selected for its “range, speed and capability of operating independently or as a command ship, working in tandem with other Customs and Royal Australian Navy patrol boats,” says Ellison. [10.12.06]

NEW YEAR’S TRANSITION NOTE FOR DIAR.COM READERS: DIAR.com will complete the balance of its 2006 coverage of Australian and overseas defence and national domestic security issues with its next edition, to be published on Monday, 8 January 2007. We trust all readers experienced a happy Xmas and extend our best wishes for a prosperous 2007 - which includes several key Australian Government decisions on major defence projects (ie: Sea 4000 and Joint Project 2048) - as well as the prospect of a Federal election in the period between September and mid-December 2007, that is, unless Prime Minister Howard chooses to opt for an early poll in the March to May period. [10.12.06]

ARMY BULLDOZERS HEADING TO FIGHT VICTORIAN BUSHFIRES: Subsequent to Emergency Management Australia (EMA) activating the Commonwealth Disaster Plan, the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock - as Minister responsible for national emergency management - has signed off on the provision of two Army fuel tankers to deliver diesel fuel to fire trucks and bulldozers at the fire fighting front line. Ruddock says a further request for assistance seeks to establish whether ADF assets could be used to effect temporary repairs in areas where bridges are burned, and beyond safe use. Up to six Army bulldozers and crews will arrive on Monday to assist Victorian bushfire authorities in north-east Victoria and East Gippsland to help cut firebreaks, and to clear debris caused by damaged trees. [10.12.06]

AUSMIN TALKS EXPECTED TO GET A RESULT ON HICKS TRIAL: Australian Foreign Minister Downer and Defence Minister Nelson are expected to raise at AUSMIN talks in Washington this week the need for the trial of David Hicks to be resolved as quickly as possible. Speaking to media, the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, confirmed an expectation the US would charge Hicks shortly after 17 January. Ruddock added, “regulations have to be proclaimed within three months (of Congress approving the military commission system), (and) that means they have to be in place before mid-January. (The regulations) provide the basis upon which a charge - and the particular charges that might be brought against David Hicks - will be outlined, and also procedures for the conduct of the military commission.” [09.12.06]

GLOBAL STRATEGIC AGENDA TAKES DEFENCE MINISTER OVERSEAS: Subsequent to the rising of Federal Parliament for the year, Defence Minister Nelson has departed Australia to attend the annual Australia-United States Ministerial talks (AUSMIN) in Washington, for discussions on Iraq and Afghanistan, combating global terrorism and preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Dr Nelson will then visit London to attend the inaugural Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial (AUKMIN) meeting, a new forum to discuss issues of mutual strategic interest, including the future of each nation’s military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. Whilst overseas, Dr Nelson’s Parliamentary Secretary, Senator Sandy Macdonald, is visiting ADF troops deployed to the Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Island (RAMSI). [08.12.06]

IRAQ COALITION DRIVES THE RISE OF A EUROPEAN AGENDA: During his overseas travels, Dr Nelson will also meet with his Ministerial counterparts in France, and the Netherlands. He is scheduled to sign an Australia-France Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which aims to provide flexibility for both nations to pursue further cooperative activities to meet their strategic needs. In the Netherlands, Dr Nelson will discuss developments in regards to Australia’s Oruzgan Province econstruction Task Force, deployed as an element of the Netherlands Provincial Reconstruction Team. On the way back to Australia, the Minister will visit the Middle East to attend the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Gulf Dialogue in Bahrain (considered an important forum for the discussion of Gulf security issues), whilst also conducting a number of strategic bi-lateral meetings. [08.12.06]

RELEASE OF DRAFT DEFENCE-INDUSTRY POLICY STATEMENT: The Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson, has released for public comment a Draft Statement on Defence and Industry Policy. Comments on the draft statement need to be lodged by 21 December 2006, so as to enable formal Government consideration to occur early next year. In releasing the draft statement, Dr Nelson was careful to label the work as “the product of the advice provided by the stakeholders who contributed to the review process, and the intellectual horsepower of the review team.” Dr Nelson is known to have been unhappy with the level of detail provided in initial drafts of the policy statement, and went on to describe the work as “an evolution that builds on the success of existing Government defence industry policy,” which was last updated in 1988 via the Defence and Industry Strategic Policy Statement which led to the birth of ‘Bishop’s Rules’. Surf www.defenceindustrypolicyreview.com.au for further details. [08.12.06]

TWENTY-TWO KEY POINTS BEGET NINE INDUSTRY POLICY STRATEGIES: The draft policy statement argues that the Government’s primary goal for industry policy should be “to ensure the cost effective delivery of equipment and support to the ADF in line with Australia’s strategic circumstances.” As such, and in future, this goal should be achieved through nine strategies: A strategic approach to equipping and sustaining the ADF; Maintaining priority local industry capabilities; Securing value for money through best-practice procurement; Creating opportunities for Australian firms; Encouraging small and medium enterprise; Supporting the development of skills in defence industry; Facilitating defence exports; Driving innovation in defence technology; and ensuring Defence and industry work more productively together. [08.12.06]

CENTRAL ROLE FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING LINKED TO CAPABILITY: Heading the list of defence-industry initiatives is a proposal to institute every two years a classified ‘Defence-Industry Self Reliance Plan’ – which will underpin delivery of both the existing Defence Capability Plan, along with the broader preparedness posture of the ADF (ie: as represented in the CDF’s formal ‘preparedness directive’). All these classified plans would then be distilled into a publicly-released Defence Capability Plan, which would include more extensive statements of Priority Industry Capabilities. Defence would then report to the Government each year on progress in matching strategic guidance with new capability acquisition and the involvement of local industry in delivering new military capability (and sustaining existing capabilities), via a ‘Priority Local Industry Capabilities Report’. [08.12.06]

MORE ACTIVE PROGRAM TO DEVELOP SMALL DEFENCE ENTERPRISES: Consistent with earlier statements made by Dr Nelson, the draft defence-industry policy statement also contains a recommendation that prospective suppliers for large military capability acquisition projects (or sustainment contracts) will be required to fully examine the scope for involvement by Australian firms when bidding for work. The Government’s clear expectation, the statement says, is that “suppliers will use Australian sub-contractors where it is cost-effective to do so.” For predominantly overseas acquisitions, the statement says, “the goal will be to secure enforceable commitments to provide Australian firms with the opportunity to compete on their merits to supply multinational programs that Australia is involved in.” [08.12.06]

NEW DEFENCE-INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLES & DEFENCE EXPORTS UNIT: The draft statement goes onto propose the creation of an annual series of Defence-Industry Roundtable discussions involving both large and small firms to ensure “unhindered and constructive” communication. A confidential feedback mechanism to Defence will also be established to inform an “ongoing procurement reform process,” while industry will be afforded “improved access to end-users through Defence-led focus groups to help suppliers improve the effectiveness of their products.” Subsequent to the appointment of Jim Molan as Defence Materiel Advocate in 2005, the draft statement proposes the establishment of “a dedicated Defence Export Unit within the Department of Defence with the objective of further boosting defence exports by Australian firms.” [08.12.06]

DEFENCE CONTRACTING CONSULTATIONS RUNNING TO FEBRUARY: Following a series of industry briefing sessions held in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and Darwin over the last few weeks, the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has now released for comment draft contracting forms arising from progression of the Procurement Improvement Program (PIP), described as “a major change initiative which will ultimately lead to the development of improved procurement and contracting templates which will incorporate best national and international commercial practices, reflecting the global nature of Defence business.” The DMO says the templates “will support better business outcomes for both the Commonwealth and Defence industry by modernising and standardising contracts.” Stakeholder consultation and feedback will continue until 12 February 2007. Surf www.defence.gov.au/dmo/gc/pip for details. [08.12.06]

ASC 2005/06 ANNUAL REPORT DECLARES $18.5 MILLION PROFIT: ASC Pty Ltd (the former Australian Submarine Corporation) has released its 2005/06 annual report, detailing $260m of annual revuenue (cf $229.3m in 2004/05), and declaring an $18.5m of profit (cf $16.1m in 2004/05) on shareholders’ equity of $114.2m (up 6% from the previous year) – thus yielding a 16.2% return on equity, compared with 15% in 2004/05. ASC Managing Director, Greg Tunny, said delivery of outstanding performance outcomes on ‘Collins-class’ submarine support/maintenance had helped to drive record financial results for the year. A full analysis of ASC’s financial results and their implications for supporting the air warfare destroyer program (and ultimately, full privatization of the company in 2008), will be provided in the December edition of Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) magazine. Email busicom@ozemail.com.au to reserve and electronic copy. [08.12.06]

REDEVELOPMENT OF THE ADF’s SCHOOL OF SIGNALS: The Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Public Works has received a reference to examine a proposed $101.3m redevelopment of the ADF’s School of Signals, currently located at Simpson Barracks, Watsonia (Victoria). The redevelopment includes the construction of new working and teaching facilities, the refurbishment of some existing facilities, and the construction of new live-in accommodation rooms for long-term trainees. Defence says it is aiming to create a signals training institution that is matched to the high technology equipment and high calibre personnel required to effectively develop the ADF as a fully networked defence force. The redevelopment at Watsonia also provides an opportunity to allow for the collocation of the school’s Maritime Wing from HMAS ‘Cerberus’. Subject to Parliamentary clearance, construction will commence in early-2008, and will be completed by late-2009. [08.12.06]

COMET GRANTS TO BENEFIT SPECIAL MILITARY/POLICE OPERATIONS: Sydney-based RNO Industries has been awarded a $64,000 Department of Industry ‘Commercialising Emerging Technologies’ (COMET) grant to help bring to market the company's ‘Blueprint OPS’ solution, which Industry Minister, Ian Macfarlane, says provides a “relatively low-cost tactical system” for use in the field by police, military, fire and ambulance services. According to Macfarlane, the ‘Blueprint OPS’ system “integrates operational planning with multimedia real-time intelligence and information in the operational environment. An internet search shows other systems are either designed for desk-based intelligence, for higher strategic-level command and control, or for more complex systems designed for military use in war situations." The program is one of four NSW projects sharing in more than $2m via the latest round of innovation funding. Surf www.ausindustry.gov.au for details. [08.12.06]

UK TO INVOLVE AUSTRALIA IN NEW UAV DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: BAE Systems (BAES) has been contracted as the industry lead and prime contractor for a £124m Joint (with the UK Ministry of Defence) project to develop a world-class unmanned air vehicle (UAV) technology demonstrator called ‘Taranis’. Working with Rolls-Royce (propulsion), Smiths Aerospace (vehicle systems), QinetiQ and BAES Australia (flight control computing), the four-year ‘Taranis’ project has been positioned at the head of the UK Government’s Strategic Unmanned Air Vehicle (Experimental) - SUAV(E) – program, with expectations it will yield a UAV with fully integrated autonomous systems and low observable features. Ground testing of the ‘Taranis’ UAV is expected to take place in early 2009, with the first flight trials taking place in 2010. [08.12.06]

‘HAWK’-SIZED UAV TO BETTER POSITION BAES AUSTRALIA IN AIR 7000: Said to be about the size of a BAES ‘Hawk’ (operated by the RAAF as its Lead-in Fighter Trainer), the ‘Taranis’ project is expected to not only provide a wealth of information on UAV capabilities, but also help inform decisions on the future mix of manned and unmanned fast jet aircraft. BAES Australia is said by company officials to have already played a major role in the development of the ground station and flight trials for the system. Involvement in the ‘Taranis’ program is further considered to strengthen BAES Australia’s ability to pitch for a leading role in the development of an ADF multi-mission UAV system, as currently proposed under phase 1B of project Air 7000. [08.12.06]

F-35 MOVES UNDER ITS OWN STEAM TOWARDS FIRST FLIGHT: Lockheed Martin (LM) has confirmed the first F-35 ‘Lightning II’ JSF aircraft has moved under its own power for the first time, and initiating the last series of tests before its first flight. After a series of systems checks at LM in Fort Worth, the aircraft’s pilot is said to have advanced the throttle and moved the aircraft out of its hangar to begin taxi tests. The jet then traveled at up to 30 knots on the runway, testing systems such as brakes and nosewheel steering. Medium-speed taxi tests of 65 knots and 80 knots are now planned, weather permitting. The first flight of the ‘Lightning II’ is expected in the period 11-14 December. [08.12.06]

UK STILL FIGHTING TO SECURE JSF OPERATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY: The UK House of Commons Defence Committee has urged the Ministry of Defence to play hardball on the issue of technology transfer regarding the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), and to be prepared to walk away from the project if needs be. The UK has been seeking a guarantee of operational sovereignty over the 150 STOVL ‘Lightning II’ aircraft it plans to operate from the Royal Navy's new CVF aircraft carriers - due to enter service in the next decade. In a recent Defence Procurement 2006 report, the UK Defence Committee stated - "it is still uncertain whether the US is prepared to provide the required information.” It then recommended, "if the UK does not obtain the assurances it needs … then it should not sign the MoU covering production, sustainment and follow-on development.” Currently the UK has no fallback (or 'Plan B') should it withdraw from the JSF program, so would have to quickly fund an alternative aircraft development otherwise it would risk not having aircraft to operate from the two new aircraft carriers when they enter service. [08.12.06]

EUROPEAN TACTICAL BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENCES TESTED: The Royal Netherlands Navy reports its ‘De Zeven Provinciën’ (LCF)-class frigate - HrMs ‘Tromp’- has successfully participated in two US Navy tactical ballistic missile defence (TacBMD) test events at the Pacific Missile Range Facility near Hawaii. The ‘Tromp’ is equipped with Thales' SMART-L Volume Search Radar, which was fitted with a recently developed extended long range (ELR) mode capable of detection out to a maximum instrumented range of 480km – meaning it should be able to detect and track targets representing Tactical Ballistic Missiles. Initial tests at 200km and 300km using ‘ARAV-B’ and ‘Aries’ test missiles saw the ‘Tromp’ detecting the missiles shortly after launch, and being able to track them though a trajectory that passed the vessel at a range of 150km. According to officials, the tests clearly demonstrate that the LCF (and similarly equipped F124 frigate) anti-air warfare suite can be developed to full TacBMD capabilities. [08.12.06]

STAGE 1 OF ARMY GROWTH PLAN APPROVED BY CABINET: Defence has received approval from the Government to implement Stage 1 of its Enhanced Land Force (ELF) plan, initially involving an increase in the size of the Army by one additional Battalion, with attendant supporting battle-group and Joint capabilities. The new Battalion is to be raised in 2007, and have core capabilities in place by 2008 in order to be deployable by 2010. Under the ELF Plan, a second battalion will also be raised, bringing the total strength of the Army to eight Battalions, and requiring approximately 2600 additional personnel to be recruited. Implementation of Stage 1 of the ELF Plan also requires the acquisition of over 100 ‘Bushmaster’ Infantry Mobility Vehicles (project Land 116), taking the size of the Australian fleet to more than 400 vehicles. [07.12.06]

INFANTRY BATTALION LOCATIONS IN 2012 NOW CONFIRMED: Defence has further confirmed that the Australian Army’s growth to eight Battalions (2 Mechanized, 5 Light and 1 Commando) by 2012, will be structured in the following manner: 1RAR – Light Infantry Battalion, Townsville (Qld); 2RAR – Light Infantry Battalion, Townsville; 3RAR – Light Infantry Battalion, Townsville; 4RAR – Commando Battalion, Sydney (NSW); 5RAR – Mechanised Infantry Battalion, Darwin (NT); 6RAR - Light/Motorised Infantry Battlion, Brisbane (Qld); 7RAR – Mechanised Infantry Battalion, Adelaide (SA); and 8/9 RAR - Light/Motorised Infantry Battalion, SE Queensland. [07.12.06]

SHIPBUILDING REPORT A WIN FOR STRATEGIC DEFENCE INDUSTRY: A year-long inquiry into Naval Shipbuilding recommends the Government should better articulate its policy on local industry involvement and provide a public statement on how it intends to involve such policy in naval procurement projects. According to the Shadow Minister for Defence Industry, Procurement & Personnel, Senator Mark Bishop, the 160-odd page report calls on the Government to more explicitly declare how it values - and the weight to be given, to Australian industry involvement in major defence projects. According to Bishop, “what we found at the inquiry is Australia has a vibrant small ship building industry, and Labor believes this should be developed more at the heavy end as well … Labor supports the local build of naval shipbuilding provided the Government gets the best deal for taxpayers." [07.12.06]

SHIPBUILDING AN ENGINEERING ACTIVITY & PART OF THE ECONOMY: The Senate Committee report takes particular note of recent technological developments in shipbuilding, noting it is “no longer a discrete industry, (but) part of an increasingly sophisticated and flexible heavy engineering industry, though still dependent on highly specialised design skills which are difficult to establish and retain in periods of low and unpredictable demand. More likely than not, shipbuilding now entails modular design and construction within an contestable fabrication market, but centrally assembled.” The analysis takes the Committee down the road of acknowledging that infrastructure built up as part of naval shipbuilding programs (including their skilled work forces) generally becomes part of the national industrial base, and therefore, major naval shipbuilding programs should therefore be undertaken in Australia. [07.12.06]

SUBTLE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ‘HOBART’-CLASS & THE ‘DELOS/SIRIUS’: Having reached the point of encouraging the government, even at a cost premium, to support a local build for both the air warfare destroyers (Sea 4000) and amphibious ships (LHDs) under Joint Project 2048, the Senate Committee notes, it “does not necessarily believe that premiums should be paid for commercial-type ships such as the oiler ‘Delos’ (since converted to HMAS ‘Sirius’) – a tanker specially equipped and rigged for replenishing other ships at seat.” The committee nevertheless endorsed the decision to have the modifications done in Australia to convert the ‘Delos’ to its military role as and auxiliary oiler.” Against all this, the Committee noted that “costs must be quantified in order to provide a true measure of actual competitive design and construction costs, as well as the costs properly attributed to non-economic or political motives.” It went on to berate the Department of Defence for failing to respond to requests for quantitative data or analysis on the price premium attributed to local construction in recent naval combatant build programs. [07.12.06]

AS NO DATA TO THE CONTRARY, LET’S SPEND THE MONEY AT HOME: To conclude, and given the absense of any credible quantitative data to the contrary (which practically limited the value of the whole inquiry exercise), the Senate Committee stated it would “like to believe that a revitalised Australian ship building industry may well hold its own when compared with overseas naval shipbuilders, particularly when the value of (each) ship’s through-life support is considered. No categorical assertion, however, could be made on the basis of current evidence available.” The Committee accordingly recommended that the Government, “make a public commitment to maintain Australia’s naval shipbuilding and repair industry,” given it was “imperative that the government develop longer term naval defence strategies from which economies of scale and continuity of demand can be derived.” [07.12.06]

QUEENSLAND LOOKING TO BREAK INTO MILITARY/CIVIL UAV INDUSTRY: Speaking in Brisbane at at two-day Queensland University of Technology (QUT) workshop on aerospace automation, Queensland's State Development Minister, John Mickel, has told the forum the state government was working with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and Kingaroy Shire Council to establish a test area and facility at Kingaroy (north-west of Brisbane) to test fly developmental unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to the Minister, “having an area to safely test these aircraft is extremely important to the development of the industry in Queensland. UAVs have a massive potential for both defence and civil applications, and exports.” Mickel cited a study showing that in the next six years the industry could generate more than $3.5b across the Asia-Pacific region. About a third of Australia's UAV industry is said to be in Queensland, led by QUT/CSIRO cooperation through the Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Automation (ARCAA). [07.12.06]

HOWARD REMAINS CAUTIOUS ON BAKER-HAMILTON AGENDA: Responding to Iraq Study Group (ISG) references to a possible US withdrawal from Iraq in 2008, Prime Minister Howard has said, “well it’s a very conditions based timeline. I think if you read all of the report, they are putting forward certain propositions - but in simple terms - the coalition wants to withdraw, but it should only withdraw if it is satisfied that a stable, defendable Iraq can be left behind. For the west to pull out of Iraq in circumstances seen as defeat, would deliver an enormous boost to terrorism in the region and around the world, and it would be a huge blow to American prestige and that would have bad consequences for Australia. Now I am sure that is the view, no matter how much the tactics will change, and I am quite certain the Americans are going to reorganise their approach in different ways in Iraq. But the bottom line will still be they are not going to precipitately withdraw and that really wasn’t what Baker was recommending.” [07.12.06]

NEW LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT MILITARY JUSTICE REFORMS: The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Bruce Billson, says two significant steps in enhancing the Australian military justice system have been taken following Parliament’s passage of legislation to pave way for the creation of the Australian Military Court, and the Chief of Defence Force Commission of Inquiry into service-related deaths. According to Billson, “the permanent military court will be independent of the service chain-of-command and will replace the current system of courts martial and trial by Defence Force magistrates.” The Commissions of Inquiry will be presided over by a civilian with judicial experience, however, the new court will only exercise jurisdiction under the Defence Force Discipline Act. [07.12.06]

JUSTICE REFORMS TO INCLUDE ENHANCED RIGHTS OF APPEAL: The new legislation also introduces enhanced rights of appeal on both conviction and punishment to the Defence Force Discipline Appeals Tribunal, which consists of civilian judges. Billson said the provisions in the legislation “will provide the ADF with the fairest and most impartial military court in the world. The combination of confined jurisdiction, military judges, military juries and rights of appeal are not found in any other Defence Force justice system.” The new Australian Military Court will also have a statutorily independent Registrar for its administration. All prosecutions will be through the office of a new and statutorily independent Director of Military Prosecutions, thus replacing convening and appointing authorities from the chain of command. [07.12.06]

TICK FOR COUNTER MONEY LAUNDERING/TERRORIST FINANCING BILL: Commenting on the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) Bill 2006, Justice Minister Ellison says “the risk-based approach to regulation (contained in the Bill) has strong industry support, as it means industry can develop and implement systems which most closely respond to their individual needs (whilst meeting) their monitoring and reporting obligations.” The reforms introduce a new regulatory and reporting regime which will expand the amount of information available to the nation’s financial intelligence unit - the Australian Transactions Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) - which will now have a significantly expanded role as the national AML/CTF regulator with supervisory, monitoring and enforcement functions over a diverse range of industry sectors. [07.12.06]

PAIN OF PROJECT SEA 1390 KICKS IN ELECTION CAMPAIGN: Defence Minister Nelson has responded to criticisms of the Navy’s guided missile frigate (FFG) upgrade by the Shadow Minister for Defence Industry, Procurement & Personnel, Senator Mark Bishop, who alleged project cost blow-outs and capability downgrades in the remaining four ships. In turn, Dr Nelson says provisional acceptance of the first upgraded frigate (HMAS ‘Sydney’) “is scheduled for 15 December (while the upgraded FFGs) will remain in service with Navy for many years to come (and) until the final project Sea 4000 air warfare destroyer is delivered in 2018. The project is running behind the original schedule, and I am monitoring … progress closely.” Former Defence Minister, John Moore, announced 1 June 1999 that an $897m contract for a six-ship FFG upgrade had been signed, for a final upgraded project Sea 1390 ship delivery “in late-2005 or early-2006.” Subsequent to a project re-negotiation/re-scheduling, Bishop now says only four ships will be delivered, for an overall cost of $1.4 billion. [07.12.06]

PROJECT DEED SIGNED FOR SINGLE LEAP, PHASE 1, ACCOMMODATION: Defence has signing a Project Deed with Plenary Living (Watpac) for the delivery of 1,395 contemporary living accommodation units for the long-term living-in of ADF personnel under Phase 1 of the single living environment and accommodation precinct (LEAP) project – set to deliver an improved standard of accommodation at several Defence bases. Initial works will be undertaken at Holsworthy Barracks (Liverpool Military Area, NSW); Gallipoli Barracks (Enoggera, Brisbane) and RAAF Base ‘Amberley’, at Ipswich (Qld). The Project is said by officials to be on track for Defence Force members to occupy the first facilities at RAAF Base ‘Amberley’ in May 2008. Expressions of Interest for Phase 2 of Single LEAP were called for on 25 October 2006. [07.12.06]

BOSSES TO MALAYSIA TO SEE THEIR RESERVISTS AT WORK: Nineteen employers of Defence Reservists from three states (as guests of the Defence Department’s Directorate of Reserve Support), have flown to Malaysia (as part of ‘Bosslift Malaysia ’06’) to observe Reservist soldiers from the Australian Army’s 11th Brigade training in the jungles at the southern end of the Malaysian peninsular. The part-time soldiers on deployment have temporarily become members of Rifle Company Butterworth, a regular rotation of Australian military personnel supporting the Australian presence at the air base, and undertaking regular exercises with the defence forces of Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Since 2003, six groups of employers have accompanied Reserve units to East Timor, Malaysia and the Solomon Islands, says newly-appointed Director of Reserve Support, Steve Williams. [07.12.06]

CRITICAL STEP ACHIEVED IN RNZAF C-130H ‘HERCULES’ UPGRADE: L-3 Communications subsidiary, SPAR Aerospace (L-3 SPAR), has successfully completed the removal of the first centre wing on the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) C-130H aircraft – described as a critical initial step in the five aircraft fleet’s refurbishment under a six-year Life Extension Program (LEP) awarded to L-3 SPAR in December 2004 - and to enable the aircraft to safely operate beyond their 2017 predicted withdrawal date. The project scope includes a comprehensive structural refurbishment (ie: inspections, modifications and replacements) in more than 100 areas of the aircraft; a complete centre wing refurbishment; fatigue improvement modifications; extensive mechanical systems modifications and replacements, including an upgraded environmental control system; a complete avionics upgrade program, including all communications, navigation and warning systems; and rewiring and electrical power distribution modification. [07.12.06]

MBDA TO UPGRADE INDONESIAN MOBILE GBADS CAPABILITY: European-based MBDA and Indonesian State-owned PT Pindad have signed an MoU under which the two companies will form an industrial partnership to develop and market vehicle-mounted missile systems. MBDA and PT Pindad will initially evaluate the integration of MBDA's ‘Mistral Atlas’ short-range (10+km) air defence system on Pindad's four wheeled Light Military Vehicle, to meet the Indonesian Army's requirement for a mobile, quick-reaction, vehicle-mounted missile system for protection against fast and highly manoeuvrable aerial targets. The MoU will pave the way for an industrial partnership under which PT Pindad will also be able to expand into export markets as a supplier of vehicles for MBDA's portfolio of vehicle-mounted missile systems. The ‘Mistral’ missile has either been selected or is already in service with the armed forces of 26 countries, including New Zealand. [07.12.06]

SAGEM DEFENCE ACQUIRES NAVAL/GROUND ELEMENT OF EADS: Sagem Defence Securite, part of the Safran Group, has acquired the naval and ground business of EADS Defence & Security Systems' defence electronics business, located at Les Ulis (near Paris), and specialising in the design and commercialisation of electronic and optronic naval and land equipment. Sagem says acquisition of the €23m turnover (2005) EADS naval/land equipment business unit will allow it to consolidate its position as the leader in the search-and-track optronics and fire control market, expand its offer in the field of self-protection for surface ships and land vehicles, and reinforce its logistical support activity. [07.12.06]

KOREAN PRESIDENTIAL VISIT YIELDS TOO MUCH INFORMATION: Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Howard after talks in Canberra, the President of the Republic of Korea (RoK), HE Roh Moo-Hyun, has told media (we) had “a very constructive dialogue on strengthening the bilateral relations between our two countries, and we discussed issues of mutual interest including the North Korean nuclear issue (ie: fully implementing UN Security Council resolution 1718), and strengthening cooperation and international fora such as APEC. Further, we shared the view that in order to have substantive progress in our bilateral relations, it is essential that we expand economic and trade cooperation – (especially) the energy and resource sector – and we agreed to launch a joint study by private research institutions on both sides to conduct a feasibility survey on a Free Trade Agreement between our two countries.” [06.12.06]

PROTECTIVE SECURITY INITIATIVE NOT TO PROVOKE THE NORTH: Further explaining what Prime Minister Howard said were “differences” between Australia and the RoK on the Protective Security Initiative (PSI), President Roh said the Korean Government “supports the principles and goals of the PSI … although we would like to evade any situation that could bring a possible or physical conflict between North Korea and Korea. On all other areas, we are fully cooperating … my government’s position is that it is wise to refrain from actions that could cause a physical arms confrontation between the two Koreas because, after all, the purpose of action by the international community, whether it be a PSI or any other action, is to bring peace.” [06.12.06]

TRADE DEFICIT CARP POINTS TO DEAL ON PROJECT LAND 17?: Responding to an RoK media question pointing out the nation runs a $6 billion trade deficit with Australia - and calling for measures to rectify the problem - Prime Minister Howard said, “the nature of international trade is that you never have a perfect equilibrium with each individual country. There are resource and business factors that influence the trade flows between our two countries, and you have to take an aggregate approach to trading relationships. But Australia has been progressively dismantling tariff barriers and protections and I don’t see too many obstacles to the free flow of goods and services from Korea into Australia.” Australian industry (through Boeing) has been selected to supply the RoK military with airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, whilst the Australian military is seeking new 155mm artillery – with Korea’s Samsung (ie: K9) one of the lead options. Australia (via Thales) also supplies propellant to the RoK in return for the purchase of 155mm artillery ammunition. [06.12.06]

FRENCH GUNNER LETS ‘HELLFIRE’ LOOSE FROM A WOOMERA ‘TIGER’: Lockheed Martin (LM) has confirmed the successful firing in Australia of a ‘Hellfire II’ air-to-ground missile by France's Délégation Générale pour l'Armement (DGA). The successful launch, from an Australian Army ‘Tiger’ helicopter, took place at the Woomera Testing Range in South Australia at the hands of a first-time gunner - a French pilot – and employing the ‘lock-on-before-launch’ technique. The firing is said to have scored a direct hit with the missile on a target six kilometers away, and comes on top of an earlier series of seven ‘Tiger’ ARH/’Hellfire’ missile evaluation test flights. The most recent evaluation was accomplished under the auspices of the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and the Australian Army. [06.12.06]

ROOM FOUND FOR IMPROVEMENT IN ADF LEARNING CULTURE: The Chief of the Defence Force, ACM Angus Houston, has released the report of a Learning Culture Inquiry into ADF Schools and Training Establishments, commissioned in response to the Senate Committee report into ‘The Effectiveness of Australia’s Military Justice System’. Houston says that after a six-month review across all ADF schools and training establishments, the Inquiry “found no evidence of a systemic culture that supported bullying or harassment … but there is room for improvement (while in) … some areas … the ADF is not a best-practice learning organisation at this stage.” Houston added the report had concluded that “the underlying culture within training institutions still has some way to go before Defence’s explicit Equity and Diversity policies are fully supported.” [06.12.06]

CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT DEFENCE EQUITY & DIVERSITY POLICIES: ACM Houston advised media that Defence had accepted 46 of the 47 recommendations from the inquiry, with the only exceptions being that: Defence will continue to use single-Service values statements as the basis for values-based training in the ADF; and that the Defence Values (Professionalism, Loyalty, Integrity, Courage, Innovation and Teamwork) are complimentary and provide an over-arching foundation for the Defence organisation. A Defence action plan to implement Learning Culture Inquiry recommendations has further agreed they will broaden reforms currently in place by building on the strong cultural values of the three Services. In many cases, says Defence, the report’s recommendations “will enhance work that is already being done.” [06.12.06]

OPPOSITION CLAIMS CONCESSIONS IN MILITARY JUSTICE BILL: Creating a court of record and enforcing unanimous verdicts for serious offences are just some of the major concessions won by a bipartisan committee in setting up Australia's first permanent military court, says the Shadow Minister for Defence Industry, Procurement & Personnel, Senator Mark Bishop. The Defence Legislation Amendment Bill before Parliament, adds Bishop “reflects a Government ‘U-turn’ from the previous proposed legislation.” Major changes to the Bill claimed by the Opposition include: making the proposed Permanent Military Court one of record (albeit with a startling set of caveats); the appointment of judges by the Governor-General (rather than the Defence Minister); the appointment of the chief military judge for 10 years (not five); automatic promotion after five years for judges up to a fixed rank (rather than promotion being proscribed during the term of appointment); and unanimous verdicts for serious crimes. "But the Bill remains at heart a propaganda effort, with the minimal change proposed being presented as ground-breaking reform," said Senator Bishop. [06.12.06]

EOS BOOSTS CANBERRA MANAGEMENT TEAM: Electro Optic Systems (EOS) Chairman, Fred Bart, has announced that the Executive Chairman of Phoslock Water Solutions Ltd (and a former Managing Director of JP Morgan’s Mining and Metals business in the Asia-Pacific), Robert Schuitema, has joined the board of Canberra-based EOS as a non executive director. Schuitema spent 14 years with Chase Manhattan and JP Morgan (1989-2002), the last six as a Managing Director specialising in raising funds for a range of mining and metals and oil and gas companies. EOS further confirmed the resignation of John Gordon and Mrs Cheryl Bart as directors. Following an investment of $55m over the last 10 years to update its space sensor product suite, EOS said 4 October it would tender for a six year/A$780m USAF ‘Space Fence’ program to upgrade both the quantity and quality of information on objects in near earth orbit – ranging from satellites to tiny bits of space junk. [06.12.06]

CDSS GRADUATION ‘CLASS OF 2006’ FROM 22 COUNTRIES: Fourty-eight senior Australian and overseas military officers and Defence civilians (from Asia, the South Pacific, the US, NZ, the Middle East, the UK and Europe) have just graduated from the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies (CDSS), in Canberra. CDSS is the senior element of the Australian Defence College, and is located at the College’s Weston Creek campus. The Defence and Strategic Studies Course is said to promote a deep understanding of global, regional and national issues of defence and strategic significance, and aims to provide the knowledge and skills required by military and civilian officers who are expected to become senior leaders and managers operating in the national security environment. Officers attending the Centre can study for either a Graduate Diploma awarded by the Centre or a Master of Arts awarded by Deakin University. [06.12.06]

US NAVY TECHNOLOGY FOR LOST ‘BLACK HAWK’ HELICOPTER SEARCH: The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has requested assistance from the US Navy (USN) to help it locate a ‘Black Hawk’ helicopter recently lost in operations off Fiji. Given the lost helicopter’s Aircraft Beacon Locator will transmit location signals for at least 30 days, the USN is to provide a Towed Position Locating (TPL) drone for fitment to the survey ship, HMAS ‘Melville’, in Noumea. Should the position of the aircraft be established with any degree of confidence by the ‘Melville’, detailed surveillance of the helicopter’s resting site would be required using a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) sourced from either the USN or commercial ROV operators. Defence says that planning for any potential recovery of the aircraft “would be subject to the outcome of the location operations, and will be considered in due course.” [06.12.06]

HAMILTON SUNSTRAND ACQUIRES UK-BASED PAGE GROUP: United Technologies Corp subsidiary, Hamilton Sundstrand, has completed its acquisition of Sunbury (UK)-based Page Group - a designer and manufacturer of advanced electronically controlled LED lighting and related power systems, warning panels and cockpit controls for the aerospace industries. The Page Group currently employs 200 people and had 2005 revenues of £23m. Windsor Locks (Connecticut)-based Hamilton Sundstrand had 2005 revenues of US$4.4b, and 17,000 people world-wide. The company designs, manufactures and services aerospace systems and provides integrated system solutions for commercial, regional, corporate and military aircraft. It also is a major supplier for international space programs. [06.12.06]

FIRST BOEING RAAF C-17 DEBUTS IN FLY-PAST OVER CANBERRA: Having flown-in directly from Hawaii to a hearty reception at the RAAF’s VIP fleet base at Fairbairn in Canberra on 4 December, the first of the RAAF’s four Boeing C-17 ‘Globemaster III’ strategic air transports (A41-206) has undertaken a series of East-West fly-pasts along Lake Burley Griffin (and accompanied by a RAAF PC-9 aircraft) prior to heading off to RAAF Base ‘Amberley’ (Qld) to join the newly re-tasked and relocated (from RAAF Base ‘Richmond’ (NSW) No.36 Squadron. Australia’s second C-17 is scheduled for delivery in July 2007, with the final two aircraft set to arrive during 2008. [05.12.06]

DRAMATIC RESCUE FOR LOST SUBMARINE RESCUE VEHICLE: The failure of a winching system during certification trials off the West Australian coast of the Australian submarine rescue vehicle ‘Remora’, has seen two specialist contractors spend 15 hours on the sea bed in 130 metres of water before being rescued. The ‘Remora’ is operated by civilian diving contractor Cal Dive, and was being attended by its mother ship, the MV ‘Seahorse Standard’, when the primary winching system failed. Both contractors have since exited the ‘Remora’ unharmed after it was raised close to the surface using a secondary recovery system, which then subsequently failed, thus sending the ‘Remora’ back to the ocean floor. Cal Dive is now assessing the nature of recovery operations for the ‘Remora’, and is working closely with Defence Maritime Services (DMS) to determine recovery arrangements. [05.12.06]

NAMMO MOVES TO CONSOLIDATE US WEAPONS POSITION: Norwegian-based Nammo AS (Nordic Ammunition Company) has signed an agreement to acquire Mesa (Arizona)-based Talley Defence Systems, effective 1 January 2007. Nammo and Talley have a long-standing business relationship, with over 25 years of cooperative development, production and marketing of shoulder-launched weapon systems internationally and for the US military. Talley has more than 40 years of experience in propellant systems, and has since 1960 been a pioneer in developing aircrew escape systems, automobile airbag components, shoulder-launched weapons and other key propellant-loaded devices. Talley has 220 employees, and achieved revenue of US$62.6m in 2005. The Nammo Group has subsidiaries in Finland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA, with company revenues in 2005 reaching $240m. [05.12.06]

GLOBAL SIMULATION STAGE MOVES TO URBAN C2 OPERATIONS: US-based Engenuity Technologies Inc is to offer a significant upgrade to its ‘Stage’ family of simulation software, through a strong focus on consolidating simulation technology into a single, unified toolset - ‘Stage’ Scenario 5.4, ‘Helisim’ 6.0 and ‘Flightsim’ 10.0. The product update plays a key role in Engenuity's Adaptable Intelligent Modeling and Simulation (AIMS) strategy – with partners Diamond Visionics, AEgis Tecnologies Group and Boston Dynamics – to allow customers in the military simulation and training industry to quickly and cost-effectively create adaptable simulation applications with greater immersive reality, intelligence, and real-time adaptability. Engenuity officials see its customers increasingly needing to create “sophisticated, simulated urban command and control scenarios, as well as highly accurate simulations for deployment strategies in conflict zones. The latest version of ‘Stage’ addresses this need by expanding the range of tools and features, such as support for UAVs, on-the-fly terrain creation, and behavioral simulation.” [05.12.06]

COTS SOFTWARE INNOVATION MAKES ITS MARK AT I/ITSEC IN FLORIDA: Global military and civil simulation leader CAE, and it COTS software company - Terrain Experts Inc (Terrex) – have announced at the Orlando (Florida) Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education (I/ITSEC) conference the release of a new ‘S-Mission’ software suite designed to make the development and creation of synthetic environments with realistic computer-generated forces (CGF) much easier and simpler. In short, Terrex has taken CAE's ‘Strive’ simulation framework and developed a turnkey COTS software product with a complete set of pre-defined entities, models, and behaviors. CAE officials expressed a belief that the ‘S-Mission’ suite would become “a world-leading suite of integrated COTS software for modeling and simulation applications across the broader simulation marketplace." [05.12.06]

ROCKWELL COLLINS SELECTED FOR JSF PILOT TRAINING DEVICES: Lockheed Martin has confirmed its selection of Rockwell Collins to provide the image generation system for ‘Lightning II’ JSF pilot training devices. As part of the award, two image generator configurations will be installed: one in a Full-Mission Simulator; and the second in a Deployable Mission Rehearsal Trainer. The award also includes database generation tools and a database preview station, both based on ‘EPX’ technology - a new Rockwell Collins offering made possible by its May 2006 acquisition of the Evans & Sutherland visual systems business. EPX technology, featuring unique layered architecture software, runs on hardware with a range of prices and capabilities, allowing customers to select the right hardware platform for their specific training missions. [05.12.06]

TEXTRON COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF OVERWATCH SYSTEMS: Textron Inc has confirmed that its Textron Systems business unit has completed the acquisition of Morristown (New Jersey)-based Overwatch Systems – a developer and marketer of integrated systems that enable analysts to generate actionable intelligence faster and more effectively for the war fighter, first responder, analyst and policy maker. Textron Inc officials indicated the combination with Overwatch Systems would enable growth opportunities for both companies, as well as improved support for common customers. Through this transaction, they said, “Textron complements its core aerospace and defence business and advances its strategy to add key capabilities to its existing strong businesses while further serving its government, military and related customers.” [05.12.06]

LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION AT ‘RAPID’ CENTRE IN CANBERRA: Former Raytheon Australia executive, Ms Pamela Price, has been selected to succeed Mike Kalms as General Manager of the Department of Defence’s Rapid Prototyping Development and Evaluation (RPDE) centre. Prior to her service at Raytheon, Ms Price had a 20-year career with the Royal Australian Navy – reaching the rank of Commander. Speaking on the appointment, the Chief of the Capability Development Executive (CCDE), LtGen David Hurley said, “Ms Price will provide Rapid with sound stewardship. Her technical knowledge and ability to encourage team and individual contributions will be a great asset in understanding the issues and generating the best creative environment to address them.” [04.12.06]

CHANGES TO ADF POLICE INVESTIGATORY POWERS: Releasing an audit report into the ADF’s investigative capability containing 99 recommendations, the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, has flagged fundamental changes are now in store in almost every aspect of Service policing. A particular feature of the new arrangements will be the establishment of a joint ADF investigative agency, independent of Service chains of command – and reporting directly to the CDF through the new Provost Marshal of the ADF. According to Houston, “this capability will investigate more serious incidents with a Service connection and will fundamentally change the way policing in the ADF is organised and conducted.” [04.12.06]

CSC TO INTEGRATE SAP IN 'ROMAN' ERP UPGRADE: CSC Australia has been awarded a $15m contract for the upgrade of Defence's financial information management system, in particular, by updating the ROMAN system to a contemporary version of the core application supplied by SAP. According to Defence officials, the upgrade will improve the Department's ability to effectively manage its budget of nearly $20 billion, and assets of over $55 billion. Through a series of Federal Government-wide initiatives, CSC has progressively become a preferred SAP systems integrator, and for this latest Defence project will be assisted by Catalyst Interactive and Cubic Consulting - who will provide training to 5,000 users across 300 locations invovled in the upgrade. [04.12.06]

APEC SCENARIO FOR QUEENSLAND COUNTER-TERRORISM EXERCISE: Federal Government agencies (the Australian Federal Police, the ADF, ASIO and the Attorney-General's Department) will team up in Brisbane this week with the Queensland Police, the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Queensland Fire and Rescue Services and Queensland Ambulance for Exercise ‘Maroon Luminary’, a large counter-terrorism exercise being undertaken as part of security preparations for next year's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings. The exercise has been designed to rehearse arrangements under the National Counter-Terrorism Plan in regard to the hosting major events. [04.12.06]

ORDERS COMING THICK AND FAST FOR C-27J ‘SPARTAN’: Alenia Aeronautica's C-27J ‘Spartan’ has beaten out EADS-CASA's C-295 for a Romanian Ministry of Defence requirement for seven medium-sized transport aircraft - worth €220m – with a final contract expected to be signed by the end of the year. In addition to the Romanian order, the C-27J has been sold to Italy (12), Greece (12), Bulgaria (8) and Lithuania (3), and is also under evaluation by Ireland, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia and Taiwan. The C-27J can take off and land from unprepared landing strips of less than 500m. With a maximum weight on take-off of 30,000kg; it can transport 62 combat-equipped soldiers or up to 46 paratroopers. In its air-ambulance version the C-27J can accommodate 36 stretchers and 6 medical staff. The C-27J and C-295 are both currently competing for the USAF/US Army Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program, and are also likely to contest Australia’s battlefield airlifter (project Air 8000) requirement, along with the short fuselage C-130J. [04.12.06]

FIRST BOEING C-17 ‘GLOBEMASTER III’ FLYING INTO CANBERRA: The first (of four) of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) new C-17 ‘Globemaster III’ strategic air transports will fly into Canberra Airport and the Defence Establishment Fairbairn at 11.00am, on Monday morning. The subject aircraft was delivered to the RAAF on 28 November at Boeing’s Long Beach (California) facility. Senior RAAF officials, including AVM John Quaife - the Air Commander Australia, joined more than 1,000 C-17 employees for the delivery celebration. The first C-17 (already sporting a ‘black stallion’ on its tail, and identifying it as belonging to No.36 Squadron - which itself has just relocated to RAAF Base ‘Amberley’ in Queensland) - will fly on to ‘Amberley’ on 6 December. Australia’s second C-17 is scheduled for delivery in 2007, and the final two aircraft will be delivered in 2008. [03.12.06]

WA SPECIAL FORCES WELCOMED HOME FROM AFGHANISTAN: The Governor-General, Defence Minister Nelson, and Special Operations Commander-Australia, MajGen Mike Hindmarsh, have welcomed home to Campbell Barracks Western Australian-based members of the Afghanistan Special Forces Task Group (SFTG). The soldiers, predominantly from the Perth-based Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), formed part of the 200-strong SFTG operating in Southern Afghanistan since late-August last year. During the ceremony, the Governor-General presented three Medals for Gallantry, as well as a Commendation for Gallantry, to four SASR group members. [02.12.06]

PMKEYS UPGRADE DUMPED FOR NEW ERP SYSTEMS GRAB: The Department of Defence has terminated its current tender process for the PMKeys Upgrade project (Joint Project 2080, Phase 2B), which for some years has been seeking to integrate ADF military payroll systems, and provide people in deployed areas better access to personal and pay details. The project was the subject of a critical Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) report in August 2005, with Defence now choosing to set aside Oracle’s ‘Peoplesoft’ response to the original Request for Tender (RFT) after the other two tenderers had previously withdrawn. Defence now says it will reissue an RFT with the aim of encouraging competition between the Oracle ‘Peoplesoft’ solution, and the SAP Human Resource Management (HRM) offering. [01.12.06]

WEAPON SAFETY CONTROVERSY FOLLOWS KOVCO REPORT RELEASE: The report of a Board of Inquiry into the death of Private Jacob Kovco in barracks in Baghdad has found he died as a result of “the inappropriate handling of his personal weapon - a Browning 9mm Self Loading Pistol.” According to the Chief of the Defence Force, ACM Angus Houston, the Board further found that soldiers on deployment in Iraq “are not as familiar” with the Browing’s as they are with their F88 ‘Steyr’ rifles (their primary weapon), and Defence needed “to increase their level of training and exposure to the (pistol) if they are to safely carry and handle a side arm.” The Board made 29 recommendations in relation to weapons safety, training and repatriation & investigation matters, to which Houston has “accepted all (29) and has already implemented six” – with the remaining recommendations to be implemented “as a matter of priority.” [01.12.06]

RAAF ‘RICHMOND’ AIRCREWS COMPLETE INDONESIAN EXERCISE: Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) crews flying C-130 ‘Hercules’ transport aircraft out of the ‘Richmond’ (NSW) air base have completed Exercise ‘Rajawali Ausindo’ - a week long undertaking designed to improve Australian and Indonesian military air transport skills so as both forces can respond more effectively to future natural disasters in the region. The exercise involved airlift training and practice drops of equipment and supplies, as well as information exchanges on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The exercise was last held in Indonesia in 1998, and recommencement was agreed at the 2005 ‘Airman to Airman’ talks with the Indonesian Air Force. [01.12.06]

REGIONAL TSUNAMI WARNING SYSTEM OPENED IN CANBERRA: The Geoscience Australia ‘operations hub’ of the Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (ATWC) has been officially opened in Canberra, in satisfaction of part of the Howard government’s response to the 2004 disaster. The ATWC will detect earthquakes in the region, and determine whether they are likely to cause tsunami through comparisons of the magnitude, location, depth and other seismic characteristics of the subject disturbance. Tide gauge data is also to be supplied to the ATWC by the Bureau of Meteorology, as part of a 24/7 operation that will monitor up to 39 Australian seismic stations and around seventy overseas stations at any one time. The full capabilities of the ATWC will be launched in mid-2007, an involving additional support from Emergency Management Australia (EMA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs/AusAID. [01.12.06]

BAE SYSTEMS ACTIVATES UNMANNED UNDERWATER VEHICLE: BAE Systems’ (BAES) ‘Talisman’ unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) has become the first UUV to fire and control weapons. A recent sea trials program off the South Coast of England saw the first remote sea launch of the ‘Archerfish’ mine disposal system from the UUV, and witnessed by a US Navy delegation. The mine neutraliser then acquired the UUV with the subsequent simulation of target eradication. In another deployment, a ‘Talisman’-deployed ‘Archerfish’ successfully identified and acquired BAES' versatile exercise mine system, thus demonstrating the extensive capability of the two combined products. The integration of ‘Archerfish’ into the UUV is said to establish the ‘Talisman’ as the first fully autonomous mine countermeasure (MCM) system. [01.12.06]

NATO SETS NEXT FIFTEEN YEAR CAPABILITY PRIORITIES: Meeting in Riga, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Heads of State and Government have endorsed a new ‘Comprehensive Political Guidance’ (CPG), a major policy document that sets out the priorities for all Alliance capability issues, planning disciplines and intelligence for the next 10 to 15 years. The CPG analyses the probable future security environment, acknowledging the possibility of unpredictable events, and recognises that - for the foreseeable future - the principal threats to the Alliance are terrorism and proliferation, as well as failing states, regional crises, misuse of new technologies and disruption of the flow of vital resources. [01.12.06]

CHANGED THREAT PROFILE TO SMALL ANTI-TERRORIST OPERATIONS: Against the terrorism/proliferation analysis, the CPG sets out the kinds of operations the NATO Alliance partners must be able to perform, and the kinds of capabilities the Alliance will need – underlining the requirement for NATO's forces to remain balanced, flexible and agile, able to conduct the full range of its missions - from high to low intensity - but emphasising the likelihood that NATO will need to carry out a greater number and range of smaller operations. Among the different requirements, the document defines NATO's top priorities, starting with joint expeditionary forces and the capability to deploy and sustain them. [01.12.06]

November

[TOP]

WORLD DISCOVERY TOUR FEEDS NAVAL SHIPBUILDING INQUIRY: The report of an Australian Parliamentary Delegation to the Republic of Korea (RoK) and the United States of America – undertaken as part of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence & Trade’s inquiry into Australia’s naval shipbuilding and repair industry – has catalogued visits to: Daewoo Shipping & Marine Engineering (DSME)/Okpo Bay, Geoje Island; Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI)/Ulsan; Northrop Grumman Ship Systems/Ingalls – Pascagoula (Mississippi); Austal USA/Mobile (Alabama); Lockheed Martin/Moorestown (New Jersey); Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems/Tewksbury (Massachusetts) and Bath Iron Works/Bath (Maine). [30.11.06]

INFORMATION BASE ACCUMULATED FOR SEA 4000 & JP 2048: During the course of the tour of ROK and US naval shipbuilding facilities, the Parliamentary delegation had an opportunity to familiarise themselves with: Korea’s KDX I-III destroyers and ‘Changbogo’ submarine programs, as well as developments for a 10,000t ‘Aegis’ (HDD-10000) destroyer and 16000t Landing Platform Dock vessel; the US Navy’s DD-51 and DDG-1000 destroyer programs, and its LPD 17- and LHD 8-class amphibious ship programs; expansion plans for the Austal USA site and its prospects in the Littoral Combat Ship program; the evolution of the ‘Aegis’ combat system and development work on the Baseline 7, Phase 1 version proposed for Australia’s new air warfare destroyers; and issues associated with the proliferation of ballistic missiles and the evolution of missile defence as a core military competency. [30.11.06]

REVIEW OF CONTROLS ON TERROR-RISK CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES: The Attorney-General’s and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Departments have released a discussion paper on the development of appropriate controls for chemicals of security concern, as part of a wider review on chemical controls with State and Territory governments and industry groups as part of the COAG Review of Hazardous Materials, commenced in 2002. According to the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, “chemicals could be used by terrorists to produce explosives or to contaminate air, water or food. Experience has shown us that terrorists are likely to source chemicals that are high impact, readily accessible and easy to use.” The discussion paper identifies a list of chemicals which may require additional control measures because of their assessed security risk. Comments on the discussion paper are due by 1 March 2007. Surf www.pmc.gov.au for further details. [30.11.06]

RAYTHEON STAYS THE COURSE ON DEEP SPACE TRACKING SUPPORT: The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has extended Raytheon Australia’s contract to provide operations and maintenance support to the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) at Tidbinbilla. As part of the contract, Raytheon will deliver engineering development, maintenance, as well as education and outreach through the Canberra Space Centre. The CDSCC is the primary focus for NASA’s space-communications activities within Australia, and is one of three such facilities (Spain and the US) around the world forming NASA's Deep Space Network. The network provides continuous, two-way radio contact with spacecraft, as well as radio and radar astronomy observations. [30.11.06]

ADF PULLING BACK OVERSEAS FORCES FOR XMAS BREAK: ADF numbers on Operation ‘Astute’ in Timor-Leste are to be reduced to about 800 over the next few weeks as non-essential elements return home. Approximately 120 Bravo Company (1 RAR) personnel will return to Townsville in the second week of December. In addition, a small number of military police tasked with providing security to Timorese officials will also return to Australia in the near future. The 800 remaining in Timor-Leste consists mainly of a battalion group based on 6 RAR and other support elements to provide logistics, communication, engineering and mobility. ADF personnel deployed to Tonga on 18 November have also returned home to Sydney on a RAAF B707, as have New Zealand Defence Force personnel. [30.11.06]

CANADIAN GOVERNMENT SUPPORTING JSF INDUSTRY ROLE: The Canadian Government is to support - through Technology Partnerships Canada - two repayable investments of US$3.2m in R&D by Canadian industry participating in the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. First up, Brossard (Quebec)-based Adacel Inc will receive $1.5m (as part of a $3.8m project) to develop a speech recognition system to enable pilots to execute commands (ie: navigation and checklists) by voice activation. Secondly, Brampton (Ontario)-based CaseBank Technologies Inc will receive $1.7m (as part of a $4.4m project) to develop software that will significantly improve the efficiency of maintenance support throughout the entire life cycle of the aircraft. The problem-solving diagnostic technology is forecast to yield both cost-saving and public safety benefits. [30.11.06]

AIRBUS COMPLETES MAJOR A400M WING ASSEMBLY MILESTONE: The first set of wings for the first A400M military transport aircraft (MSN001) have been removed from an assembly jig at Airbus’ Filton (Bristol) site in the UK, marking the first-ever wing construction of an Airbus-built aircraft made largely out of composite materials (ie: carbon fibre reinforced plastic). The 23m-long by 4m-wide port (left side) wingbox (weighing around three tonnes), was removed from its assembly ‘jig’ by overhead crane. Final assembly of the first wing components began just four months ago, followed shortly after by the opening of a new £70m A400M Wing Manufacturing Centre by the UK’s Minister for Defence Procurement, Lord Drayson. [30.11.06]

THALES ACQUISITION OF ALCATEL/TELSPAZIO TO BE INVESTIGATED: The European Commission (EC) has opened a detailed investigation (under EU Merger Regulations) of French-based Thales’ acquisition of Alcatel's shareholdings in the two space joint ventures: Alcatel Alenia Space (AAS) of France; and Telespazio of Italy – both currently jointly controlled by Alcatel and Finmeccanica. Thales is proposing to acquire Alcatel's 67% shareholding in AAS, and its 33% shareholding in Telespazio. Initial EC market investigations found the proposed transaction would give rise to competition concerns, delivering Thales a dominant position in ‘travelling wave tubes’ - a critical component for telecommunications satellites - and AAS's activities as a manufacturer of satellite subsystems and components, and as a satellite prime contractor. The Commission has until 17 April 2007 to take a final decision on the competitive effect of the subject transactions. [30.11.06]

RIC SMITH BOWS OUT AFTER 39 YEARS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE: Australia’s retiring Secretary of Defence, Richard Smith, has told a valedictory audience of his 38 years “more as a tradesman than a philosopher, much less as an artist or a visionary” in the Australian Public Service. The “best times” in his long years of service, Smith says, has been “those occasions in which Public Servants from many different agencies have come together to work as one team to deliver a clear result.” On knowing it was time to retire, Smith acknowledged, “my energy levels are lower than they should be, the will to fight the fights that need to be fought has diminished, and the new ideas are drying up. When I see the same ideas coming around for the fifth or sixth time and can only respond with scepticism in the face of younger officers’ enthusiasm, I’m reminded that I’ve been around too long.” [29.11.06]

‘BLACK HAWK’ HELICOPTER LOST OFF THE DECK OF HMAS ‘KANIMBLA’: An Australian Army ‘Black Hawk’ helicopter deployed in the waters off the South-West Pacific near Fiji, has been lost into the sea during a training flight attempting to land on the deck of the amphibious ship, HMAS ‘Kanimbla’. Ten Army personnel were on board the aircraft, with nine recovered, and the other believed to have gone down with the helicopter. Of the nine persons recovered, one (a pilot) later died as a result of injuries while being treated by specialist medical staff on board the ‘Kanimbla’. Of the other eight personnel recovered, seven were injured - although they were not of a serious nature. Defence says ADF members on board the aircraft at the time of the accident “had all completed Helicopter Underwater Escape Training, and were wearing floatation devices.” An intensive search is underway for the tenth helicopter passenger. [29.11.06]

MEDIAWARE CONTRACTED FOR US TACTICAL UAV DEMONSTRATION: Canberra-based Mediaware - as part of an MTC Technologies-led bid – has won a support contract for the US Marine Corps Tier II tactical unmanned aircraft system (UAS) demonstration program. The 12-month, firm fixed-price contract may include additional options as the USMC Warfighting Laboratory gains experience with the UAS system, and its potential to support the Marine Expeditionary Force. Mediaware is to engineer, develop and support all imagery requirements for the demonstrator, including video capture and processing. Advanced video and metadata capture, exploitation and dissemination capabilities will also be utilised to ensure the ‘Tier II’ system is aligned with the latest standards, and meets all interoperability requirements. A further combined USMC-US Navy Tier II requirement is expected to go to contract solicitation during early-2007. [29.11.06]

NEW INFORMATION EXCHANGE LAW FOR DISASTER VICTIMS: Parliament has passed the Privacy Legislation Amendment (Emergencies and Disasters) Bill 2006, developed to provide a framework for the collection, use and disclosure of personal information about people involved in an emergency or disaster. According to the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, “past experience has shown that agencies and organisations felt hamstrung by the Privacy Act in times of an emergency and felt unable to provide details that could assist victims and their families. The Bill now places beyond doubt the capacity of the Australian Government and others to lawfully exchange personal information for a specific purpose – (to be) triggered by a declaration from either the Prime Minister or the Attorney-General that an emergency or disaster has occurred in Australia or overseas.” [29.11.06]

SALT OF ‘THE RIGHT STUFF’ FOR AVALON AIR SHOW GUEST OF HONOUR: Australian International Air Show (Avalon, 20-25 March 2007) organisers have confirmed that US aerospace pioneer, General Charles ‘Chuck’ Yeager, has accepted an invitation to be the Guest of Honour at next year’s international Air Show. Yeager was the first pilot to break the sound barrier (in a jet-powered Bell X-1 aircraft), and was later the subject of the Hollywood film and best selling book – ‘The Right Stuff’. His attendance at Avalon next March is said to be in keeping with the event’s main theme – ‘Breaking the Barriers’. Yeager became a decorated fighter ace during World War Two, and is credited with shooting down a total of 13 enemy aircraft, including five German Me-109s on a single day. [29.11.06]

RAYTHEON CONDUCTS ‘EXCALIBUR’ EXTENDED RANGE TESTS: US-based Raytheon Missile Systems and BAE Systems-Bofors have confirmed the successful firing last month of the first extended-range GPS-guided ‘Excalibur’ projectiles. The so-called ‘Guided Series-6’ test involved two ‘Excalibur’ Block Ia-2 inert rounds configured with tactical base and live base bleed - a solid fuel that burns in the base of the projectile, expelling gas that reduces drag. Officials indicated a base bleed/charge five could propel an ‘Excalibur’ round beyond 40km (24.8 miles). They also noted the ‘Archer’ gun system - the Swedish 52-caliber howitzer competing Australia’s Land 17 project - “will achieve an ‘Excalibur’ range of approximately 33 miles (50km).” Block Ia-2 tests will include full system performance testing, including maximum range ‘Archer’ shots, and will be conducted in parallel with Block Ia-1 urgent fielding. ‘Excalibur’ Ia-1 is to be fielded to deployed US forces in early 2007, whilst the extended range Ia-2 has a planned initial operational capability of FY 2008. [29.11.06]

COMPETITION CALL FOR RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION SUPPLY: The US Army – as lead coordination agency for active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) product procurement for the US Department of Defense Supply Chain In-Transit Visibility network – is now seeking a wider range of companies to provide active RFID solutions based on the ISO 18000-7 standard (supported by nearly every major trading country in the world, including Australia), and which operates at the 433.92MHz frequency band. Beyond indicating the Pentagon wants to stimulate competition in the market space as it prepares to move forward with an ‘RFID III’ omnibus procurement worth hundreds of millions of dollars, the solicitation is said to signal that passive and active RFIDs are viewed as complementary technologies, each with its own set of supply chain applications. Savi Technology (now owned by Lockheed Martin) – and also an RFID supplier to the ADF - won both the original US military RFID equipment contract and US$250m RFID II award. [29.11.06]

QINETIQ DEMONSTRATES MULTIPLE UAV FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION: The UK’s Qinetiq military capability research agency says it has successfully completed the world's first flight demonstration of a system capable of controlling and autonomously organising multiple unmanned aircraft (UAVs). Undertaken as part of a Ministry of Defence funded program, the demonstration used a BAC1-11 twin-jet aircraft - converted into a surrogate UAV. In addition to controlling the BAC1-11 'remotely', an operator then directed a package of simulated UAVs at a strategic level, and carried out a simulated ground attack on a moving target. An autonomy computer using agent-based reasoning software in the surrogate UAV managed self-organisation of the UAV package at a tactical level, and the operation of communication systems, sensors and weapons. The trial was described as “a world first (and) could lead to a single human operator controlling teams of highly autonomous UAVs to carry out missions while reducing the risk to manned aircraft.” [29.11.06]

AAI CORPORATION ACQUIRES SYMTX FOR US$34.3M IN CASH: US-based AAI Corporation (a subsidiary of United Industrial Corporation), has acquired - for US$34.3m in cash - Austin (Texas)-based Symtx Inc, a leading producer of automated test equipment. An additional payment of up to $5m may be made subject to certain 2007 financial targets being achieved. UIC President and CEO, Frederick Strader, pitched the acquisition as being “consistent with our strategic plan … Symtx brings AAI additional customers and distribution channels for supplying test equipment and support services to prime US Defense Department contractors … (and) new market opportunities as a major supplier of satellite test equipment to major military satellite manufacturers." Symtx’s 169 employees achieved revenues of $36.3m in the 12 months ended 30 September 2006. The company will continue to be based in Austin, whilst operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of AAI Corporation. [29.11.06]

ROLLS-ROYCE & KBR TO SUPPORT RAN AMPHIBIOUS FLEET: A Rolls-Royce & Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR) team has signed a $50+m contract with Defence to support the RAN’s amphibious and afloat support fleet (HMA Ships ‘Success’, ‘Tobruk’, ‘Manoora’ and ‘Kanimbla’) for seven years, with options for a further five years. Under the terms of the Amphibious and Afloat Support Integrated Material Support (AAS IMS) agreement, the two firms will reduce vessel operating costs through improved logistics management, total ship maintenance, faster response to day-to-day engineering issues and managing equipment obsolescence. The AAS IMS team is to be based at Department of Defence premises at the Garden Island (Sydney) naval base, and in Defence Plaza in Sydney city. The RAN aims to replace the ‘Tobruk’ and one of either the ‘Kanimbla/Manoora’ between 2012 and 2014 under Joint Project 2048. [28.11.06]

EMA CO-CHAIRS INTERNATIONAL SEARCH & RESCUE WORKSHOP: Newly-appointed Emergency Management Australia (EMA) Director General, Tony Pearce (and the Chief Coordinator of International Search & Rescue Organisations from the United Nations’ (UN) Geneva office, Arjun Katoch), have co-chaired in Brisbane a workshop of international specialists in urban search and rescue. The workshop sought to promote greater preparedness for recovery operations and the coordination of emergency relief measures, with a particular focus on helping people caught in large structural collapses brought on by natural disasters (ie: earthquakes) or through human-caused activity (ie: a terrorist triggered explosion or a crashed aircraft). Participants included members of a division of the UN Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), who had travelled from China, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, Vietnam, New Zealand, a number of Pacific nations. Also attending were the Commissioners of the NSW and Queensland fire brigades. [28.11.06]

AK SPECIALTY VEHICLES SUBSIDIARY JOINS OSHKOSH FOLD: AK Specialty Vehicles - a leader in mobile medical, homeland security command & communications and broadcast vehicles – has changed its name to Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles (OSV), and whilst being marketed under the OSV brand in North America, will be sold under the SMIT brand in Europe. Homeland security command and communications and broadcast vehicles will continue to be marketed under the ‘Frontline’ brand. Oshkosh acquired AK Specialty Vehicles in July 2006 as part of its intentional acquisition strategy designed to further diversify the company’s business in the global specialty truck industry, strengthen its position within the homeland security industry, and continue its expansion in the European specialty vehicle market. [28.11.06]

C27-J COMPLETES USER SURVEY AS C-130J FADES FROM JCA PROGRAM: The L-3 Communications Integrated Systems (L-3 IS)-led C-27J industry team bidding the US Air Force/US Army Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) contract reports its ‘Spartan’ aircraft has completed its assessment under the Early User Survey (EUS) requirement. The C-27J is said to have successfully demonstrated for the EUS: the loading of 463L pallets 65” tall (with the documented ability to load a 82” high pallet); roll-on, roll-off loading/unloading of a HMMWV without disassembly; conversion between Medevac, cargo, troop and combination configurations; trans-loading cargo using both Army and Air Force standard material handling equipment - such as 10K forklifts and K-loaders; short take-offs/landings into and out of assault zones/austere airstrips; aerial delivery & airdrop operations; and human factors elements, such as instrument arrangement, emergency egress, and night-vision goggle compatibility. The US Government Accounting Office (GAO) also rejected last week Lockheed Martin’s appeal against the US Army’s decision to excluded its short-fuselage C-130J from the JCA program. The company is nevertheless expected to compete against the JCA’s C-27J & C-295 for Australia’s Air 8000 project. [28.11.06]

GENERAL ELECTRIC RECOGNISED FOR DEFENCE INVESTMENT: US-based General Electric (GE) has been recognized for its record of investment in Australia’s indigenous defence industry capability, via the presentation in Canberra of a Defence Industry Investment Recognition (DIIREC) Scheme certificate. Following-on from an initial ‘Anzac’ frigate industrial offset, GE built upon a relationship with ADI Limited (now Thales Australia) relating to the production of GE LM2500 gas turbine engine housing modules and kits at the Bendigo (Victoria) facility, which has since led to export sales exceeding $300m. Thales Australia’s LM2500 work at Bendigo involves up to 50 local small to medium enterprises working as subcontract suppliers. [27.11.06]

GE NOW FOCUSING ON JOINT PROJECT 2048 & SEA 4000: GE has more than 7,000 employees in Australia, and its engines power: the F/A-18 ‘Hornet’ fighter; RAN FFG/Anzac frigates; the ‘Black Hawk’, ‘Seahawk’ and ‘Seasprite’ helicopters; the VIP fleet (B737 & ‘Challenger’ aircraft); the ‘Wedgetail’ AEW&C and A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft. The company also expects to bid for involvement in the ADF’s new air warfare destroyer (ie: LM2500’s power the DDG-51 and F-100 classes) and landing helicopter dock (LHD) ship programs, whilst also working with Rolls-Royce on the alternative engine (F136) for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Recognition under the DIIREC Scheme offers overseas companies a significant corporate profile in Defence, and subject to approval, the conversion of DIIREC activities into Australian Industry Capability (formerly AII) plans for future defence acquisition projects. [27.11.06]

DEFENCE+INDUSTRY 2007 CONFERENCE FALLS BACK A WEEK: The date for the next official Department of Defence/Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO)-sponsored Defence+Industry Conference (D+I 2007), has slipped back a week from that formerly advised by DIAR.com, and will now be hosted by the South Australian state government at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 20-23 August 2007. As previously advised, Defence has also officially confirmed it will not be publishing a new public 2007-2017 Defence Capability Plan (DCP), irrespective of the Department’s Capability Development Executive having just completed its third annual defence capability update. This means the next DCP is unlikely to be released until the Defence+Industry conference (presumably in Canberra) in mid-2008, and covering the years 2008-2018. [27.11.06]

US MARINES ISSUE ROI FOR NON-LETHAL DELIVERY/WEAPONS SYSTEMS: The US Marine Corps is seeking information on non-lethal delivery systems and munitions that can be used to deliver munitions payloads - at ranges up to and beyond 150 metres. Referred to as the Mission Payload Module-Non-Lethal Weapons System (MPM-NLWS), the Marines are interested in tube launched and other types of munitions/payload technologies capable of distracting human targets, including disorienting and incapacitating riotous crowds or belligerent forces. Following a recent third update of Australia’s Defence Capability Plan (DCP), Defence Capability Development Executive officials have indicated the acquisition of ‘non-lethal weapons’ is now being examined for inclusion in the 2008-2018 DCP, which is expected to be publicly released in mid-2008. [27.11.06]

BOEING POLISHES-UP AUTOMATED UAV REFUELLING CAPABILITY: Boeing reports that its Automated Aerial Refueling (AAR) program successfully completed flight tests in August to demonstrate - for the first time - an unmanned air vehicle's (UAV) ability to autonomously maintain a steady refueling station behind a tanker aircraft. Boeing Phantom Works conducted the flight tests using a KC-135R tanker and a ‘Learjet’ equipped with a special Boeing flight control system that allowed it to fly as a UAV. The flight tests integrated components on both the tanker and receiver aircraft, to demonstrate that receiver aircraft (the UAV) can autonomously hold position relative to the tanker while the tanker executes standard air refueling maneuvers. Six flights were conducted, with the AAR flight test program set to continue through 2007 to enable a transition of the technology to USAF assets. [27.11.06]

100th LOCKHEED MARTIN ‘AEGIS’ SYSTEM JOINS THE US NAVY’S FLEET: Lockheed Martin (LM) has delivered the 100th ‘Aegis’ weapon system to the US Navy for incorporation into the USS ‘Wayne E Meyer’ (DDG-108). LM officials indicated the 100th ‘Aegis’ system featured eight times more computing power at 66% less cost than the first time ‘Aegis’ baseline system. The USN currently has 13 ‘Aegis’-equipped ships under construction, and is also modernizing (first delivery in 2008) several 1980s ‘Aegis’-equipped cruisers with Open Architecture (OA) systems that are estimated to add 20-25 years of front-line service to each ship. ‘Aegis’ seamlessly integrates the SPY-1 radar, the MK 41 Vertical Launching System, and the ‘Standard’ missile family with the weapon system’s command and control system. It is currently deployed on 80 ships around the globe (US, Japan, South Korea, Norway and Spain), with more than 25 additional ships planned or under contract – including three for Australia under project Sea 4000. [27.11.06]

‘GLOBAL HAWK’ MAKES FIRST OPERATIONAL FLIGHT FROM BEALE: A newly-arrived (second) RQ-4B ‘Global Hawk’ unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has made its first operational air combat command flight 21 November from ‘Beale’ AFB in California. ‘Beale’ personnel have been preparing for the base's operational flights for the past three and a half years, and prior to receiving its own UAVs, the base’s maintenance force had trained in overseas locations during deployments. Maintenance training in the US began in 2004 with the arrival of Beale's first ‘Global Hawk’. Since 2001, ‘Global Hawk’ UAVs have flown more than 5,000 hours overseas in support of Operations ‘Iraqi’- and ‘Enduring’ Freedom. Global Hawks flown locally in the US are not currently outfitted with sensors, but instead are used to train pilots, sensor operators and maintainers. [27.11.06]

INDONESIA RE-GENERATES LINKS WITH EUROCOPTER: Indonesian aeronautic company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) and Eurocopter have signed a Teaming Framework Agreement, thus paving the way for the two companies to co-operate in offering the Eurocopter range of helicopters for government acquisition programs in Indonesia. Co-operation between PTDI and Eurocopter goes back more than three decades, including with the former Habibe-backed IPTN. Apart from its industrial assets, PTDI is said to offer Eurocopter a strong network in the Indonesian market, a well-established infrastructure and close insight into market developments. Upcoming acquisitions include: mid-size helicopters for the Police; an army transport helicopter/aviation training project; and an Indonesian Navy requirement for Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) helicopters. Eurocopter also recently set up a full helicopter maintenance and support facility Suban (Selangor), in Malaysia. [27.11.06]

BAE SYSTEMS RAMPS-UP FOR ‘LIGHTNING II’ PRODUCTION: BAE Systems (BAES) has commenced the production of F-35 components at its Samlesbury facility using a new 5-axis milling machine supplied by StarragHeckert (of Switzerland), and tasked with machining titanium components for the aft fuselage of ‘Lightning II’ aircraft. Although still in the JSF SDD phase - which will see BAES deliver 23 aircraft over the next 3 years - the company has already geared up to a schedule for a new aircraft to start assembly every 4 weeks, a rate more akin to initial Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) program phases. A second 5-axis StarragHeckert machine is scheduled for installation at Samlesbury by the end of the year. [27.11.06]

TEST TO EXPAND C-17 ‘GLOBEMASTER III’ RUNWAY COMPATIBILITY: US Air Force officials have undertaken the first phase (of a four-phase test program) to expand the takeoff and landing performance of the C-17 transport on non-paved surfaces. Testing started with a dry landing zone (without re-grooming or re-preparing the runway) to see if the aircraft was able to sustain rapid deployment operations. Officials then progressively (and in a controlled manner) wet the ground to correlate a thunderstorm-delivered quarter-inch of rain. The tests, to be completed in November 2007, are also being used to update C-17 computer models, given current simulations only address take offs and landings on wet and dry conditions for ordinary concrete runways. [27.11.06]

DODGY ACCOUNTING BLURS UK PROCUREMENT REFORMS: A new National Audit Office (NAO) annual report on the UK’s top 20 defence equipment projects has outlined the results of an internal review to halt rising acquisition costs forecast for 2005/06. Whilst the review identified potential savings of £781m, the NAO observed that 57% of the cost reductions proposed were generated by reallocating costs to different budgets, thus leading to the comment - “these re-allocations do not represent a saving to the Department as a whole. By transferring the costs elsewhere, the Department potentially may have to forego other activities which previously could have been provided, or make corresponding efficiency gains to accommodate the expenditure.” [27.11.06]

UK PROJECT DELAYS IN SMALL NUMBER OF BIG LEGACY PROJECTS: Of the 20 projects studied, the NAO assessed 12 were progressing to schedule, and two were ahead of last year's schedule. Delays across five projects contributed to the total in-year delay of 33 months - an average of 1.7 months per project – and down on the average of 2.4 months in last year's report. Perhaps of concern to Australian AWD/LHD planners, the NAO observes that in the past year alone, the Type 45 destroyer program has slipped by 7 months, while its cost has grown by £157m. The National Audit Office also confirmed it will work with the Ministry of Defence to enhance future defence equipment project reports, by focusing on the management of defence capability through the whole life of each project. The first new-style report will be published in 2008. [27.11.06]

GALLANTRY MEDALS FOR AFGHANISTAN COMMANDO UNIT: The Governor-General His Excellency MajGen Michael Jeffery has joined with Prime Minister Howard, Defence Minister Nelson and the Chief of the Defence Force, ACM Angus Houston, to welcome home Eastern Australia-based members of the Afghanistan Special Forces Task Group (SFTG) in a ceremony at Tobruk Lines, Holsworthy Barracks. The soldiers, predominantly from the Sydney-based Fourth Battalion, 4RAR (Commando) formed part of the 200-personnel strong SFTG operating in Southern Afghanistan since late last year. Following gallantry medal awards to two individual Commandos, the Governor-General also announced the awarding of a Unit Citation for Gallantry to combat elements of the SFTG, whilst the Task Group as a whole has been awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation. [26.11.06]

HOWARD SAYS LONG CAMPAIGN STILL AHEAD IN AFGHANISTAN: Speaking at Holsworthy Barracks, Prime Minister Howard said, “serving in Afghanistan is a very challenging task. There is no easy end to that conflict. Afghanistan has demonstrated over the centuries a remarkable inhospitality to the rest of the world, and whether they’ve been Australians, Americans, or British, or Soviet, or whatever, it’s a very nasty place and not much is yielded without a tremendous fight. And that makes the achievement of the Australian task group, the achievement of the men and women of the Australian Defence Force all the more remarkable.” [26.11.06]

DISCUSSION FORUM ON NATIONAL IDENTITY MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES: The role of public-private partnerships in the delivery of identity management solutions is to be debated at a ‘virtual opportunity’ Congress, to be held at Queensland’s Parliament House (Brisbane) on 1 December. The Congress will focus on cross-sectoral responsibilities in developing systems designed to curb the activities of cyber thieves inhabiting the complex world of passwords, PIN numbers and computerised finances. Keynote speakers include: the Federal Special Minister for State, Gary Nairn MP; new Qld Attorney-General, Kerry Shine MP; Symantec’s Chief Technology Officer, Mark Bregman; and Microsoft’s worldwide industry technology strategist, Phil Stradling. Surf www.globalaccesspartners.org/eventvirt.htm for further details. [25.11.06]

SECOND BREATH FOR ‘BISHOPS RULES’ IN DEFENCE INDUSTRY POLICY: Speaking to an Australian-British Chamber of Commerce group in Melbourne, Defence Minister Nelson has outlined his preliminary views on initiatives likely to be taken up by the Government as part of the current Defence Industry Policy review. Strong in the Government’s thinking has been an examination of the changes in the ADF’s strategic environment since endorsement of the 1998 Defence Industry Strategic Policy statement, and including: the increase in ADF operational tempo; the growth in Defence Capability Plan funding; the release of new Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines in January 2005; and the changing structure of the Australian defence industry base. [24.11.06]

CALL FOR BIG CORPORATES TO SPEND PROFITS ON SMALL FIRMS: Having argued that the profits of Australia’s top 12 defence contractors were well ahead of international benchmarks, Dr Nelson indicated to the Australian-British Chamber of Commerce that the focus of revised Defence industry policy would be on building-up local small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) so that they could grow and enter export markets “rather than getting acquired.” The Minister indicated that in future successful tenderers for $50m (and above) defence contractors would need to open up their entire supply chains to SME participation, with foreign defence contractors also being required to assist SMEs in a new defence exports expansion program. [24.11.06]

SAGEM DEFENCE TO START JOINT (ARMY/NAVY) VTOL/UAV STUDY: The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has awarded Sagem Defence Securite (part of the Safran Group) a contract to study the development of a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that meets joint Army and Navy needs – defined as being able to undertake missions in diverse theatres such as taking off in mountainous terrain and in hot weather, whilst also being able to land on a frigate in extremely difficult aerological and maritime conditions. Sagem will initially study Bell Helicopters’ ‘Eagle Eye’ convertible UAV, already selected by the US Coast Guard for its ‘Deepwater’ program. The mission electronics of the project (ie: payload, ground station, data links) will be designed off the common base already used in the ‘Sperwer’ UAV. [24.11.06]

NO NEW 2007 PUBLIC DCP UNTIL AFTER THE NEXT ELECTION: The Department of Defence has officially confirmed it will not be publishing a new public 2007-2017 Defence Capability Plan (DCP), irrespective of the Department’s Capability Development Executive having just completed its third annual defence capability update. The confirmation means the next DCP is unlikely to be released until the Defence+Industry (D+I) conference in mid-2008 (covering the years 2008-2018), and following the next Federal election, popularly believed to be set for October 2007. Due to the unavailability of the National Canberra Convention centre next year due to renovations, the D+I’2007 conference has been re-scheduled for 17-18 August 2007, and will be held in Adelaide. A full expose of 2007 defence capability updates – in terms of new/deleted DCP projects – is to be published in the next edition of Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) magazine. [23.11.06]

DEFENCE HOUSING BEING READIED FOR PRIVATISATION?: Subsequent to amendments to the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Act 1987 - which have just come into effect - the existing DHA has been re-named Defence Housing Australia, to be governed by a smaller, more commercially focused Board following the Government’s absorption of recommendations from a review by John Uhrig. The new board comprises: the Hon Peter Jones (Chairman), Wayne Stokes, Annabelle Chaplain, William Bowness, Peter Sharp, AVM Gary Beck (Rtd), Gary Potts and Michael Del Gigante (DHA MD). A new DHA advisory committee is also to be established consisting of representatives from each of the three armed services, as well as a representative from Defence Families Australia. The revamped DHA is to be empowered to compete in the market place for provision of housing and housing-related services to other Commonwealth Government agencies, as approved by the Minister for Defence. [23.11.06]

INDONESIA BACK ON THE LIGHT UTILITY TRANSPORT PATH: EADS CASA and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) have signed a licensing agreement for assembly and production of EADS-CASA’s C-212-400 light military transport. Final assembly of the aircraft will be performed both at PTDI facilities in Bandung, and EADS-CASA in San Pablo, Seville. The agreement is a boost for the local aerospace industry in Indonesia, which in previous years (via IPTN, and under the wing of former President Habibe) was developing the CN-235 light transport design for local and regional use, including a bid for the RAAF’s cancelled project Air 5190 (now regenerated as Air 8000). Following a CN-235 crash that tragically killed many of the project’s technical leaders, work was abandoned. Joint production between Spain and Indonesia is expected to make the C-212-400 much more cost-competitive, thus leading an expected revival of sales in the light turboprop segment market (as well as maritime patrol) in the region. [23.11.06]

AUSTRALIA WINDING-UP FOR BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENCE: Defence Minister Nelson has confirmed to media he has commissioned research on how a theatre ballistic missile defence capability currently being developed (by ‘Aegis’ CS updates/SM-3 missles) by the United States (and Japan) could be installed into the RAN’s new ‘Hobart’-class air warfare destroyers (AWDs). Dr Nelson says the outcome of the investigations will be considered by Cabinet in July 2007, at the same time it considers design selection for the project Sea 4000 AWDs, and new LHD amphibious ships under Joint Project 2048. The Minister specifically referred to North Korea’s development program for an up to 12,000km range ‘Taepodong-2’ missile saying, “just because something may not be a direct threat to the Australian mainland does not mean it is not a threat to Australian interests, and Australian people.” [22.11.06]

UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE LAUNCHES NEW DEFENCE CENTRE: The Defence Materiel Advocate, MajGen Jim Molan, has opened a new Centre for Defence Communications and Information Networking (CDCIN) at the University of Adelaide, set to operate as a new industry-focused centre specialising in research, consulting and defence capability, with an emphasis on advanced communications systems. According to Professor Michael Rumsewicz, the Director of CDCIN, “the new centre consolidates our core capabilities in modelling & simulation, operational analysis, and network analysis to support the emerging needs of the defence market, and cements us a serious long-term player in the industry.” Rumsewicz added the new centre was “strategically important to the University of Adelaide’s closer engagement with the growing defence industry in South Australia. The University’s commitment is borne out by an initial investment of $500,000 over the next three years.” [22.11.06]

AGREEMENTS CONCLUDED FOR TOWING APPREHENDED VESSELS: The Australian Customs Service has confirmed contracts have been issued to the owners or operators of 20 vessels working out of the ports of Dampier, Broome, Darwin, Cairns and Townsville, to assist with future towing and transportation arrangements for detained foreign fishing vessels and their crews. The contracted vessels range in size from large research ships to oil & gas industry resupply vessels, and prawn fishing trawlers. Customs Minister Ellison says “the number of vessels on call at any one time will vary according to operational availability.” The new Border Protection Command (formerly JOPC) headquarters in Canberra will co-ordinate selection of the most appropriate vessel and response arrangements following the apprehension of a foreign fishing vessel. The program is being funded via $389m (over four years) in the last Federal Budget specifically to target illegal fishing. [22.11.06]

RECOILLESS TECHNOLOGIES BREAKS INTO UAV BATTLESPACE: Melbourne-based Recoilless Technologies International (RTI) has signed a Joint Commercialisation Agreement with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer, Tactical Aerospace Group (TAG), in a quest to develop a recoilless ballistic armament system for TAG’s UAVs. RTI Chairman, Richard Giza, says the new technology will not only satisfy the capability requirements of ‘detect first’, but add a much needed ‘strike first’ capability “without placing valuable human resources in harm’s way or disrupting the flight pattern of the TAG rotary wing UAVs.” Giza added the development of a new weaponised UAV “has the possibility of reshaping not only the capability requirements of the US, but other Allied Countries - including Australia - by adding a valuable tactical advantage to existing ‘detect first’ systems.” RTI has also appointed MajGen (Ret) Peter Dunn, as its new CEO. [22.11.06]

SIXTY-ONE AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE NOW IN TONGA: An additional deployment of 27 Australian Federal Police (AFP) to Tonga has taken the deployed force to sixty-one. Justice Minister Ellison says their deployment “follows consultation with the Government of Tonga.” The latest group includes five forensic experts, two IT and communications technicians and 20 AFP Protective Service officers. The forensic experts will support the Tonga Police Force in their investigations into the civil unrest that occurred in the capital on 16 November, including the provision of investigative assistance to the Tonga Police Force at numerous crime scenes, and investigations into deaths related to the disturbances. AFP Protective Service officers will also assist Tongan officers in protection duties. [22.11.06]

B737 AEW&C ‘WEDGETAIL’ VARIANT SIGNED-UP FOR SOUTH KOREA: South Korean government officials have signed an estimated US$1.59b contract via the Defence Acquisition Program Agency (DAPA) with Boeing to acquire four Boeing 737-based airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft under the ‘E-X’ project, and to be delivered by 2012. In August, Korea chose Boeing as the sole bidder for its quest to procure early warning aircraft, dropping Israeli aircraft manufacturer IAI ELTA from the competition dues to difficulties in securing technology export clearances. Boeing is said to have initially asked for about $1.9b for the four aircraft, however, Korean officials are credited with having successfully whittled down the price in a series of negotiations to a point where the final reported contract price is much lower than those paid for either the Turkish or Australian (Air 5077) projects. [22.11.06]

DECENTRALISED DATA FUSION SUCCESSFULLY DEMONSTRATED: BAE Systems (BAES) Australia says it has achieved a world first in the development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, via successfully networking ground/surveillance radars with UAVs, and fusing information from dispersed ground/airborne sensors into a single image of the battlespace that is visible across numerous systems, in real time. The technology - known as Decentralised Data Fusion (DDF) - was recently demonstrated during a series of flight trails held at Puckapunyal (Victoria) as part of the DDF Capability Technology Demonstrator program, and witnessed by representatives from: the Director General of Aerospace Development, Capability Branch, Land Development, the Defence Science & Technology Organisation, the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and SMEs engaged in UAV technology. [21.11.06]

DYNAMIC RECONFIGURATION FEATURE A FORCE MULTIPLIER: According to BAES Australia, the demonstration networked eight separate pieces of equipment: two UAVs (operating autonomously); a ground surveillance radar; a weapons location radar (detecting live artillery firing at fixed/mobile targets); two soldiers in the field with electronic binoculars and palm top computers; and two soldiers moving through the battlefield in jeeps. Speaking to the nature of the DDF technology, BAES(A) integrated autonomous systems manager, Brad Yelland, said “with DDF there is no single point of failure - the fusion takes place at every point in the network. Take out one and all the other elements continue to function and share information.” In addition to the DDF demonstration, BAES(A) also used the Puckapunyal trials to demonstrate its UAV operational capability and the capability of its UAV ground control system over multiple UAVs concurrently via STANAG 4586 interfaces - a capability the company says is relevant to phase 1B or project Air 7000. [21.11.06]

AUSTRALIA FALLS IN WITH THE US ON ANTI-VEHICLE LAND MINES: More than a dozen nations (including Australia and Denmark) have joined the United States in announcing support for a new declaration on anti-vehicle land mines, so as to avert unnecessary civilian suffering and speeding relief deliveries when conflicts end. Supporting nations agreed - during the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), held in Geneva 1-17 November - to endorse a formal declaration to take steps through national policies to reduce voluntarily the humanitarian impact of these mines. Anti-vehicle mines - also referred to as ‘Mines Other Than Anti-Personnel Mines’ (MOTAPM) - typically are found along key supply routes in post-conflict situations. The US and other nations have been advocating a formal protocol to deal with MOTAPMs since 2001, as there is no international legal instrument which currently addresses their detectability or persistence. [21.11.06]

SKM JOINS SADI TO SUPPORT PROJECT SEA 4000 SKILL GROWTH: The Department of Defence has announced that Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) will join the Skilling Australia's Defence Industry (SADI) program, and - over the next three years – will receive up to $0.581m to help train and develop its workforce across all operating divisions to support the Sea 4000 project. Over the same period, SKM has similarly undertaken to invest over $3.271m on workforce development programs. SKM is a core part of the ‘Hobart’-class air warfare destroyer Shipbuilder Team through its role as one of two key Strategic Capability Agreement Partners to ASC Pty Ltd. [21.11.06]

ASPEN MEDICAL EFFORT RECOGNISED AS EXPORT FINALIST: The rapid growth of Canberra-based Aspen Medical – a leading global deliverer of positive medical outcomes, often required at short notice – has been selected as a National Finalist in the 2007 Australian Export Awards. In June 2004, Aspen Medical was contracted by the ADF (through Patrick Defence) to establish a portable medical facility in the Solomon Islands to support the deployed RAMSI force. In April 2005, the company took over responsibility for a Defence Health Centre at Puckapunyal, in Victoria. In May 2006, Aspen Medical was engaged by the Australian Federal Police to provide on-site primary care medical support to its peace-keeping force deployed in East Timor. Later, in July 2006, the company was similarly engaged by the ADF to provide all medical, dental and environmental health services for its East Timor peace-keeping force. [21.11.06]

INAUGURAL COURSE ON AUSTRALIA’S MUSLIM COMMUNITIES: Australia’s first course on ‘Understanding Islam and the Muslim Communities’ – specifically developed for national security personnel – is to be hosted in Canberra on 30 November by the Australian Homeland Security Research Centre (AHSRC). The course will provide a foundation in Islam and covers the pillars of Islam and beliefs of Muslims, Sunni and Shi‘a, and an exploration of what is ‘jihad’. The day-long course also looks into: who makes up Australia’s Muslim communities; how Australia’s Muslim communities differ from those in Britain; and the shift from ethnicity to religion as a defining characteristic in Australian cultural life. Surf www.homelandsecurity.org.au/events.html for further details. [21.11.06]

ONE BILLION DOLLAR MARKET FOR REMOTE SENSING: Speaking ahead of the opening of the 13th Australasian Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Conference in Canberra, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, Bob Baldwin, says the Australian and New Zealand spatial information industry is worth around $1 billion a year, and there are enormous opportunities for growth. According to Baldwin, “while we don’t have a domestic satellite industry, Australia’s expertise in applying satellite-based Earth observations to land and resource management issues is constantly expanding. The advantage of not having a domestic satellite industry is that we aren’t tied to particular suites of applications locked into discrete satellite technology and programs. This means Australian suppliers can focus their investment on the data and related applications that best meet their needs.” [21.11.06]

OPERATIONAL BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENCE SYSTEM TESTED: The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has completed Distributed Ground Test 01 (GTD-01) – the first ballistic missile defence system (BMDS) integrated ground test that used operational BMDS systems and communications to assess system functionality and interoperability under increasingly stressing simulated ballistic missile threat conditions. The global test involved 17 distributed sites, including two ‘Aegis’ ships, SBIRS satellites and 3,500 miles of communications and network infrastructure located in seven US states and Japan. The activity also exercised the capability of a forward-based AN/TPY-2 transportable X-band radar to provide data to the BMDS command, control, battle management and communications (C2BMC) element, which then forwarded information to the ground-based midcourse defence (ie: a long-range interceptor) element. The three-week test also assessed the ability of the BMDS to simultaneously execute multiple Engagement Sequence Groups against multiple raid sizes. [21.11.06]

COMPETITORS COMPLAINING OVER BOEING CSAR-X CONTRACT: Lockheed Martin (LM) and Sikorsky have both lodged appeals with the US General Accounting Office (GAO) regarding the decision of the US Air Force to award Boeing the contract to build 141 next-generation combat search and rescue (CSAR) helicopters based on a version (HH-47) of its venerable ‘Chinook’ helicopter. Many commentators are said to have considered Sikorsky’s HH-92, and the AgustaWestland EH-101 (offered by the LM-led team) more apt for the USAF requirements. The lodging of appeals means Boeing's contract will now be put on hold as the GAO examines the selection process. Whilst there is an outside chance that Boeing’s selection may be turned over and the acquisition process restarted, it is more likely the contract award will be reaffirmed in the aftermath of lengthy technical explanations as to why the Air Force opted for the much bigger ‘Chinook’ airframe - more usually associated with heavy lifting. Australia is currently considering the purchase of additional ‘Chinook’ helicopters under project Air 8000, and Boeing’s success with the CSAR program is likely to have flow-on price and capability benefits for the RAAF. [21.11.06]

‘LAND WARRIOR’ SYSTEM HEADED FOR IRAQ THEATRE: Following successful field testing last summer, the US Army is planning to deploy its new ‘Land Warrior’ (LW) soldier combat system within the year, and most likely to Iraq. LW implementation takes the Army a step closer to electronic networking of the battlefield, with a wearable, computerised system - including lasers, navigation modules, radios, and other technologically advanced equipment – helping soldiers shoot, move, and communicate more accurately on the battlefield. Tests have now been undertaken with 440 LW systems (as well as 147 ‘Mounted Warrior’ systems designed for combat vehicle crewmen), and included – for the first time ever - the use of large-scale map displays to show a soldier his location, the location of his buddies, vehicle locations, known enemy positions, and up-to-the minute mission plans and orders. LW outputs - such as precise navigation and real-time, common situational awareness - were further shown to substantially reduce the risk of fratricide or surprise enemy attacks. [21.11.06]

SADI SUPPORT FOR NEW MASTERS OF MARINE ENGINEERING: The Department of Defence has concluded a ‘Skilling Australia’s Defence Industry’ (SADI) Agreement with ASC Pty Ltd (formerly the Australian Submarine Corporation), which will ultimately drive the establishment of a newly developed 18-month (full-time study) Master of Marine Engineering degree at the University of Adelaide. SADI and ASC will invest up to $10.69m over the next five years to accelerate the development of qualified engineers in Marine Engineering for Submarines and Naval Ships. The Masters program will also be open to other interested parties, and will be listed publicly in the University Calendar. SADI has been resourced with up to $215m over ten years to assist defence industry generate additional skilled positions, up-skill existing employees and improve the quality and quantity of skills training. [20.11.06]

‘COLLINS’ SUBMARINE THROUGH LIFE SUPPORT SAVINGS: Following the earlier conclusion with SA-based Weir, Strachan & Henshaw Australia (WS&H) of a multi-year agreement under the ‘Collins’-class submarine Through-Life Support (TLS) regime, ASC Pty Ltd has awarded 6 November a five-year $33m contract to WS&H which contains a series of technology transfer and risk reduction measures estimated to deliver savings in excess of $1.25m to the Commonwealth. WS&H is the designer and manufacturer of the Collins’ Weapons Discharge System and Submerged Signal Ejectors. An agreement brokered as part of the TLS contract will now see the migration of valuable engineering knowledge from WS&H’s parent in the United Kingdom to Australia, thus ensuring long term in-country support, significant risk reduction in ongoing submarine maintenance, and allowing for obsolescence reduction efforts without additional funding. [20.11.06]

‘SKYLITE B’ UAV DEMONSTRATED IN NZ & AUSTRALIA: Israel-based Rafael Armament Development Authority has confirmed flight demonstrations in New Zealand and Australia last month of its ‘SkyLite B’ mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In cooperation with Canberra-based Codarra Advanced Systems, the ‘SkyLite B’ completed several flights - some in extreme weather conditions of -6°C, and winds of 35 knots constant and 55 knots gusts. In those flights, the UAV is said to have been able to locate and persistently track specific ground targets, move between targets, while at the same time - and despite the very high and gusty winds - relay stabilized imagery. In Australia, the UAV demonstrations were observed by Army and Special Forces personnel, the ADF Capability Development Division and the Defence Material Organisation. [20.11.06]

‘SILVER FOX’ UAV IN FLY-OFF AGAINST ‘SKYLITE B’ UAV: ‘SkyLite B’ UAV capabilities were also put to the test with other UAVs in shared mission scenarios. During military to military demonstrations requested by New Zealand and Australian Defence staff, US Navy personnel flew an Advanced Ceramics Research ‘Silver Fox’ UAV jointly with the ‘SkyLite B’. Operators are said to have successfully overcome demanding weather conditions to demonstrate tactics, techniques and procedures that the NZ and Australian forces are evaluating for their needs. Mission objectives included flying in common air space at different altitudes and passing target information in a coordinated surveillance and reconnaissance missions. [20.11.06]

PRELIMINARY DESIGN REVIEW FOR ALTERNATE JSF ENGINE: The GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team reports it has held a successful Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the F136 engine being developed for the F-35 ‘Lightning II’ aircraft. The review, a three-month process led by the F-35 Program Office and Lockheed Martin, is a key milestone in the F136’s System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase, launched in August 2005 with a US$2.4b contract. The PDR assesses progress with the F136 design and its unique hardware (including weight reduction), as well as the strategy to later move the engine into a production phase. About 800 engineers and technicians are engaged in the F136 program at GE Aviation’s Cincinnati (Ohio) headquarters, and at Rolls-Royce facilities in Indianapolis (Indiana); and Bristol, UK. [20.11.06]

FORWARD PROGRAM FOR F136 ENGINE DEVELOPMENT: GE Rolls-Royce says the first full F136 development engine in the SDD program is expected to test in mid-2008. Between now and then, new engine components will be validated by running them in the original F136 prototype’s built during the pre-SDD phase. In 2007, tests will be run on the engine’s fan and low-pressure turbine system, software and controls systems, and the augmentor – to be held at GE facilities in Cincinnati and Peebles (Ohio) and the Arnold Engineering Center at Tullahoma (Tennessee). The SDD phase is scheduled to run through to 2013, with first production F136 engines for the F-35 scheduled to be delivered in 2012 (ie: during the fourth lot of aircraft production). [20.11.06]

NEW SAVI GROUP ORGANISATION FOR REAL-TIME DEFENCE: Lockheed Martin (LM) has established a new organisation to provide integrated real-time information solutions and services for securing and managing global supply chains, and capping upon its acquisition of Savi Technologies in June. The newly-created Savi Group will align LM’s decision support system expertise for large government ‘in-transit visibility’ cargo security and asset management efforts with Savi Technology’s real-time, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based data collection and management capabilities for supply chains. The new Savi Group is to be led by Vic Verma, who was previously chief executive officer of Savi Technology. An important charter of the Savi Group will be to leverage a Savi Networks joint venture between Savi Technology and Hutchison Port Holdings, the world’s largest port operator. [20.11.06]

FIRST NZ OFFSHORE PATROL VESSEL LAUNCHED AT WILIAMSTOWN: The first of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) being built by Tenix Defence for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has been launched at Williamstown, Victoria. The Nuship ‘Otago’ is one of seven vessels being built for New Zealand by Tenix Defence under the NZ$500m project ‘Protector’. As well as the OPVs, four Inshore Patrol Vessels are being built at Tenix's Whangarei (NZ) facility, and the 8,500 tonne Multi-Role Vessel, Nuship ‘Canterbury’ is in final fitout at Williamstown. Guests at the launch included NZ Defence Minister, Phil Goff MP, the Chief of the RNZN, RAdm David Ledson ONZM, Australia’s Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Bruce Billson MP, and the Victorian Minister for Manufacturing and Export, Andre Haermeyer MP. [18.11.06]

VICTORIA TO PROVIDE INFRASTRUCTURE ASSISTANCE TO TENIX: Speaking at the launch of Nuship ‘Otago’, Victorian Manufacturing & Export Minister Haermeyer announced an assistance package would be provided for the Williamstown naval shipyard incorporating “investment in new infrastructure and skills development, contingent on Williamstown undertaking work on the air warfare destroyer (Sea 4000) and large amphibious ships (Joint Project 2048) projects. According to Haermeyer, the shipyard upgrade “will have long term benefits, enabling Tenix to compete vigorously for other work in the areas of export, ship repair and maintenance, and to bid for future Australian projects.” Recent initiatives advanced under Victoria’s Defence Industries Roadmap have included: a Victorian Defence Industry Capability Directory, and work with the Industry Capability Network and AIDN to facilitate Victorian participation in the AWD supply chain; co-operating with other state governments to avoid unproductive duplication, build a comprehensive national capability and promote local strengths overseas; and preserving the current zoning of the Williamstown shipyard to provide planning certainty and support ongoing investment. [18.11.06]

AUSTRALIAN FORCES NOW ON THE GROUND IN TONGA: Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel have arrived in Tonga at 7.10 pm local time (5.10pm AEST) and commenced their latest mission as part of the New Zealand-led combined military force to support the Tongan Security Forces in stabilising the situation in the troubled Pacific Island state. The 50-strong ADF contingent has linked up with their NZDF colleagues, who are providing security to the Fau’amotu International Airport. RAAF Boeing 707 and C-130 aircraft have been used to deploy the ADF and AFP contingents, and will now be used to facilitate the voluntary departure of Australian and other approved foreign nationals. The Department of Defence says it is remaining in close consultation with other government agencies with regards to the situation in Tonga. [18.11.06]

DEFENCE SIMULATION ROADMAP SET FOR LAUNCH: The Chief Capability Development Executive, LtGen David Hurley, is to launch an update of the Defence Simulation Roadmap – outlining a 15-year vision for Defence simulation – at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in Canberra (Lecture Theatre 09, Building 30, Level One), on Tuesday, 28 November beginning at 9.00am. The Simulation Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) has assisted Defence with development of the new Roadmap, and the next day – 29 November, as part of the its Simulation Professional Skills Project - will run a half-day ‘Introduction to Simulation in Australia’ seminar at the Olims Hotel, beginning at 9.30am. Surf http://www.siaa.asn.au/ for further details. [17.11.06]

JOINT AUSTRALIA-NEW ZEALAND FORCE HEADED FOR TONGA: Prime Minister Howard and New Zealand Prime Minister Clark have announced in Hanoi (Vietnam) that a joint Australian-New Zealand force of both military personnel and police is being formed in response to a request from the Government of Tonga, to deploy stability forces. The Australian component will comprise 50 ADF personnel (30 infantry, 20 logisticians – ex 1st Battalion RAR) and 34 Australian Federal Police (AFP), including forensic experts. New Zealand will send 60 Defence Force personnel, who will be focussed on securing the airport on Tongatapu - to enable the re-commencement of commercial flights. NZDF personnel will work with the aviation security section of Tonga’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Tonga Defence services and the Tonga Police Force to secure the international flights, the aircraft, the crew and the passengers. [17.11.06]

COOPERATIVE ACTIVITY WITH INDONESIA ON ILLEGAL FISHING: Australian Justice Minister Ellison and Indonesia’s Minister of Marine Affairs & Fisheries, VAdm (Ret) Freddy Numberi, meeting in Adelaide, have agreed that officials from the two nations will meet in Jakarta at the end of this month to discuss coordinated anti-illegal fishing efforts, including coordinated patrols. Illegal Fishing is covered under Article 3.7(e) of the new ‘Framework for Security Cooperation’ signed in Lombok on 13 November. Ellison said Indonesian officials had been invited “to participate in Australia’s Border Protection Command activities, to further strengthen the cooperation ... I look forward to exchanging personnel from both countries to participate in border surveillance activities related to illegal fishing.” Ellison added that Australia would also “facilitate improved access for Indonesian officials to Indonesians detained for illegal fishing in Australian waters in order to allow the investigation of illegal fishing syndicates.” [17.11.06]

REGULATIONS SET TO REFORM PRIVATE SECURITY INDUSTRY: An Australasian Police Ministers Council meeting in Adelaide has endorsed a report which has recently reviewed Australia’s private security industry, including its 32 recommendations set on harmonising regulation for the security industry across Australia. According to the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, the reform of security industry regulation “will also increase the national capacity of the private security industry to respond to surges in demand caused by a change in the national security threat level.” Police Ministers agreed to brief their governments on the importance of developing uniform national probity and professional competence standards (including the mutual recognition of security licenses), as part of the process of submitting the Review Report to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) for its endorsement. [17.11.06]

TENIX RECEIVES AWARD FOR SUPPORT TO LOCAL INDUSTRY: Tenix Defence’s Marine Division has been commended for its long-standing support of Victorian businesses after taking out the inaugural Industry Capability Network (ICN) Victoria ‘Commitment to Local Industry’ prize. The award recognized Tenix’s longstanding commitment to promoting Australian Industry participation on its projects, which was said to have helped deliver “millions of dollars worth of contracts to companies across Victoria and throughout the country.” Tenix Defence CEO Robert Salteri said the company was greatly honoured to receive the award. ICN Victoria is funded by the Victorian government, and is part of the Australia-wide network of ICN offices set up to help buyer’s source and utilise Australian alternatives in their supply requirements. [17.11.06]

FAREWELL PARADE SIGNALS RAAF TRANSITION TO BOEING C-17s: A parade has been held at RAAF Base ‘Richmond’ (West Sydney) to farewell No 36 Squadron – relocating to RAAF Base ‘Amberley’ (Qld) at the end of the year to commence operations of Australia’s new fleet of four C-17 ‘Globemaster III’ transports. Subsequent to the parade, 36 Squadron formally handed over its 12 C-130H ‘Hercules’ transports to its sister unit, 37 Squadron, who will now operate a progressively reduced fleet of H-models (8) through to their retirement around 2010, and alongside the existing fleet of 12 C-130Js. Prospective supplementation of the ‘J’ fleet is to be considered under project Air 8000, which along with additional CH-47 helicopters may include: six extra C-130Js or a new fleet of battlefield airlifters comprising one of: a short-fuselage C-130J, the Italian C-27J ‘Spartan’, or the EADS CASA C-295. Wing Commander Paul Nicholas has now taken over as Commanding Officer (CO) of 37 Squadron, whilst Wing Commander Linda Corbould has become the new CO of 36 Squadron. [17.11.06]

AUSTRALIAN DISASTER INFORMATION NETWORK LAUNCHED: A new Australian Disaster Information Network (AusDIN) - the first whole-of-government emergency management initiative to use the internet to link and share information relevant to the sector, and for access by the public, has been launched in Adelaide by the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock. AusDIN provides links to emergency management organisations in every state and territory, and is designed to give people the information they need to learn about events such as bushfires, floods or cyclones. The program was supported with $366,000 from the Commonwealth – paid to a multi-jurisdictional team from the Working Together to Manage Emergencies Australian Government initiative - progressed as a collaborative effort with each state and territory emergency management agency. Links will also be provided to recovery organisations, charity and support groups, and international agencies. [17.11.06]

TEN YEARS MARKED FOR ARMY INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES PROGRAM: The Army has marked the 10th anniversary of its Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (AACAP), which since 1996 and via $60m of expenditure has helped to construct over 100 houses in twenty-one - mostly remote communities across Australia – including: Oak Valley (SA); Docker River and Borroloola (NT); Jumbun and Palm Island (Qld); and Fitzroy Crossing & Pandanus Park in WA. AACAP projects (which have an emphasis on skills transfer), also involve the construction of medical centres (supporting health screening/treatment programs), airfields, roads, rubbish tips, sewerage works and other infrastructure (including dog treatment programs). A 2005 Budget initiative saw the Howard Government provide an additional $20m to extend the AACAP to 2009. [17.11.06]

ACQUISITION REPORTS FOCUS ON ‘GLOBAL HAWK’ PROGRAM: The US Department of Defense has released details on several major military acquisition program cost, schedule, and performance changes since the June 2006, with particular focus on Northrop Grumman’s ‘Global Hawk’ unmanned aerial vehicle. According to Selected Acquisition Reports (SARs) submitted to the Congress, the ‘Global Hawk’ program was: the subject of a schedule slip of more than six months; program costs had increased 21.4% (from US$7,815.7m to $9,492.1m), primarily due to higher cost estimates to complete System Development and Demonstration; a schedule extension of two additional years of aircraft and sensors (FY12 and FY13) would cost an extra $116.9m; retrofit and ground station support equipment modifications (ie: JTRS, FAB-T, and Sense & Avoid) not previously reported would cost an extra $339.9m; and the Advanced Signals Intelligence Payload and Radar Technology Insertion Program would cost an extra $343.9m. [17.11.06]

LOCKHEED MARTIN BUILDS AEROSPACE INDUSTRY TIES IN KOREA: Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Lockheed Martin (LM) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their strategic relationship, and jointly study areas of commercial interest. The MoU re-commits both companies to continue their efforts in marketing the T-50 ‘Golden Eagle’ supersonic jet trainer (co-developed by KAI and LM) to international customers, as well as looking towards solutions to satisfy the future fighter requirements of the Korean government. Officials indicated that performance-based Logistics Support also provided an important opportunity for KAI cooperation with LM in Korea, especially in lowering training and life cycle costs. [17.11.06]

VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT COURTS DEFENCE-INDUSTRY ON POLL EVE: Speaking at an election policy launch, Victoria’s Minister for Manufacturing & Export, Andrew Haermeyer, has lauded the role of the state’s aerospace and defence industries, their investments in innovation, and their efforts at global integration and engaging in global supply chains. Up for special mention were: GKN Aerospace (JSF work); Hawker de Havilland (Boeing 787 Dreamliner); BAE Systems (ESSM and ‘Nulka’); Gippsland Aeronautics (light utility aircraft); and Marand Precision Engineering (JSF work). Haermeyer noted how the Victorian Government’s August ‘Defence Industries Roadmap’ had aimed to establish Victoria as “the home of a growing world class defence industry that is globally integrated and recognised as the centre of Australian defence industry capability.” [16.11.06]

SUPPORT FOR WEST SALE UAV FLIGHT TESTING/INTEGRATION FACILITY: The Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation & Industry, Matt Viney, has opened a new BAE Systems (BAES) Australia facility at the West Sale aerodrome, which establishes the only place in Australia where unmanned aerial systems - combining unmanned aircraft with on-ground technology - will be able to be developed, tested and operated. Viney described the new facility as “an important part of our Defence Industry plan. This is a unique facility (which) puts Victoria at the forefront of emerging Unmanned Aerial Systems technologies.” BAES’ West Sale operations will be supported by local company, Edge Aviation, in work related to Defence projects Air 7000 and Air 6000/2. The site will also host trials of AAI Aerosonde’s light UAV. [16.11.06]

DEFENCE-INDUSTRY ATTRACTION PLAN TARGETS COSTS OF BUSINESS: A new Victorian Job’s & Export Policy launched by Premier Steve Bracks as part of the State election campaign focuses heavily on reducing the costs of doing business in the State, both to help existing businesses located in Victoria to remain competitive, whilst also attracting new commercial ventures to the State. A re-elected Bracks Government has therefore promised $43m to: implement six months early (1/1/07) a cut in payroll tax - from 5.15% to 5.05%; create ‘Invest Assist’ – a one-stop-shop for investors to more easily navigate Commonwealth, State and Local Government information; spend $5.4m to expand the Industry Capability Network (ICN) - including the appointment of Industry Champions and Business Capability Advisers; spend $4.8m to establish a ‘Victorian Export Network’ to access export markets; spend $1m to establish ‘Victorians Abroad’, to keep ex-pat Victorians connected; spend $1m to establish ‘Tiger Teams’ to pursue investment for Victoria; and spend $4.8m to extend the ‘Opening Doors to Export’ program. [16.11.06]

IRAQ COMMITMENT DIFFERENT THAN THE WAR AGAINST TERRORISM: Addressing an Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) luncheon in Canberra, the Shadow Minister for Defence, Robert McClelland, has said “there is no reason why a rational commonsense re-deployment of (ADF) troops (in Iraq) should in any way offend our alliance with either the US or Great Britain.” McClelland predicted the US Iraq Study Group would soon recommend a draw-down of troops and hand-over to Iraqi authorities over the course of 2007. The hope, said McClelland, is that “this should lead to a situation where international forces are in a position to provide ‘over-the-horizon’ reaction capability, and in particular, air support to the Iraqi Government to ensure it has the upper hand against the insurgents.” In turn, McClelland (and the ALP) see Afghanistan and Australia’s immediate region “as where we can most effectively focus our military contribution to maximise our part in the international fight against terrorism.” [16.11.06]

COALITION TASK FORCE 158 MEMBERS WELCOMED HOME: The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Senator Sandy Macdonald, has welcomed home 23 ADF members of the Coalition Task Force 158 (CTF-158), after more than four months of command in the Northern Persian Gulf. In his role the Australian Commander of the CTF - comprised of coalition warships from the US, UK, Iraq and Australia - Commodore Peter Lockwood was the second Australian since WWII to lead a combined task group in operations. The principal role of the task group was maritime security operations, including the protection of the two Iraqi oil platforms which, together, are responsible for 95% of Iraqi oil production and 80% of Iraqi GDP. The Australian-led task force was also responsible for the interdiction of illegal maritime trade, the escort of US Military shipping, and coordination of operations with other maritime forces. [16.11.06]

DENMARK WAVERING ON JSF PSFD MOU, OR JUST KICKING TYRES?: EADS, on behalf of the Eurofighter Consortium, says it is pleased with a statement by the Danish Defence Minister that it wishes to develop closer relations with Eurofighter, as part of the on-going fighter replacement competition. Denmark is looking to replace its F-16 fighters, but is also a member of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) SDD program. Since the issue of a Danish Request for Information (RFI) last year, EADS says there has been “a very intense and productive exchange of information between Eurofighter and the Danish Authorities, resulting in a week at the EADS Flight Test Facility at Manching (Germany) whereupon a Royal Danish Air Force test pilot and flight test engineer both flew the ‘Eurofighter’.” In parallel, EADS has also been discussing industrial cooperation projects with Danish industry, suggesting up to DKK 40 billion of high technology work could flow to Denmark should it choose the ‘Eurofighter’ over the JSF. [16.11.06]

ASC SEEKS INTEREST IN PROJECT SEA 4000 INFRASTRUCTURE: Adelaide-based ASC Pty Ltd is seeking expressions of interest (EoI) for mananging contractors to undertake an estimated $100m worth of work to upgrade its Osbourne shipyard to enable the construction and consolidation of modules for Australia’s three new air warfare destroyers (AWDs). ASC anticipates over 20 commercial, architectural and engineering firms will bid for the upgrade project - located adjacent to the SA Government funded Techport Australia Common User Facility. The successful Managing contractor will work in an alliance with ASC to develop the infrastructure master plan, design and manage the entire construction. Major deliverables include: dedicated AWD production facilities, office accommodation for 400 people, wharf support building with office space and workshops, an upgrade of existing facilities and civil works associated with supporting modules up to 1,200 tonnes. EoI’s are due in by 24 November, with the project to go to tender in January 2007. [15.11.06]

TECHPORT AUSTRALIA ALSO CALLING FOR DEVELOPMENT PARTNER: The Port Adelaide Maritime Corporation (PAMC) is also seeking a ‘strategic development partner’ to assist it in undertaking the State Government’s commitments to supply infrastructure to support project Sea 4000. The proposed Techport Australia is located approximately 20kms from the Adelaide CBD, and occupies approximately 70ha of prime land at Port Adelaide, adjacent to the ASC facility. PAMC is seeking to partner with a qualified developer or developers with relevant experience and capacity to undertake major commercial and industrial mater planned development projects within the various precincts of Techport Australia. Registrations of interest close 19 January 2007. Surf www.techportaustralia.com for further details. [15.11.06]

IEMMA WAKES UP TO THE NEED TO COUNTER DEFENCE-INDUSTRY INCENTIVES: NSW State Premier, Morris Iemma, has launched a new NSW State Development Plan which selects five established areas where NSW is considered to have natural economic advantages for additional incentives to encourage further investment in innovation and productive capacities. The five selected areas include: finance & business services; high value-added manufacturing (including aerospace & defence); logistics; media & creative; and energy (especially coal). The new state Plan seeks to align NSW with the efforts of other states (ie: Queensland, Victoria, SA and WA), which have invested heavily in emerging industries, as well as providing infrastructure packages for local companies to contest high-value defence projects. [15.11.06]

HAWKER DE HAVILLAND WINS FOLLOW-ON ‘HERCULES’ WORK: Hawker de Havilland (HdeH) has won a significant follow-on contract to produce composite wing flaps for the Lockheed Martin (LM) C-130J ‘Hercules’ tactical airlifter. The Boeing-owned HdeH was originally contracted (1995) to supply the flaps until early 2009, however LM is said to have opted to undertake a global market test to determine the most competitive producer. Accordingly, approximately 25 workers at HdeH’s Bankstown (NSW) plant will now continue producing the 9-metre long flaps through to at least until 2014. The RAAF operates one (12 aircraft) squadron of C-130Js. LM recently produced its 2300th C-130, based on a design it first manufactured in 1955. [15.11.06]

BOEING ‘SCANEAGLE’ BEATING ‘I-VIEW 250’ INTO ARMY SERVICE?: Recently published Australian Government tender outcomes have reportedly included a $12.7m sole source contract to Boeing Australia to supply the Boeing-Insitu ‘ScanEagle’ unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to the Australian Army - for six months to 30 June 2007 - as an interim to the nearly 12 month delayed IAI ‘I-Vew 250’ UAV acquisition, first selected 12 December 2005 for the $145m Joint Project 129 requirement, but for which a contract has still not been signed. The first I-View’s were scheduled to enter service in 2008 to complement a layered ADF UAV structure of Raven’s (procured for the Special Forces) and ‘Skylark’ UAVs (since deployed to Iraq), and the higher altitude project Air 7000 UAVs – ‘Predator/Mariner’ or ‘Global Hawk’. Boeing-Insitu have just released an upgraded Block D ‘ScanEagle’ version featuring: a higher resolution infrared camera; an inertially-stabilised camera turret; an ultra-light Mode C transponder; a new video transmitter system; Land Rover interoperability for mobile operations; and in-flight fuel measurement systems. [15.11.06]

RAYTHEON BUILDING OPEN ARCHITECTURE COMPUTING FOR DDG-1000: San Jose (California)-based Real-Time Innovations (RTI) has been selected by Raytheon to incorporate its RTI Data Distribution Service into Raytheon’s implementation of its Total Ship Computing Environment Infrastructure (TSCEI) Release 4.0 - an open architecture (OA) platform for software application development for the US Navy’s new DDG-1000 ‘Zumwalt’-class destroyers. Among TSCEI 4.0's new enhancements is support for IBM ‘blade server’ processors running the Red Hat ‘Linux’ operating system. The RTI Data Distribution Service will provide the real-time data distribution layer for TSCEI, enabling high throughput and low latency messaging between shipboard applications. [15.11.06]

FIRST JSF SDD PARTNER SIGNS-UP TO PSFD MEMORANDUM: US Deputy Secretary of Defense, Gordon England, and the Netherlands Deputy Secretary for Defence, Cees van der Knaap, have signed 14 November a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to begin future co-operation in the production, sustainment, and follow-on development (PSFD) phase of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. The PSFD MoU extends co-operation beyond the current JSF System Development and Demonstration (SDD) MoU struck between the United States and eight other JSF partner nations: the UK; Italy; The Netherlands; Turkey; Canada; Denmark; Norway; and Australia. The Netherlands joined the SDD phase in June 2002, and has been part of the JSF program since 1997. Defence Minister Nelson is planning to sign Australia up to the PSFD arrangement in December. [15.11.06]

RAYTHEON HIGHLIGHTS ROLE OF SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES: Raytheon Australia has recognised the critical role played by small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in driving military systems innovation by staging, in Canberra, its inaugural SME ‘Success Together’ Forum. The event provided an opportunity for Raytheon SME Partners to display lead products/services to key Defence and Government purchasing officials. Raytheon Australia Managing Director, Ron Fisher, praised the role of small business and emphasised the need for primes to partner with capable SME’s to best deliver on ADF requirements. According to Fisher, “Primes, particularly international organisations such as ourselves, can offer our customers mature capabilities, processes, skills, management, and ‘Reachback’ to our parent companies.” [14.11.06]

AUSTRALIAN INITIATIVE FOLLOWS FOURTH US SME FORUM: Raytheon Australia’s support for the creation of an Australian SME Forum comes on the back of a recent fourth annual Raytheon Supplier Forum in the United States, to which Raytheon Australia this year took three of its local SME Partners: Permian, ATI and KESEM. The inaugural Australian SME ‘Success Together’ Forum also saw the presentation of the first round of Raytheon Australia Supplier Excellence Awards to leading SMEs: Sydney/Brisbane-located VMS International (bid partner with Raytheon in AP-3C ‘Orion’ Mission Support proposal); and Melbourne-based SYPAQ Systems, which is supporting Raytheon in its air warfare destroyer (project Sea 4000) responsibilities. [14.11.06]

RAYTHEON NOT JUST TALKING ON ENCOURAGEMENT OF SMEs: Attending the inaugural Raytheon Australia SME ‘Success Together’ Forum was the Minister Assisting Minister for Defence, Bruce Billson, who in an extensive address on insights into the current Review of Defence Industry Policy, credited Raytheon Australia with substantive action in terms of the encouragement and driving of positive engagement in terms of Defence-related SMEs by prime contractors. With the first draft of the Defence Industry Policy Review just delivered, the Minister said one initiative likely to be picked up by Government would be devising a way to recognise successful sustained Prime engagement of SMEs (as distinct from “pre-RFT sales pitches”) in the Defence tender evaluation process. Raytheon Australia supports an online supplier capability registration program which is validated by its Chief Technical Officer, who undertakes visits to evaluate potential new SME partners. [14.11.06]

AMERICA & MURDOCH GOOD FOR BUSINESS AND SECURITY: Addressing an Australian-American Association dinner in Sydney held to honour Rupert Murdoch, Prime Minister Howard said, “let us remember where Australia’s long term national interest lies. A weaker America, a withdrawn America, would significantly change the power dynamics in our own region to the detriment of Australia. A strong and engaged America is essential to dealing with all our regional security challenges, not least the nuclear brinkmanship of North Korea … For all its faults and flaws, America remains a powerful and irreplaceable force for good in the world, and for the way of life and values that we all hold so dear. What happens to American power and prestige in the 21st century is not some abstract topic that we can all discuss over dinner or in a lecture hall as if it has no bearing on Australia’s political and economic future, and especially on our national security.” [14.11.06]

CALL FOR DIRECTION ON DELAYED ‘SEASPRITE’ HELICOPTERS: “The Federal Government must immediately decide the fate of its $1 billion ‘Seasprite’ helicopter contract”, says the Shadow Minister for Defence Industry, Procurement & Personnel, Senator Mark Bishop. According to Bishop, the review of the Seasprites was announced in May, yet a decision due in August has still not been made despite Defence Minister Nelson being handed the review report earlier this month. Recent of Senate Estimates hearings have revealed, says Bishop: the Seasprites will not be fully operational until 2009 (project Sea 1411 is five years behind schedule); finding alternative helicopters to fulfill their function, such as the Seahawks, would be "problematic"; and the contract contains no liquidated damages provisions. Defence chiefs have also admitted that termination of the project would lead to a "significant and enduring capability gap", adds Bishop. [14.11.06]

DAVID WITHERS TO HEAD BOEING AUSTRALIA AS DAVID GRAY RETIRES: The Boeing Company has appointed David Withers as managing director of Boeing Australia Limited, succeeding immediately, David Gray, who has announced he will retire effective 31 December - to ensure a smooth transition. Gray has served as Boeing Australia managing director since 1995. Withers joined Boeing earlier this year from Smiths Aerospace, where he was MD of its Asia Pacific businesses. Prior to joining Smiths Aerospace, Withers worked for Qantas as a senior avionics engineer for the airline's 737 and A300 fleets. An instrument rated commercial pilot, Withers has an MBA from La Trobe University and a degree in engineering from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. [14.11.06]

NATIONAL SCIENCE AWARD FOR DSTO ARMOUR EXPERT: Dr Stephen Cimpoeru from the Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO), has been presented with the 2006 Minister’s Award (a trophy and a cash prize of $15,000) for Achievement in Defence science. In 2004, Dr Cimpoeru and his team urgently tested and evaluated a range of protective accessories (ie: external ‘bar’ armour and internal spall liners), and rapidly introduced them into service on the light armoured vehicle (ASLAV) and ‘Bushmaster’ infantry mobility vehicle fleets. He also coordinated a large number of complex live-fire ballistic fragmentation and blast tests at very short notice, to enable both vehicles deployment to Iraq. Dr Cimpoeru is credited as being instrumental in supporting Defence with advice and evaluation during the M1A1 ‘Abrams’ Main Battle Tank (project Land 907) acquisition. He has also advised a number of Government agencies on ballistic protection in helicopters, aircraft, ships, watercraft and VIP armoured cars. [14.11.06]

INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL COOPERATION PROGRAM AWARDS: The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Senator Sandy Macdonald, has presented international awards for excellence in defence science – made under The Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP) – to a group of researchers from the Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO). Recipients included: Dr Stephen Galea, Donald Manokaran, Keith Muller, Ian Powlesland, Carl Mouser and Tom Ryall (posthumous) - for developing smart systems to reduce buffeting and long-term structural damage in fighter aircraft; and Len Corena, Peter Vascia-Rohrlach, Dr Miro Dubovinsky and Dr Shane Kelly - for evaluating the performance of missile warning sensors and systems, leading to improvements for the enhanced protection of Australian aircraft. [14.11.06]

GLOBAL TTCP ACTIVITY SPANS 60 SPECIALIST AREAS & 1000 SCIENTISTS: Also receiving TTCP awards were: Dr Dale Lambert and Dr Steven Wark - for developing concepts, models and tools for information fusion; LtCol Brian Johnston, Major Michael Bond and Major Janice Schloss - for developing a new process for selecting instructors to deliver training to Defence personnel who may have to cope with enemy interrogation; Dean Bowley, Dr Nick Nunes-Vaz and Dr Jon Vaughan - for developing guidelines for the understanding and implementation of Defence experimentation; Piers Duncan, Ms Eileen Moran and Marc West - for developing models and methodologies to assist with solutions for Maritime Forces to deal with unconventional threats; and Dr Alex White - for improving the understanding of solid rocket motor performance and advancing its embedded sensor technology. [14.11.06]

TENIX SIGNS UP BOEING TO HELP MARKET INTERACTIVE LINK: Boeing has partnered (via a reseller agreement) with Tenix America - the US branch of Australia’s Tenix Group – to sell its Interactive Link Data Diode (ILDD) and Interactive Link Keyboard Switch (ILKS). The ILDD has been certified under the US National Information Assurance Program (NIAP) at the highest level (EAL 7), whilst the ILKS is NIAP certified at EAL 5. Boeing will now integrate Tenix's products with its Secure Network Server, currently being evaluated for NIAP certification. The two companies first began working together in the run up to the Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration (CWID) 2005 - developing multi-level-security information infrastructure (MI2) technology, which allows the military to control information sharing between network domains at all tactical and operational levels. MI2 received a ‘top trial’ designation from the US Department of Defense following last year's demonstration, and was recommended by the US Northern Command for further evaluation and funding. [14.11.06]

LOCKHEED MARTIN TESTS NEXT ITERATION IN THE WEAPONS CYCLE: Lockheed Martin (LM) reports it has recently conducted a guided test flight (the last of three) of its new Compact Kinetic Energy Missile (CKEM) – the next generation of this type of weapon. The test was against a Main Battle Tank, with all objectives said to have been achieved in demonstrating the defeat of “all projected future armoured combat vehicles”. The CKEM weapon is also viewed as providing “increased countermeasure effectiveness and survivability while allowing the soldier to engage the toughest and most sophisticated armoured targets.” LM received a US$78m contract in 2003 to progress the CKEM's Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) phase. The weapon is less than 60 inches long, weighs less than 100 pounds, and has an extended range for direct fire, line-of-sight engagements. [14.11.06]

DOWNER SIGNS AUSTRALIA UP TO NEW INDONESIAN SECURITY PACT: Foreign Affairs Minister Downer and his Indonesian counterpart, Dr Hassan Wirajuda, have signed a new ‘Framework for Security Cooperation’ in Lombok (Indonesia) that embodies a mechanism for encouraging intensive dialogue, exchanges and implementation of cooperative activities. The new Agreement also provides a firm basis for the conclusion of separate arrangements in specific areas not already covered in the Agreement, including: counter-terrorism, defence cooperation and police cooperation. Downer says the new Agreement “is practically focused and … encourages both countries to cooperate with international organisations on security issues and to foster community understanding on security challenges and responses.” Implementation of the Agreement will be reviewed annually by the Australia-Indonesia Ministerial Forum. [13.11.06]

AUSTRALIA TRADES TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY FOR COUNTER-TERRORISM: Defence Minister Nelson has denied Australia’s new security pact with Indonesia will make Australia complicit in the oppression of Indonesian separatists, however, provisions in the Agreement indicate that under Article 2.3 – relating to support for separatists - Australia has willingly traded the rights of groups unsatisfied with Jakarta’s rule for an Indonesian pledge (Article 3.8), that it will do “everything possible individually … to eradicate international terrorism and extremism and its roots and causes and to bring those who support or engage in violent criminal acts to justice in accordance with international law and … respective national laws.” [13.11.06]

NELSON MAKES THE SWITCH ON RADAR WARNING RECEIVERS: Defence Minister Nelson has confirmed that Raytheon’s ALR-67(v)3 Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) is to be progressively fitted to the whole of the RAAF’s F/A-18 fleet from 2008 (under phase 2.3 of project Air 5376), thus displacing BAE Systems (BAES) Australia’s ALR 2002B (initially destined for the F-111s), which in the ‘A’-version will now only be installed onto ADF helicopters, and “possibly” to propeller-powered transports. According to Dr Nelson, the Government had concluded that the BAES technology could “not be delivered within the necessary timeframe (and) the CEO of BAES Australia, Jim McDowell, has assured me that no jobs will be lost as a result of this action.” [13.11.06]

RADAR WARNING RECEIVER TIED TO JSF COMMITMENT: More significant is Dr Nelson’s statement, “the ALR-67(V)3 will be progressively fitted to the F/A-18 from 2008, with Full Operational Capability achieved in 2011.” With the Government confirming 10 November it would likely sign the JSF Production and Sustainment Memorandum of Understanding next month – whilst at the same time instructing the RAAF to keep a watching brief on a ‘future air superiority’ gap filling platform “to cover against potential delays” in the JSF program – any ALR-67(V)3s acquired by the RAAF could either be fitted to the extant F/A-18A/Bs (should a JSF Block II acquisition be approved after mid-2008), or to F/A-18 E/F ‘Super Hornets [to which the ALR-67(V)3 has already been integrated] should further delays (ie: 2012-2017) in the JSF program force the RAAF’s hand to opt for an interim fighter solution. [13.11.06]

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND MILITARY EXERCISES: Ships, submarines and aircraft from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force have gathered in the Western Australian Exercise Area off the coast of Perth to participate in two consecutive navy exercises. The Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise 2006 (ASWEX-06) - running 13-24 November - aims to test ASW skills, whilst the Principal Warfare Officers’ (PWO) Sea Assessment Week – running 27 November and 1 December – will complete PWO training and undertake the assessment of officers. Vessels participating in these exercises will also be on show at a FBW ‘Garden Island’ open day on 26 November. [13.11.06]

GOFF TELLS THE CHINESE NOT TO FEAR NEW ZEALAND: Visiting China to address the nation’s National Defence University, the New Zealand Defence Minister, Phil Goff, has said “New Zealand (NZ) does not pose a threat to any other nation. Our influence comes not from our ability to impose our will on other countries, but from working with others and persuading them of the merits of our arguments … NZ seeks to play a proactive part within international and regional frameworks in pursuit of security, development, more open trade arrangements and community-building … NZ does not face a conventional military threat. Our national interests are today more likely to be threatened by terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, trans-national crime, natural disasters, a global pandemic, and the consequences of state fragility in the region and beyond.” [13.11.06]

SECOND ‘GROWLER’ TAKES TO THE AIR AHEAD OF SCHEDULE: Boeing reports it has flown ahead of schedule the second (EA-2) version of its ‘Super Hornet’-based EA-18G ‘Growler’ airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft, for the first time. EA-2 is the second of two test aircraft built under a System Development and Demonstration (SDD) contract Boeing signed with the US Navy in December 2003. Four additional aircraft are to be produced under modifications to the SDD contract and the F/A-18E/F Multi-Year II production contract – with the first of those aircraft (designated G1) already under assembly at Northrop Grumman’s El Segundo (California) facility. Production activity is being shared across Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Electric and Raytheon facilities. The SDD program concludes with an Initial Operational Capability in 2009. [13.11.06]

NORWEGIANS TO UNDERTAKE JSF EXCHANGE INTEROPERABILITY: Kongsberg (Norway)- based Corena Norge AS – as part of the Joint Strike Fighter International Information Interchange Initiative (JSF4I) consortium – has won a NOK 24.3m contract to support the exchange of product support information between the F-35 prime contractor, Lockheed Martin (LM), and the national defence organisations (and their industries) of those countries who will operate the ‘Lightning II’ fighter under LM's Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS). The JSF4I is led by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) with Corena, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Jotne EPM Technology as equal partners. Interoperability solutions for the exchange of JSF information will be based on the international standards: ISO 10303-239 (PLCS); and ASD/AIA S1000D. LM is supporting the contract with US$800,000. [13.11.06]

DEMOCRATS SET TO REVIEW US DEFENSE BUDGET PRIORITIES: Aftershocks of the Democrats assumption of majorities in both the House and Senate in the soon-to-be-seated 110th Congress, along with their assumption of the chairmanship of lead ‘Armed Services’ and ‘Defense Appropriations’ committees are now filtering into the US political process with early news the Democrats will take ‘a hard look’ at big programs as part of funding reorientations to support a coming FY08 "troop friendly" budget that will not increase the defence spending topline. Focus is therefore expected to fall on big-ticket defence development and procurement programs not ostensibly associated with the Middle East battle at hand, for example, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), Ballistic Missile Defense, and the Future Combat System (FCS). A push to kill major struggling programs - such as the Marine Corps' Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) or one of the Air Force's space initiatives, would not be unexpected. [13.11.06]

AUSTRALIAN-INTEREST PROGRAMS NOW UNDER EXAMINATION: Reports from Washington also suggest the Democrats - like the Republicans before them -- will attempt to push the Pentagon to reform and improve the speed and efficiency of its acquisition processes, which have come under continual recent criticism by the Government Accounting Office (GAO) - whose reports have also been eagerly examined by international partners in US military projects. These attempts are most likely to take the form of ‘fact finding’ hearings aiming to embarrass the Bush Administration in regard to its performance regarding the FCS program, the ‘Lightning II’ JSF, and the politically sensitive placement of major naval shipbuilding (eg: DDG-1000 and LCS) contracts. [13.11.06]

PWC LOGISTICS CHANGES ITS NAME TO ‘AGILITY’: The Alexandria (Virginia)-based PWC Logistics group of companies - which includes some of the most prominent names in the global logistics industry, including GeoLogistics, TransOceanic, and Trans-Link – has unveiled a new company name and logo, ‘Agility’, thus completing the integration of services across the group as a whole, and presenting a single face to the customer via a dedication to personal service. ‘Agility’ boasts annual revenues of US$4.5b, some 20,000 employees, and over 450 offices in more than 100 countries. Specialised services range over: Defence & Government Services; Project Logistics; and Fairs & Events. [13.11.06]

AUSTRALIAN-INDONESIAN JOINT NAVAL EXERCISE UNDERWAY: The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) will participate in the bilateral maritime Exercise ‘Cassowary’ over the coming week, and involving RAN patrol boats, HMA Ships ‘Albany’ and ‘Dubbo’, and the Indonesian vessels KRI ‘Layang’ and ‘Kakap’. The Maritime Commander Australia, Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas, RAN, and Indonesian Eastern Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral Moekhas Sidik, TNI-AL, are to address the activity’s opening ceremony at HMAS ‘Coonawarra’ in Darwin, NT. [13.11.06]

NARY HONOURED BY NEW ‘REDFIN’ SPECIAL OPERATIONS VEHICLE: Defence has confirmed the replacement Long Range Patrol Vehicle (LRPV) for Australia’s Special Air Services Regiment (SASR) is to be named in honour of SASR Warrant Officer Class 2 David Nary, who was killed 6 November 2005 in a military training accident in the Middle East Area of Operations. The JP 2097 ‘Nary’ SOV will replace current Special Operations Command Land-Rover based LRPVs. According to the Chief of Army, LtGen Peter Leahy, the Nary SOV is “yet another step in achieving the Hardened and Networked Army. It will provide greater payload capacity with stronger drive-train, transmission and suspension components and provide an enhanced suite of command, control and communications equipment.” [11.11.06]

FIRST PASS APPROVAL FOR PHASE 2A/B OF PROJECT AIR 6000: Defence Minister Nelson has confirmed the Government’s consideration and ‘first pass’ approval for Australia’s “future air superiority” platform, citing the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) but adding, “to cover against potential delays that can occur with projects of this scope, the Government is looking at cost effective options to ensure Australia maintains air superiority during the transition period.” Dr Nelson now plans “to sign the JSF Production Sustainment and Follow-on Development (PSFD) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in December, once final administrative arrangements are in place.” Signing the MoU, says the Minister, “will open up billions of dollars of opportunities for Australian industry.” Twenty Australian companies are said to have already won JSF-related work estimated at US$90m.” [10.11.06]

ALLIES RUSHING TO TALK ON US MID-TERM ELECTION OUTCOME: Prime Minister Howard has confirmed that after an evening telephone conversation to UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair – seeking support for his view that it would be against everybody’s interests, except terrorists, for the Coalition to leave Iraq in circumstances of defeat – he will meet US President George W Bush next week in Vietnam at the APEC meeting, where there is anticipation Bush will drop all post-Vietnam war trade impediments put in place against the country. Next month, Defence Minister Nelson and Foreign Affairs Minister Downer will also travel to Washington for the annual AUSMIN talks (where he will meet new US Defense Secretary-designate, Robert Gates), followed up by talks in London under the new AUKMIN arrangements. [10.11.06]

DSTO AND USAF COMMIT TO JOINT HYPERSONICS RESEARCH: The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and the USAF Research Laboratory have signed a US$54+m/8-year agreement to advance research into high speed (hypersonic) flight – a technology offering low cost methods of transporting payloads into space, using reusable air breathing propulsion systems. The new Hypersonic International Flight Research Experimentation (HIFiRE) project is to be managed as a ‘Project Arrangement’ via an existing R&D agreement between Australia and the USA, and will see up to ten hypersonic flight experiments at Woomera (SA) over the next five years. DSTO staff will be supported by researchers from the Universities of Queensland and NSW/Australian Defence Force Academy. The USAF Research Laboratory will draw on expertise from NASA, US industry and US universities. [10.11.06]

PAKISTAN DEFENCE FORCE CHIEF VISITING AUSTRALIA: During a week long visit to Australia, the head of Pakistan’s Defence Force - Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Ehsan ul-Haq - has met with the Defence Minister Nelson, Foreign Affairs Minister Downer, ADF Chief Houston and Defence Secretary Smith. General Ehsan’s call on the CDF included a round-table discussion on the defence relationship between the two countries, including the ADF’s recent humanitarian efforts in the aftermath of the Pakistan earthquake. General Ehsan also visited: the Australian War Memorial; the Australian Defence College at Weston Creek (presenting to the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies); Army Land Headquarters in Sydney; and Headquarters Air Command in Glenbrook, NSW. [10.11.06]

PRE-PRODUCTION BLOCK D ‘SCANEAGLE’ UAV FLOWN: A pre-production prototype of an upgraded Block D ‘ScanEagle’ unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) - developed in partnership with Boeing – has been flown by Insitu for 22 hours/8 minutes out of a flight test centre operated by the two companies in Boardman, Oregon. The UAV is said to have landed with a fuel reserve “that would last for approximately one hour.” Among the Block D product enhancements are: a new infrared camera with a factor of three improvement in the resolution; a new inertially stabilised turret with a factor of five improvement in disturbance rejection; a custom, ultra-light, Mode C transponder to facilitate airspace deconfliction; new video transmitter system; Rover interoperability; and in-flight fuel measurement systems. The ‘ScanEagle’ is in service with the US Marine Corps and the US Navy, and is prospectively on offer to the ADF. [10.11.06]

SAIC SNAPS UP APPLIED MARINE TECHNOLOGY INC: Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is to acquire Virginia Beach-based Applied Marine Technology Inc (AMTI), a company with expertise in special operations and special mission units for the military, law enforcement & intelligence communities and private industry, spanning the areas of homeland security and the global war on terrorism. Offerings include training and exercises, systems engineering and integration, information systems and communications, and rapid prototyping of technical solutions and products focused on support to intelligence and special warfare. In addition to its core offerings, AMTI designs, develops, and manufactures communications, information technology, personal protection, and explosive ordnance disposal products. AMTI’s 500 employees will be combined with SAIC’s Intelligence and Security Group. [10.11.06]

HOWARD TO ‘STAY THE COURSE’ AFTER RUMSFELD TUMBLE: Responding to news of the dismissal of US Defense Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld - in light of President Bush’s description of the Republicans loss of majorities in both the House and Senate as a "thumpin" - Prime Minister Howard has said of Rumsfeld, he has had “a long and distinguished record of service to his country. He has been a true champion of freedom. I greatly appreciated working with him. Equally, I look forward to working with his successor.” Howard added the Australian Government remained “committed to supporting the people of Iraq and their democratically elected Government against the insurgents and terrorists working to destroy that democracy. We will continue to work with our allies and the Iraqi Security Forces until Iraq can handle its own security.” [09.11.06]

RUMSFELD DISMISSAL A ‘GESTURE’ TO COMMON FOLK: Speaking to media about Rumsfeld’s demise, Prime Minister Howard said, “what has happened … is in the realm of what you might call gesture politics, a recognition that there had to be something done by the President to acknowledge that there is concern about the conduct of the war (in Iraq).” Howard added, “the other point I’d make is that Iraq … wasn’t the only factor in the American elections … a lot of Republican supporters, I believe, stayed at home because they didn’t like the fact that their Administration was running a budget deficit … they’re fiscal conservatives. That is a point of distinction between the Bush Administration and my Government. Clearly Iraq was on people’s minds (but) I don’t believe for a moment that there’s going to be any fundamental change or even a big change in strategy … I know that for a fact.” [09.11.06]

NEW ASPI REPORTS LOOK AT QDR & DOMESTIC SECURITY: Of two new reports issued by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI): the first looks at the implications for Australia of its elevation to ‘model alliance partner’ in the February 2006 US Quadrenniel Defense Review (QDR); whilst the second discusses the applicability of adapting military culture to enhance Australia’s national domestic security responses. Key questions discussed include whether the military should modify its focus on traditional warfighting to improve its ability to support internal missions, as part of the development of a dedicated strategy for Defence support to national domestic security, including capability benchmarks for military and civil agencies for counter-terrorism missions. [09.11.06]

GATES OPENED FOR ‘OLD IS NEW AGAIN’ DEFENSE SECRETARY: Former US Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, is to be replaced - subject to Senate confirmation – by Dr Robert Gates (63). A highly-experienced and well-regarded Washington hand, Dr Gates comes from the circle of national security aides who counseled the current President Bush's father, George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1992, and including: General Brent Scowcroft; Secretary of State, James A Baker III; and General Colin Powell (then chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff). Recruited by the CIA from University in 1966, Gates rose to Director of Central Intelligence (and the CIA’s top Soviet Affairs analyst) from November 1991 to January 1993. Since 2002 he has been president of Texas A&M University, and – more importantly - is a member of the Baker-Hamilton Iraq Study Group, whose pending report is anticipated to outline a way forward for the US in Iraq. [09.11.06]

‘OPENFUSION’ SOLUTION FOR ‘ZUMWALT’ COMPUTING BACKBONE: Raytheon has confirmed its selection of PrismTech’s ‘OpenFusion’ RTOrb ‘Java’ Edition ‘Corba’ middleware for development and deployment aboard the US Navy’s new DDG-1000 ‘Zumwalt’-class destroyers. PrismTech’s middleware provides a unified COTS-based solution for integrating diverse distributed systems, with Raytheon proposing to incorporate ‘OpenFusion’ into its implementation of the DDG-1000’s Total Ship Computing Environment Infrastructure (TSCEI) - an integrated suite of standardized, open architecture (OA) hardware, operating system, middleware and infrastructure services. TSCEI will form the backbone of the Navy’s TSCE, proposed to be a robust, enterprise-network computing system on which all DDG-1000 application software programs will run. [09.11.06]

NORTHROP GRUMMAN MOVES FOR FULL ESSEX CORP CONTROL: Northrop Grumman has signed a definitive agreement under which it will acquire, for US$580m in cash, all of the outstanding shares of Essex Corporation, including assuming its debt. Essex provides signal processing services and products, and advanced opto-electronic imaging for US government intelligence and defence customers. According to Northrop Grumman chairman and CEO, Ronald Sugar, the Essex buyout “expands our position in C4ISR, and further enhances our ability to serve our customers in the intelligence and defence communities. (It) complements our existing capabilities and is consistent with our goal of investing in businesses that demonstrate the potential for strong and sustained growth." Essex will in future operate as a business unit within Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems sector. [09.11.06]

SAIC COMPLETES ITS MOVE ON AETC INCORPORATED: Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has completed the (undisclosed terms) acquisition of San Diego-based AETC Incorporated, a specialist developer of acoustic, non-acoustic, radar, and electromagnetic remote sensing techniques and systems for underwater, underground, and above-ground applications for the US Department of Defense. AETC is described by SAIC management as having “a highly qualified workforce in basic physics, signal processing and systems engineering” that complements the company’s existing antisubmarine warfare sensor systems capabilities, whilst also “expanding our expertise in the unexploded ordnance and counter mine business areas." The company's 46 employees will transition into SAIC's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation Group. [09.11.06]

HOUSTON CHARGED WITH NEW DIPLOMATIC ROLE: Responding to media reports of claims by the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Force that a number of Australian mercenaries had arrived in Fiji, the Chief of the Australian Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, has telephoned Commodore Bainimarama to confirm that ADF personnel “had travelled to Fiji, and noted that Australia had already publicly acknowledged this to be the case.” Houston said Australia had sent a team of Defence Supplementation Staff (DSS) to assist the High Commission with administration and coordination, describing the activity as “standard contingency planning, and the Fiji Government was advised of the additional staff.” At the conclusion of the conversation, Houston states Commodore Bainimarama “acknowledged the facts as set out above.” [08.11.06]

DEFENCE SIMULATION ROADMAP TO RECOGNISE JSF SUPPORT COSTS?: A new Frost & Sullivan (F&S) analysis has noted that the advent of fifth-generation aircraft - such as the F-35 ‘Lightning II’ Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) - into US and allied inventory, will require “a new generation of simulators, devices and trainers that account for new capabilities in embedded systems, intelligence surveillance & reconnaissance (ISR) and suppression of enemy air defences/destruction of enemy air defences.” Even the F-22 ‘Raptor’ is “yet to be integrated into American and Canadian Distributed Mission Operations systems,” says F&S. A new 15-year Australian ‘Defence Simulation Roadmap’ is set for release in Canberra by the Department of Defence on 28 November. [08.11.06]

DMO’S PIP TO OFFER INDUSTRY STRATEGIC AGREEMENTS: The Defence Materiel Organisation’s (DMO) General Counsel, Gillian Marks, has told an industry briefing in Canberra that the organisation’s new Procurement Improvement Program (PIP) will include an option for signing Strategic Agreements (SA) between itself and suppliers with frequent repeat business. The promulgation of SA’s will eliminate the need for tenderers to provide exhaustive company information with each separate tender. DMO is calling for comments on two PIP Exposure Drafts and a sample RFT by 4 December. Surf www.defence.gov.au/dmo/gc/pip/ for details. [08.11.06]

OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON HIGHLY-TECHNICAL TENDERING: While the PIP is not specifically focused on the engineering side of tendering - including increasing trends for DMO RFT’s to contain highly technical specifications - any relevant comments and suggestions on the issue will be accepted as part of the PIP solicitation. DMO General Counsel Marks said the PIP team will collate any formal feedback received from industry and forward the comments on to DMO Deputy CEO, Kim Gillis, for his attention. [08.11.06]

PIP INITIATIVE ALL ABOUT PROMOTING SCHEDULE: The dominant theme embedded in the PIP contracting templates, is the promotion of schedule adherence. Successfully tendered industry partners will be provided with an opportunity to earn back Liquidated Damages incurred for late delivery via Performance Incentives and Investment Performance Credits. Liquidated Damages earn-backs will be calculated on business days, not total days, thus allowing for schedule rectification via overtime/weekend work. The incentives are designed to create a positive business case for companies to invest in the rectification of late delivery. [08.11.06]

NEW CONTRACTING TEMPLATES TO BE WRITTEN IN STONE: The new DMO contract templates under preparation as part of the PIP will not only come in different forms for variable complexity, but unlike current Australian Defence Contracting (ASDEFCON) templates, will in future be unchangeable without specific reference to the highest levels of the DMO. Probity clauses will also be extended into PIP-based DMO contracts in terms of inducements for Contract Change Proposals (CCP) of significant value, where in fact the issuing of new RFTs would be more appropriate. [08.11.06]

NO INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT BENCHMARKS FOR SEA 4000: In a submission to the current Defence Industry Policy Review, the Australian Industry Group (AiG) has stated “it would appear the air warfare destroyer (AWD) program offers no guarantee that Australian industry – particularly Australian small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – will achieve the level of industry benefit which could be expected from expenditure of at least $6b, or more, from this program over the next decade.” AiG says this is because “no contractual obligation has been required of the Alliance Partners to commit to any agreed level of Australian Industry Involvement (AII) in the AWD program. This is a major source of concern.” [08.11.06]

FIRST RAAF ‘GLOBEMASTER III’ TAKES FLIGHT OFF LONG BEACH: The first (of 4) Boeing C-17 strategic transporters for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) completed its maiden flight 7 November with a five(+) hour flight out of the company’s facility at Long Beach Airport (California). The subject aircraft undertook three ‘touch-and-go’ landings at ‘Edwards’ AFB in a flight that completed 80% of the functional checks required prior to RAAF delivery, including shutdown and restart of engines, one at a time, and testing of emergency backup systems. The first C-17 will be showcased to the Australian public at a welcome ceremony in Canberra on 4 December, after which is will then fly to its new home, RAAF Base ‘Amberley’, near Brisbane. [08.11.06]

INDONESIA OPTS FOR ISRAELI ‘SEARCHER’ UAV CAPABILITY: The Indonesian government has reportedly confirmed its selection of the state-owned Israel Aircraft Industries ‘Searcher Mk-2’ unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). According to Air Marshal Djoko Suyanto (Chief of Staff), Jakarta plans to purchase four ‘Searcher’ systems through Philippines-based Kital Philippines Corp, given Israel and Indonesia do not currently have formal diplomatic arrangements. The 15-hour endurance ‘Searcher’ was selected after international investigation by a joint army/navy/air force team, the BAIS (TNI strategic intelligence agency) and the Defence Ministry, and follows the reported failure of a project to develop an indigenous UAV. [08.11.06]

ADFA MOVES TO SECURE STUDENT COMPUTING INFRASTRUCTURE: The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) has contracted US-based PatchLink Corporation to provide its ‘PatchLink Update’ technology to improve both security and provide automatic updates to operational software on laptops held by ADFA’s 1200 students, as well as 2,500 PCs and 40 servers deployed by UNSW@ADFA, and supporting a mixture of the ‘Windows’ and UNIX operating systems. Once fully implemented, ‘PatchLink’ will provide a three dimensional protection from undesired access, malicious content and rate-based attacks, which the Academy needs to ensure its students, faculty & staff, and systems are adequately protected from. [07.11.06]

‘AEGIS’ OA PROGRAM SIMULATES FIRST MISSILE ENGAGEMENT: Lockheed Martin (LM) reports it has successfully conducted the first-time demonstration of a simulated Standard Missile engagement in which an Integrated Architecture Behavior Model (IABM) - developed by the US Joint Single Integrated Air Picture System Engineering Organisation (JSSEO) - was integrated into the ‘Aegis’ Open Architecture (OA) Command & Decision system, to provide a Single Integrated Air Picture (SIAP). The output of the SIAP is measured in incremental capability drops (called ‘Time Boxes’), with LM utilising ‘Time Box 30’ for the recent demonstration of OA products currently in development for the US Navy's Cruiser modernisation program, and prospectively for take-up by Australia’s project Sea 4000 air warfare destroyers. [07.11.06]

TRIUMPH GROUP EXPANDS DEFENCE/AEROSPACE BUSINESS: Wayne (Pennsylvania)-based Triumph Group has acquired Newport News (Virginia)-headquartered Allied Aerospace Industries (AAI) Inc from an affiliate of Kohlberg & Company LLC, for an undisclosed amount of cash. AAI is a provider of engineering design and manufacturing solutions for complex aerospace and defence programs, and in future will operate as ‘Triumph Aerospace Systems - Newport News’ as part of Triumph’s Aerospace Systems Group. Triumph designs, engineers, manufactures, repairs and overhauls aircraft components and accessories. The US$35+m annual turnover AAI also operates in Florida, California and Alabama, providing: systems engineering; conceptual engineering; mechanical design & analysis; prototype & limited-rate production; and instrumentation assembly & testing services. [07.11.06]

EDO SET FOR JSF ADVANCED COMPOSITE STRUCTURES: US-based EDO Corporation has been contracted by Lockheed Martin (LM) to undertake a US$1.8m fabrication program for precision, advanced composite structures for 14 (LRIP 1/2) F-35 aircraft, with delivery scheduled to be completed by December 2008. The composite structures being produced by EDO are described as serving “to ensure low-observable, or stealth, properties, while maintaining smooth aerodynamic flow.” In addition to composite structures, EDO is developing pneumatic weapons-release systems and advanced antennas for the ‘Lightning II’ aircraft. [06.11.06]

M113s TO GET JP 5408 NAVIGATION SYSTEMS UPGRADE: The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has contracted Honeywell Germany under Joint Project 5408 to supply the new ‘Talin’ 500 Inertial Navigation Unit for the Army’s M113 armoured personnel carrier fleet, currently being upgraded under project Land 106. The $11m project will integrate global positioning system (GPS) and inertial navigation functions (for both the commander and driver) to enable M113s to navigate effectively and accurately in all environments, including regions where GPS is unavailable due to terrain masking or enemy jamming. Australian industry will develop and supply system components, including: the screens; data entry devices and the turret azimuth encoder (a device to measure the direction the turret is pointing). Installation of navigation into M113s is expected to commence in 2007. [06.11.06]

WORK STARTS ON SURVEYS TO UPDATE NAUTICAL CHARTS: Adelaide-based Tenix LADS Corporation has started work on a survey of the Torres Strait and northern Great Barrier Reef, being conducted as part of the Fisheries Protection Survey and Charting Project. Tenix will use its Laser Airborne Depth Sounder (LADS) MK II ‘Lidar’ system to collect data for seven new or updated nautical charts of the area, subsequently to be used by authorities to patrol currently uncharted waters which have become hot spots for illegal fishing. This above activity is the second contract awarded to Tenix LADS by Defence this year, having won a tender in May to supply the Royal Australian Navy with its new LADS system. [06.11.06]

HOWARD VIEWS SADDAM VERDICT AS CELEBRATION OF DEMOCRACY: Asked to comment by media on Saddam Hussein’s death sentence, Prime Minister Howard has said, “I welcome the fact that Iraq has conducted a transparent and open trial. There is something heroic in my mind for a country that is suffering all that Iraq is suffering, yet it still strove to conduct the trial (and) to embrace the rule of law, which is so fundamental to the establishment of a democracy. The significance of this cannot be underestimated. This is a country that is prepared to persevere in the face of the most appalling difficulties to make sure that there is a proper trial; that is a country that wants to embrace democracy and that is a country that is worth helping and worth supporting.” [06.11.06]

HAWKER PACIFIC FOR 20-YEAR SINGAPORE AIR FORCE SUPPORT: Hawker Pacific, has been appointed to provide the maintenance elements of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Basic Wings Course (BWC) contract, won this month by Lockheed Martin (LM). Hawker Pacific and Switzerland’s Pilatus Aircraft Ltd (the principal subcontractor to LM), won the contract to provide flight and simulator hours to the RSAF for a period of 20 years, and utilising the latest generation Pilatus PC 21 Turboprop trainer aircraft. Under the arrangement, Hawker Pacific will conduct flight line operations, organisational and intermediate-level maintenance as well as providing the necessary personnel to ensure sufficient fleet on-line availability of the BWC fleet. The maintenance elements of the contract will be conducted at the RAAF Base ‘Pearce’, north of Perth (WA). [05.11.06]

HOWARD TURNS FIRST ‘SOD’ ON NEW DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS: The Prime Minister, John Howard, has used a ceremonial spade to ‘turn the first sod’ at the 220-hectare site marked under Joint Project 8001, to become the new $300m (capital cost) Defence Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) facility from end-2008. Leighton Contractors has begun construction of a three-kilometre primary access road linking the new headquarters site to the Kings Highway between Bungendore (NSW) and Queanbeyan. Earthworks on the main site will start soon. Howard added that the selection of a Prime System Integrator to deliver, install, test and commission the 45 Command, Control, Communications, Computing and Intelligence (C4I) Systems required for the HQJOC is nearing finalization, given contract signing is scheduled for November. [03.11.06]

FIRST FEDERAL PPP/PFI PROJECT SURPASSED IN A SINGLE LEAP: The HQJOC contract is significant for its first time use of private financing arrangements to construct and maintain a Federal Government facility. Praeco Pty Ltd, a consortium comprising Leighton Contractors and ABN AMRO Australia, won the contract to build the facility and to provide a range of support services over a 30-year term (to 2036). Under these private financing arrangements, Defence will pay Praeco an annual service payment, commencing as a part-payment in 2008/09 after the facility is completed in July 2008. The first full-year payment will be $39.99m (excluding GST) in 2009/10, with the net present value of the 30-year contract for the new headquarters and supporting services provided by Praeco valued at $572m. Defence has since entered into a second PPP/PFI project with Brisbane-based Plenary Living/Watpac for the provision of on-base accommodation. [03.11.06]

FORMAL CLOSE FOR DEFENCE NORTH WEST SHELF TRIALS: The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Senator Sandy Macdonald, has confirmed the completion of the recent Defence trial which assessed the capability of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to perform as a maritime surveillance system over Australia’s North West Shelf (NWS). The first phase of the trial involved a US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems ‘Mariner’ UAV in physical flights over the NWS, followed by San Diego-based Northrop Grumman using a virtual ‘Global Hawk’ UAV in its Cyber Warfare Integration Network centre to fly (via simulation) similar mission profiles as those undertaken by the ‘Mariner’. Defence is currently preparing a full report on the trial (to be presented to the Government by the end), which will be used to support the development of requirements for phase 1 of Project Air 7000. A full report into the UAV trials was recently published in Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) magazine. Surf www.adbr.com.au to download a copy. [03.11.06]

GOVERNMENT ACTS TO RE-LIST FOUR TERRORIST ORGANISATIONS: The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, says the Australian Government has moved to re-list four more terrorist organisations under Australia’s counter-terrorism laws, and regarding: the Abu Sayyaf Group; the Salafist Group for Call and Combat (GSPC); the Armed Islamic Group; and Jamiat ul-Ansar. The four groups were first listed on 14 November 2002, and then re-listed on 4 November 2004 (expiring 4 November 2006). Under Australian law, the listing of a terrorist organisation expires after two years. Ruddock says “groups which continue to carry out terrorist acts or otherwise engage in terrorist activity can be re-listed.” [03.11.06]

ARMOUR AUSTRALIA MEETS FIRST CTD MILESTONE: Armour Australia reports it has recently met the first major contract milestone of a two year Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) project to produce a light weight, structural ballistic and blast resistant module system that could be used in place of steel for Defence vehicles. Achievement of the first phase was recently approved by the Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO). One composite structural solution is said to have shown far greater ballistic energy absorption properties than anticipated, and – at only 60% of the weight of previously known structural NATO ‘Stanag’ 4569 Level 1 protection - is a number of kilograms/sqm lighter than common non-structural composite Level 1 protection. DSTO evaluation tests will be undertaken during 2007. [03.11.06]

‘TEAM JCA’ COMPLETES EARLY USER SURVEY PHASE: The ‘Team JCA’ partnership led by Raytheon and EADS CASA North America reports it has completed the Early User Survey demonstration of its C-295 military transport aircraft for the Joint Cargo Aircraft program, currently being managed by the US Army and Air Force. The C-295 is competing its seventh year of JCA-type missions with the armed forces of Spain, Poland, Algeria and Jordan, and is in production for Brazil, Portugal and Finland. The aircraft is also said to have won formal competitions in Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates. [03.11.06]

VOLVO AERO NORWAY SECURES F-35 ENGINE COMPONENTS: Volvo Aero Norway has signed an agreement with General Electric (GE) to produce two key components for the F136 (alternative) engine that will power the ‘Lightning II’ Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Accordingly, the company will become the exclusive supplier of the aft compressor case and the forward compressor case during the engine's development phase, with first components to be delivered during 2007. Volvo Aero Norway - which has previously been selected to provide the low-pressure turbine (LPT) shaft and the intermediate case for the Pratt & Whitney's F135 JSF engine - has estimated the current value of its JSF work at US$2.5m, with expectations of up to $400m over the entire life of the program. [03.11.06]

NICK WARNER APPOINTED AS NEW SECRETARY OF DEFENCE: The Prime Minister, John Howard, has confirmed the appointment (for three years) of Nick Warner as Secretary of the Department of Defence (the fifth since 1996), replacing Ric Smith from 4 December. A career diplomat, Warner is a veteran of ‘arc of instability’-like situations with appointments/taskings in Zimibabwe, Namibia, Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, Iran, Iraq (Douglas Wood release) and the Solomon Islands (RAMSI). Formerly the PM’s Senior Advisor (International), Warner now joins a growing list of trusted Howard staffers who have since been appointed to senior government national security-related departmental and ambassadorial positions. [02.11.06]

NELSON TALKS-UP FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA-US ALLIANCE: Addressing a Kokoda Foundation seminar-dinner in Old Parliament House, Defence Minister Nelson has released a discussion paper on ‘The Australia-US Alliance: Founded in History, Forging Ahead’. The paper, framed for delivery in early September - and following the Minister’s second visit to Iraq & Afghanistan - records the recent extension of the ANZUS Alliance (and military cooperation under its umbrella) to the wider global stage, and involving the development of extremely close intelligence sharing arrangements, along with the preparation of Australian forces to not only integrate and be interoperable with US forces, but to effectively possess the ability to operate ‘seamlessly’ with such forces. [02.11.06]

INTELLIGENCE SHARING AT THE HEAD OF ANZUS EFFORT: The Minister’s paper describes extensively Australia’s strategic intelligence triad – the Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO), the Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) and the Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation (DIGO) - and how they relate to peak US intelligence agencies: the DIO, with the Defense Intelligence Agency, and DIGO, with the National Geospatial Agency. Already very close prior to 2001, the paper notes the two countries’ intelligence linkages have become “virtually seamless”, so much so that “the US looks to Australia for all SIGINT (signals intelligence) in our region of principal coverage and does not duplicate the effort … (with Australia) solely responsible for SIGINT on Islamist extremists in the region.” [02.11.06]

FUTURE ALLIANCE TO BE MANAGED AS A ‘PORTFOLIO’ OF ACTIVITIES: Turning to Defence-related expectations for the future Alliance, Dr Nelson’s paper acknowledges the desirability of managing the Australia-US Alliance as a ‘portfolio’, “with clear deliverables which can be implemented through visible plans that are able to be reviewed and adjusted at the highest levels.” The portfolio approach envisages individual ‘tracks’ of the alliance coming together to constitute a strategic capability and technology framework, spanning areas of cooperation such as: strategic planning & wargaming; the harmonisation of capability requirements; interoperability; ISR cooperation; technology access & acquisition; combined operational planning; regional engagement; combined joint training; missile defence; space; research, development, test & evaluation; logistics & support; and communications. [02.11.06]

PACOM SEES AUSTRALIA AS TRAINING PARTNER, NOT LOCATION: LtGen (USAF) Dan Leaf, the Deputy Commander of US Pacific Command (PACOM) - speaking to media prior to the Kokoda Foundation’s seminar-dinner – has noted that despite the importance of access to Australian territory for training, the US sees Australia as more of a training partner than a destination for the basing of troops. Key training opportunities such as strategic bombing runs over the Delamere Weapons Range and the Exercise ‘Talisman Sabre’ series, not only provide the US access to such facilities, but also allow US forces to train directly with the ADF – providing a higher return to US forces by exposing them to joint operations and dissimilar ‘red force’ opportunities. [02.11.06]

GUAM STILL FAR FROM CAPACITY, DESPITE RELOCATIONS: With 8,000 US Marines in the process of being relocated to the sovereign US island of Guam (from the Japanese island of Okinawa) - along with additional US Navy and USAF assets - LtGen Leaf has reaffirmed his belief the small island has the capacity to absorb new basing plans. Some 28% of Guam’s 544 km2 area is held by the US Department of Defense. So while Leaf sees PACOM not outgrowing the island, he acknowledges it does not have the space to support training. As such, most training will be conducted in the nearby Northern Mariana Islands (a Commonwealth in political union with the US), and regional partners - including Australia. [02.11.06]

DPRK INTERCEPTION MARKS SHIFT TO FUTURE WARFARE: LtGen Leaf told media that if PACOM was tasked to conduct maritime interception - as part of any UN response to North Korean (DPRK) nuclear development - US forces would need to be prepared for “cascading effects” (ie: DPRK asymmetric and military attacks on the maritime interception force, and up to a full invasion of the South). Noting such a mission would clearly differ from the 13-year Iraqi blockade, LtGen Leaf envisaged the increasing use of ballistic missiles in future warfare, including larger numbers of missiles of increasing capability. Accordingly, he saw Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) as a key long-term concern for the US and its allies, adding the proliferation of ballistic missiles was a “transition in warfare’ that all forces, including the ADF, need to be aware of.” [02.11.06]

WORLD FACING INCREASING DEMAND FOR INTERVENTIONS: Dr John Hillen, US Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs, US Department of State, addressing the same Kokoda media briefing spoke about the growing operational demands being place upon national forces to support international peace and stabilisation missions, which he said were “on the increase”. Paraphrasing Winston Churchill, Hillen said the world was producing ‘more history than it can consume’, adding the international community “is struggling to meet the demand (for peacekeepers), as demonstrated in difficulties encountered in deploying to Lebanon and building a Darfur (Sudan) force.” [02.11.06]

US AIMING TO ENCOURAGE EXPEDITIONARY CAPABILITY: Dr Hillen told media it was now US policy to help develop expeditionary capability amongst its allies. Such capabilities would be supported by the US facilitating high-level interoperability - via the provision of data link connectivity, Common Operating Pictures (COP) and relevant intelligence. The US, Hillen says, wants to encourage nations not traditionally engaged in expeditionary operations to develop relevant capabilities, and is keenly engaging Indonesia and the Philippines – in part to help them build forces capable of intervening successfully to avoid the emergence of instability. [02.11.06]

NO RISK TO AUSTRALIAN INTELLIGENCE ACCESS: Ambassador Richard Armitage, former US Deputy Secretary of State, told the Kokoda Foundation’s media conference that if Australia pulled out of Iraq before the US, such action would not affect the unprecedented 2004 granting of access to the US intelligence picture on counter-terrorism and joint military operations. Such access was given to Australia and the UK after their participation in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, but according to Armitage, President Bush’s decision was not premised against their participation in the Coalition. Armitage added, “the intelligence access will remain as long as Australia and the US have a security alliance.” [02.11.06]

RELUCTANT ‘INTERNATIONALIST’ LEARNING FROM AUSTRALIA: Armitage went on to concede to media the USA had always been a “reluctant internationalist”, adding the only conceivable threat to the Australian-US alliance was “a new emergence of US isolationism.” Such isolationism, he said, could emerge as a natural occurrence of “naval gazing”, particular after the United States finds some resolution to its currently demanding commitment to Iraq. In relation to other theatres of potential conflict, Armitage believed the US would never ask Australia to commit to a course of action that the nation could not fundamentally agree to. [02.11.06]

CHINA-TAIWAN CONFLICT INCREASINGLY UNLIKELY: Ambassador Armitage also saw the threat of US conflict with China over Taiwan as being “considerably diminished”, as compared with the state of high tension during the1996 ‘Straits crisis’. This was because of increasing interdependence between the two Chinese territories, the creation of a “lot of equities” (financial, not intelligence) across the Taiwan Strait, and the US changing its approach to China. He noted the US had learnt from Australia’s “we don’t have to be enemies” approach to China, and this had improved the two nations’ relationship. Still, the US’s unequivocal commitment of combat power to the region in 1996 “also played an important role”, he said. [02.11.06]

HOWARD LAYS-DOWN THE LAW ON POTENTIAL FIJI COUP: Speaking to media about rising political unrest in Fiji, Prime Minister Howard says, “we have initiated a number of contacts at a military to military level with the leader of the Fijian Defence Force, (and) encouraging him to respect the constitution of that country. I (have spoken) to the NZ Prime Minister (and) she shares my concern and is very anxious that everything be done to drive home to the Fijian military the total rejection by the region of any attempt at military action to overturn the duly elected Government of that country. This is not just an Australian and New Zealand view, it’s a regional view.” HMA Ships ‘Kanimbla’ and ‘Newcastle’ have already been dispatched to Fijian waters. [02.11.06]

NAVY FUTURES THE SUBJECT OF 2006 SYNNOT LECTURES: The 2006 Admiral Sir Anthony Synnot series of lectures being held around the country from 20-29 November will this year will feature addresses by Dr Stan Weeks, a senior scientist with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). Dr Weeks will speak on the impact of non-traditional and civil enforcement challenges on Maritime Forces transformation, as well as the relevance to Australia of the ‘1000-ship Navy’ initiative - which aims to marshal global navies to improve global maritime security. Surf www.navy.gov.au/spc/ for speaking dates. Dr Weeks will present in Canberra on 27 November, at 11.00am at the R1 Theatrette. [02.11.06]

A NEW BLIMP ON THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE RADAR: ‘The Army’ newspaper has reported that three ‘Aerostat’ airships have been purchased by the Land Force to trial over the next two years the extension of sensor and communications system range extensions, particularly when hills/trees block the line of sight. Army officials are quoted as saying that - with current ‘Parakeet’ radio equipment and the Aerostat tethered 300 metres above the ground - point-to-point radio range could be extended out to 100km, compared to 11km with the current ‘Raven’ VHF radios. Aerostat trials are being undertaken under authority of the Director Network Centric Warfare-Army, Colonel Paul Straughair. [02.11.06]

US ARMY FIELDS FIRST M777 LIGHT-WEIGHT HOWITZER: With the recent delivery of eighteen new M777 lightweight 155mm howitzers to the US Army's 2nd Battalion (in Hawaii), officials have spoken openly of the M777’s benefits, including: it being the first ground-combat system to make extensive use of titanium in its major structures to trim weight; the howitzer is 7,000 pounds lighter than the M198 weapon it replaces; it will be compatible with the entire family of 155mm ammunition, including the ‘Excalibur’ precision munition (when eventually fielded); and has the deployability advantages of the M119 (105mm) but the firepower of a 155mm weapon (like the larger M198). The Hawaii-based M777s will be retrofitted with a digital fire control system in January, and will be re-designated M777A1s. [02.11.06]

RAYTHEON UNVEILS NEW UNMANNED AIRCRAFT COCKPIT: Raytheon has unveiled a Universal Control System (UCS) for unmanned aerial vehicles designed to improve operator awareness and efficiency, while providing the ability to control multiple unmanned aircraft, reduce potential accidents, improve training, and decrease costs. Raytheon says it brought forward the new UCS with an enhanced operating system to addresses ergonomic concerns, and cater to the needs of operators to help them perform their jobs more effectively. The system gives the operator the option of standing or sitting, and provides flexibility – via Raytheon designed and developed software – to control multiple functions across an asset base of multiple dissimilar unmanned aerial systems. [01.11.06]

BAE SYSTEMS FIRES FIRST NLOS CANNON ROUND: BAE Systems has fired the first round from the Future Combat Systems (FCS) Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) cannon/firing platform - an ultra-lightweight 38-caliber, fully automated 155-mm howitzer with a fully automated ammunition handling system integrated onto a C-130 transportable tracked chassis. The NLOS Cannon is the lead Manned Ground Vehicle of the Boeing/Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)-led FCS program, with pre-production units scheduled to be delivered to the Army by the end of 2008. The M777 is regarded as the lead contender for the ‘Package C’ component of project Land 17, seeking a new light-weight 155mm artillery platform for the ADF that is capable of being transported by a Boeing CH-47 ‘Chinook’ helicopter. [01.11.06]

October

[TOP]

DEFENCE ANNUAL REPORT ‘FAIR’ EXCEPT FOR $4 BILLION SHORTFALL: The Department of Defence’s 2005/06 Annual Report has been tabled in Parliament, with financial activities for the year continuing to be qualified by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO), given uncertainties totalling $4.037 billion in relation to Inventories-General ($1.798b) and Repairable Items ($2.239b) due to errors identified through stocktakes, business process issues and system limitations. The ANAO adds that as a result of these qualifications, uncertainties are also raised in terms of the Department’s Income Statement. Shadow Defence Minister, Robert McClelland, says this is “the fifth year that the Auditor-General has been forced to give a qualified audit opinion as a result of financial mismanagement and reporting.” [31.10.06]

GREY & RED MARK THE COLOURS OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTABILITY: A ‘new look’ Defence Annual Report design characteristically coloured grey and red has been described by Shadow Defence Minister, Robert McClelland, as “once again failing to achieve key performance outcomes” -citing partial achievement in: Preparedness requirements for medium combined arms operations, and ground based air defence capability; Training in a number of areas; Logistic capability to provide support for forces deployed on operations; Inability to support all military response operations for motorised combined arms operations supporting Iraq/Afghanistan operations; Inability to achieve preparedness levels for ‘Sea King’ helicopters due to maintenance issues/shortage of air crew; reduced rates of effort in three Maritime surveillance operations; Lack of collective training needed to maintain high end combat support skills for air operations; and a shortage of reservists which has affected operational capability in a number of areas. [31.10.06]

FIRST ANNUAL REPORT FOR 12-MONTH PRESCRIBED DMO: Following its prescription on 1 July 2005, the CEO of the Defence Material Organisation (DMO), Dr Stephen Gumley, has presented his first annual report for the organisation - as a separate document (Volume 2) from the Department of Defence. The now ‘Kinnaird’-reformed DMO currently boasts 6500 staff spread across 50 sites, with a budget of more than $8 billion and managing over 200 projects. Referring to the DMO’s goal to improve on-time and on-budget delivery of defence projects, Dr Gumley has thanked industry for its role in “reducing in-year slippage in major capital project expenditure in 2005/06 to about 14% in aggregate, compared with 2003, when schedule delays on the same measure were around 20%. We are seeking (in future) a figure under 10%.” [31.10.06]

DEFENCE NOW POSITIVE ON AUDITOR-GENERAL’S WISDOM: The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has welcomed a positive assessment by the Auditor-General of the management of the Standard Defence Supply System (SDSS) Remediation program. After a very critical report by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) in August 2004 of the SDSS Upgrade quest, a new follow-up report just published is said by the DMO to have acknowledged significant progress has been made in enhancing the ability of defence logistics information systems to support both operational requirements, and management needs. The DMO adds, “the report contains no adverse findings or recommendations in relation to SDSS.” [31.10.06]

DMO STATEMENTS CONTRARY TO ANAO CONCLUSIONS: Summing up its overall conclusions, the ANAO found that the now two decades-old SDSS “remains dated (and) has had an adverse affect on user acceptance, and the integrity of data input and maintenance, which ultimately contributes to a degraded supply chain capacity.” A review of ‘Demand Satisfaction Rates’ in regard to lead RAN platform support by the Auditor-General found the SDSS, “does not flag when an item could be remediated under warranty”, whilst items were being unnecessarily placed in quarantine “as a result of unauthorised purchase orders,” and - “for key roles associated with: purchasing; inventory management; asset management; and information security – there was a high degree of non-compliance with required controls.” [31.10.06]

SDSS GOES THE WAY OF THE ‘COLLINS’ RCS VIA JP 2077: According to Defence, the SDSS has been “very effective in supporting our military forces when deployed in a succession of successful operations,” with recent enhancements improving its capacity to support logistics and financial management, as reflected in: the ‘Get Well’ and related remediation programs; the fixing of a Julian Date data processing problem in April; the implementation of an enhanced IT controls framework - with full compliance achieved this month, and additional resources (including 178 staff) for training, assistance and compliance reviews. Despite all these improvements, however, the ANAO says “in view of shortcomings in the functionality and performance of SDSS, Defence is now in the early stages of introducing a new Military Logistics Information System (MILIS), anticipated to be operational in 2008.” [31.10.06]

INVENTORY MISMANAGEMENT THREATENS ASC LIMITED FAIR VALUE: A new Auditor-General’s report into rectification work on Defence’s troubled Standard Defence Supply System (SDSS), when related to an audit of ‘inventory support’ by the ‘Collins’-class submarine Systems Program Office (SPO), has highlighted irregularities in the valuation and tracking of inventories between Defence and the In-Service Support contractor. According to the ANAO, “inventory held by the Contractor has been paid for by Defence, (although) the specific value of items held by the contractor is not known.” The ANAO’s observations, if not clarified, have implications for the validity of asset valuations undertaken by ASC, as contained in its just released its 2006 Annual Report. The SPO is planning to address the problem of the absence of a ‘Collins’ Assembly Parts List through a ‘Realignment Project’, by undertaking a 100% codification, and by supplying submarines with an onboard inventory system. [31.10.06]

BILLSON LAUNCHES PHASE 2 OF SINGLE LEAP PFI: The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Bruce Billson, has launched in Canberra phase 2 of the Single LEAP (Living Environment and Accommodation Precinct) project, noting it presents an exciting opportunity for industry to be involved in one of the largest social infrastructure public private partnership (PPP/PFI) projects to be undertaken in Australia. An Expression of Interest for the project was released 25 October, and seeking to engage a Strategic Partner to provide accommodation at various sites across Australia for an addition 4,000 accommodation units. Short-listed registrants are expected to be announced in early-2007, following which they will be invited to submit a Request for Proposal. [31.10.06]

‘OVERWATCH’ ROLE ASSUMED IN DHI QAR PROVINCE: ADF personnel have formally taken over the operational overwatch role in Dhi Qar Province of Southern Iraq from Italian Forces, after a ceremony at Camp Ur, an Iraqi Army Basic Training Centre near An Nasiriyah. The commencement follows the transition of security responsibility in Dhi Qar Province to Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) last month. Dhi Qar is the second province to transfer to Iraqi control, after Al Muthanna Province made the transition in July. The Australian force, known as the Overwatch Battle Group (West) [OBG(W)], numbers some 490 Army personnel, and is based at Imam Ali Air Base, Tallil. The OBG(W) now conducts the operational overwatch task for both Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar provinces. [31.10.06]

REPORT CHARTS THE ROAD TO A NUCLEAR NORTH KOREA: The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) has released a new Strategic Insight publication entitled ‘The Road to a Nuclear North Korea: Regional Reactions, Global Impacts, Australian Interests’, authored by a panel comprising James Cotton, Stuart Harris and Carl Ungerer. The paper examines the implications for a nuclear arms race and potential collapse of the 1968 nuclear non-proliferation Treaty of North Korea’s 9 October nuclear test, and tracks a weapons development process begun 30 years ago with the provision of assistance by the former Soviet Union to Pyongyang to construct a small experimental reactor and associated facilities. [31.10.06]

TOP FORTUNE GONG FOR JACOBS ENGINEERING GROUP: US-based Jacobs Engineering Group has been rated No.1 in Fortune America’s ‘most admired’ company in the Engineering & Construction category for 2006. Jacobs - with over 42,000 employees and revenues approaching US$7b - provides global technical, professional and construction services. Locally, Jacobs Australia (previously Jacobs Sverdrup) operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Jacobs Engineering Group, with strong ties to the Defence sector in Australia. Jacobs Australia has recently confirmed it will be expanding its business into the engineering & construction services business, both in Australia, and in the region. [31.10.06]

LAWYER OUTRAGED AT WHY DEFENCE KEEPS HIM IN BUSINESS: The Principal of Military Compensation Law (and ex-National Serviceman) at Darcy’s Solicitors, Vince Green, says recent changes to the Government’s military compensation scheme have proven to be “a disaster for the people entrusted with the job of defending our country.” In a highly critical statement, Green says that having “ramped up the danger factor” by increasing troop involvement in the Middle East and elsewhere, the government is now making it more difficult for service personnel to claim for compensation. He asserts, “they’ve made the entire process harder to access, much slower and less accountable. And if you finally do succeed in filing a claim, you find that the disability you have suffered could well have been totally devalued … there shouldn’t be a need for firms like ours that advocate for ADF members.” [31.10.06]

LEADING EADS MILITARY CHIEF LOST TO WOES OF AIRBUS: Fabrice Brégier (45) has been appointed Airbus Chief Operating Officer (COO) with immediate effect by the EADS Board of Directors, although he will remain a Member of the EADS Executive Committee. Together with Airbus CEO Louis Gallois, the pair will form the ‘Airbus President’s Office’. Brégier was formerly Head of EADS' Eurocopter Division from June 2005, as well as President and CEO of the Eurocopter Group since 2003. Prior to that he was inaugural CEO of European missile house, Matra BAe Dynamics (MBDA), created in 2001 by Aerospatiale Matra, British Aerospace and Finmeccanica. Born in July 1961, Brégier is a graduate of the Ecole Polytechnique and Ecole des Mines. His replacement as Eurocopter CEO is Lutz Bertling (44), formerly CEO of Eurocopter Deutschland and long-term executive of EADS predecessor – DaimlerChrysler Aerospace. [31.10.06]

SEMINARS ON NEW DMO PROCUREMENT METHODOLOGY THIS WEEK: The Defence Material Organisation (DMO) has formally released detailed information in regard to its new Procurement Improvement Program (PIP), which is built around a new Acquisition Categorisation (ACAT) methodology that seeks to track seven key project management attributes (four on ‘process’ and three on ‘inherent’) across ten risk scores (total of 70 measures) to provide better information to significantly enhance the effectiveness of all aspects of Defence procurement for both Defence and industry. New tendering and contracting templates associated with the PIP/ACAT system are available from www.defence.gov.au/dmo/gc/pip and will be open for industry and other stakeholder consideration and comment through to 4 December. National industry briefings in regard to the new system are also to be held, beginning in Canberra on 8 November. [30.10.06]

TENIX GROUP MAKES NEW CORPORATE APPOINTMENTS: The Tenix Group has appointed Greg Hayes as Executive Director Finance & Corporate Development, effective 1 November. Hayes will also sit on the company’s Board, and was previously Chief Financial Officer for AGL. Tenix Defence has also appointed Lieutenant Colonel Rowan Tink, AM (Ret) as Requirements & Capability Analyst to boost its Joint Project 2048 amphibious ship (LHD) Capture Team. LtCol Tink was previously Commander Amphibious Task Group and Commander of the Australian Special Forces Task Group in Afghanistan during the battle known as Operation ‘Anaconda’. [30.10.06]

SAAB FINDS A PLACE IN BOTH JOINT PROJECT 2048 BIDS: Saab Australia has confirmed that when both tenderers (DCN/Thales Australia JV, and Tenix Defence) lodged their amphibious ship (LHD) bids on 16 October, each team offered Saab’s 9LV combat management system (CMS) for their respective vessels (‘Mistral’ BPC, and Spanish BPE). Saab’s CMS software featured in both tenders as a modularised extension of the existing ‘Anzac’-class frigate combat system software. Supporting hardware offered was said to be “the latest low-risk cPCI configuration proven in the Swedish SeSub program, providing excellent supportability, redundancy and reliability.” [30.10.06]

FLEXIBLE CMS OFFER DESIGNED TO MEET KINNAIRD RULES: Saab officials added that under their JP 2048 offer, the Commonwealth could either “commission a basic system and then grow the capability later, or procure a more complete combat system from the outset by choosing various ‘packages’ to meet their capability needs.” Saab's support plan further proposes leveraging existing/future Commonwealth investment and ongoing commitment to the ‘Anzac’-class. If Saab’s offer is accepted, the Navy has been promised the latest configuration in the 9LV family – the Mk4 - which is said to incorporate “open architecture principles built on the latest international open standards.” [30.10.06]

‘WESTPAC EXPRESS’ CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS WITH THE USMC: The WA-based Austal-built ‘WestPac Express’ has celebrated its fifth year of service with the Okinawa-based Third Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) of the United States Marine Corps, since first arriving on 11 July 2001 for a three month ‘proof of concept’ charter. Now registered in the port of Mobile (Alabama) and designated the HSV, the ‘WestPac Express’ has just completed an exercise in which the ship carried 890 Marines, 63 vehicles, and 23 containers of baggage and equipment in one lift – something that would have alternatively required sixteen C-17 aircraft to complete. In the past five years, the HSV has steamed over 310,000 miles, carried 77,000 military personnel and 69,000 tonnes of equipment, while achieving a technical reliability of 99.7%. [30.10.06]

NELSON RELEASES $300M CLOTHING PLAN: As part of his commitment to fix the process and quality of deliverables from the troubled Defence combat clothing area, Defence Minister Nelson has released a new ADF Clothing and Personal Equipment Procurement (CPEP) Plan. The inaugural 2007-11 Plan is to be updated annually (in June), and will sustain a rolling 5-year outlook to help encourage industry to invest in improving capability within an open and transparent competitive environment. Major proposed acquisitions are divided up into 38 serials, which include: a new Wet Weather Ensemble, Field Jacket and Enhanced Combat Body Armour and Helmets. Overall expenditure within the Plan equates to roughly $300 million. The CPEP Plan is being supplemented by a new ‘Threads’ e-Newsletter and a Defence Clothing Industry Forum, whose next meeting is scheduled for 27 February 2007. [27.10.06]

NOT MANY ‘LESSONS LEARNED’ IN CLOTHING ACQUISITIONS REVAMP: Despite the raft of potential ‘lessons learned’ from earlier clothing acquisition difficulties - as most recently detailed in the Auditor-General’s (ANAO) report on Army Minor Capital Equipment Procurement Projects – and reflected in earlier Harding Review investigations of the ‘Terra’ Combat Boots acquisition through the mandating of Government Furnished Machinery (GFM) and the supply of a proscriptive boot design, the new Clothing Procurement Plan proposes the continued entertainment of similar acquisition strategies relying on the proposition that it can ‘buy-in’ industry expertise as a means of managing associated technical risk. One interesting element of the Clothing Plan is the first-time extension of ‘Kinnaird’ procurement reforms, which Defence Minister Nelson says “are relevant not just for capital acquisition but also for the sustainment of Defence materiel.” [27.10.06]

QUIRKY ECONOMICS IN RE-HASH OF CENTRALIST ACQUISITION: For example, Serial 33 (for the new full-leather hot-weather combat boot) and Serial 35 (for an entrenching tool), are both proposed to be based on the provision of GFM tooling set to proscriptive Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO)-sourced designs. The questionable economics is illustrated by the overall budget for the new entrenching tool being $5-8m for annual production of 10,000 units for an unspecified total (unlikely to be higher than 50,000), thus yielding a per unit cost of $160. Alternatively, high quality Austrian ‘Glock’ entrenching tools with shovel, hoe and saw capabilities - made out of near-diamond hardness ‘Tenifer’ coated steel currently retail for $45 per unit. [27.10.06]

CUSTOMS 2005/06 ANNUAL REPORT TABLED IN PARLIAMENT: The Australian Customs Service has tabled its 2005/06 Annual Report in Parliament, and detailing significant difficulties associated with implementation of the Integrated Cargo System (ICS) – an important border security initiative - and subsequently critically reviewed by Booz Allen Hamilton. Turning to related border security functions, the Report says that in cooperation with the Australian Defence Force (ADF), 367 illegal foreign fishing vessels were apprehended, an increase of 164 over the previous year. Customs reports it also increased the number of drug detections over the previous year, but overall, the weight of seized drugs was well down on the previous year. [27.10.06]

NEXT ITERATION OF QUEST TO STEM TERRORIST FINANCING: Justice Minister Ellison has flagged the pending introduction into Parliament of the Anti-Money Laundering & Counter-Terrorism Financing Bill 2006, which extends control initiatives over – firstly, the financial and gambling sectors and bullion dealers already subject to elements of the Financial Transactions Reports Act 1988; and secondly, to real estate agents, jewellers and some transactions provided by accountants and lawyers (to be developed in further consultations with the private sector). Ellison says the Bill will “create a financial system that is hostile to money laundering and terrorism financing, while minimising impacts on business.” [27.10.06]

AUSTRAC FINDS NEW ROLE AS CROSS-INDUSTRY AML/CTF REGULATOR: Justice Minister Ellison further confirmed additional funding of $139m over four years for the Australian Transaction Report Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) which, in addition to its enhanced role as a financial intelligence unit, will have a range of new regulatory functions under the new legislation. According to the Minister, AUSTRAC “will now have a significantly expanded role as anti-money laundering/counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) regulator with supervisory, monitoring and enforcement functions over a diverse range of industry sectors. AUSTRAC will also have a major role in education and awareness raising, (and) providing guidance on AML/CTF compliance for business.” [27.10.06]

HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS WASTED ON ASLAV PHASE 3 ACQUISITION: According to a new Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) report into the management of the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) capability acquisition, Defence officials forfeited $231m in savings to taxpayers by failing to take up an early purchase offer for 150 ASLAVs (expiring 28 February 1996). The ANAO says an initial unsolicited proposal for phase 3 of project Land 112 saw (the now) General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) offer the Army 150 ASLAVs for $260m (1997 dollars), with units sourced from a delayed Saudi Arabian order. Defence apparently did not take up the early purchase offer in time, only to later approve an additional 150 ASLAV vehicle acquisition in December 1997 for a cost of $491m – meaning taxpayers were slugged an extra $231m for the eight-month delay. [26.10.06]

BAES CONFIRMS ‘TERRIER’ OFFER FOR PROJECT LAND 144: BAE Systems (BAES) Australia is to offer the UK’s ‘Terrier’ Armoured Engineering Vehicle (AEV) for the Army’s mine-clearing vehicle requirement under project Land 144. Previously, the Land 144 mine-clearing vehicle component was thought to be focused on armour enhanced commercial bulldozers, with limited capability and minimal tactical mobility due to the small (around $15m) budget. The ‘Terrier’ is a purpose-designed armoured bulldozer with high mobility and protection (including a mine-proof double floor), a remote operation capability and surface mine clearing equipment. Integration efforts are currently underway with Pearson Engineering for a mine-plough and roller. The ‘Terrier’ has been ordered by the Royal Engineers as a Combat Engineer Tractor (CET) replacement, and has also been selected as the Manoeuvre Support (MS) component of the UK’s FRES project. [26.10.06]

BAES DATA FUSION DEMONSTRATOR LINKS ARMY STA: Sale (Victoria)-based BAE Systems’ (BAES) Autonomous Vehicles Integrated Product Team (IPT) have displayed at the 2006 Land Warfare Conference (LWC) the successful outcome of their UAV data-fusion Capability Technology Demonstrator (CTD) program, funded by the Capability Development Executive’s (CDE) Aerospace Capability Branch. During the final demonstration at Puckapunyal, BAES says it successfully demonstrated an autonomously managed network of Surveillance & Target Acquisition (STA) sensors, including UAVs, Ground Surveillance Radars and Weapon Locating Radars to provide a single data fused picture to the commander. The autonomous network is also said to have provided direction to various sensors to launch and recover UAVs, and provide radar sensors blocked by line of sight (LOS) restrictions target bearing until they were unmasked. [26.10.06]

FORCE DISPOSITION STUDY PREPARES TO AXE BASES: Defence has launched a new website (www.defence.gov.au/id/fdp/default.htm) providing information on the outcomes of its new Force Disposition Program (FDP). The website indicates a cost-benefit and socio-economic impact study will be conducted before any final decision is made to relocate extant capabilities from RAAF Base ‘Richmond’ (NSW) to both the expanding Edinburgh Defence Precinct (EDP) in South Australia, and RAAF Base ‘Amberley’ (Queensland). Such a relocation is proposed to be undertaken in the 2008-2010 period. Also up for reconsideration is basing of the isolated 16th Air Defence Regiment from Woodside (SA), and the 7th Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare) from Cabarlah (Qld) to the EDP, along with Army Reserve units located within the wider Adelaide region. [26.10.06]

‘COLLINS’ IMPROVEMENTS MAKE IT THROUGH ‘FIRST PASS’: The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) future ‘Collins’-class submarine capability is to be enhanced following the granting of ‘first pass’ approval for phase 5B.2B of project Sea 1439 - the ‘Collins’-class Continuous Improvement Program (CIP). Defence is to examine with industry a range of improvements to be incorporated into the ‘Collins’ boats via the CIP, including: enhancing Australian industry’s ability to support combat system development; the redesign and upgrade of the submarine communications centre; improvements to electronic warfare capability and defences; and options for the improvement of optronic sensors as part of a periscope system upgrade. The 5B.2B phase is valued at up to $150m, and will underpin a consistent workload for ASC Limited via its ‘Collins’-class Through Life Support (TLS) agreement. [26.10.06]

THALES AUSTRALIA EXTENDS GMMS FOR TIGER/MRH90: Thales Australia has signed a significant extension of its Ground Mission Management System (GMMS) contract with French-based Eurocopter subsidiary, Australian Aerospace (AA). The extension means further work scope for the GMMS and the generation of a MRH90 Software Support Centre (MSSC). Thales Australia is contracted by AA to supply GMMS to both the ‘Tiger’ ARH (project Air 87), and the MRH90 (Air 9000, phases 2/4). The extension requires integration of the Thales GMMS into each helicopter type’s Portable Flight Planning System. The MSSC is a support environment focused on developing and qualifying software used to manage mission critical operational airborne systems, which enables engineers to test new software or to replicate observations made during flight conditions. [26.10.06]

SAILORS TO HAVE A SAY IN AWD DESIGN OUTCOME: The RAN’s junior sailors have been invited to have a say in the design of living spaces for the ‘evolved’ Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) design being prepared at the AWD Systems Centre in Felixstow, SA. Sailors from four seagoing ships will visit the Centre to review and provide feedback on the ‘evolved’ design option currently being developed by Gibbs & Cox, for Government consideration in mid-2007 under project Sea 4000. It is hoped that direct input from sailors marked to live and work in the AWD will help provide the best environment for future life and work at sea. Sailors will review: the design of sleeping and recreation spaces; the gymnasium & internet café; and key work spaces including - electronic equipment rooms, machinery rooms, storerooms, operations room, the bridge and galley. [26.10.06]

TEXTRON ACQUIRES OVERWATCH INTEL TOOL HOUSE: US-based Textron Inc’s ‘Systems’ unit is to acquire Morristown (New Jersey) Overwatch Systems - a developer and provider of intelligence analysis tools and communications products for the US Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security (ie: first responder), US intelligence agencies and selected foreign militaries - for US$325m. With around 385 employees in several major locations, Overwatch was expecting to generate US$105m in revenue over 2006, with strong margins. Textron expects the acquisition to drive annual revenues exceeding $300m over the next five years. [26.10.06]

POLES ORDER TWO MORE C-295 TACTICAL TRANSPORTERS: The Polish Secretary of State of Defence has signed a new contract to provide its Air Force with two additional EADS CASA C-295 tactical transport aircraft. Poland purchased eight C-295s in August 2001 which were all delivered by July 2005, and have accumulated 6,000 flight hours in Polish service in the Middle East and South Eastern Asia. Poland is the first C-295 export customer to make a repeat order. The aircraft was also short-listed in the US Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program, which has relevance to the RAAF’s Air 8000 (DHC-4 ‘Caribou’ replacement) program. Since 2001, EADS CASA has become the main shareholder of Polish aircraft company PZL Warszawa Okecie. [26.10.06]

DEFENCE ISSUES PROJECT LAND 400 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: Defence’s Capability Development Executive (CDE) has advertised a Request for Information (RFI) regarding potential project Land 400 solutions or contributions, and aiming to provide an eventual new family of protected vehicles and unmanned systems to re-equip the Australian Army. The RFI seeks to acquire high value information to form part of the basis of an extensive scoping study. The data provided by industry will be combined with a separate Army Study forecasting its 2015 structure for consideration by the CDE, and subsequent development of an ‘options set’ for the project - encompassing a range of platform solutions and acquisition strategies. The scoping study, to be complete by mid-2007, will then provide the basis for preparing a ‘first pass’ decision case to take to Government in 2009. [25.10.06]

NO FUTURE FOR LANDROVER AND UNIMOG IN LAND 121: DaimlerChrysler have unveiled their successfully short-listed proposals in the Light and Medium/Heavy categories for phases 3A/3B of project Land 121. Due to the requirement to meet the required payload (5 tonnes) plus carry a Survivability Enhancement Kit (SEK) weighing an additional 1 tonne, the 4x4 S2000 has been bid for the Mediumweight Truck over the existing ‘Unimog’. DaimlerChrysler have also developed a new 6x6 G-Wagen to meet the Light Truck requirement of an all-up 3 tonne payload (including SEK). The project’s Light Vehicle category has been short-listed to: Armor Holdings - with the Pinzgauer; Mack Australia - with the Renault Sherpa; and DaimlerChrysler’s G-Wagen. As a result, the legacy Landrover now has a limited place in the future ADF field vehicles fleet. [25.10.06]

RAYTHEON BOOSTS ITS TEAM FOR LAND 75/125 COMBO: Raytheon Australia is to compete against Boeing Australia and Saab Australia for the joint Land 75 (phase 4) Battlefield Command Support System/Land 125 Command and Control element tender (colloquially termed ‘Land 200’) with a new multi-national offer. The offer combines UK-based Cobham Defence Communication’s ‘Battlehawk’ Battle Management System (BMS) - recently ordered by the UK SAS - with Raytheon’s AFATDS BMS to provide ‘blue-force tracking’ and scalable E-Class radios for communications. Supporting the Raytheon-led bid team will be Tenix Electronic Systems Division (ESD) with engineering support including cryptography, integration, simulation and modelling. Raytheon Australia will act as Mission Systems Integrator for the Land 75/Land 125 bid. [25.10.06]

TENIX GROUP DIVISIONS SITTING ASTRIDE TWO LAND 200 BIDS: While Tenix ESD will play a major role in the Raytheon Land 200 bid, the company’s Land Systems Divison (LSD) is already part of the Saab Australia bid, which combines Northrop Grumman Mission System’s (NGMS) C2PC BMS product and Thales Australia’s MBITR radios. Tenix LSD will provide vehicle integration for the Saab Australia lead team, while Thales Australia will also provide soldier system integration for the Land 125 side. Tenix, Saab, Raytheon and Defence are said to have extensively investigated the so-called Land 200 ‘double teaming’ before signing off on the proposal. Accordingly, each division will only sub-contract to their respective teams, and will advance bids in different areas. [25.10.06]

THUNDER DOWNUNDER AS K9 HITS LAND WARFARE CONFERENCE: South Korea’s Samsung Techwin K9 self-propelled artillery system has firmed its place as a serious contender for project Land 17 through a warts’n’all appearance at the 2006 Land Warfare Conference. Attendees were invited to tour the substantive vehicle and see first hand how its automatic ammunition handling system operates. Also on show, though not in full-size form, was the K10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle (AARV). The South Korean government is understood to have offered Australia a barter agreement if the K9 is selected for Land 17 - they will correspondingly purchase 127mm naval gun systems and ammunition from Thales Australia. [25.10.06]

BUSHMASTER SWAP FOR LAND 17 ARTILLERY MOOTED BY DUTCH: The Dutch Government has reportedly turned to Australia after an unsuccessful attempt to negotiate a barter of 18 (of 57) currently ordered/paid for KMW PzH2000 self-propelled artillery systems with the Norwegian Government (proposed in exchange for their NASAMS AMRAAM-based ground based air defence system. The Dutch are sounding out the idea of swapping 18 PzH2000s for upwards of 330 Thales Australia’s highly regarded ‘Bushmaster’ Infantry Mobility Vehicles (IMV). The Dutch had earlier concluded a rapid acquisition (out of Australian Army stocks) of 20 Bushmaster’s for immediate service in Afghanistan alongside Australian soldiers embedded within their battlegroup, which also boasts three PzH2000s. [25.10.06]

FIRST C-27J TACTICAL TRANSPORTER ENTERS ITALIAN SERVICE: The Italian Defence Ministry has accepted the first Alenia Aeronautica C-27J tactical transport aircraft – the first of 12 to be supplied by 2008, with a second aircraft to be delivered by end of year. The Italian Air Force aircraft feature the new C-27J standard configuration, with a flight-refuelling device, self-protection system and double head-up display. The C-27J has also been ordered by Greece (12+3), Bulgaria (8) and Lithuania (3), and is being offered via an Alenia North America, L-3 Communications, Boeing and GMAS team for the US JCA requirement, and similarly, the ADF’s ‘Caribou’ replacement (phase 1 of project Air 8000). [25.10.06]

THALES UNVEILS STARING CAMERA IRST SOLUTION: Thales has unveiled at the Euronaval 2006 trade show in Paris a new family of Electro-Optical (EO) sensors. Unlike traditional Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) devices that mechanically scan through 360 degrees, the new EO family utilises multiple static sensor heads incorporating large IR focal plane arrays, an advanced optical design and dedicated processing algorithms on COTS processing hardware to provide enhanced ship self-protection. The use of staring cameras increases the update rate of detections and reduces both on-board and ashore maintenance effort. The two offerings (‘Artemis’ and ‘Gatekeeper’) in the new EO family utilise millimetre wave technology to improve the detection of small targets at both extended and close ranges, and have relevance to Australia’s JP 2048 (amphibious ships/LHD) acquisition. [25.10.06]

GERMAN ARMY PUMA IFV PRESENTED AT LWC: The German Army’s PSM GmbH ‘Puma’ scalable armour Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) has attracted considerable attention at the Land Warfare Conference despite being present only as a display model. The German Army is expected to order 405 vehicles, including training equipment and logistic support, with a total value of €3 billion. Formal government approval for series production is expected in 2007. An order was placed at the end of 2004 for delivery of five pre-production vehicles as well as logistics and training services including the option for series production. Kassel-based PSM GmbH is the prime contractor handling development and production of PUMA. PSM is a 50/50 joint venture between Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall Landsysteme. [25.10.06]

TENIX & BAES/BOFORS SIGN 18-MONTH LAND 17 EXTENSION: Tenix Defence and BAE Systems/Bofors have signed an 18-month extension to their teaming agreement to bid the ‘Archer’ 155mm artillery system into project Land 17. The agreement extension comes after ‘Archer’ received Swedish Parliamentary approval for full-scale development and production - the first project to receive such approval since the Saab JAS 27 ‘Gripen’ fighter in the 1980s. The ‘Archer’ system is built around the FH77BW L52 155mm automatically loaded and self-propelled gun, which positions the crew to remotely control the weapon. Also announced was an option to develop a fully flexible charge loading magazine for the FH77BW, to replace the limited 18-rack pre-loaded magazine. The new system uses UNIFLEX 2 IM modular charges, and will enable the operator to flexibly choose between 12 increments for each shot from a central charge magazine. [24.10.06]

MOBICON WINS LCS ORDER FOR CONTAINER LOADERS: Brisbane-based Mobicon Systems has been awarded a contract to supply its similarly-branded container handler to the General Dynamics ‘Independence’-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), currently under construction in Mobile (Alabama) by Austal USA for the US Navy. The trimaran seaframe is able to accommodate a large number of standard shipping containers (including those fitted out as specialist mission modules), RHIBs and other cargo loads within its mission deck. The ‘Mobicon’ system can lift, load and move objects weighing up to 33 tonnes, and features a skeletal design that allows it to conform itself to the container. The LCS configuration will have steering on all eight wheels, enabling very small turning circles within and into the ship’s mission bay. [24.10.06]

C-130 ‘HERCULES’ AIR TRANSPORTABLE HANDLER UNVEILED: Mobicon Systems have also unveiled a concept design for a self-folding ‘Mobicon’ container handler able to fit inside a standard shipping container, or several into the cargo deck of a Lockheed Martin C-130 ‘Hercules’ tactical transport aircraft. Current vehicles able to lift and load fully laden shipping containers are not air transportable, other than in the largest military C-17/An-124-class airlifters. The ‘Mobicon’ also has a low ground pressure, and a proven off-road capability. The company is seeking developmental partners to further advance its range of air transportable container handlers. [24.10.06]

SAGEM TO MODERNISE COLLINS NAVIGATION SYSTEMS: The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has announced at Euronaval the selection of Sagem Defence Securite (part of the SAFRAN Group) to modernize navigation systems aboard the Navy’s six ‘Collins’-class submarines. Sagem will deliver 11 new SIGMA 40XP (eXtended Performance) gyrolaser Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) to equip the entire fleet. The RAN had earlier (2003) ordered three SIGMA 40XP systems for evaluation purposes, which were subsequently integrated inside its Land Based Test Site (with the Replacement Combat System), and onboard one ‘Collins’ submarine. The SIGMA 40XP gyrolaser INS can resist shocks, and is said to have high endurance when diving. It is also capable of operating in extremely severe magnetic environments without its performance being degraded. [24.10.06]

DDG-1000 DUAL BAND RADAR PASSES MILESTONE: The Raytheon Company has successfully integrated the engineering development model, S-Band array with receiver, exciter and signal/data processing equipment for the Volume Search Radar (VSR) portion of the ‘Zumwalt’-class destroyer’s dual-band radar, known as the SPY-3. The VSR equipment was successfully operated with the S-band array and ‘beam steering’ controller software provided by subcontractor, Lockheed Martin. The SPY-3 is an active, phased array, multi-function radar system, which incorporates X and S-band arrays in a complementary manner to provide surveillance, target tracking and engagement support capabilities, said to be superior to those of conventional single-band radars. Previously, Raytheon has successfully developed and tested (at-sea) the X-band component of the SPY-3 system. [24.10.06]

F135 GIVEN FLIGHT RELEASE FOR F-35 FIRST FLIGHT: Pratt & Whitney’s F135 engine has been granted ‘initial flight release’ (IFR) from the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) certifying the engine for powering F-35A ‘Lightning II’ JSF first flight (planned for December), and after the engine successfully met all test requirements as thus far scheduled. The IFR also validated the F135 production engine configuration. The first F-35A (‘AA-1’) recently completed its inaugural series of F135 engine runs culminating in a full afterburner test with 178 kN (40,000 pounds) of thrust. The F135 is to compete with the rival General Electric/Rolls-Royce F136 engine to power any RAAF F-35As ordered under phase 2A/2B of project Air 6000. [24.10.06]

USAF PARACHUTE EXPERIMENTS FOR EXITING THE JSF: Test parachutists from the US Air Force’s (USAF) 418th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base (California) have recently performed 10 jump tests from a ‘Twin Otter’ aircraft to evaluate the new IGQ type 6000 parachute system coming with the F-35A. The IGQ type 6000 parachute system has a diameter of 23.4 feet, and when it spreads out it looks more like a dome - making it aeroconical. It is designed to inflate rapidly for low-speed ejections – but inflate after a pre-determined delay at high speeds, to minimise shock impact on ‘Lightning II’ pilots. Another change will see the parachute harness incorporated into the fighter via a single point of release at the mid-section. The new parachutes will equip any RAAF F-35As ordered under phase 2A/2B of project Air 6000. [24.10.06]

BORDER PROTECTION SHAKE-UP SEES JOPC RENAMED BPC: The CEO of the Australian Customs Service, Michael Carmody, has confirmed a Government decision to re-title the Joint Offshore Protection Command (JOPC) to the Border Protection Command (BPC), citing the need to better position the whole-of-Government approach to the full spectrum of maritime surveillance, response and interception activities. Carmody has similarly restructured the Customs hierarchy by re-titling the current Coastwatch Division as the Border Protection Division. As such RAdm James Goldrick - currently Director General (DG) of Coastwatch & Commander JOPC - becomes Commander Border Protection, whilst the current Deputy DG of Coastwatch becomes DG Border Protection Operations. A new position of DG Border Protection Capability Development has been created to manage the new ‘Sentinel’ contracts, assessments of emergent surveillance technology, and development of the Australian Maritime Identification System (AMIS). [23.10.06]

ASC WINING INDUSTRY TO AIR WARFARE DESTROYER PROSPECTS: Adelaide-based ASC Shipbuilding has used an industry function at South Australia’s National Wine Centre to ask for industry support to help it build the three air warfare destroyers (AWDs), proposed to be acquired by the Navy under the $6 billion project Sea 4000. John Gallacher, the Chief Executive Officer of ASC Shipbuilding told the gathering that industry partnership and collaboration “is always the best way” to progress the project, citing the record of the ‘Collins’-class submarine project - which had relied on 1,400 suppliers and partners to bring it to conclusion. [23.10.06]

FIRST PRODUCTION CH-47F ‘CHINOOK’ FLIES: Boeing’s first production CH-47F ‘Chinook’ heavy lift helicopter has successfully completed its first flight from the Rotorcraft Systems facility in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. Boeing will deliver the new CH-47F to the US Army for operational testing before being deployed in 2007. The same cockpit system installed on the CH-47F and MH-47G Special Operations ‘Chinooks’ will be used in the HH-47 proposed in the USAF’s Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR-X) program, and will include terrain following/terrain avoiding radar and an integrated forward looking infrared system for nap-of-the-earth and low-level flight operations in reduced visibility conditions. The Australian Department of Defence is currently evaluating a ‘Chinook’ capability upgrade/additional aircraft under project Air 8000. [23.10.06]

EADS CASA DELIVERS FIRST C-295 TO BRAZIL: EADS CASA reports it has delivered the first C-295 tactical transport aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). Four aircraft will be delivered before the end of 2006, with the first two said to be well ahead of schedule. The C-295 were acquired by the FAB as part of its CL-X program, seeking to provide medium transport aircraft to support activities related to its Amazon Protection System (SIPAM), and the ‘Calha Norte’ Project – aiming to better support communities in remote areas of the Amazon. The 12 C-295 aircraft will replace the FAB C-115 ‘Buffalo’ fleet (turbo-prop powered ‘Caribou’ aircraft similar to those in RAAF inventory), and will interface with C-130 ‘Hercules’ aircraft. The C-295 is a contender for phase 1 of Australia’s Air 8000 (Battlefield Airlifter) project. [23.10.06]

DEFENCES SELECTS PLENARY LIVING FOR SINGLE LEAP PFI: Plenary Living has been selected as preferred tenderer for phase 1 of the ADF’s Project ‘Single LEAP’ (Living Environment and Accommodation Precinct) - designed to provide from May 2008 modern living standards accommodation for single members of the ADF living in barracks at: Holsworthy (NSW); Enoggera (Qld); and RAAF Base ‘Amberley’ (Qld). The contract is the second privately financed (PPP/PFI) initiative undertaken by Defence after the Joint Headquarters (JHQ) construction at Bungendore (NSW). Upon completion of successful contract negotiations, Plenary Living will be responsible for finance, design, construction and operation of 1,295 rooms at these bases for 30 years. [21.10.06]

NATIONAL SERVICE CALL DUMPED FOR ‘GAP YEAR’ SCHEME: Following the continuing rejection of calls first made in January by former ADF/CDF Barrie for the reintroduction of conscription, Defence Minister Nelson has launched a new one-year enlistment initiative - or ‘try before you buy’ recruitment scheme. Writing in the latest edition of his give-away ‘Defence Direct’ e-Newsletter, Nelson confirmed introduction of the new scheme - aimed at the 34,000 school leavers currently taking a ‘gap year’ between high school and university - has been delayed a year, and will now start in 2008 with 1,000 places. The Scheme offers 80 days of basic training, followed by an extended period of non-combat service. The final package is to include an incentive scheme seeking to retain participants within the ADF after completion of their first year. [20.10.06]

OVER-ANALYSIS CLOUDING IRAQ MESSAGE SAYS HOWARD: Speaking to media about perceived changes in the Government’s policy on Iraq, Prime Minister Howard says, “everything you say is over-analysed, and because the sequence of words is arranged differently from one interview to the next, people start saying, well you’ve changed your position. Look our fundamental position has not altered. We think the time to go is when the Iraqis are capable of providing an appropriate level of security. The form of democracy in Iraq is a matter for the Iraqis, the relationship between the different regions of Iraq is a matter for the Iraqis … there is a clear choice at the present time. It’s whether you persevere in the belief that the terrorists can be suppressed, or you just accept they’re going to win, and go.” [20.10.06]

COSGROVE’S STORY ALMOST A TELL-ALL: The new autobiography – ‘My Story’ - by retired Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), General Peter Cosgrove, reveals some insights into the tribulations on Russell Hill, but refrains from ‘naming names’. Cosgrove writes fluently and with considerable mirth about his highly entertaining early life and career in the armed forces, before focusing much of the book on events in East Timor, where he commanded INTERFET, and his subsequent appointments in Army and Australian Defence Force (ADF) leadership. Unfortunately, much of the latter part of the book falls to itemised accounts of various high-profile scandals, accompanied by Cosgrove’s attempts to set his side of the record straight without revealing much further information of other players to the public. [20.10.06]

RAYTHEON PREFERRED TENDERER FOR NAVY HELO: Raytheon Australia is shortly to be confirmed as preferred tenderer for the provision of several leased AgustaWestland A109 helicopters to the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Nowra-based 805 Squadron, to provide an interim ‘motivational’ training platform in place of the troubled Kaman SH-2G(AS) ‘Super Seasprite’, whose delivery under project Sea 1411 is several years behind schedule. The lease will provide the 805 Squadron workforce with an airworthy helicopter to sustain flying skills while the Government either rectifies problems with the ‘Super Seasprite’ (now mostly associated with the airframe), or launches an accelerated replacement program. [20.10.06]

DIAMLERCHRYSLER TO REVEAL NEW 6X6 G-WAGEN: German-based DiamlerChrylser is poised during next week’s DSTO Land Warfare Conference (LWC) at the Brisbane Exhibition Centre, to reveal the new 6x6 version of the Mercedes-Benz Military Vehicles ‘G-Wagen’, which has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the ADF’s Project ‘Overlander’ (Land 121, Phase 3A/3B). the ‘G-Wagen’ is part of DiamlerChrylser’ larger project tender. The legacy 4x4 ‘G-Wagen’ has a payload class of 500-2,000 kg, however, practical load carrying capability on this vehicle is limited by tray length. Mercedes-Benz has recently completed final delivery of 4x4 G-Wagens for the Canadian Forces. [20.10.06]

UNITED TECHNOLOGIES TO ACQUIRE PAGE GROUP: Hamilton Sundstrand, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp, is to acquire Sunbury (UK)-based Page Group Ltd, a leading designer and manufacturer of aerospace lighting and cockpit controls, including advanced electronically controlled LED lighting and related power systems, and warning panels – and supplier to Airbus, Boeing and a number of military customers. The Page Group is a privately held company, and employs 200 people with 2005 revenues of £23 million. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, whilst the acquisition is subject to regulatory approval. [20.10.06]

ARMOR HOLDINGS ACQUIRES SCHROTH SAFETY: US-based Armor Holdings (owners of Stewart & Stevenson and Pinzgauer) and project Land 121 (‘Overlander’) short-listed bidder, has acquired for US$28.6m, German/Florida-based Schroth Safety Products, a supplier advanced safety restraints for military vehicle and aviation platforms, as well as NASCAR/Forula 1 racing vehicles. Schroth has facilities in Arnsberg (Germany) and Pompano Beach (Florida), and is a sole-source supplier of gunner restraints for the HMMWV and the FMTV. Armour Holdings is looking via the acquisition to secure additional military vehicle and aviation platform restraint opportunities. [20.10.06]

PROJECT AIR 87 STILL ‘DEVELOPMENTAL’ SAYS FEDERAL OPPOSITION: Shadow Minister for Defence Industry, Procurement & Personnel, Mark Bishop, says the ‘Tiger’ armed reconnaissance helicopter project “faces a further $625m blow-out because (the Government) failed to check details of the winning tenderer’s submission.” Citing the findings of an earlier Auditor-General’s report, Bishop stated through life support cost estimates initially provided by Australian Aerospace were “a third cheaper than its nearest rival … yet within five years those costs had escalated by $625m because, according to the winning tender, up to 70% of the costings for the tender were guess-work. This was supposed to be an off-the-shelf purchase, but today we find this is a craft very much in developmental phase, with Australia being an initial customer, making us the guinea-pigs for the rest of the world.” [19.10.06]

GENERAL ATOMICS NORTH WEST SHELF UAV TRIALS A SUCCESS: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA‑ASI) has confirmed its completion of North West Shelf (NWS) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) trials (28 August to 25 September), organised by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) in collaboration with the ADF and Joint Offshore Protection Command (JOPC). During the 29-day trial, the General Atomics ‘Mariner’ demonstrator (a ‘Predator B’ derivative) flew over 75 hours, at altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 40,000 feet, and was equipped with a maritime surface search radar (EDO’s ‘Sea Watch’ - originally developed by ELTA as the EL/M-20221(V)3 radar), an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera system and Automatic Identification System. [19.10.06]

VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT TO SINK ‘CANBERRA’: The Victorian Government has secured the decommissioned hull of the former guided missile frigate (FFG) HMAS ‘Canberra’, to sink as a dive wreck. The Federal Government will contribute up to $2.8m toward the costs of sinking the vessel, which is likely to be south of Barwon Heads on the Bellarine Peninsula. New South Wales has similarly been offered first right to bid for another FFG, HMAS ‘Adelaide’, when she is decommissioned in late-2007. The NSW Government has indicated the preferred location for a dive site as the NSW Central Coast. Tourism projects that have previously used former RAN warships to establish dive wrecks have reported annual revenues ranging from $2.4m to $23m flowing into local communities. [19.10.06]

‘GLOBAL HAWK’ FORMAL BID FOR BAMS: Northrop Grumman has formally announced plans to compete for and successfully capture the US Navy’s Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) project, currently being competed against General Atomics and derivatives of its ‘Predator’/’Mariner’ UAV. Northrop Grumman’s BAMS unmanned air system (UAS) solution incorporates maritime capabilities into the RQ-4B ‘Global Hawk’ Block 20 air vehicle. The vision is for the successful BAMS vehicle to be able to conduct missions from a minimum number of operating bases located around the world, putting surveillance information into the hands of fleet and combatant commanders in near-real-time. The speed, range, payload and endurance of the ‘Global Hawk’ are said to be suited to provide a persistent common operational and tactical picture. [19.10.06]

‘GLOBAL HAWK’ PITCHED AS AIRBORNE COMMUNICATIONS NODE: Northrop Grumman, under two recently awarded contracts totaling US$33.5m, will continue to enhance and expand the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) – which provides a high-speed, Internet protocol (IP)-based airborne network infrastructure that supports the movement of imagery, video, voice and digital messages between disparate tactical data and IP networks, giving warfighters access to integrated, shared information and increasing collaboration. The waveforms supported include SINCGARS, demand assigned multiple access (DAMA), enhanced position location reporting system (EPLRS)/situation awareness data link (SADL), Link 16, and IP-based networking connectivity using tactical targeting network technology, tactical common data link and 802.11b waveforms. During the JEFX 2006 exercise, a BACN payload was carried a NASA's WB-57 high-altitude aircraft serving as a surrogate for a USAF RQ-4 ‘Global Hawk’ UAV. [19.10.06]

VEIL LIFTED ON JOINT PROJECT 2098 URBAN OPERATIONS PROTOTYPE: A reconfigurable Urban Operations Training Facility (UOTF) prototype - being acquired as part of the Joint Combat Training Capability (JCTC) under JP 2098 – has been demonstrated to Capability Development Executive (CDE) Chief, LtGen David Hurley, in Canberra. The UOTF utilises reconfigurable shipping containers built by Royal Wolfe in Brisbane, fitted with Cubic infrared tracking devices linked to a monitoring station which tracks and records the movements of soldiers and exercise enemies for later feedback and analysis. The final UOTF will contain around 300-350 containers, as well as larger permanent buildings in small town, all to be constructed in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SBTA) in Queensland. The UOTF is currently on target for having the facility complete for use during Exercise ‘Talisman Sabre 07’. [18.10.06]

ASIO’S WORK GROWS WITH NEW SECURITY CHALLENGES: The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation’s (ASIO) 2005/06 Annual Report says the pace and volume of its workload has increased over the past year, driven by requirements to respond to a dynamic security environment. Over the year, some 135,000 personnel security checks were undertaken, spanning: the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games; workforce IDs in the aviation and maritime sectors; and for people seeking access to ammonium nitrate. ASIO conducted 53,147 visa security assessments, recommending against the entry of 12 people assessed as posing a security risk due to alleged links to politically motivated violence, terrorism or foreign intelligence services. ASIO sought, and was granted, one warrant to question a person in relation to suspected terrorism offences during the year. ASIO is undergoing rapid growth, with the Government committing additional resources in October 2005 to grown the agency to 1,860 staff by 2010-11. [18.10.06]

URBAN UGV CHALLENGE SHORTLISTED: The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has finalised the field of participants to compete the 2007 ‘Urban Challenge’ – a step on from the former DARPA ‘Grand Challenge’ - which tasked industry and science to develop an autonomous driving Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) able to navigate difficult environments without external help. Seventy-eight team applications have been filed for a ‘Track B’ competition, and 11 short listed for ‘Track A’. Track A teams receive US$1m in technology development funding from DARPA, but compete openly in the ‘Urban Challenge’ with self-funded Track B teams, said to include: a ‘Grand Challenge NomadZ’ from Auckland (NZ); and yet unspecified Australian participants. [18.10.06]

HURT SYSTEM CONTROLS UAVS IN URBAN OPS: Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems (NGIS) have successfully demonstrated their Heterogeneous Urban RSTA (Reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition) or HURT Team networked unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control system in a live environment during a USMC exercise. HURT enables the user to view UAV surveillance data by automatically selecting and queuing UAVs based on the user request. The system automatically prioritises multiple requests and directs the most suitable UAV to the required location to acquire the surveillance data. The demonstration was funded as part of a DARPA program managed by the USAF Research Laboratory. [18.10.06]

BIG INCREASE IN SUSPECT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS: The 2005/06 Annual Report of the Australian Transactions Reports and Analysis Centre (Austrac) has reported a 44% increase in the number of suspect transaction reports recorded over the previous year, with Justice Minister Ellison citing “pro-active industry education programs (including increased communication with cash dealers), and feedback on the quality of the data reported for the increase. Austrac received over 13.8 million financial transaction reports over the year from cash dealers, solicitors and members of the public, of which 2,416,427 were regarded as ‘significant cash transactions’. [17.10.06]

BODY IN UNMARKED GRAVE MIGHT BE ‘SYDNEY’ SAILOR: Evidence collected by a Navy-led expedition appears to confirm that remains recovered from an unmarked grave on Christmas Island represent a body found off the island in February 1942, namely a sailor from HMAS ‘Sydney’ (II) lost with all hands in the course of sinking a disguised German commercial raider. The complete skeleton has been returned to Sydney for detailed analysis, and possible identification. The remains appear to have a bullet wound in the skull from a small calibre round. If confirmed as an ex-‘Sydney’ sailor, the discovery will re-open mystery surrounding the sinking of the Australian warship. [17.10.06]

RAAF C-130J ‘HERCULES’ FLEET TO BE UPGRADED: Lockheed Martin (LM) has been contracted to upgrade and enhance the capabilities of C-130J ‘Hercules’ transports flown by the RAAF, the UK, Italy and Denmark. The US$110m Block 6.1 upgrade contract covers: communications navigation surveillance/air traffic management enhanced ‘Identification Friend or Foe’ (IFF); common flight management system; takeoff & landing data update enhancements; terrain awareness warning system with both audio and visual cues; development of a PC-based Data Transfer and Diagnostics System to enhance aircraft diagnostics and health management; updated loading ramp and door hydraulics system to support high altitude airdrops; and a safe/gunbox/storage unit. USAF Air Mobility Command officials have also just declared their C-130Js to have achieved Initial Operational Capability. [17.10.06]

GOFF OUTLINES THIRD UPDATE OF KIWI DEFENCE CAPABILITY PLAN: New Zealand’s Minister for Defence, Phil Goff – speaking at the NZ Defence Industry Association’s annual forum - has outlined more than NZ$1b in spending for the country’s Defence Force’s (NZDF), as part of the third update of the military’s Long Term Development Plan (LTDP). The LTDP provides a window into ten-year forward plans for the NZDF (in a similar manner to Australia’s Defence Capability Plan), and since its first release in 2002 has seen 13 projects approved by the NZ Government for progression to acquisition; five projects approved ‘in principle’ by the Government; with 12 projects currently in their capability development phase. Tenix Defence is to launch the first of the NZ Navy’s new offshore patrol vessels, the ‘Otago’, in Melbourne on 18 November. [17.10.06]

RUMP OF CORE MILITARY UPGRADE PROJECTS NOW COMPLETED: Goff told the NZDIA that with the signing in July of a NZ$771m contract for eight NH90 helicopters to replace the ‘Iroquois’ – the single biggest NZ defence purchase since the ‘Anzac’ frigates in the 1980s – securing the new helicopters represented “the last of the core capability projects” of the initial LTDP. Seven new major projects have been included in the LTDP-3 update: a new fuel storage facility, power generation and reticulation system at the Devonport Naval Base; upgrading of the taxiways at ‘Ohakea’ Air Base; replacement of currently leased Beechcraft 200 ‘King Air’ trainers after 2008; a refit/upgrade of systems and close in protection for the two ‘Anzac’-class frigates; and investigations into sharing a satellite, to enhance NZDF communications after 2010. [17.10.06]

KIWI VCDF RECIEVES 12-MONTH JOB EXTENSION: The New Zealand Vice Chief of Defence Force (VCDF), Air Vice Marshal David Bamfield, has had his appointment extended for a further 12 month period from February 2007. Bamfield was appointed to the role of VCDF in 2004, and has served through a very demanding period of transition for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), including the loss of its fighter wing and recapitalisation of the RNZ Navy. He enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) in 1966 as a trainee navigator, and subsequently served with squadrons operating Dakotas, Bristol Freighters and Hercules transport aircraft. Subsequently, he served in a variety of staff and headquarters appointments. [17.10.06]

USAF CONSIDERS PILOTLESS U-2 SURVEILLANCE AIRCRAFT: The US Air Force (USAF) has placed on hold its retirement of the 33-strong fleet of Lockheed Martin (LM) U-2 ‘Dragonlady’ manned high altitude spy planes by 2011, due to anticipated shortfalls in the configuration of the new ‘Global Hawk’ unmanned aerial vehicle replacement. The key intelligence sensor shortfall is said to be in broad area synoptic imagery, and won’t be met by the in-service ‘Global Hawk’ fleet until 2012. Due to recent cockpit and engine upgrades to the U-2 fleet, the aircraft can be modified for unmanned operation and possibly kept in service until 2050. The USAF does not expect the U2 retirement extension to last long – only until upgraded ‘Global Hawk’ capability is more assured. [17.10.06]

BAE SYSTEMS CONTINUES ITS PUSH INTO US DEFENCE MARKET: BAE Systems (BAES) has completed its acquisition of Massachusetts-based National Sensor Systems (NSS), following receipt of regulatory approval. Via the US$8.7m cash-based acquisition, BAES will add advanced competencies in its remote sensing, photonics and laser communications technologies. NSS engineers and scientists specialise in end-to-end design and manufacture of advanced systems and enabling technologies, including precision pointing and stabilisation. The NSS business is to be integrated into BAES’ Advanced Technologies business area. [17.10.06]

BRW ‘FASTEST GROWING’ CORPORATE GONG NOETIC SOLUTIONS: Canberra-based Noetic Solutions has been named the 36th fastest growing Australian company by Business Review Weekly (BRW) in its 2006 ‘Fast 100’ listing of Small to Medium Enterprises (SME). The award coincides with the strategic planning and knowledge management consultancy’s 5th birthday celebration. Noetic has assisted with the development of over 50 doctrinal publications for the Department of Defence, provides ‘lessons learnt’ for a number of emergency management services, and developed ‘Red Teaming’ activities for Defence. Noetic has grown from two staff in 2001 to a business with 20 staff (and some 30 subcontractors), with new offices in Melbourne, Brisbane and Washington DC, and representation in the UAE, Kuwait and Singapore. [16.10.06]

LABOR CALLS FOR SUICIDE TERROR TO BE WARCRIME: The Shadow Spokesperson for Defence, Robert McClelland, has moved a Parliamentary motion calling on the Government to support the drafting and promotion of an International Convention on Suicide Terrorism. The new convention would classify suicide terrorism as a ‘crime against humanity’, and establish a suitable prosecution framework. Only 3% of terrorist attacks between 1980 and 2003 were considered reliant on suicide delivery, but they caused 48% of deaths. The motion was dismissed by the Government, which claimed current anti-terror laws were adequate. Dr Shimon Samuels, Director of International Liaison for the Simon Wisenthal Centre in Paris, was present during debate on the motion. [16.10.06]

CONTRACT TO BUILD NEW MINE ROLLER SYSTEM: The US Marine Corps (USMC) has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) a US$14m contract for 150 new mine roller systems (MRS), to be mounted at the front of wheeled vehicles, and used while driving at speed to reduce the impact of pressure-activated explosive devices. The MRS effectively pre-detonates mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) before the host vehicle passes over the explosive device. The MRS will be integrated on USMC LAV-25s, Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVRs), Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Rapid Response Vehicles (JERRV), and High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs). Deliveries will run from November 2006 to February 2007. [16.10.06]

RAYTHEON ADDS TO JOINT CARGO AIRCRAFT PARTNERSHIP: Raytheon has established a strategic partnership agreement with the USAF’s Warner Robins Air Logistics Centre (Georgia), to bring forward an organic logistics support capability for the US Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program (a precursor to phase 2 of Australia’s project Air 8000). Raytheon heads the team offering the EADS CASA C-295 platform to support combat operations of the US Army and USAF. The C-295 is combat-proven by coalition partners around the world, and is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. The strategic agreement is the second of four expected to be signe with the US Army and USAF during the coming weeks – the first was with the Letterkenny Army Depot in Pennsylvania. [16.10.06]

TANKERS NOW TOP OF USAF ACQUISITION PRIORITIES: After securing a multi-year production order for the Lockheed Martin (LM)/Boeing F-22A ‘Raptor’, and funding for first production quantities of the LM ‘Lightning II’ JSF, USAF Chief of Staff Gen Michael Moseley says securing the new KC-X airborne tanker is now the “number one procurement priority,” followed by the CSAR-X, the new combat rescue helicopter. Neither project is yet to achieve funding approval by the US Government. Coming in fourth after space-based early warning and communications satellites, is continued production of the F-35A fighter, followed by the next generation long range strike bomber. General Moseley said the replacement for the Boeing KC-135 ‘Stratotanker’ has moved up to the top position for procurement priority because of its enabling effect on all other USAF strategic capabilities. [16.10.06]

OSHKOSH BUYS UP FAST GROWING JLG INDUSTRIES: Oshkosh Truck Corporation has signed a definitive agreement to acquire (for US$3.2b), JLG Industries, said to be a global leader in aerial work platforms (boom lifts, scissor lifts and vertical mast lifts), and telehandler vehicles. Oshkosh will acquire all outstanding shares of JLG for US$28 per share. The transaction elevates Oshkosh to a $6b global specialty vehicle manufacturer, with an expanded presence in complementary markets – with JLG the largest of the company’s four business segments. Oshkosh is partnered with Thales Australia to bid the Medium/Heavy Vehicles segment of project Land 121 (Phase 3A/3B), also known as ‘Overlander’. [16.10.06]

NEW ‘TRY BEFORE YOU BUY’ SCHEME TO BOOST DEFENCE JOBS: Defence Minister Nelson has flagged a new scheme to meet ambitious Defence recruitment goals by luring school leavers intent on taking a gap year an opportunity to join the ADF for a year before pondering a follow-on 4-6 year enlistment decision. The ‘try before you buy’ recruits will not generally be required to serve overseas, nor provide any Return Of Service Obligation (ROSO) after the initial year. Dr Nelson said there was no target number, but about 1,000 places would be available in 2008, increasing in subsequent years. After their election in 1996, the Howard Government abandoned a similar ‘Ready Reserve’ recruitment scheme, structured around one years service, followed by five years part-time duty. [15.10.06]

DUTCH AUDIT CRITICAL, BUT NOT WILLING TO SINK F-35: A Netherlands’ Court of Audit report – ‘Monitoring the Procurement of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)’ - points out that development costs on the project have risen by 80% since 1996, while as much as 65% of the testing of the aircraft remains to be completed. The Court says participation in the F-35 development exposes the Netherlands to financial risk - and the final costs still cannot be calculated – but does not make a firm recommendation that the Netherlands cease to continue to be a partner in the project, or not acquire the aircraft. The Netherlands is a Level II partner in the F-35 ‘Lightning II’ project, and plans to buy 85 aircraft over 30 years. Australia is a Level III partner, with the F-35A preferred as the new air combat capability solution for project Air 6000. [15.10.06]

SAS HUNTING REGIONAL TERRORISTS IN THE PHILIPPINES?: ‘The Weekend Australian’ newspaper’s, Foreign Editor (Greg Sheridan) has written Australian special forces have been involved in joint military operations in the southern Philippines against terror groups. The campaign, said to be centred on the Abu Sayyaf stronghold of Jolo Island in Mindanao, has been running for more than two months and involves about 100 US special forces operators, 20 Australians from the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) and the Philippines armed forces. The SASR presence was initially termed in the form of training and logistics support for high-speed boat operations (tendered in June), however, the group’s mission guidelines were apparently flexible enough to allow them to engage in more direct military operations. [14.10.06]

DEFENCE SAYS NO TO PHILIPPINES OPERATIONS CLAIM: The Defence Media Liaison (DML) office has denied the ADF has been involved in counter terrorism operations in the Philippines. DML says in March this year one special forces officer observed the joint US and Philippines Exercise ‘Balikatan’ in Zamboanga, southern Philippines and over several years, the ADF has undertaken annual counter-hijack training in the Philippines. Following a deal brokered by former Defence Minister Hill, the Department of Defence is currently acquiring a fleet of high-speed, shallow-draft and highly manoeuvrable watercraft to lift a company group of the Philippines Army under the Philippines Army Watercraft Project. The boats are to be supplied in early 2007, and the contractor will provide in-service support at Mindanao. [14.10.06]

AUSTRALIA LIKELY TO JOIN DPRK INTERNATIONAL EMBARGO: The Prime Minister, John Howard, has said any Australian involvement in searching North Korean (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea – DPRK) ships - as part of the international response to their recent nuclear test - would be part of an internationally sanctioned arrangement. Australia has previously participated in several Protective Security Initiative (PSI) activities – the first on 9 September 2004 – designed to prove maritime, air and land interdiction capabilities to counter the spread of weapons of mass destruction or their precursors. The PM backed away from any military action against the DPRK preferring a “tortuous” approach via sanctions against the heavily armed (conventional and nuclear) rogue state. [13.10.06]

HURLEY FLAGS NEW EARLY INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT PLAN: Speaking at C3I ‘Defence Watch’ seminar in Canberra, the Chief of the Capability Development Executive (CDE), LtGen David Hurley, has announced a new initiative to realise ‘Kinnaird’ principles seeking the up-front involvement of industry in new Defence capability acquisition investigations. The CDE is proposing to expand the joint industry/Defence Rapid Prototyping, Development and Evaluation (RPDE) program to enable early industry engagement, and help develop initial capability statements. Such a process will facilitate industry input into projects before they are incorporated into the Defence Capability Plan (DCP). [13.10.06]

CDAF TO HAVE AN EARLY LOOK AT 2007 DCP PROPOSALS: LtGen Hurley told the C3I seminar it had taken 4½ years to realise a early engagement process, as now realised by the establishment of RPDE, due to the lack of an acceptable mechanism. In addition to the RPDE, LtGen Hurley indicated that the revamped Capability Development Advisory Forum (CDAF) – now involving industry representatives at the CEO level - will be provided with input into the preparation of the next 2007-2017 DCP. CDAF will also assess the merits of a schedule-based DCP, as an alternative to the existing format, for future provision to industry. Capping these initiatives, Hurley quipped the only further step possible for involving industry in the early development of new military capability acquisition would be to outsource his own CDE. [13.10.06]

MULWALA MODERNISATION APPROVED BY GOVERNMENT: The $300m redevelopment (over eight years) of the Commonwealth’s propellant manufacturing facility at Mulwala (NSW) has received final Government approval, and has been referred to the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration. The Mulwala factory employs around 350 people, is run by ADI Limited on behalf of the Government, and is the sole Australian manufacturer of propellant and high explosives for use in munitions. The works will cover the construction of new nitrocellulose, propellant and solvent production facilities, supporting infrastructure and ancillary systems to provide a modernised facility. Bovis Lend Lease - teamed with US munitions technology firm ATK - was selected as the preferred tenderer for the project. Subject to parliamentary clearance and the successful conclusion of negotiations, a construction contract will be signed in the first half of 2007. [13.10.06]

RED LUMINARY TO TEST ADELAIDE CBD TERROR: Australia’s security preparations for next year's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings will be tested via Exercise ‘Red Luminary’ - part of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee’s (NCTC) Exercise Program. Federal and South Australian government agencies will be involved in the Exercise testing response to a terrorist situation in the Adelaide Central Business District (CBD). ‘Red Luminary’ will practise interagency response, incident management and aspects of recovery to a terrorism incident in preparation for two APEC meetings due to be held in Adelaide next year. The Australian Government has allocated more than $68m over four years to ensure the safety and security of APEC events. [13.10.06]

DSD UPDATES ICT ADVICE FOR GOVERNMENT: The Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) has released a newly updated Evaluated Products List (EPL) to provide a definitive product reference for Australian and New Zealand Government departments and agencies to assess information and network security. The improvements to the EPL will allow the Government to make more informed decisions in selecting products to maintain information and communications technology (ICT) security. The EPL includes a current list of ICT security products that have completed Australian Government endorsed evaluation or are currently undergoing evaluation in the Australasian Information Security Evaluation Program (AISEP), which is also managed by DSD. [13.10.06]

SHORT COURSE ON DEFENCE ECONOMICS IN NOVEMBER: The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) and economics consultancy - CRA International – will jointly present a short course on Defence Economics, in Canberra, over 1-3 November. The course will be of interest to strategy, policy and acquisition personnel in defence industry, and is particularly relevant given the current review of defence-industry policy being undertaken by Dr Brendan Nelson. Speakers include: US defence economics expert, Professor Ken Flamm; ASPI’s Mark Thomson; and Dr Henry Ergas from CRA International. [13.10.06]

NEW ZEALAND RFTS FOR NEW HELICOPTER: The New Zealand Ministry of Defence has released a Request for Tender (RFT) to acquire a new Training/Light Utility Helicopter (T/LUH). In addition to its principal ‘ab-initio’ and advanced helicopter pilot training, ‘qualified helicopter instructor’ training and related crewman training roles, the new T/LUH will also be required to support the new RNZDF’s new NH90 helicopters – which are also in the course of acquisition - in the conduct of counter-terrorist or police operations. The T/LUH specification is for a twin-engined FADEC helicopter with retractable-wheeled undercarriage in the 3-tonne class. The RFT also seeks to acquire a Flight Training Device and appropriate integrated logistics support. [13.10.06]

SINGLE GENERAL ATOMICS I-GNAT PASSES 5,000 HOURS: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA‑ASI) has announced that AI-001 - the first Army I-GNAT Extended Range (ER) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) produced for the US Army - has recently passed 5,000 flight hours. This aircraft, initially deployed in March 2004, has been involved in continuous operations and achieved this major milestone on its 428th combat mission. The Army I-GNAT ER, a derivative of the combat-proven ‘Predator’, has achieved the highest full-mission capability rate of any operational US Army UAS. All Army I-GNAT ER UAS are fully contractor-supported, and fielded aircraft operate with satellite communications (SATCOM) control to allow for beyond line-of-sight operation. [13.10.06]

BOEING BEGINS TESTING OF ADVANCED CONCEPT GUNSHIP LASER: Boeing has begun flight-testing for the Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) program and has generated ‘first light’ from the ATL's high-energy chemical laser in ground tests. During ‘low-power’ flight tests the ATL will find and track ground targets with a low-power, solid-state laser serving as a surrogate for its high-power chemical laser. The ATL system is being designed to destroy, damage or disable targets with scaleable effects and little to no collateral damage, supporting missions on the battlefield and in urban operations. Then acquisition of a persistent C-130-based gunship capability has been a consistent item on the ADF’s Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) wishlist. [13.10.06]

EADS BUYS ALL OF AIRBUS AMIDST A380 WOES: The European Aeronautic Defence & Space (EADS) company is to acquire all of BAE Systems’ 20% stake in Airbus for €2.75 billion in cash, thus becoming the sole owner of Airbus. The sale value was determined by an independent expert during a ‘put option’ process initiated by BAE Systems in June. Airbus management has recently gone through a period of stress following revelations of major technical issues with the new A380 airliner program, which saw a recovery program proposed by then Airbus Chief Executive, Christian Streiff, dumped by political leaders and resulting in his resignation from the company. EADS co-CEO, Louis Gallois, has since been named to run the company, and immediately prepare another restructuring plan. [13.10.06]

EADS TURBULENCE LEADS TO GOVERNMENT BUY-UPS: The German government will take a direct stake in EADS to safeguard Airbus jobs in Germany - describing the move as a “patriotic duty” to stop control slipping away to France, Spain and Russia – by buying a block of DaimlerChrysler's 22.5% holding using funds from both the State bank KfW and the City of Hamburg. The intervention came after plans to stop work on the A380 in (Hamburg) that lead to the resignation of the German Airbus Chief Executive Christian Streiff, and increasing Russian encroachment onto the EADS share register. Russian President Vladimir Putin had floated plans to gain a ‘blocking minority’ of shares and a Kremlin seat on the EADS board. The Russian state-bank VTB quietly acquired 5% of EADS stock this year. France has upped its holding from 15 to 17.3% through purchases by the state-owned Caisse des Depots. The Spanish government also aims to boost its stake from 5 to 10%. [13.10.06]

TREASURER THALES OK TO BUY FULL ADI LIMITED CONTROL: The Treasurer, Peter Costello, has issued a statement which raises “no objection under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975” to the 4 March proposed acquisition by Thales Australia Holdings (TAH) Pty Limited of the remaining 50% of ADI Limited from Transfield Holdings. TAH has committed itself to observe national security obligations through an overarching deed agreement with the Department of Defence. The ADI acquisition will strengthen the French-based Thales Group’s market offering in Australia, particularly in naval and land systems. The 100% TAH-owned ADI will now trade as Thales Australia, with the ADI brand expected to disappear except in the supply of ammunition to the American sporting shooter market. [12.10.06]

ADI LIMITED CALLED BEFORE PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY: The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has called executives from ADI Limited to give evidence and respond to questioning for the Committee’s inquiry into Defence and DMO financial reporting and equipment acquisition. The company – which will shortly lodge a joint tender with French-based DCN for two new Navy amphibious ships (JP 2048), was principally called to explain delays in project Sea 1390, the upgrade of six (reduced to four) guided missile frigates (FFGs). The Joint Committee will also call Australian Aerospace (a Eurocopter subsidiary) to the inquiry on 19 October to answer questions on the project Air 87 Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) project. [12.10.06]

JP 2030 SECOND PASS FOR NEW C2 TOOL: The Government has given ‘second pass’ approval to phase 8 of Joint Project 2030, designed to improve Defence’s ability to plan and conduct joint operations at the strategic and operational levels. Under the $250-350m acquisition, advanced computer applications and tools will be deployed to aid in military planning and decision-making. The new software based systems are being designed to work over existing Defence networks, as well as the IT infrastructure being delivered for the new Headquarters Joint Operations Command (JP 8001). An open tender will be released shortly for the project. [12.10.06]

HNA C2 SYSTEMS ALSO RECEIVES SECOND PASS: The Government has also approved phase 3.4 of project Land 75 ($75-100m), and phase 3 of Land 125 ($100-125m – Command, Control and Communications component), which are being advanced together to extend the reach of existing Army Command and Control (C2) systems down to individual armoured vehicles and infantry soldiers. The idea is to provide commanders with facilities for faster and more informed decision-making because they have a more accurate overview of operations. A tender for the Land 75/125 projects is expected later in the year. Boeing Australia (teamed with Israeli firm Elbit) and Saab Australia (teamed with Tenix, ADI and Northrop Grumman Mission Systems) have expressed interest in bidding for these projects. [12.10.06]

PROBLEMS WITH DEFENCE FORCE RECRUITING LEADS TO HOTLINE: Concerns with lengthy delays and the rejection of suitable applicants by the currently outsourced Defence Force Recruiting system has lead Defence Minister Nelson to establish an independent hotline. Views and opinions expressed to the new number - 1800 032 083 - will be forwarded for appropriate action within the Department of Defence, with the Minister’s office monitoring responses and the resolution of any issues raised. The new feedback hotline initiative is part of the ongoing review of Defence Force Recruiting, and according to Dr Nelson, reflects his determination to enhance the service provided to the public from the ADF recruiting process. [12.10.06]

ROLLS-ROYCE CHOSEN AND FUNDED FOR FUTURE FIGHTERS: Dassault Aviation - the prime contractor of the European ‘nEUROn’ unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) demonstrator program, has ordered two Rolls Royce/Turbomeca Adour Mk 951 turbofan engines and associated support to power the new UCAV. In a related development, the General Electric/Rolls-Royce alternate F136 engine for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) has received US$340m in funding from the FY’07 US Defence Appropriations Bill. The funding confirms the F136’s place in the F-35’s Production, Sustainment and Follow on Development (PSFD) stage after being temporary removed by the US Government. General Electric and Rolls-Royce have signed F136 agreements with Avio of Italy, TEI of Turkey, DutchAero of the Netherlands and Canada’s National Research Council (NRC) Institute. [12.10.06]

‘AEGIS’ OPEN ARCHITECTURE TO RUN ON JAVA: Lockheed Martin has selected the ‘Aonix’ PERC ‘Ultra’ Virtual Machine (VM) for support of its ‘Aegis’ combat system Open Architecture (OA) program, to provide deterministic, real-time performance and high productivity development. PERC technologies for embedded Java developers was selected for several critical subsystems due to its superior tool and library support along with its superior productivity and portability. However, because traditional Java offerings could not meet the challenge of the critical timing requirements for the ‘Aegis’ – and in addition to real-time threading and deterministic garbage collection - PERC ‘Ultra’ provided the instrumentation and VM management tools necessary to support the mission-critical real-time requirements of ‘Aegis’. ‘Aegis’ Baseline 8.0 has been ordered for the Sea 4000 air warfare destroyer, and is to be delivered in a fully OA compliant version. [12.10.06]

LOCKHEED MARTIN DIVESTS RUSSIAN ROCKETS: Lockheed Martin (LM) has completed the sale of its interests in Lockheed Khrunichev Energia International Inc (LKEI), and ILS International Launch Services Inc (ILS) to Space Transport Inc. The two companies had provided sales, marketing and mission management support for launches of both the LM-built Atlas and Khrunichev-built Proton and Angara rockets to commercial customers. The sale was originally announced on 7 September and the terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. LM retains all rights related to marketing the commercial Atlas vehicle and is continuing to offer Atlas launch services to the world-wide commercial market through its subsidiary, LM Commercial Launch Services Inc (LMCLS). ILS will continue to market the Russian-built Proton and Angara launch vehicles to commercial clients. [12.10.06]

THALES LAUNCHES INDIVIDUAL IED ECM: Thales has released information on a new Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Electronics Counter-Measures (ECM) unit sized to provide protection to an individual. No bigger than many personal radio systems, it can be worn in a pouch or pocket, or clipped to webbing. The new IED ECM has the advantage of allowing users to move away from the restricted field of operation immediately surrounding an ECM equipped vehicle or the ECM member of a foot patrol. The individual is now able to move freely, taking their IED protection with them. IED ECM’s - also known as ‘squiggly amps’ - jam radio or mobile phone commands used to detonate IEDs. The programmable ECM unit can address multiple simultaneous threats across a wide frequency range, and is interoperable with conventional communications and other ECM equipment. [12.10.06]

NEW BILL FOR BORDER BIOMETRIC BOOST: The Government has introduced into Parliament a new Border Integrity Bill, said to be designed to strengthen Australian border protection arrangements and prepare the way for enhanced security processing using biometrics. The legislation will allow for the introduction of an automated border process known as ‘SmartGate’, which will begin operating in selected Australian international airports from early-2007. The ‘SmartGate’ system will allow passengers with selected biometric e-passports to be processed using a specially designed kiosk to improve the efficiency of passenger processing and enable Australia to cope with increased passenger volumes. [11.10.06]

EXERCISE ‘DUGONG’ PROBES FOR MINES OFF THE SBTA: The RAN’s annual mine warfare activity - Exercise ‘Dugong’ - will run over the next three weeks predominantly in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SBTA) and the Port of Gladstone, with mine warfare training occurring in Broken Bay and the Port of Newcastle. The exercise involves three ‘Huon’-class coastal mine hunters, a Landing Craft Heavy, and Clearance Diving Teams 1 and 4. The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) will also participate with their Operational Dive Team, and HMNZS ‘Manawanui’. The principle role of the ADF’s minehunting capability is to keep Australia’s maritime trade focal points free from the threat of mines. [11.10.06]

NORTHROP GRUMMAN SETS SIGHTS ON CANBERRA: At an event hosted by Canberra-based CEA Technologies (CEA-T), US-based Northrop Grumman (a shareholder in CEA-T) has presented the Australian War Memorial with a rare World War II ‘Norden’ bombsight, one of only three held by the original bombsight manufacturer. The presentation comes as Northrop Grumman is deliver its initial project Air 5376 ‘Litening AT’ targeting pods for the RAAF’s F/A-18A ‘Hornet’ tactical fighters. Northrop Grumman and CEA-T used the presentation to update Defence and industry on their strategic relationship, which is expanding from naval radars to land and aerospace opportunities. The US company has two seats on CEA-T’s board. [11.10.06]

L-3 TO PROVIDE INTEGRATED BRIDGE FOR DDG-1000: L-3 Communications’ Marine Systems (L-3 Marine Systems) division has been awarded a contract from Raytheon to provide its Component Integrated Bridge (CINB) system for the DDG-1000 (formerly DDX). The value of the contract is potentially US$18m, with L-3 Marine Systems designing, developing and integrating an open architecture Integrated Bridge System (IBS) component that supports automated and safe navigation of the DDG-1000, including Electronic Charting Display and Information Systems-Navy (ECDIS-N), voyage planning, integrated navigational picture, collision and mine avoidance and ship manoeuvring control. The CINB design supports international standards for one-man operations to support reduced manning requirements, similar to those of Australia’s project Sea 4000 AWDs. [11.10.06]

F135 ENGINE ACHIEVES 6,000 HOURS OF GROUND TESTING: Pratt & Whitney says its F135 engine program has achieved more than 6,000 hours of SDD ground testing, and is on schedule to support first flight of the F-35A ‘Lightning II’ fighter under consideration for project Air 6000. The 6,000 SDD hours are calculated in addition to the more than 3,600 hours accumulated during the concept demonstration phase of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Most recently, the F-35 completed its first series of F135 engine runs culminating in a full after-burner test with 40,000 pounds of thrust. The F135 engine is an evolution of the highly successful F119 engine for the Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22A ‘Raptor’. Together, it is estimated the F135 and F119 engines will have logged approximately one million flight hours before the F-35’s introduction into operational service in 2012. [11.10.06]

F-35 FIRST FLIGHT MUST BE VIABLE NOT ‘BARNSTORMING’: Brigadier General Charles Davis USAF, and Program Executive Officer (PEO) for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program Office (F-35 PO), has told media in a project Air 6000 roundtable in Canberra that the first F-35A was currently undergoing pre-flight safety and instrumentation preparations, for a first flight due around November/December 2006 – now delayed from the planned six week window first centered on September. Davis said the F-35A had a habit of doing things late, but better than expected. The F-35 PO added he had directed Lockheed Martin to conduct the first flight when it was ‘viable for the development program’ (ie: it could then continue flying the next day as part of scheduled testing), and not as just a ‘one off’ to achieve a politically expedient arbitrary deadline. [10.10.06]

EARLY F-35 COSTS TO BE OFFSET AGAINST LEGACY SUSTAINMENT: The Director General New Air Combat Capability (NACC), Air Commodore John Harvey, has told media that the merits of buying the first tranche of Australian F-35s under phase 2A/2B of project Air 6000 from within earlier production lots than planned to meet the required 2012 entry into service date - if the US Congress delays their own F-35 orders - would be decided in relation to the cost of retaining legacy aircraft in service. He argued that taking into account extending the service times of current aircraft could defray the additional cost of buying the more expensive earlier lot F-35s, before economies are achieved through the ‘ramping up’ of production. Others have argued that concerns about delays leading to increased cost for F-35s meeting the Australian timetable, is a weighty argument in favour of an interim buy of an existing aircraft, which is able to stay in service longer with more capability assurance than the currently-being-upgraded F/A-18 A/B ‘Hornets’. [10.10.06]

F-22 STILL NOT THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR RAAF SAYS DCAF: The Deputy Chief of Air Force (CAF), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) John Blackburn, has responded to commentary in favour of Australia acquiring the larger F-22A ‘Raptor’ fighter in place of the F-35A JSF under project Air 6000, that the F-22A has not been cleared for export by US authorities, and that while “highly capable, has a narrow capability”. AVM Blackburn said that information provided to Australia had indicated the F-22As cost would be at least twice that of F-35A. BrigGen Davis added to Blackburn’s comments advising that even the most economical F-22A (ie: those built at the end of its 180 strong USAF order), would still be more expensive than the first F-35A production units – the most expensive. [10.10.06]

UP-GUNNED F-35 SET TO MATCH THE F-22s PUNCH: BrigGen Davis USAF (F-35 Project Office) has told a Canberra media roundtable that the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) had been designed to complete all USAF F-22A ‘Raptor’ missions, as well as more complex types of strike missions not required of the F-22A. In air-to -air missions, Davis says two F-35As may be needed for each F-22A to successfully complete some missions, noting F-22As carried up to eight air-to-air missiles internally (six AIM-120C AMRAAM/two AIM-9X ‘Sidewinder’), while the F-35A can carry only carry four (either AIM-120C AMRAAM and/or AIM-132 ASRAAM). F-22As therefore had an advantage in air-to-air combat against larger formations of enemy aircraft, called 2-V-4 and 4-V-8 (two against four and four against eight), however, the F-35As internal carriage weapons bays have volume to carry more than four missiles, with studies underway to develop a new rack to carry additional weapons. [10.10.06]

PROJECT OFFICE CHIEF REJECTS F-35 UCAV VISION: BrigGen Davis went on to rejected suggestions aired at the recent Farnborough Air show that the F-35 PO was in talks with Lockheed Martin to develop an unmanned version of the F-35. He said taking the pilot out of modern fighter aircraft was relatively easy, but would limit mission flexibility and would not result in the level of performance advantages that would be possible from a purpose designed UCAV. The RAAF’s acquisition of a UCAV remains a strong possibility under phase 2C of project Air 6000 in place of the final 20-30 F-35s, given changed wording in the 2006 DCP (a decision is due in the mid-2010s). UCAVs for the RAAF are being investigated by an office under the Director General of Aerospace Development, not the Director General New Air Combat Capability who only has a focus on manned platforms. [10.10.06]

NACC ARRIVAL TO SPELL END OF FAR NORTH FIGHTER BASING: The Deputy Chief of Air Force, AVM John Blackburn, has indicated that the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is reassessing the principal locations for fighter squadron basing, and considering re-tasking RAAF Base ‘Tindal’ in Katherine, NT as a major operational and training location for the new F-35 fleet, but not permanently basing a squadron there. Currently No. 75 Squadron equipped with 16 F/A-18A ‘Hornets’ is based at Tindal, however the RAAF is struggling to contain family friendly basing issues that are hampering retention. Given a final decision is not expected until 2008-10, AVM Blackburn said that any such relocation would not close the base, and it would continue to remain highly active. [10.10.06]

INITIAL RAAF C-17 PREPARED FOR FIRST FLIGHT: The first Boeing C-17A ‘Globemaster III’ destined for RAAF service has rolled out of the company’s paint hangar in Long Beach (California) and has begun preparations for its first flight, scheduled for late-October. Other than the aircraft's RAAF markings, the new C-17 is identical to other USAF ‘Block 17’ C-17As that Boeing is now manufacturing. The new Block 17 capabilities feature upgrades to the aircraft's combat lighting, formation flying capability and flight control software. The Australian government signed a Letter of Agreement less than five months ago with the US to acquire the four C-17s. Boeing says they are on track to deliver the first C-17 on 28 November, and a ‘welcome party’ has been scheduled at Canberra Airport for 4 December. The second Australian C-17 is scheduled for delivery in 2007, and the final two aircraft will be delivered in 2008. [10.10.06]

INMEDIUS ENTERS AUSTRALIAN MARKET VIA NOVARE: US-based Inmedius has signed an agreement with Brisbane-headquartered Novare - a professional engineering and logistics organisation founded on expertise in Explosive Ordnance and Weapon Systems – to distribute Inmedius product in Australia, beginning with the end-to-end COTS S1000D Publishing Suit as a core application. Novare claims to be unique in its proficiency in the authoring, production and management of documentation and Data Modules (DM) within S1000D systems, as well as having expertise in the development and implementation of Standard Numbering Systems (SNS) within defence environments. ASD S1000D is an international specification for the procurement and production of technical publications for aerospace and defence applications. [10.10.06]

RAYTHEON DELIVER FIRST PRODUCTION ‘EXCALIBUR’ ROUND: The Raytheon Missile Systems and BAE Systems Bofors ‘Excalibur’ team has delivered the first production M982 ‘Excalibur’ GPS-guided 155 mm artillery rounds to the US Army, paving the way for the next series of testing required to field the weapon in theatre early-2007. The delivery of these ‘Excalibur’ rounds marks the transition of development testing to production testing and user verification. Following the successful completion of acceptance testing and limited user testing, the US Army will determine if the rounds are ready for deployment in ongoing operations world-wide. These projectiles are the initial deliveries from the fiscal year 2005 contract. Deliveries from the fiscal year 2006 contract will begin in March 2007. All tendered Land 17 artillery systems will be required to be compatible with ‘Excalibur’. [10.10.06]

SENATE HEARING FINDS FLAWS IN MILITARY COURT BILL: A Senate Committee reviewing the Defence Amendment Legislation Bill has heard expert opinion on flaws in the new bill. Provision for majority verdicts of four-two and fixed-term judicial appointments are just two suspect clauses according to evidence given by senior military, legal and judicial officers. Shadow Minister for Defence Industry, Procurement and Personnel, Senator Mark Bishop, said the powers of the proposed court were more akin to a tribunal, since it lacked a civil court’s protection of rights. Senator Bishop said instead of designing the world’s best military justice system, the Government has presented Parliament with a two-tiered approach to justice, with lower standards for serving personnel. The inquiry was told an average 60 cases a year were dealt with by the current courts martial system, with a handful of those relating to serious offences. [09.10.06]

MANTECH BUILDS INTELLIGENCE VIA GRS SOLUTIONS ACQUISITION: ManTech International Corporation has completed the acquisition (terms not disclosed) of Falls Church (Virginia)-based GRS Solutions, a provider of specialised technical, operational and analytical services for intelligence purposes. Founded in 1998, GRS is a privately held and highly-specialised company providing innovative analysis, technical management, program development and implementation services supporting the counter terrorism/counter intelligence community. Over 90% of GRS employees have high-level security clearances and the company generated annual revenues in excess of US$10 million for its fiscal year ended 30 September 2006. [09.10.06]

FIRST HYBRID MANNED/UNMANNED HELO FLYS: Boeing has flown for the first time its newly-designed hybrid manned or unmanned A/MH-6X light-turbine helicopter, marking a significant milestone in the continuing development of the versatile manned/unmanned military aircraft. The aircraft combines the proven performance of the A/MH-6M Mission Enhanced ‘Little Bird’ (MELB) with the unmanned aerial vehicle technologies of the Unmanned ‘Little Bird’ (ULB) demonstrator, a modified MD 530F civil helicopter that has been in development since 2004. First flight on 20 September was in the piloted configuration, while future testing will expand the manned and unmanned envelopes. Total payload is expected to be around 1,545kg (3,400 lbs) in addition to the unmanned hardware. [09.10.06]

‘PREDATOR’ B WINS NEW HOMELAND SECURITY ORDER: General Atomics‑ASI has received a US$33.9m contract from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Air and Marine, to provide two additional ‘Predator B’ unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to bring their total fleet to four. Scheduled to be delivered in late-2007, each of the new aircraft will be equipped with an EO/IR camera system, ‘Lynx’ SAR/GMTI radar, Ground Control Station (GCS), support equipment and logistics support. The UAS will be operated in support of CBP border domain awareness in the American southwest. Over the course of a recent seven-month operation along the southwest border, CBP’s first ‘Predator B’ accumulated nearly 1,000 flight hours and was used to detect, track and document illegal crossings, drug trafficking and potential terrorist activity, as well as to coordinate apprehensions. [09.10.06]

MALAYSIAN HOMEGROWN UAS TO ENTER SERVICE 2007: Malaysia’s first unmanned aerial system (UAS) surveillance aircraft is expected to enter service next year, if current trials are successful. Composite Technology Resource Malaysia (CTRM), a consortium of three Malaysian companies, is undertaking development of the new UAS, which is planned to perform 24-hour surveillance missions. The Malaysian armed forces have indicated they will purchase several of the systems to provide a sustainable anti-piracy surveillance mission. [09.10.06]

RTM JOINT VENTURE EXTENDED AFTER 40 YEARS: Rolls-Royce and Turbomeca (Safran Group) report they have extended their 40-year ‘RTM’ engine joint venture - Europe’s longest-running aerospace joint venture - by renewing their collaboration agreement. Australia most recently selected the RTM322 turboshaft engine to power its new MRH-90 helicopter fleet being acquired under phases 2/4 of project Air 9000. The RTM322 has been selected by over 90% international purchasers of NH90s, and also as an engine option on the AgustaWestland EH101 ‘Merlin’ and Boeing AH-64D ‘Apache’. Around 1,600 RTM322 engines, including orders and options, have been announced for NH90, AH-64 Apache and EH101 helicopters. Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca cooperation began in May 1965, with development of the ‘Adour’ engine that powers the RAAF’s Hawk 127 Lead In Fighter Trainer (LIFT). [09.10.06]

DEFENCE PERSONNEL TO LEAVE FAMILIES BEHIND: A new geographical stability program for ADF members will provide them with an option of leaving their family in an established location when they are relocated to a new posting. To help overcome difficulties associated with family separation, ADF members will receive a comprehensive ‘conditions of service’ package that includes funding for accommodation or rent and meals assistance, and up to six family reunion visits a year. According to the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Bruce Billson, the new initiative is to mitigate the impact of frequent relocation on military personnel and their families. The Family Stability Initiative will be introduced before the 2006/07 end of year posting cycle in place of legacy policy and administrative limitations for unaccompanied postings. [09.10.06]

LABOR SAYS GOVERNMENT STILL FAILING ON RETENTION: Shadow Defence Minister, Robert McClelland, has said the Howard Government has failed to properly address the ADF’s recruitment and retention crisis, given staffing levels have come in 1,000 people below the target set in the 2000 Defence White Paper. McClelland says staffing levels will only get worse with the demographic squeeze hitting Australia, and causing demand for young, talented individuals to increase. In a speech to the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), McClelland said it was time to empower senior defence officials to review the remuneration packages of those who are contemplating leaving the ADF, adding more work was needed to ensure talented individuals retained their membership of reserve forces when they left the permanent service. [09.10.06]

HEARINGS TO BEGIN ON AUSTRALIA’s RELATIONS WITH MALAYSIA: Hearings will start today in Canberra for the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade’s (Foreign Affairs Sub Committee) new inquiry into Australia’s relations with Malaysia. Noting evidence due to be given by the Department of Defence, Sub Committee Chair, David Jull, said “Australia has strong defence links through the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) which involve the UK, NZ, Singapore and Malaysia. The Committee will question Defence on the value of the agreement in an era when terrorism and people smuggling have become important issues.” [09.10.06]

REPORT LOOKS INTO RISKS & BENEFITS OF PROJECT SEA 4000: Looking behind the MOTS/COTS cloud hanging over the Navy’s current air warfare destroyer evaluation, a new issue of Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) magazine has examined in depth a range of value for money criteria underpinning the attractiveness of Navantia’s ‘existing’ F-100 warship design, as compared to the ‘evolved’ AWD design recently unveiled by Gibbs & Cox. ADBR comments extensively on the technology cycle affecting both ships, especially as it relates to transformational naval warfare capabilities currently under development via the US Navy’s DDG-1000 (‘Zumwalt’-class) destroyer program. Email busicom@ozemail.com.au to request a sample copy of this story. [08.10.06]

ASC RELEASES STATEMENT OF CORPORATE INTENT: With the Minister for Finance & Administration, Senator Nick Minchin, having confirmed 16 August the Government’s decision to defer the sale of ASC Pty Ltd to a period commencing in late-2007 (ie: after the next Federal election) and concluding in the second half of 2008, the Directors of ASC have proceeded to prepare a ‘Statement of Corporate Intent’ spanning the period 2006-2009. First in the list of overarching corporate objectives is, “to further develop the world-class skills established within Australia for the design and construction of the ‘Collins’-class submarines, and apply them for the effective maintenance and upgrade of the class.” [08.10.06]

AWD BUILDER PITCHING FOR FAIR RETURNS & 60% DIVIDEND: The balance of ASC’s overarching corporate objectives include: “secure work-share in the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) program; build on the company’s high-end skills to undertake other major defence design, construction and through-life support projects; sustain itself as a national repository of engineering capability and excellence; create a long-term viable Australian business that is responsive to the needs of its customer, provides value for money, is attractive to investors and is an employer of choice; and ensure these objectives are met in a manner that will facilitate the timely privatisation of the company.” [08.10.06]

‘ARMIDALE’-CLASS PATROL BOATS RETURNING TO SERVICE: The Navy says it has now identified the cause of a fuel atomisation problem in its new ‘Armidale’-class patrol boats, which saw the whole fleet of seven ships recalled to base. Water contamination was discovered in the fuel systems of three vessels, leading to failure of the fuel pumps. The cause of the water contamination remains under investigation in these ships, which will subsequently have to undergo engine/fuel system repairs. The four unaffected ships will be progressively released back to normal operations once system checks have been completed, with the first boat likely to resume operations this weekend. In a separate ceremony in Darwin, the ‘Fremantle’-class patrol boat, HMAS ‘Geraldton’ was decommissioned, bringing to eleven the number of ships now withdrawn from service. [07.10.06]

SHORT COURSE ON DEFENCE ECONOMICS IN NOVEMBER: The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) and economics consultancy - CRA International – will jointly present a short course on Defence Economics, in Canberra, over 1-3 November. The course will be of interest to strategy, policy and acquisition personnel in defence industry, and is particularly relevant given the current review of defence-industry policy being undertaken by Dr Brendan Nelson. Speakers include: US defence economics expert, Professor Ken Flamm; ASPI’s Mark Thomson; and Dr Henry Ergas from CRA International. Surf http://mailroom.itsinthemail.com.au/crai/crai_course_defence_economics_2006.html for program details. Email msydney@crai.com.au or telephone +61 (0)409 910 840 for registration. [06.10.06]

CALL FOR PAPERS FOR SIMTECT 2007 IN BRISBANE: Organisers of the annual Simulation Technology and Training (SimTecT) conference, to be held from 4-7 June 2007 in Brisbane, have called for papers, to subsequently be presented at the conference. Suggested focus areas for respective SimTect 2007 papers include: Defence, Command & Control, Network Centric Warfare; Transportation, Aerospace, Civil Aviation; Homeland Security; Mining/Construction; Human Factors/Health; Serious Games. Key submission dates include: Last date for abstracts (refereed papers) – 24/11, (non refereed papers) – 19/1/07; Last date for refereed papers submission – 19/1/07; Last date for all paper submissions – 6/4/07. Surf www.simtect.com for further details. [06.10.06]

HURLEY & GUMLEY TO TALK ON DEFENCE CAPABILITY/STRATEGY LINKS: Four months after the formal launch of the 2006-2016 Defence Capability Plan (DCP), the Head of the Defence Capability Group, LtGen David Hurley, and the CEO of the DMO, Dr Stephen Gumley, are to speak at a C3I Defence Watch seminar, to be held at the National Press Club in Canberra on 13 October 2006. LtGen Hurley will discuss links between the 2005 Defence Strategic Update (DU’05) and the 2006-2016 DCP, as well as initiatives to include industry input into the DCP development process. Dr Gumley will provide an update on DMO efforts to meet scale and complexity challenges from the DCPs expanded portfolio of projects. Surf www.c3i.com.au/CapabilityRegForm2006.pdf for details. [06.10.06]

BLIGH CUTS ALLIANCE WITH VIKING FOR NAVAL SHIPBUILDING: Queensland Treasurer (and Acting Premier), Anna Bligh, has signed an alliance with Viking Industries to provide access to its Hemmant site to pitch Queensland for large-scale metal structures fabrication work related to Department of Defence naval shipbuilding projects. Blight estimates the state could benefit by up to $550m by winning contracts to build modules for the project Sea 4000 air warfare destroyers, and the Joint Project 2048 amphibious ships. A common user facility is now to be established on two kilometres of riverfront land owned by Viking Industries with financial assistance from the Queensland State Government. [06.10.06]

NELSON WADES BACK INTO THE EDUCATION DEBATE: Following statements by the Education Minister, Julie Bishop, regarding the need to put into place a national education curriculum across Australia, Defence Minister Nelson has said, “for too long, Defence families have paid a cruel and high price for inconsistency across the various state education systems. There are around 23,000 children of Defence Force members, and many of these children experience multiple moves before they have finished their schooling. Moving interstate can be difficult enough for a family, without them (also) having to adjust to very different school curricula. Families who move interstate can often be forgiven for thinking they are moving to a different country when it comes to their children’s education.” [06.10.06]

NAVY & CUSTOMS IN MANILA FOR MARITIME SECURITY: Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Australian Customs Service personnel have visited the Philippines this week to participate in the ‘Lumbas’ activity, a biennial maritime training activity undertaken with the Philippine Navy and also (for the first time) the Philippine Coast Guard. Australia and the Philippines are said by officials to be “working closely together to address the maritime security concerns of the Philippines, with both countries facing similar issues, including: lengthy coastlines; and the challenges of inter-agency coordination of maritime security.” HMA Ships ‘Darwin’ and ‘Newcastle’ also visited Manila for the purposes of the training activity. [06.10.06]

METAL STORM FIRES 40MM FROM VTOL UNMANNED HELICOPTER: Brisbane-based Metal Storm has confirmed that it conducted in late-September a live firing of its 40mm weapon system installed on a Dragonfly Pictures Inc’s DP-5X prototype Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The flight demonstrations, conducted at the ‘Warren Grove’ ANG Bombing Range New Jersey (under a DARPA contracted activity) included firing from the hover position at various altitudes, as well as forward flight ‘strafing’ runs. The live fires utilised Metal Storm's GE40/40mm grenade launcher, FC440 remotely operated fire control unit, and MK16-KE 40mm kinetic energy projectiles. [06.10.06]

NAVY LOOKING FOR SMALLER SUBMARINE RESCUE VEHICLE: The ‘Australian’ newspaper has reported that the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is looking for a new small remotely-operated vehicle (ROV), most probably air deployable, to form the first line of response to difficulties at sea encountered by the Navy’s ‘Collins’-class submarine fleet. The RAN’s current submarine rescue response is provided by the 16.5t ‘Remora’ (built by ASC), which is designed to attach itself to a stricken submarine and bring survivors to the surface, six at a time. The Navy now reportedly says it wants a much more quickly deployable asset than the ‘Remora’, hence the new requirement for a ROV to bridge the gap until the larger rescue vessel can be shipped to the scene. The RAN practices submarine rescues via the annual ‘Black Carillon’ exercise, the first of which was held in June 1998 off Port Lincoln in South Australia. [06.10.06]

McCLELLAND HITS INTO DEFENCE RECRUITMENT ISSUES: Addressing the Australian Institute of International Affairs in Brisbane, the Opposition spokesperson for Defence, Robert McClelland, has called on the Government to offer more variety and higher salaries to help attract and retain military staff. According to McClelland, “the current defence workforce strategy does not allow for the sort of flexibility and mobility of employment which is sought by younger Australians.” McClelland added, “the ADF may need to have regard to comparable rates in the private sector with a view to formulating a remuneration package that recognises serving members’ particular skills, including the total cost to the military of replacing those skills.” [05.10.06]

USAF NOMINATES JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER LOCATIONS: US Air Force officials have confirmed plans to begin up to two years of environmental analyses for proposed locations of its new F-35A ‘Lightning II’ fighter, with initial sites to include: ‘Eglin’ Air Force Base (Florida) - for primary maintenance and flight training; ‘Nellis’ AFB (Nevada) and ‘Edwards’ AFB (California) - for flight-testing; and ‘Hill’ AFB (Utah), ‘Kadena’ Air Base (Japan), and ‘Shaw’ AFB/’McEntire’ Air National Guard Base (South Carolina) - for operational squadrons. Both stateside operational bases will combine active duty and Reserve Component personnel to maximize flexibility and combat capability. The USAF says it is expecting to start taking delivery of F-35As in 2009, with planned deliveries continuing beyond 2025. [05.10.06]

NORTHROP GRUMMAN DELIVERS FINAL F-35 TEST SOFTWARE: Northrop Grumman Corporation reports it has delivered its final baseline software development test station for the ‘Lightning II’ fighter aircraft. The test stations are being used to ensure that various aircraft mission systems components - from the radar system to the communications, navigation, and identification system to the aperture system to all of the mission integration software executing on the integrated core processor - operate as intended in a representative environment, and before they are delivered to the Mission Systems Integration Laboratory (MSIL) for full system integration. The stations also serve as major components of the MSIL test lines. [05.10.06]

SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICES TENDER FOR DMOSS PANEL: The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has issued a supplementary Request for Tender (RFT) for its November 2005-created Support Services (DMOSS) panel. The supplementary RFT spans four areas of professional services: Project Support (existing Discipline); Information & Communications Technology; Publication Authoring and Technical Writing; and Platform Engineering (existing Discipline). An initial industry briefing will be held in Canberra on 9 October, with supplementary briefings in Sydney (10/10), and Melbourne (11/10). Tenders are due to be lodged by 12.00pm, on 30 October 2006. [04.10.06]

DCN HALF YEAR RESULTS CONSISTENT WITH PROJECTIONS: Reporting on consolidated sales for the first half of 2006 for French naval shipbuilder DCN, the company’s Chairman and CEO, Jean-Marie Poimboeuf, says with an increase of 3% on 2005 half-year pro-forma sales to €1,342m “our first half results are in line with our projections, and … we anticipate that our full-year results for 2006 will confirm our operating margin projections.” Consolidated DCN operating income for the first half-year amounted to €109.6m, or 8.2% of revenue, with cash-in-hand said to be “stable” at €1.8b. Poimboeuf anticipates that by the end of the year the company will have received confirmed orders for the ‘Barracuda’ nuclear-powered attack submarine, as well as the long-term overhaul of the ‘Charles de Gaulle’ nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. [04.10.06]

CONTRACT SIGNED FOR JP 2030 AIR COMMAND SYSTEM: The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and the Meydan Group/Ocean Software P/L, have signed a contract for Defence to acquire the Unit Level Tool for Resource Allocation (ULTRA) - a tailored version of Ocean Software’s ‘FlightPro’ product (currently utilised by the Air Force Training Group and other foreign Air Forces), which will be subsequently modified to interface a range of Defence systems. ‘FlightPro’ is to be implemented as a component of phase 7B of Joint Project 2030 Phase 7B (Air Command Support System), and is expected to be fully operational by end-March 2008. Project work will commence immediately, with an early focus on achieving interfaces to the Air Command Support System, and to Defence's personnel management information system. [04.10.06]

HURLEY & GUMLEY TO TALK ON DEFENCE CAPABILITY/STRATEGY LINKS: Four months after the formal launch of the 2006-2016 Defence Capability Plan (DCP), the Head of the Defence Capability Group, LtGen David Hurley, and the CEO of the DMO, Dr Stephen Gumley, are to speak at a C3I Defence Watch seminar, to be held at the National Press Club in Canberra on 13 October 2006. LtGen Hurley will discuss links between the 2005 Defence Strategic Update (DU’05) and the 2006-2016 DCP, as well as initiatives to include industry input into the DCP development process. Dr Gumley will provide an update on DMO efforts to meet scale and complexity challenges from the DCPs expanded portfolio of projects. Surf www.c3i.com.au/CapabilityRegForm2006.pdf for details. [04.10.06]

DEFENCE GROWS PRODUCT LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE USE: The Department of Defence has entered into an agreement with Product Lifecycle Management Australasia (plm) for the provision of additional ‘Teamcenter’ product lifecycle management software licenses, which will take the total number users to 2,400. ‘Teamcenter’ was initially selected by the Maritime Systems Division for configuration management and technical data management of the RAN’s surface fleet. Since that time, there have been significant new releases of the software, with the ‘Teamcenter’ Aerospace & Defence solution now used by the Directorate of Materiel Acquisition Projects, in the Materiel Information Systems Branch. [04.10.06]

ELECTRO OPTIC SYSTEMS LINES UP FOR USAF ‘SPACE FENCE’: Following an investment of $55m over the last 10 years to update its space sensor product suite, Canberra-based Electro Optic Systems (EOS) says it will tender for a six year/A$780m US Air Force program starting in 2007 (called ‘Space Fence’), to upgrade both the quantity and quality of information on objects in near earth orbit – ranging from satellites to tiny bits of space junk. In January last year, EOS entered into a strategic agreement with Northrop Grumman Space Technologies specifically for the purpose of focusing on the ‘Space Fence’ opportunity and related applications. EOS says its upgraded sensors are “at least ten times more sensitive and accurate than those presently in use.” The USAF, in cooperation with the Australian Department of Defence have already extensively tested EOS’ sensor capabilities under the ‘Razor View’ and ‘NEOT’ programs. [04.10.06]

HOWARD DEFENDS BUSH OVER ‘LAWLESS’ INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES: Responding to media questions of citations in Bob Woodward’s third book on US foreign policy experiences that the Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, had intervened personally with President Bush to secure access to critical intelligence, Howard said, “I am am now advised that the flows are occurring that were meant to occur. Bear in mind that Australia and Britain are given specially privileged access to American intelligence assessments. There is always a degree of inter-agency jealousy about anybody having access to these things, even very close allies, and it did take a lot of pushing. You know what the system is like - these agencies in Washington tend to operate as laws unto themselves and even the President doesn’t always get what he wants straight away.” [03.10.06]

SECOND LOWY INSTITUTE SURVEYS NATIONAL SECURITY FEELINGS: A second annual Lowy Institute foreign policy opinion poll – which surveyed 1007 Australians between 19 June and 6 July this year – has found Australians see international terrorism as a more critical threat to national interests than global warming, and overwhelmingly believe the war in Iraq has failed to reduce the threat of terrorism. Yet, ‘combating international terrorism’ came only fifth on the list of 13 key foreign policy goals – behind the environment, protecting the jobs of Australian workers, preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, and combating world hunger. On a list of 13 possible threats to Australia’s vitals interests, terrorism was regarded as the most critical (73% of respondents), ahead of the spread of nuclear weapons to unfriendly countries (70%) and global warming (68%). Controlling and reducing illegal immigration came in at 55%. [03.10.06]

JOINT CARGO AIRCRAFT STEWARDSHIP LEFT UP IN THE AIR: In finalising the Fiscal Year 2007 defense appropriations bill last month, US House and Senate Appropriators agreed to provide the US Army with the majority (US$79.2m of $109.m) procurement funding requested for the new Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program. This last week, defense authorisation conferees - in contrast - provided the full $109.2m, but transferred all funding from the US Army to USAF coffers. Citing ongoing USAF requirements work and an assessment of the CASA 295 and Alenia C-27J alternatives, authorisation conferees further noted it would be "premature to procure aircraft until [the Department of Defense] completed (its evaluation) efforts and presents them to the Congressional defense committees." The JCA program outcome has major relevance for Australia’s project Air 8000 (ie: Caribou/C-130H replacement). [03.10.06]

NEW RADAR TECHNOLOGY BEING TESTED FOR ‘GLOBAL HAWK’: Northrop Grumman Corporation has confirmed the commencement of flight testing under a US$90m contract to prove a ‘Global Hawk’ unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) version of the Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) sensor. Northrop Grumman and Raytheon Company are jointly bringing forward the UAV radar - an advanced air-to-surface/air-to-air radar that will deliver long-range, very high-resolution synthetic aperture radar, ground moving target indicator capabilities and air target tracking capabilities. Once proved aboard the ‘Global Hawk’ UAV, the MP-RTIP radar will enable persistent ground surveillance, combat target identification, target tracking and time-critical targeting. [03.10.06]

‘SAMSON JR’ JOINS REMOTE CONTROLLED WEAPONS FORCE: The Haifa (Israel)-based Rafael Armament Development Authority has released a light addition to its successful ‘Samson’ family of remote controlled weapon stations (RCWS). The lightweight RCWS (or ‘Samson Jr’), is designed for use on Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) and other vehicle types (ie: trucks, ambulances and other 4WD light vehicles), where the deck load must be kept to a minimum so as to provide host vehicle crew with a defensive fire capability that does not compromise the vehicle's internal space. The ‘Samson Jr’ can host a 7.62mm M240 general purpose machine gun (NATO western standard) or 5.56mm M249 MINI-MI machine gun and their equivalents. Due to its small size, the ‘Samson Jr’ can also host sniper weapons and non-lethal weapons, thus making it suitable for paramilitary missions as well as military operations. [03.10.06]

EUROPEAN ‘LEOPARD 2’ TANKS TEST ‘ABRAMS’ M1A1 FIREPOWER: Alliant Techsystems (ATK) and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) have confirmed the recent firing of US-made 120mm ammunition from the European ‘Leopard 2’ tank, for the first time. The demonstration was conducted at the Oksboel Range and Training Area in Denmark over several days in mid-September, and witnessed by representatives from 12 allied nations. In total, ATK and GD-OTS fired 60 rounds of high performance KEW A2 tungsten long-rod penetrator rounds, M830A1 multi-purpose rounds, M1002 training ammunition and the new M1028 canister round (multiple types) at various temperatures, from both standard barrel length and extended barrel length ‘Leopard ‘2 tanks. Targets included armoured vehicles, simulated helicopters and a variety of witness panels. [03.10.06]

USAF NOW FUNDED FOR 2018 LONG RANGE ‘COMBO’ BOMBER: During the US Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference & Technology Exposition, its Air Combat Command (ACC) commander, Gen Ronald Keys, has told reporters the ACC is funded for a "next generation" long-range bomber by 2018, which will likely leverage advanced technology from the B-2 ‘Spirit’, the F-22 ‘Raptor’ and the F-35 ‘Lightning II’ (JSF). The General added that the Air Force would not see the next "great leap" in bomber technology until around the 2030 to 2040 timeframe, which would involve 'hypersonic' weapons capable of traveling at speeds above Mach 5, and able to hit any target on Earth within hours of being launched. For persistence over the battlefield and rapid reaction, Keys considered a long-range bomber was still required. [02.10.06]

SUNSET ENVISAGED FOR THE ‘EAGLE’ & ‘FIGHTING FALCON’: General Keys added that with larger numbers of F-22s, and with the F-35 on the horizon, the US Air Force must consider when it will phase out its F-15 ‘Eagle’ and F-16 ‘Fighting Falcon’ program. For now, General Keys said he would prefer to keep as many of these aircraft around as possible, adding the ACC had plans to upgrade about 178 of its best F-15s with the AESA electronically scanned array antenna radar. In addition, other F-15s would be upgraded with the joint helmet mounted cueing system. For the F-16, ACC has invested in service-life extensions, and is currently finishing up on the common configuration improvement program for Block 40 and Block 50 aircraft – allowing these aircraft to undertake suppression missions and use advanced targeting pods. [02.10.06]

DEFENCE EXPORT POLICY DEFENDED BY BRENDAN NELSON: Responding to media reports regarding the blocking by Australia and the US of exports of Metal Storm weapons technology to China, the Minister for Defence says Australia “has a robust system for considering the export of defence or dual-use items which is administered within the Defence portfolio.” The export of defence and dual-use goods is governed under the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulation 13E and the Weapons of Mass Destruction (Prevention of Proliferation) Act. Nelson added, “Australia has no embargo on sales of defence or dual-use items to China, and considers any applications for China on their merits.” Defence export applications are considered on a case-by-case basis by a Standing Interdepartmental Committee on Defence Exports (chaired by the Defence Department), and a number of applications for exports have been denied since criteria were last revised in 1988. [01.10.06]

September

[TOP]

TERRORISM HISTORY RESEARCH FORUM FOR CANBERRA: The Government funded Research Network for a Secure Australia (RNSA) is to hold a Terrorism History Research Forum on 22 November 2006, in Canberra. The forum will allow historians, political scientists, academics, policy makers, post-graduate students and researchers to share their current and prospective research in terrorism history. Key discussion topics include: terrorism and counter-terrorism history; and the use of terrorism. The event will be relevant to defence, strategic studies and national security historians and practitioners. Email s.brawley@unsw.edu.au or surf www.homelandsecurity.org.au/events for details. [30.09.06]

AUSTRALIAN TECHNOLOGY FOR NATIONAL HYDROGRAPHIC EFFORT: Adelaide-based Tenix LADS Corporation has been chosen by Defence to undertake an initial 4,500 square kilometre hydrographic survey of the Torres Strait and northern Great Barrier Reef, as the first element of a larger 13,000sqkm Fisheries Protection Survey and Charting Project to be latterly tendered by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) next year. Units of the Australian Hydrographic Service, a component of the RAN’s Maritime Command, will also be used to increase survey coverage. Accelerated charting of the Torres Strait and northern Great Barrier Reef will enable Defence and other civil agency vessels to navigate safely in currently uncharted waters, as part of enforcement operations to combat illegal foreign fishing in northern Australian waters. Tenix will use its Laser Airborne Depth Sounder (LADS) MKII LIDAR system to undertake the surveying. [29.09.06]

‘ARMIDALE’ PATROL BOATS RECALLED FOR FUEL TESTS: The Maritime Commander, Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas, has directed an operational pause be instituted across the RAN’s project Sea 1444 fleet of ‘Armidale’-class patrol boats (ACPB) following the identification of a potential Class safety issue with the main engine fuel system. Thomas said the cause of the problem “is not yet known, however, investigations are currently being conducted.” Defence reported 30 August that four crew members of the ACPB HMAS ‘Maitland’ had been admitted to Royal Darwin Hospital following their inhalation of what was believed to be toxic fumes. Thomas added “contingencies have been put in place, and Navy is utilising alternative assets to meet operational tasking specifically in support of maritime border protection.” Following its naming of the ninth (of 14) ACPBs on 27 August, Defence decommissioned 8 September the ninth vessel of its former ‘Fremantle’-class patrol boat fleet. [29.09.06]

BISHOP TAKES A SWIPE AT SAAB BOFORS OVER ‘BOLIDE’ MISSILE: The Shadow Minister for Defence Industry, Procurement and Personnel, Senator Mark Bishop, has said the Department of Defence is still waiting for delivery of nearly half its order for Saab Bofors ‘Bolide’ anti-aircraft missiles (being procured under phase 6 of Project Land 19), even though it paid 90% of the cost upfront to defray additional funds provided under Joint Project 2085. Citing an ANAO audit report released on 17 May, Bishop said “nearly $45m (or 90%) of the total cost was pre-paid by Defence in exchange for a series of benefits that failed to materialise. This 'spend in the financial year' practice must stop, and the Government must be held to account for yet another example of Defence's economic mismanagement." [29.09.06]

BOEING UNVEILS FCS NON-LINE-OF-SIGHT CANNON: Boeing and SAIC - the Lead Systems Integrator for the US Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) program - have unveiled the FCS Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon (NLOS-C) firing platform - developed and integrated by BAE Systems' Land and Armaments division in Minneapolis. The NLOS-C comprises a sprung chassis and functional mission module, and features a 38-caliber length, fully automated 155-mm howitzer. This configuration represents the first vehicle in the FCS program’s fleet of eight manned ground vehicle variants featuring a two-person crew station, lightweight band track, and a hybrid-electric propulsion system that maximizes power and fuel efficiency. The NLOS-C will ultimately provide a networked, extended range precision attack capability against point and area targets in support of FCS Brigade Combat Teams. [29.09.06]

ADF GETS A LESSON IN PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS: Responding to Taliban-generated propaganda regarding allegations about the methods of operation of Australian special forces in Afghanistan (aired on the ABC), the Department of Defence has responded, “in all operations the ADF has established, and adheres to, Rules of Engagement to safe guard against civilian casualties and collateral damage and protect our troops. There is an established process in Afghanistan that allows Afghan nationals to make representations if they believe they have been attacked or have suffered a loss of life, injury or damage to property due to a military engagement. The ADF will always investigate any allegation that is made through this established process. No representations have been made to coalition authorities.” Australian troops in Al Muthanna Province (Iraq) have also been the subject of their first ever sustained and coordinated attack by rebels, which lasted almost an hour. [28.09.06]

HOWARD ATTACKS BEAZLEY ON IRAQ TROOP PULLOUT: Responding to Opposition Leader Kim Beazley’s comment on ABC ‘Lateline’ to the effect that on the first day of a Beazley-led Government he would order all Australian troops out of Iraq except those guarding Australian diplomats, Prime Minister Howard says, “if every country were to do that, we would guarantee a victory for the terrorists in Iraq … and that would give an enormous worldwide boost to the cause of terrorism. What Mr Beazley has advocated flies in the face of one of the finding of the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) assessment on which he relied to make his criticisms, because that finding makes it very clear that a victory for the terrorists in Iraq would give an enormous worldwide boost to the terrorist cause. It’s in Australia’s interests that the terrorists fail both in Iraq and in Afghanistan.” [28.09.06]

CRISS COMES BACK WITH CONCERNS OVER JSF COMMITMENT: Shadow Defence Minister Robert McClelland has said a broader debate about the Government's unconditional support for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) project was absolutely essential following the extension of Labor backing to a call from retired (but dismissed in controversy) Air Vice-Marshal Peter Criss, for an open examination of the project. Criss, a former Air Commander Australia, is said to have expressed concern about apparent continued rejection of the proven and tested F-22 ‘Raptor’ for RAAF needs. McClelland says estimates put the current cost of replacing Australia's serving strike aircraft in the order of $16b or $3000 for each Australian family. He adds, “there is every indication that having effectively committed to purchasing the JSF, the Government is ignoring the warning signs of unproven capabilities, increased costs and likely delays.” [28.09.06]

SALTERI CONFIRMS NEW APPOINTMENT TO THE TENIX BOARD: In association with members of the Tenix Board, its Chairman, Carlo Salteri, has announced the appointment of former Commonwealth Bank Managing Director, David Murray, to the Board as a Non-Executive Director. John Morschel fills the other Non-Executive Director position on the Board. Following a 39-year career with the Bank (the last 13 as its MD), Murray has recently assumed the position of Chairman of the Commonwealth’s Future Fund, and remains active in a number of other business interests. Salteri said Murray brought to the Tenix Board “additional substantial financial and commercial experience supportive of our Governance regime, and will play an important part in steering Tenix through its next phase of growth.” [28.09.06]

FIRST RAAF C-17 HEADS OUT OF THE FACTORY FOR PAINTING: Boeing has reported that the first of four C-17 ‘Globemaster III’ transports for the RAAF has rolled out of its Long Beach (California) factory, and is now in the paint hangar to be coated grey and receive its unique Australian markings -- an Australian flag and kangaroo on the fuselage and squadron tail markings – after which it will begin preparations for first flight, scheduled for late-October. While the first RAAF C-17 will be delivered to Defence in late-November, it will nevertheless await it public debut until a major welcoming ceremony in Canberra, scheduled for early-December. The second Australian C-17 is scheduled for delivery in 2007, with the final two aircraft to be delivered in 2008. [28.09.06]

THALES UK SONAR UPGRADE RELEVANT TO ‘COLLINS’ FLEET: Thales UK has been awarded a £30m contract for a major enhancement to the Royal Navy’s (RN) ‘Trafalgar’ and ‘Astute’-class submarine sonar suites. Designated the Sonar 2076 Stage 5 program, the upgrade will replace existing ‘inboard processing’ equipment with an open architecture COTS based processing system. The new upgrade contract builds on the successfully deployed 2076 Stage 4 system currently in service on the ‘Trafalgar’-class boats, and forms a key element in the UK Ministry of Defence’s Common Core Combat System initiative (CCCS). The Stage 5 program aims to ensure that Sonar 2076 remains a comprehensive and highly capable in-service sonar, sustaining a military advantage for the RN. Elements of this technology will also be prospectively on offer to the RAN for its ‘Collins’-class submarine sonar replacement (phase 6 of Project Sea 1439) program. [28.09.06]

LM MS2 TO ENHANCE AN/TPQ-36 WEAPON LOCATING RADARS: Lockheed Martin (LM) MS2 as lead systems integrator (with partners LM Simulation, Training & Support, Syracuse Research Corp, Tobyhanna Army Depot, and Burtek, Inc), has won a US$120m contract to provide the US Army with five Enhanced AN/TPQ-36 radars (also known as the EQ-36 Counterfire Target Acquisition Radar), for delivery within 36 months. The new EQ-36 systems, which provide soldiers with the capability to detect, classify, track and determine the location of enemy indirect fire such as mortars, artillery and rockets, will replace ageing TPQ-36 and TPQ-37 radars. Potential exists for LM to provide more than 180 EQ-36 radars to the US Army, valued at more than $1.6b. Australia is similarly looking to extend the life of its AN/TPQ-36 weapon locating radars via phase 3 of Project Land 58. [28.09.06]

FAA CALLS FOR NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM UAV ‘ROADMAP’: The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ha