News Archive 2007

SPECIAL OPERATIONS SOLIDER KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN: The Department of Defence has confirmed an Australian Commando serving with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) in Afghanistan has been killed by small arms fire whilst participating in a planned and deliberate attack by Australian forces against Taliban leaders and their supporters in Oruzgan Province. The action in which the subject Private Luke Worsley died was said by the Chief of the Defence Force, ACM Houston, as “characterised by heavy, close quarter fighting. The SOTG was conducting an operation to clear an identified Taliban bomb making facility in Oruzgan Province, when the soldier was hit by small arms fire … the SOTG assault followed several weeks of monitoring and intelligence gathering by Australian and ISAF elements.” [23.11.07]

‘TIGER’ HELICOPTER SIMULATOR ACCREDITED BY DEFENCE: Brisbane-based Australian Aerospace (AAe) reports that the project Air 87 ‘Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) Full Flight & Mission Simulator (FFMS) has been granted FSD-1 ‘Level 5’ accreditation - equivalent to Europe’s Level D - the first time a flight simulator with two coupled domes has attained the highest level of certification worldwide. The ‘Tiger FFMS’ - located at the Army’s Aviation Centre in Oakey (Qld) - replicates the helicopter’s two separate cockpits – one for the pilot and the other the Battle Captain – and can be operated either coupled as one virtual aircraft, or independently. Formal accreditation of the FFMS was granted to AAe by SIMULINC, a Canberra-based specialist group retained by the Department of Defence and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to advise on flight simulator standards and accreditations. The simulator will officially be handed over to the Australian Army next month. [23.11.07]

SECOND BERYLLIUM EXPOSURE AT DNSD-NSW FACILITY: The Department of Defence has confirmed a second potential contamination to the chemical beryllium at the Defence National Storage and Distribution Centre in Moorebank (NSW), was averted 22 November following the prompt action of a contracted employee. Upon inspecting a package containing damaged equipment, the subject storeman is said to have identified that the physical condition of the equipment may also involve exposure of the chemical beryllium. Immediate action was then taken to close and seal the package, and place it in quarantine. Defence says no decontamination or medical treatment was required, and it will now commence a second investigation into potential beryllium exposures. [23.11.07]

UK PILOT-LESS BOMBER TO TRUMP US NAVY SURVEILLANCE UAV?: Updating progress in the UK’s Strategic Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Experiment (SUAVE) program, a Ministry of Defence (MoD) DE&S team leader has commented the £124m ‘Taranis’ contract will form the basis of its plans to build the first pilot-less front line fighter-bomber. The project will also play a significant first step in sustaining key capabilities in the UK industrial supplier base, and supporting the future fast-jet fleet - in particular, the ‘Typhoon’ and Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Technology risk reduction and knowledge acquired by industry from ‘Taranis’ activities will underpin an Initial Gate Balance of Investment decision in early-2011, in order to inform the emerging ‘Deep and Persistent Offensive Capability’ (DPOC) within the future combat air force mix – given the ‘Tornado’ and ‘Harrier’ are due to retire from service in the next 20 years. ‘Taranis’ ground-testing is scheduled to begin in early-2009, with the first flight trials due to take place in 2010. Working under a MoD Team Charter is BAE Systems, QinetiQ, Rolls-Royce, Smiths Aerospace and the MoD. [23.11.07]

QINETIQ PRIVATISATION QUESTIONED FOR TAXPAYER VALUE: A new UK National Audit Office (NAO) report has concluded the UK Ministry of Defence's (MoD) privatisation of the defence technology business ‘QinetiQ’ (sold to the Carlyle Group), worked to safeguard the viability of a business of national strategic importance, and generated significant proceeds for the taxpayer. Still, the NAO believes the UK taxpayer could have received more money from the deal, given risks remain which the MoD (which retains a 19% shareholding currently worth over £200m) must manage carefully if long term value for money is to be delivered. The NAO's report to Parliament adds the process to establish QinetiQ was well managed against a tight time scale, and the 2006 flotation was well executed. To date proceeds of £576m (net of costs) have been generated for the UK Government. [23.11.07]

WHOLESALE REVIEW OF DEFENCE SECURITY AUTHORITY COMING: ‘The Australian’ has reported Secretary of Defence, Nick Warner, will authorise a sweeping review of his Department’s internal security structure – including the roles and responsibilities of the Defence Security Authority (DSA) - to combat a growing number of dangerous security breaches. The move (not revealed by Defence Minister Brendan Nelson during the election campaign), comes after a series of controversial security breaches, including stolen army M72 rocket launchers. The review is reportedly much broader than changes announced by Dr Nelson in September to safeguard defence weapons, which followed the findings of a joint DSA-ASIO audit into stolen weapons. The newspaper quotes a Defence spokesman as saying the DSA review was needed "in response to changed circumstances, (including) the unprecedented level of Defence activity and operational tempo over the past few years." [22.11.07]

‘iSMART’ TO REPLACE TACTICAL DATA LINK AUTHORITY PAPER PORT: Lockheed Martin (LM) has confirmed it will use its Interoperable Systems Management and Requirements Transformation (iSMART) process to provide enhanced system interoperability assurance for the Australian Defence Force’s Tactical Data Link Authority (ADFTA). In a $1.3m program running from February 2008 through January 2009, iSMART will be used by the ADFTA during the acquisition process for communications and information distribution systems to evaluate the interoperability of new and legacy technologies. LM says the automated iSMART process “will be an upgrade over the ADFTA’s current paper-based process, and it will enable interoperability analysis in an increasingly-complex information exchange environment.” [22.11.07]

BAES MOVE TO COLLAR FUTURE RAPID EFFECTS SYSTEM: BAE Systems (BAES) has assembled a team including: Cranfield University; GE Aviation; QinetiQ; SAIC; and Selex Sensors & Airborne Systems to compete for the role of Vehicle Integrator for the 'Utility' family of Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) medium-weight armoured fighting vehicles for the British Army - the first and largest element of the FRES program. The successful bidder is expected to take one of three competing overseas vehicle designs (the ‘Boxer’ (ARTEC), Piranha (GD-UK) and VBCI (Nexter), and customise, manufacture and support the vehicle through life to meet UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) requirements. FRES is worth up to £16b for the acquisition phase, and will provide the British Army with up to 17 vehicle variants in five families for a wide range of battlefield tasks. BAES Land Systems would move offshore manufacture to the UK (utilizing its Newcastle, Leicester and Telford sites), and lead delivery of the Utility Vehicle family, acting as UK design authority. [22.11.07]

NAVY & IMMIGRATION DEAL WITH ARRIVALS OF ‘TAMPA’ SIGNIFICANCE: Defence has confirmed HMA Ships ‘Tarakan’ and ‘Ararat’ have assisted a 10-metre wooden boat with 16 people on board, which had arrived at an Australian offshore resource installation off the northwest coast of Australia. The passengers included six adults (three males, three females), and 10 children. According to Defence, “the boat was overcrowded and unstable, with an unserviceable engine. It had limited provisions onboard and was taking on water as a result of a slow leak, which was being managed with a portable pump. No lifejackets were observed on the vessel.” Defence Minister Nelson said the identity of the people on board and other details “are yet to be determined. Matters relating to identity and status will be determined by staff from the Department of Immigration & Citizenship.” [21.11.07]

EXTRA THREE ‘CHINOOK’ HELICOPTERS FOR TOWNSVILLE: Confirming a decision understood to have been taken by the pre-caretaker election Cabinet, Defence Minister Nelson has advised of the Government’s “initial approval” to acquire three Boeing CH-47F ‘Chinook’ helicopters to supplement the six ‘D’-model aircraft now in service with the Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville (Qld). Dr Nelson said the new helicopters would cost “$400 to $500 million, and are expected to enter service in Townsville in the period 2011-13.” According to the Minister, “there will be opportunities for Australian companies to provide maintenance support for the new helicopters, to construct new $33m storage hangars and to assist with developing and implementing any Australian unique modifications that may be required. Deeper maintenance of the new aircraft will be contracted to an Australian aviation company and most likely undertaken in Townsville. This decision secures a medium lift capability for the ADF for another 25 years.” [20.11.07]

DUTCH TO BUY TEN ADDITIONAL ‘BUSHMASTER’ IMVs: Dutch media has reported an announcement by Secretary of Defence Van der Knaap that the Netherlands Government will buy an additional ten Thales Australia-manufactured ‘Bushmaster’ Infantry Mobility Vehicles (IMVs), over and above the initial 25-vehicle fleet first acquired and immediately deployed to Oruzgan Province, in Afghanistan. The purchase is estimated to cost in the order of €8.5m, with five vehicles going to Afghanistan (replacing two lost Bushmasters – two others were heavily damaged - and one lost Patria vehicle). Four vehicles will be kept in reserve to replace future anticipated losses, and one vehicle will be retained in-country for training purposes. [20.11.07]

ROLLS-ROYCE TO INVEST IN REGIONAL AEROSPACE CAPABILITY: Rolls-Royce says it is to invest in two new aero engine facilities in Singapore (assemble & test large civil engines), and in the Commonwealth of Virginia (assemble & test the RB282 civil engine, plus potentially undertake blisk manufacture for the Joint Strike Fighter F136 engine), in the United States. Officials indicated the decision was driven by three strategic considerations: the attractions of locating major facilities close to customers in two of the largest and fastest growing aerospace markets in the world; tapping business continuity benefits that will arise from locating the assembly and test of Trent engines on two continents; and a reduction in the company’s exposure to the US dollar. Rolls-Royce has increasingly become a global company, with 45% its Research and Technology, 40% of its employees, and 50% of new programs already located outside the United Kingdom. [20.11.07]

US NAVY TO REPLACE MINE NEUTRALISATON SYSTEM: Lockheed Martin has been awarded a US$11m SD&D contract by the US Navy to develop and integrate a new Expendable Mine Neutralisation System (EMNS) for its Mine Counter Measures (MCM-1) ‘Avenger’-class ships. The EMNS will be a new surface mine countermeasures system designed to protect carrier and expeditionary strike groups, by rapidly reacquiring, targeting and neutralising moored and sea-bottom mines. The EMNS will deploy the US Navy's chosen common mine neutraliser, BAE Systems' ‘Archerfish’ mine disposal system, a remotely-operated underwater vehicle that locates mines using sonar; enables the operator to identify the mine using video; and destroys the mine when commanded by the operator. EMNS will replace the existing AN/SLQ-48 Mine Neutralisation System currently deployed on all 14 MCM-class ships. [20.11.07]

ALUMINIUM MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIST JOINS JLTV PROGRAM: Alcoa Defense has joined the Owego (NY)-based Lockheed Martin (LM) team competing design and build of the US armed services' next-generation Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) - intended to replace the ubiquitous High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). JLTV variants are anticipated to provide the US Army and US Marine Corps with a high-performance vehicle designed to carry mission payloads, survive multiple threats and still remain readily transportable by heavy lift helicopters and cargo aircraft. Sensors and communications systems integrated onto the JLTV will further significantly improve battlefield situational awareness and interoperability with other JLTV vehicles. Principal team member, BAE Mobility & Protection Systems (formerly Armour Holdings), will provide advanced armour solutions and production facilities for high volume assembly. The LM team unveiled it first JLTV prototype variant - the Combat Tactical Vehicle - at Washington’s AUSA convention in October. A formal US Army RFP for JLTV technology development is expected in early-2008. [20.11.07]

‘KONGO’-CLASS PRACTISING FOR BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENCE: The first-of-class Japanese destroyer, JS ‘Kongo’, is said to have successfully completed a tracking exercise against a target missile fired from the US Pacific Missile Range Facility on Hawaii using its Version 3.6 ‘Aegis’ Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system and a simulated launch of its SM-3 Block IA interceptor. The equipment is said to have performed according to design, and a simulated intercept occurred minutes later above the Pacific Ocean. The ‘Kongo’ is next scheduled to conduct an actual flight test intercept the middle of next month – said to be the first flight test intercept attempt by an allied Navy of the Lockheed Martin ‘Aegis’ BMD system. [19.11.07]

‘GREEN’ INITIATIVE FOR RFID ASSET TRACKING SYSTEMS: US-based Savi Technology has recently begun deploying solar-powered Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers and signposts, in an initiative that both conserves energy and reduces costs while tracking supplies in real-time. Savi engineers reportedly mounted solar panels and RFID signposts on poles located at a major US Army supply facility in Kuwait. The solar-powered signposts activate RFID tags attached to vehicles or pieces of equipment passing by, with the tags then reporting the assets’ position to nearby RFID readers, which then relay the information to Savi ‘Site Manager’ software that automatically updates the assets’ latest location. Savi RFID-based tracking technology is progressively being introduced into the ADF via Joint Project 2077. [19.11.07]

AMPHIBIOUS EXERCISE UNDERWAY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army units have arrived in Whyalla (SA) to commence Exercise ‘Sea Eagle 07’ – a major amphibious training exercise taking place at Cultana Range Training Area. The two-week exercise will run from 19-30 November, and focusing on the planning and actioning of amphibious operations, ultimately leading to simulated beach landing and evacuation of ‘civilians’ from the area. ‘Sea Eagle 07’ will involve a number of amphibious tasks, including beach reconnaissance, emergency scenarios, troop transportation, seamanship evolutions, flying serials, force protection situations and diving operations. Major units involved in the exercise include, HMA Ships ‘Manoora’, ‘Gascoyne’, ‘Yarra’, ‘Norman’ and ‘Tarakan’, and personnel from 7RAR and 10 Force Support Battalion. [19.11.07]

INSIGHT INTO DEFENCE CAPABILITY DECISION SUPPORT CENTRES: As part of the program for the 1st National Defence Capability Development Symposium, access has been secured for briefings at the new DSTO/Fairbairn Park Joint Decision Support & Simulation Centre (JDSSC), and the Ball Solutions Group’s Advanced Conceptualisation & Evaluation (ACELab) Laboratory in Canberra City. The Symposium, running at the Brindabella Business Park conference centre over 27-28 November – in addition to a keynote speech from Vice Admiral Matt Tripovich, Chief of the Capability Development Group – features workshops and Enabling Technology Showcases led by representatives from Raytheon Australia, Thales Australia, Boeing Australia, the Submarine Institute of Australia, EDS Defence Services Australia, Catalyze, Holocentric, MSC Software, the Border Protection Command, IBM, Aspen Medical and CAE Professional Services. Surf www.capabilitydevelopment.org.au for a just updated symposium program, and ‘just-in-time’ symposium registration details. [19.11.07]

LOWY DEFENCE DEBATE STUCK TROOP COMMITMENT TO IRAQ: Unlike a number of other election policy debates between Coalition ministers and Shadow Opposition spokespersons conducted at the National Press Club in Canberra, national Defence issues aired at a debate hosted by the Lowy Institute in Sydney has reportedly seen Defence Minister Nelson repeating his frequent claim that Australian troops must remain in Iraq until the country was properly stabilised, and domestic Iraqi forces were capable of handling the security situation on the ground. In reply to the Minister, Opposition Defence Spokesperson, Joel Fitzgibbon, repeating familiar Labor mantra accusing Dr Nelson (and the wider Coalition) as having no Iraq exit strategy, and leaving Australia short on troop numbers to address emergent regional contingencies. [16.11.07]

‘ROMAN’ EMPIRE FALLS INTO LINE WITH LATEST SAP UPGRADE: Defence reports it has just successfully upgraded its SAP financial management system, with the Resource and Output Management and Accounting Network (ROMAN) application going ‘live’ on 14 November, as planned. Acting Chief Information Officer, Peter Lambert, says the upgrade from the original 1999 system to SAP’s latest release (known as SAP ECC6), signifies completion of the first stage in Defence’s ROMAN upgrade project – focused on a software and infrastructure upgrade that has modernised the ROMAN application - which SAP will support until at least 2014. As part of the implementation, system security is said to have been improved, and reporting for the Department of Finance & Administration’s new ‘AusTender 2’ arrangements introduced. Work on the second stage of the upgrade has started, with new general ledger functions and improved budget controls to be delivered from 1 July 2008. [16.11.07]

MACQUARIE BANK PICKS-UP GOODRICH HEAVY MAINTENANCE: US-based Goodrich Corporation has confirmed completion of the sale of its airframe heavy maintenance business - Goodrich Aviation Technical Services (ATS) Inc - to a subsidiary of Australia’s Macquarie Group Limited. ATS has over 1,200 employees at its 950,000-square-foot-facility in Everett (Washington), and serves a broad base of North American and global customers with maintenance, repair and overhaul services to airlines, cargo fleet operators and aircraft owners. Services provided by ATS include: airframe heavy maintenance; aircraft modifications and painting; passenger-to-freighter conversions; engineering and certification; and component repair and overhaul. Macquarie claims a broad range of experience in managing and/or owning investments in the aviation industry, including: airports, aircraft leasing, jet engine leasing and fixed-base operations. [16.11.07]

MAJOR EXERCISE COMPLETED WITH NEW ZEALAND FORCES: Defence has confirmed the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) completion - from 5 to 16 November - of Exercise ‘ASWEX 07’, involving naval and air force elements from Australia and New Zealand off the coast of Western Australia, and designed to improve Fleet interoperability and military ties between the two nations. The exercise was focused on collective anti-submarine warfare concepts, tactics and procedures. The RAN was represented by HMA Ships ‘Parramatta’, ‘Perth’ and ‘Adelaide’, as well as the Auxiliary Oiler, HMAS ‘Sirius’. Also involved were the RAN submarines ‘Waller’, ‘Collins’ and ‘Rankin’. The RNZN was represented by frigate, HMNZS ‘Te Kaha’. [16.11.07]

ACCENTURE ACQUIRES MAXIM SYSTEMS INC: Financial services and accounting company, Accenture, has agreed to acquire (terms undisclosed) San Diego (California)-based Maxim Systems Inc, an employee-owned defence consulting firm that provides advanced engineering and technical services in the areas of command & control (C2), multi-level security and satellite communications. The acquisition will expand Accenture's defence practice in the US military market for C2 systems, which help military commanders maintain situational awareness on the battlefield, examine options in real-time, and implement agreed courses of action. Maxim also delivers space and communications systems for the US Navy that support Ultra High Frequency (UHF) satellite programs. It currently supports the Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System (CENTRIXS) - a secure wide area network that allows the US (and more than 30 coalition nations) to share intelligence and other operational information necessary to unify efforts. [16.11.07]

GENERAL DYNAMICS WINS NEW COMMUNICATIONS CONTRACT: General Dynamics (GD) C4 Systems has won a US$78.3m initial order (potentially worth $1.4b) from the US Army for Increment one of its Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) program, which aims to provide US Army soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan with broadband network and satellite communications capabilities. GD is being supported for WIN-T Increment One by Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. Delivery of equipment will begin in May 2008, and will include networking hubs; network nodes serving battalion, brigade and division/corps command posts and Expeditionary Signal Battalions; and network management suites. GD has also recently received contracts for WIN-T Increment Two (on-the-move broadband networking) and WIN-T Increment Three (the development of WIN-T components to meet the full range of network capacity). WIN-T Increment Four has not been awarded. [16.11.07]

HQ-JOC ROAD TIT-FOR-TAT IN EDEN-MONARO BIDDING WAR: The sitting Liberal member for the marginal (3.3% swing) seat of Eden-Monaro, Gary Nairn, has confirmed a Coalition decision to roughly double the $8.2m promised in October to improve the Kings Highway between Queanbeyan and Bungendore, the site of the new JP 8001 ADF Headquarters Joint Operational Command. According to Nairn, a re-elected Coalition “would spend $15m to reduce traffic congestion between Queanbeyan and Canberra – roughly doubling federal Labor’s commitment” - to improving what is now a difficult transit from the Department of Defence in Canberra, past the Canberra International Airport, through a major Queanbeyan industrial area, and onto the Kings Highway through to the HQJOC roundabout, and thereafter to Bungendore town itself. [15.11.07]

FIRST VEHICLES EMERGE FROM THE FOG OF PROJECT LAND 106: Defence reports a ‘ceremonial handover’ has taken place at Darwin’s Robertson Barracks to mark the introduction into service of the first four M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) to the Army’s 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment. One of the vehicles on display was fitted with armour, spall curtains and track shrouds - said to be more typical of the new class of APC’s when eventually fitted-up for operations. Project Land 106 is currently looking to deliver 350 upgraded M113A1s in two versions: 91 x AS3s in ambulance, command, mortar and recovery versions; and 259 x AS4s – which have been lengthened by 666mm (requiring the addition of a sixth road wheel on both sides of the vehicle), of which 171 will be configured as combat APCs, with the balance fitted out for support roles. [15.11.07]

TIGHT SCHEDULE FOR FULL LATE-2010 APC CAPABILITY DELIVERY: Defence says M113 crew and maintainer training on the new variants has now commenced, and the procurement of initial spares, special tools and test equipment to support the initial introduction of vehicles has commenced, and will continue in parallel with vehicle production. The need to resolve a number of problems identified in initial vehicle testing has delayed new vehicle development, with the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) acknowledging in its 2006/07 Annual Report “this has continued to place pressure on the project schedule. Testing by Defence resumed following vehicle modifications by the prime contractor, Tenix Defence.” Brake problems subsequently encountered caused the introduction into service to be further delayed from July 2007, with the DMO initially fearing the revised target date (of November 2007) “may slip to the second half of 2008.” [15.11.07]

GUIDANCE NOTE ISSUED FOR MAJOR FINANCIAL CATASTROPHE: The Investment & Financial Services Association (IFSA) has released a ‘Guidance Note’ for members that is designed to assist in the coordination of an industry response following the impact of a major disaster, such as: an earthquake; an Avian Flu epidemic; a tsunami; or a terrorist attack. According to IFSA, the existence of an Industry Major Disaster Plan – coordinating approaches to trading, pricing, claims, redemptions and applications – “could mean the difference between widespread panic and rational decision making.” IFSA CEO, Richard Gilbert, added “the Plan complements, but does not replace, IFSA members’ respective individual business continuity plans. Surf www.ifsa.com.au for further details of the subject major disaster plan. [15.11.07]

VIRTUAL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ROADSHOW TO END IN CANBERRA: MSC Software is conducting the balance of its 2007 Virtual Product Development (VPD) Roadshow this week, which concludes with a major presentation in Canberra at the 1st National Defence Capability Development (NDCD) Symposium (Surf www.capabilitydevelopment.org.au). Entitled - ‘Breaking through the barriers of VPD’ – the roadshow sees two hour events scheduled for Brisbane (21/11); Sydney (22/11); Melbourne (23/11); and Canberra (27/11) – the latter at the NDCD Symposium. The roadshow aims to provide a consolidated review of virtual product development and related simulation environments available today in support of the theme – ‘Engineering Productivity for Competitive Advantage’. Surf http://roadshow.mscsoftware.com.au for further details. [15.11.07]

GENERAL DYNAMICS BUYS AUSTRALIA’s MEDIAWARE INTERNATIONAL: General Dynamics (GD) has confirmed its acquisition (terms undisclosed) of Australian-based and privately held Mediaware International, a developer of real-time full-motion compressed digital video processing software and systems for defence, intelligence and commercial customers. The Sydney-based company of 40 employees will now become part of GD Advanced Information Systems. Mediaware's most familiar defence and national domestic security (NDS) product is the Digital Video Exploitation System (D-VEX), which provides US and international customers with an end-to-end solution for real-time video processing and exploitation of full-motion video from airborne electro-optical and infrared sensors and sources. [15.11.07]

‘LITENING’ TARGETING POD UPGRADED AFTER RAAF PROCUREMENT: Northrop Grumman's Defensive Systems Division has won a US$18m contract from the USAF Materiel Command's Aeronautical Systems Centre to develop the latest generation of data links for its ‘Litening’ Advanced Targeting (AT) pod, for US and coalition forces. The contract seeks delivery of over 201 new data links on a variety of aircraft beginning in September 2008, and continuing through January 2010. The new data link, known as ‘Plug & Play II’, is the first to feature multiple frequencies while retaining compatibility with the ‘Rover’ portable receiving station used by both US and coalition ground forces. A fourth generation version of ‘Litening’ currently in development will have an advanced 1024 x 1024 pixels (1k x 1k) FLIR sensor for improved target detection and recognition ranges under day/night conditions; new two-way data links and other networking capabilities to enable improved communications between ground-based and airborne forces; new sensors for improved target identification; and advanced target recognition and identification features. An initial RAAF operational capability of 14 ‘Litening’-based target designation systems was completed in June 2007 under phase 2.4 of project Air 5376. [15.11.07]

MDA COMPLETES MISSILE DEFENCE GROUND TEST: The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has confirmed its completion 10 November of a comprehensive two-week Distributed Ground Test (GTD-02), which tested operational and fielded Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) elements using existing operational networks and communications. GTD-02 is described as “an operationally realistic ground test exercising the entire BMDS using ‘real world’ scenarios,” and including: ‘Aegis’ ships in their long-range surveillance & tracking mode and Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) engagement configurations; a forward based X-Band radar; C2, battle management and communications nodes at US Northern, Pacific, and Strategic Commands; the Space-Based Infrared System; Joint Tactical Ground Station; ‘Patriot’; and ground-based midcourse defence to include the ‘Cobra Dane’ radar, sea-based X-Band radar, and two upgraded early warning radars. [15.11.07]

BOEING DEMONSTRATES FAB-T CONNECTIVITY TO WGS SATELLITES: Boeing says it has successfully demonstrated secure interoperable communications between two Family of Advanced Beyond line-of-sight Terminals (FAB-T), thus validating a capability that eventually will link ground, air and space platforms. The demonstration completed initial engineering development model hardware and software integration of a Block 6 Phase 1 terminal for the USAF, and used a simulated Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF)/Military Strategic and Tactical Relay (‘Milstar’) satellite to communicate over live radio frequency links. FAB-T is intended to provide military forces with a secure multi-mission capable family of software-defined radios that use a common open system architecture to link to different satellites and enable information exchange between ground, air and space platforms. Increment 1 will create a FAB-T system that fulfills operational terminal requirements for the ‘Milstar’ and AEHF satellite systems. Drawing on this baseline, Increment 2 will develop terminals to support Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite operations on surveillance aircraft like the ‘Global Hawk’ HALE UAV and other follow-on related platforms. [15.11.07]

FIRST TWO MRH90 HELICOPTERS ARRIVE FOR ASSEMBLY & TEST: The substantively manufactured components of the first two (of ultimately 46) Eurocopter MRH-90 helicopters being purchased by the ADF under phases 2, 4 & 6 of project Air 9000, have been flown in from France inside a leased Antonov transport to Australian Aerospace’s (AAe) Brisbane facility. One of the two helicopters bears Royal Australian Navy (RAN) markings (the first of 12 ‘troop lift helicopters’ bought under phase 2), and the second is in Australian Army markings (the first of 34 being procured to replace the ‘Black Hawk’ fleet under phase 4 of the project). Both MRH90s will now be returned to flying condition following the transit from France, and test flown by AAe flight test crews prior to delivery to the Commonwealth on 18 December (the contracted in-service date, and start date for the initial 10-year sustainment contract). [14.11.07]

NEW HELICOPTERS UNDER PRESSURE TO MEET PROGRAM DELAYS: Assembly of the first four Australian MRH90 maritime and land operations helicopters was undertaken at the Eurocopter facility in Marignane, with the last two (of the four) French-made ‘fly-by-wire’ aircraft to also be air freighted to Brisbane in 2008 in an attempt to mitigate training delays due to helicopter type qualification and engineering for certification delays experienced in Europe. The remaining 42 helicopters in the $3.564 billion (2007/08 prices) program are being assembled in Brisbane, with the first fuselage for that activity arriving at AAe on 26 March. The Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for one aircraft at sea for the Navy is planned for mid-2010, whilst the Army’s IOC for a troop of four aircraft is planned for late-2011. [14.11.07]

BOEING TOTALS UP ITS ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION TO AUSTRALIA: A study undertaken by ACIL Tasman, and looking into the Boeing Company’s contribution to Australian GDP says “direct and indirect contributions to GDP could be as high as $536.2 billion, with the direct contribution equating to about 0.036% of Australia’s GDP in 2006.” For the period under review, Boeing’s direct contribution to Australian GDP jumped over 26% in the last two years - to $361.8m (2006), the company directly employed 3,974 people in Australia (June 2007), and the company’s total investment in Australia was calculated at $580m. In 2006, Boeing has 3,623 suppliers – mostly small to medium-sized businesses – directly supporting operations across all states and territories, and supplying Boeing with more than $310m in goods and services. Boeing exports topped $387m in 2006 - principally comprising aerospace components from its Hawker de Havilland subsidiary. [14.11.07]

COALITION SAYS NORTHERN WATERS PATROLS TO CONTINUE: As part of a 2007 election policy announcement dealing with ‘Strengthening & Protecting Australia’s Fishing Industry’, a re-elected Coalition has undertaken to “ensure an effective operational presence of relevant security agencies in our north. We will maintain a high level of surveillance and interdiction capacity – planes in the air and boats on the water – to ‘apprehend and destroy’ illegal fishing vessels, and find and detain their crews.” A re-elected Coalition is also promising $1.2m over four years to implement a public awareness campaign (as has been done in Indonesia) to inform Papua New Guinea fishermen in the Torres Strait region as to their traditional fishing access rights in the Torres Strait Protected Zone. [14.11.07]

TRAINING PROGRAM RAISED TO HELP DEFEAT IED TREATS: AAI Corporation has been awarded a US$2.3m contract from the US Army to assist in training the joint and individual services on operational support tasks, conditions, and standards needed to achieve US military objectives to defeat improvised explosive devices (IED). The contract calls for an initial quantity of 305 IED Training Systems to be delivered to various installations world-wide. Known as ‘fire marker units’, the training systems are designed to replicate the visual signature, sound, and trigger activation of IEDs used against US and allied troops. They will be produced in partnership with Ruag Coel GmbH, the German subsidiary of RUAG Electronics, Simulation & Training Division (Switzerland). US Army IED training simulators are derived from similar devices in use with US Army training ranges in Germany, the US Marine Corps, and the Swiss army. [14.11.07]

RAYTHEON TO HOOK SUBMARINES UP WITH SATELLITES: Raytheon has been awarded a US$5.2m US Navy development contract to deliver a tactical paging solution based on its ‘Deep Siren’ technology that improves submarine communications. ‘Deep Siren’ employs acoustic, expendable buoys that - when contacted through the Global Information Grid (GiG) communications system - enable long-range communications from a buoy to a submarine throughout its area of operations. ‘Deep Siren’ is described as a critical technology for the US Navy's first generation of Undersea ‘FORCEnet’ communications equipment. Raytheon has teamed with Glasgow (Scotland)-based RRK Technologies, and Dartmouth (Nova Scotia)-based Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems to supply the technology. [14.11.07]

KELLY WEDGES NAIRN WITH QUEANBEYAN CIMIC HEADQUARTERS: A Rudd Labor government has confirmed that, if elected 24 November, it would set up a new $5.1m Asia Pacific Centre for Civil-Military Cooperation (APC-CIMIC), in Queanbeyan (NSW). Labor says recent experience with breakdowns in law and order in fragile states such as East Timor and the Solomon Islands, “demonstrates the need for a concerted long-term response to stabilisation, reconstruction and peace-building in our region. We need to streamline coordination between security, economic, emergency management, institution-building and non-government organisations to help avoid continuing instability and revolving door military deployments.” [13.11.07]

CIMIC HEADQUARTERS COUNTERS HQ-JOC AS VOTE CATCHER: Labor says advantages in locating the APC-CIMIC in Queanbeyan include: its proximity to the new ADF Headquarters, Joint Operations Command Centre at Bungendore (JP 8001), the Australian Federal Police International Deployment Group facility at Majura; the Non-Government Organisations peak body – ACFID; AusAID, DFAT; and the Department of Defence. Principally, the new Centre will: coordinate training for such missions between different agencies, involving participants from all concerned sectors (including NGOs); conduct governance training for public officials from states in the Asia Pacific region; and liaise with international partner institutions, such as the UN Peace Building Commission, Japanese Terakoya, US Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction & Stabilization, and UK Post Conflict Reconstruction Unit. [13.11.07]

GREAT TANK GIVE AWAY FOLLOWS FAILED SALE ATTEMPTS: Defence Minister Nelson has confirmed that a re-elected Coalition Government would provide thirty de-commissioned 1977-vintage ‘Leopard I’ tanks to Returned Service League (RSL) and veterans associations around Australia. The Leopards were recently replaced under the $555m project Land 907 acquisition of 59 reconditioned ‘Abrams’ M1A1 main battle tanks. Defence had originally anticipated selling the Leopards to an overseas military user (rumoured to be the government of Afghanistan), however, their level of protection against rapidly increasing more lethal threats was considered insufficient for that theatre (similar to the conclusion first reached by the ADF). In addition to the thirty tanks listed for distribution to RSL and veterans organisations, the Army will be distributing a number of tanks to Defence bases and museums, including three especially earmarked for Tasmania. [13.11.07]

DEMONCRAT PUSH FOR SENATE INQUIRY TO REVIEW ASIO ACTIVITIES: The Australian Democrats spokesperson for the Attorney-General’s portfolio, Senator Natasha Stott Despoja, says “the most recent bungle by ASIO officers in their incompetent prosecution of Izhar ul-Haque, reinforces the need to a broad inquiry into all of Australia’s anti-terrorism laws, rather than an ad hoc series of individual investigations. The Haneef debacle and this case show that Australia’s law enforcement and security agencies don’t comprehend their own powers. While judicial inquiries and investigations by the Inspector-General of Intelligence & Security may resolve individual cases, it will do nothing to address the fundamental flaws in the patchwork set of over 40 pieces of security legislation that this Government has rammed through the Senate since 9/11.” [13.11.07]

LOCKHEED MARTIN LITTORAL COMBAT SHIP TAKES OFF IN ISRAEL: With the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project cut back to just two vessels of competing designs, Lockheed Martin’s (LM) LCS-1 design (USS ‘Freedom’) has been awarded a US$2.3m US Navy FMS contract to continue concept and preliminary design work on the proposed Israeli Navy's LCS variant. During the nine-month combat system configuration phase, LM will examine the combat system performance of LCS-I using two different radar options - an advanced radar under development by Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI), and LM's SPY-1F radar - using the COMBATSS-21 combat management system integrated with an Israeli Navy Command & Control (IC2) system and multiple Israeli and US sensor & weapon systems, including: the MK 41 Vertical Launch System, ‘Typhoon’ gun and ‘Barak’ missile. LM is currently partnered with Rafael Armament Systems, Elbit Systems and Ness on LCS-I. The USS ‘Freedom’ is scheduled for delivery in 2008. [13.11.07]

COMMON SENSOR PAYLOAD BEING ADVANCED FOR UAVs: The US Army has awarded Raytheon a US$11m initial contract to provide a common sensor payload (using a variant of its Multi-spectral Targeting System) for manned and unmanned aircraft, with options up to $1.2 billion. Raytheon will take advantage of commonality gained via its role as the prime sensor payload provider for the Army's Extended Range Multi-Purpose unmanned aerial system (built around AN/DAS-2 electro-optical/infrared/laser designator sensors), and other EO/IR systems, such as the AN/AAS-52 and AN/DAS-1 on Air Force ‘Predator’ and ‘Reaper’ unmanned platforms, respectively; the AN/AAS-44A(c) on Navy MH-60R/S helicopters; and the AN/ZSQ-2 on special operations aircraft. [13.11.07]

SAAB LAUNCHES MANPADS DEFENSIVE AIDS SUITE FAMILY: Saab Avitronics has launched a new family of Compact Integrated Defensive Aids Suites (CIDAS) - the newest generation designed to meet the challenges of the emerging electronic warfare operational environment comprising both old and new generation radars, missiles, and laser threats. CIDAS-100 is a small and light weight variant with only electro-optic sensors and small line replaceable units. It is designed for the protection of aircraft against Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS), and laser based threats. CIDAS-300 is the high-end system which can be configured with the full multi-spectral detection capability for radar; including an optional digital receiver (DRx) laser and missile approach warning capability. Both variants are fully integrated with Saab’s new advanced lightweight countermeasures dispensing system, the BOP/L. [13.11.07]

DEFENCE LAND OFFERED UP FOR HOUSING RELIEF: The Minister for Finance & Administration, Senator Nick Minchin, has announced that, if re-elected, the Coalition will sell ten parcels of Commonwealth land for housing sub-division. Heading the list of disposals for what is now regarded as surplus Defence land in Western Sydney is: Schofields Aerodrome; Ingleburn Army Camp; the Bringelly Radio Receiving Station; and West Wattle Grove. The former naval stores depot at Ermington is to be sold, along with the former DSTO site at Maribyrnong in western Melbourne. Senator Minchin adds the Belconnen Naval Transmitting Site in Canberra will now be sold, along with the Elizabeth North Training Depot in Adelaide. All land is to be sold on the open market. [12.11.07]

ARMOUR UPGRADE FIRST CAB OFF THE RANK FOR LABOR: Responding to media questions as to what military priorities would feature, if elected, in a new Rudd Government-inspired Defence White Paper, the Opposition Leader has replied, “in recent years our force structure has been torn in multiple directions in the absence of clarity to strategic purpose, including asking our force to maintain simultaneously hot operations in theatres far from Australia, as well as other operations in our own immediate sphere of strategic importance here in the south west Pacific and South East Asia. For example, if you’re going to deploy infantry abroad in the future, you must ensure (they) have sufficient armour to protect them. The last Defence Whitepaper was done prior to the attacks on 11 September 2001, and the entire strategic geography has changed as a consequence of that.” [12.11.07]

CHILL WIND TO HIT ADMINISTRATION OF DEFENCE PROCUREMENT: As a footnote to his comments relating to the alleged ‘absolute lack of strategy’ in Coalition guidance relating to the force structure of the ADF, Labor leader Rudd stated that current Defence procurement was “a massive rolling policy failure on the part of the current Government. There have been billions of wasted dollars in defence procurement. It is a rolling scandal, and we are determined in Government to ensure that we’ve got the processes in place to make sure there is rational long term planning for our equipment requirements (and) Defence platform requirements, which is in turn consistent with a strategic doctrine laid down in the White paper.” Rudd has previously stated he would commission the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) to undertake an annual review of the top 30 DMO acquisition projects. The ANAO’s 2006/07 Annual Report revealed that plans for such an outcome had already commenced under the Coalition. [12.11.07]

COMPETITIOR EYES-OFF ‘FIRESCOUT’ UAV TERRITORY: Vienna-based Schiebel Group reports its ‘Camcopter’ S-100 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system has successfully completed a series of flights from an Indian Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel in the Arabian Sea. Takeoffs from the deck were said to have been accomplished both manually and autonomously. Landings generally were flown autonomously to a waypoint relative to the ship at a distance of about 50 feet above and 100 feet behind the helipad, and - from this waypoint - the final approach and landing were executed. The UAV’s Ground Control Station was installed inside the ship’s hangar, with communications link antennas set up via structures on top of the hangar. The activity was organised in close cooperation with offshore helicopter service provider Vectra Aviation, Schiebel's partner in India. [12.11.07]

COALITION CAMPAIGN LAUNCH SPEAKS LITTLE OF DEFENCE: Addressing the Coalition’s 2007 federal election campaign launch in Brisbane, Prime Minister Howard has said, “this election is about the future of our great nation, not the past.” Noting the 47% (real) increase in the amount of money spent on Defence since first coming to government in 1996, the Prime Minister added, “we seek your mandate to maintain the strength of Australia, to maintain the strength of our alliances, to continue the protection of our borders, to continue to decide on who comes to this nation, to continue the great duality of Australian foreign policy over the past eleven and a half years – where we have built ever-closer relations with our Asian neighbours - yet still remain the great friends and allies of the United States and our other traditional friends.” [12.11.07]

LABOR PITCHES DENTAL HEALTH PLAN FOR DEFENCE VOTE: During a visit to Lavarack Barracks in Townsville (Qld), ALP Leader, Kevin Rudd, and the Opposition Spokesperson for Defence, Joel Fitzgibbon, have pledged a Rudd Labor Government would invest $33.1m to extend free basic medical and dental care to spouses and the children of ADF personnel. The four-year initiative would extend free basic medical care to 12,000 ADF spouses and children by funding twelve Defence Family Healthcare Clinics, the first two of which would be located at Lavarack Barracks, and Robertson Barracks (Darwin, NT). Rudd says priority will also be given to establishing Defence Family Healthcare Clinics at remote and major regional bases. [12.11.07]

SYMPOSIUM TO HOST REPLACEMENT SUBMARINE LESSONS DEBATE: Former senior naval officer, Terry Roach (representing the Submarine Institute of Australia) and the Director-General Maritime Development, Gerry Christian, are to participate in a workshop at the 1st National Defence Capability Development (NDCD) Symposium examining: ‘Lessons learned for developing Australia’s new submarine capability’. The NCDC Symposium is being held in Canberra on 27 & 28 November 2007, with the submarine workshop activity on day one. The NCDC symposium also features several ‘Enabling Technologies Showcase’ opportunities for vendors to present profiles of technologies relevant to civil security agency and ADF capability acquisition processes. Contact Eleonor Geoghegan on 0410 178 879 (or email admin@capabilitydevelopment.org.au) for specific inquiries, or surf www.capabilitydevelopment.org.au for an updated program and registration details. [12.11.07]

LABOR DEFENCE PLAN A LOT LIKE HOWARD’S VISION: Labor has released in Queensland a new ‘Plan for Defence’ that, in reality, differs little from the current government’s approach - other than the need to focus on fostering peace, stability and security in Australia’s own neighbourhood and the broader Asia Pacific region, and to consult with the US, UK and Iraqi governments on withdrawing ADF combat troops from Iraq. A Rudd Labor Government will accordingly, “maintain and enhance Australia’s capacity for independent military operations in our own region, with strong military capabilities able to dominate our air and sea approaches and to move joint forces quickly, with superior firepower to carry out their missions. A new Defence White Paper will address the requirements of the ADF to: deploy more units at higher readiness; deploy at shorter notice; and sustain operations for longer periods.” [12.11.07]

RAFT OF INQUIRIES TO BOG DOWN DEFENCE FOR THREE YEARS: Labor’s ‘Plan for Defence’ further undertakes to: bring forward a new Defence White Paper that “returns discipline and strategic coherence to the Defence Capability Plan”; negotiate a new Australia-US cooperative agreement on submarine technology; reinvigorate Australia’s defence relationship with New Zealand; conduct a full audit of the Defence Budget to clarify ongoing personnel and operating costs generated by new equipment purchases; institute a comprehensive audit of Defence financial management to ensure that the corporate performance of the organisation fully complies with the FM&A Act 1997, and meets best practice; undertake a formal evaluation of the effectiveness of the reforms to the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) that were implemented following the 2003 Review of Defence Procurement; ensure greater and more effective Parliamentary oversight of the ‘major’ defence capability acquisition program; and task & resource the Australian National Audit Office to undertake independent evaluations of the ‘Top 30’ major defence equipment projects, on an annual basis. [12.11.07]

LOCAL INDUSTRY PREFERENCE TO RETURN TO MILITARY ACQUISITIONS: Labor, in government, has further committed to ensuring that “as much of the Defence budget as possible is spent in Australia … (by emphasising) preference for Australian content and requiring tenderers to develop detailed strategies for involving Australian industry to the greatest extent possible.” To ensure that Australians receive maximum benefits from spending on Defence, a Rudd Labor government proposes to introduce “new reporting obligations on Defence to include in its Annual Report a specific section outlining Australian involvement in major equipment acquisition projects.” Labor has also undertaken to: implement new systems to provide better access for Australia’s small and medium enterprises to information on ‘minor’ capability projects; formalise assessment processes in the DMO for ‘unsolicited’ capability proposals that are submitted by industry; and further expand and encourage links between the DSTO and Australian defence-industry to ensure better technology transfer to Australian industry.” 12.11.07]

LEG UP UNDER LABOR FOR JOINT MILITARY-CIVIL OPERATIONS: Hinting at a potentially major shift in future ADF tasking, Labor’s new ‘Plan for Defence’ says a Rudd Labor Government “will implement a strategy of joint training and preparation aimed at appropriately preparing our ADF and police personnel for such operations - by enhancing cooperation between security agencies during training - to accurately reflect the operational realities.” Consistent with the United Nations’ emphasis on civil-military cooperation in both humanitarian and complex emergency responses, a Rudd Labor Government say it “will expand the ADF’s civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) capability.” CIMIC involves interaction and cooperation with civil actors – including: the national population; local authorities; and national, international and non-government organisations and agencies. [12.11.07]

HMAS ‘ARUNTA’ HEADS FOR MIDDLE EAST OPERATIONS: The RAN’s ‘Anzac’-class frigate, HMAS ‘Arunta’, has departed Fleet Base West (WA) for a six-month deployment to the Middle East. The ship is to be stationed in the Middle East Area of Operations until mid-2008, as part of Operation ‘Catalyst’, Australia’s commitment to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq, and involving the protection of Iraqi oil platforms, security boardings of all vessels proceeding to the subject platforms and training of the Iraqi Navy. This will be Arunta’s second deployment to the Middle East, and the Navy’s seventeenth rotation since September 2001. She replaces HMAS ‘Anzac’, which is due to return to Fleet Base West in December. [12.11.07]

UPGRADE CONTRACT AWARDED FOR RAN ‘PHALANX’ CIWS: Raytheon has been awarded two contracts totaling US$241.8m to overhaul and upgrade 34 ‘Phalanx’ Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) for the US Navy, and one system for the Royal Australian Navy. The company will also build twelve Land-based Phalanx Weapon Systems (LPWS) for the US Army, and provide associated hardware to all three services under the agreements. The ‘Phalanx’ is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20mm gun system that automatically acquires, tracks and destroys enemy threats. More than 850 sea-based systems have already been built and deployed in the navies of 25 nations. The LPWS version has been customized to defeat in-coming threats (ie: rockets, artillery and mortars) while they are still airborne, thus providing protection to forces and civilians on the ground. [12.11.07]

VIRTUAL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ROADSHOW TO END IN CANBERRA: MSC Software is set to commence its 2007 Virtual Product Development (VPD) Roadshow in a week’s time, concluding with a major presentation in Canberra at the 1st National Defence Capability Development (NDCD) Symposium (Surf www.capabilitydevelopment.org.au). Entitled - ‘Breaking through the barriers of VPD’ – the roadshow will see two hour events held in Perth (19/11); Adelaide (20/11); Brisbane (21/11); Sydney (22/11); Melbourne (23/11); and Canberra (27/11) – the latter at the NDCD Symposium. The Roadshow aims to provide a consolidated review of virtual product development and related simulation environments available today in support of the theme – ‘Engineering Productivity for Competitive Advantage’ - and a perspective on trends and development over the next twelve months. Surf http://roadshow.mscsoftware.com.au for further details. [09.11.07]

CLEARANCE DIVING TEAMS EXERCISING IN THE SPENCER GULF: The RAN’s substantive coastal mine hunter fleet (HMA Ships ‘Gascoyne’, ‘Yarra’ and ‘Norman’) - along with Clearance Diving Teams One and Four - have commenced in SA’s Spencer Gulf 2007’s exercise ‘Dugong’– the annual three-week activity aimed at refining Navy mine hunting procedures and techniques. As an integrated force, the ships will be tasked to search the local waters for simulated mine-like objects, and implement measures to dispose of them prior to the arrival of amphibious ships simultaneously practising the discharge of cargo. Exercise ‘Dugong’ this year has been scheduled as a precursor activity to the much larger joint amphibious exercise ‘Sea Eagle’, to be conducted in the Cultana Training Area. [09.11.07]

SCREENING SERVICE FOR DEFENCE APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME: Defence Force Recruiting (DFR) has contracted Hunter Valley-based service provider, Alliance People Solutions, to develop a national Candidate Testing and Referral Program (CTRP) to assist young people seeking a technical trade career in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The specialist provider will source, screen and refer technical trade candidates to DFR in the first stage of a Defence Apprenticeship Scheme (DAS). This is intended to give Defence a consistent presence in the employment market and a specialist capacity to access potential candidates aged 17 years and over with an interest in ADF technical trade careers. Defence aims to attract up to 100 apprentices in FY 2007/08 through the DAS, extending this to 200 candidates per year from FY 2008/09. [09.11.07]

US ARMY SELECTS ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS FOR EPIAFS: Under a nearly US$5m contract, the US Army has selected Alliant Techsystems (ATK) to manufacture over 400 M1155A1 Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuse Setter (EPIAFS) systems, to replace current M1155 Portable Inductive Artillery Fuse Setter (PIAFS) technology. The US Army also retains an option to extend the contract to 2011. New capabilities offered by EPIAFS include automated fire mission transfer over the inductive link, and the ability to initialise GPS on projectiles such as the 155mm ‘Excalibur’ munition and ATK's Precision Guided Kit. EPIAFS will be used to set the fuses on projectiles fired from the M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer, M777A2 lightweight towed howitzer, future Non-Line-Of Sight (NLOS) cannon, and soon to be upgraded Australian Army M198 towed artillery. [09.11.07]

RAF APPLIES PREDATOR B ‘REAPER’ TO AFGHAN OPERATIONS: The Royal Air Force has declared its first MQ-9 ‘Reaper’ Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) – a version of the General Atomics ‘Predator B’ UAV – ready for operations in Afghanistan. Three MQ-9s have been purchased by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to satisfy an urgent operational requirement to provide an all-weather, persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition & Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability 24 hours a day over a wide geographical spread. RAF and UK Army and Royal Navy personnel are to work together in a new No.39 Sqdn while the full ‘Reaper’ capability is being developed. Training will continue alongside some operational missions and there will be a steady build up to a full UK capability. UK Reapers in Afghanistan are currently unarmed, although the MoD is investigating arming options. [09.11.07]

BUNDESTAG CONFIRMS PROCUREMENT OF 405 PUMA IFVs: The German Bundestag's budget committee has cleared the way for the procurement of 405 new ‘Puma’ infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) for the Bundeswehr, to be supplied by Kassel-based PSM GmbH. The clearance paves the way for a €3 billion order for Munich-based Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH and Duesseldorf-based Rheinmetall AG, who each hold a 50% stake in PSM GmbH. Five pre-series vehicles are currently undergoing intensive trials, with the first serially produced IFV scheduled to enter service in 2010. The A400M airportable ‘Puma’ has two different levels of protection, and can be quickly reconfigured for higher intensity combat with separately transported modular armour elements to protect against landmines, shaped charges and medium-calibre weapons fire. Special roof armour elements protect the crew from airborne bomblets. [09.11.07]

RAYTHEON TO SUPPORT ‘AEGIS’ WEAPON SYSTEM COMPONENTS: The US Navy has awarded Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems a US$45m contract to undertake performance-based logistics (ie: repairs and the provision of spares) for the AN/SPY-1 radar and MK 99 Fire Control System - both key components of the ‘Aegis’ combat system. The contract runs from 2007 through 2012, and will see Raytheon IDS supporting ‘Aegis’ sub-systems used by the US Navy (USN), as well as managing system repairs in support of Foreign Military Sales. The AN/SPY-1 and the MK99 currently serve aboard the USN's fleet of ‘Ticonderoga’-class cruisers and ‘Arleigh Burke’-class destroyers, as well as Japanese ‘Kongo’-class destroyers and Spanish F-100-class frigates. [09.11.07]

FOUR DESTROYERS WELL WITHIN LABOR DEFENCE PLAN: A statement from Shadow Defence Minister, Joel Fitzgibbon, says Federal Labor remains “strongly committed to the Navy’s Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) project … (and) the construction of three ships. A Rudd Labor Government will also pursue the option of a fourth AWD, for which construction would be expected to begin in or around 2018.” Fitzgibbon adds, “committing to a fourth ship through a hasty campaign announcement is not the right way to go, appropriate strategic justification must be established and the cost of the total project better known.” As earlier reported in DIAR.com [04.10.07], Defence Minister Nelson says a fourth project Sea 4000 AWD would cost in the order of $1.5b, and to be feasible in the form of the first three ships, would require an ‘Aegis’ combat system commitment by the end of 2008. [08.11.07]

CAPEX RAID TO FUND ROAD TO JOC HEADQUARTERS: Campaigning with former Army Colonel Mike Kelly in the bell-wether seat of Eden-Monaro, Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd has promised that if successful at the 24 November election, Labor would take $23.3m from existing Defence capital works project budgets over the next two financial years to upgrade the road between Canberra and the NSW South Coast. Rudd said the switch in funding would in particular help ensure the safety of Defence personnel travelling via the Kings Highway to and from the Joint Project 8001 Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC), located roughly mid-way between Queanbeyan and Bungendore. Defence Minister Nelson, together with Gary Nairn (current member for Eden-Monaro) confirmed 10 October a re-elected Coalition would provide $8.2m towards a NSW/ACT program to upgrade the road to the HQJOC, which is expected to open towards the end of 2008. [08.11.07]

WESTERN AUSTRALIA MUOS GROUND STATION MOU SIGNED: The Australian Department of Defence (under federal election caretaker conventions) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the US Navy setting out the governing arrangements for a joint military communications ground station near Geraldton, in Western Australia. The new ground station is being established to support the US Navy’s Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) - a satellite-based mobile phone network designed to support US (and in future, Australian military users), including deployed forces. The ultimately unmanned joint ground station will be collocated with the Geraldton’s Australian Defence Satellite Communications Station, but will be managed separately. Works are expected to commence in early-2008, with the ground station becoming operational in March 2010. [08.11.07]

BERYLLIUM EXPOSURE AT MOOREBANK CENTRE: Defence reports that a 2 November contamination at the Defence National Storage and Distribution Centre at Moorebank (NSW) – and involving the chemical beryllium - is believed to have occurred as a result of the packaging of damaged equipment items returning from the Middle East. On becoming aware of the potential hazard, all personnel were evacuated from the scene and the contaminated area was secured. Following containment of the hazard, swab tests of the area were negative for beryllium and the work area was declared safe for resumption of work on 6 November. Defence says an investigation is currently underway to determine the immediate and follow-on action required to prevent a re-occurrence. [08.11.07]

BAE SYSTEMS ‘HERTI’ UAV BEING TESTED IN AFGHANISTAN: BAE Systems (BAES) has confirmed the deployment of its ‘Herti’ unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to Afghanistan as part of a joint initiative between the RAF Air Warfare Centre and BAES, known as project ‘Morrigan’. The deployment of integrated ‘Herti’ UAV systems into UK forces for a short period aims to develop potential tactics, techniques & procedures for the longer-term integration of such UAVs into existing joint manned/unmanned force structures. The ‘Herti’ is one of a family of UAVs being developed by BAES through its Autonomous Systems & Future Capability, Integrated System Technologies, and Australian businesses. Through this work, BAES says it has been able to translate high levels of autonomy into increased operational effectiveness. [08.11.07]

CAE CONSOLIDATION SHOWS UP IN FINANCIAL RESULTS: Outlining its financial results for the second quarter ended 30 September 2007, Montreal (Canada)-based CAE says it achieved consolidated revenue of C$353.9m, $73.5m higher than the same period last reporting year. The revenue outcome has seen net earnings jump 25.5%, to $38.9m. EBIT increased 39% - to $17.3m year over year - as a result of higher segment operating income in Civil and Simulation Products/Military. CAE's President and CEO, Robert Brown says "we are continuing to benefit from strong market conditions and the successful execution of our strategy. Despite the rising Canadian dollar over the past three years, we have achieved greater profitability by lowering costs and becoming more efficient. We are accelerating initiatives to identify and capture additional savings." Since the end of the quarter, CAE has announced that the Government of Canada has qualified a CAE-led team to deliver its C-130J and CH-47 aircrew training capability. [08.11.07]

GLOBAL RADAR MARKETS TO TOP US$50 BILLION THIS DECADE: A new Forecast International (FI) analysis projects the worldwide radar market will be worth US$50 billion over the next 10 years, with 11,306 individual radar units to be produced during the 2007-2016 timeframe. FI says the expanding availability of technology is increasing the appeal of many radar systems that were previously available only to the largest and best equipped militaries. One example of this trend is the growth of the airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) market, encompassing the MESA, ‘Erieye’, and EL/M-2075 ‘Phalcon’ radars. FI notes the marketplace is also being driven by the growth of active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology, adding that while mechanical array radars still make up the bulk of radar production, the more expensive AESA radars are nearly identical to mechanical array radars in terms of value of production. [08.11.07]

FRENCH TEST ‘TOP OWL’ HELMET MOUNTED DISPLAY FOR A400M: Thales has confirmed that its ‘Top Owl’ helmet-mounted display (HMD) system has successfully completed a series of flight tests on-board a C-160 ‘Transall’ aircraft, with the aim of proving the HMD’s applicability beyond helicopters, and in particular, to military transport aircraft – with an aim to achieve qualification for the A400M transport for night missions. The ‘Top Owl’ HMD is currently in full-scale production with Thales delivering more than 400 systems to both the US military and international customers. The subject HMD has so far been selected by 15 nations for helicopter operations, including: South Africa; Australia; New Zealand; France; Italy; Greece; Spain; Portugal; Germany; Finland; Norway; the US; Belgium; Oman and the Netherlands. [08.11.07]

US NAVY CONTINUES INVESTMENT IN COUNTER-IED TECHNOLOGIES: The Indian Head (Maryland)-based US Navy Sea Systems Command Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NEODTD) has awarded General Dynamics (GD) Ordnance & Tactical Systems and the University of Missouri at Rolla/Electromagnetic Compatibility Laboratory, a three-year US$7.5m contract (with funding from the Office of Naval Research) for continued counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) applied research and proof of concept demonstrations. The research effort will focus on developing solutions for detecting and neutralising remotely triggered, electronically initiated IEDs. The completion of an earlier partnership between GD and UM-Rolla saw the demonstration of a remotely controlled engineering prototype unit with ability to detect, neutralize and verify disruption for several types of IEDs previously unseen by the research team. [08.11.07]

TADIRAN COMMUNICATIONS TO BE MERGED WITH ELBIT SYSTEMS: The respective boards of directors of Elbit Systems and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tadiran Communications, have approved a plan to merge Tadiran Communications into Elbit Systems Ltd. After the merger, Tadiran Communications will cease to exist as an independent legal entity, although a new, wholly-owned Elbit Systems subsidiary - to be called Elbit Systems Land & C4I - Tadiran Ltd - will assume Tadiran’s Israeli operations, as well as those of Elbit Systems' Land & C4I Division. Subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals, the merger is expected to take place at the beginning of 2008. [08.11.07]

‘GLOBEMASTER’ CAPABILITY BUILDING WITH NEW CARGO LOADER: Defence says the delivery of four Truck/Aircraft Loading Unloading (TALU) units (produced by Adelaide-based Static Engineering) to RAAF bases ‘Townsville’, ‘Pearce’, ‘Amberley’ and ‘Darwin’, has provided a major enhancement to military ground support capabilities when utilising the 77 tonne payload project Air 8000 ‘Globemaster III’ airlifter. Each TALU has a platform that can carry a payload of 22.5 tonnes, and hold up to five military pallets. These units are said to greatly increase the ease of loading and unloading the ‘Globemaster’ by elevating the platform to the height of the aircraft’s cargo floor. Each TALU is self-propelled (and compatible with C-130 ‘Hercules’ transports), and can be made air-transportable for loading on board a C-130 or a ‘Globemaster’. [07.11.07]

‘AEGIS’-BASED MISSILE TEST TAKES OUT TWO INCOMINGS: Lockheed Martin reports its ‘Aegis’ sensor & combat system (version 3.6) - when combined with Raytheon SM-3 Block IA missiles - has successfully intercepted and destroyed two non-separating, short range ballistic missile targets nearly simultaneously. The test marks the first successful attempt by any US Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system at dual exo-atmospheric intercepts. The test also represents the ‘Aegis’ BMD system's 10th and 11th successful ballistic missile intercepts in 13 attempts. The Japanese guided missile destroyer - JS ‘Kongo’ - also participated in the test, and is said to have been able to detect, track and conduct a simulated engagement of the two ballistic missile targets using its own newly-installed ‘Aegis’ BMD weapon system. The ‘Kongo’ will be the first ship in Japan’s fleet to have a sea-based BMD capability, and will conduct its own initial BMD firing flight test in late-2007. [07.11.07]

BOEING THE ‘SILENT ACHIEVER’ IN SM-3 MISSILE EFFECTIVENESS: The Boeing Company reports it played a key role in the successful intercept of dual ballistic missile targets using the ‘Aegis’ BMD and Raytheon Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) weapon systems. Boeing has partnered with Raytheon on SM-3 development since 1996, and builds and integrates several components of the SM-3 ‘kinetic warhead’. Boeing is under sub-contract to integrate and test the kinetic warhead avionics and guidance & control software, as well as the ejection subsystem. Raytheon provides the infrared seeker and divert attitude control system and integrates the full SM-3 missile. Fired simultaneously from the ‘Aegis’ guided missile cruiser, the USS ‘Lake Erie’ (CG-70), the SM-3 Block IA missiles destroyed two short-range ballistic missile targets launched from the US Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii. [07.11.07]

COMMERICAL SATELLITES NOT DEAD WITH SHIFT TO WGS & TSAT: A new NSR market survey and forecast of military demand for commercial satellite communications says that despite impending troop draw-downs in Iraq & Afghanistan and the advent of new military satellites, burgeoning ISTAR requirements will still require considerable use of commercial satellite services. According to NSR’s ‘Government & Military Demand on Commercial Satellites, 4th Edition’, satellite capacity currently used by ground-based forces will increasingly be replaced by engagement at relative arms length, and directed by increased intelligence-gathering and reconnaissance missions. According to NSR, although “the period of ‘shock-and-awe’ and subsequent peacekeeping activities that sustained military demand for commercial satellite services may be drawing to a close … that does not mean that the US and its allies will be disengaging anytime soon. Physical disengagement of troops should actually lead to greater bandwidth needs for other types of operations, since engagement and presence will be accomplished remotely.” [07.11.07]

UNMANNED SENSOR PLATFORMS TO ‘GOBBLE UP’ BANDWIDTH: Going forward, NSR sees that flashpoints around the globe “cannot be out-of-sight of military leaders, and they also cannot be out-of-reach - which is where the next area of procurement will take place. From traditional weapons systems (tanks, cannons, rockets and mortars etc) larger fleets of tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will become a growing component of the military's arsenal … which, by nature, are ‘bandwidth hogs’. As such, the military's internal satellite assets will be taxed such that flexibility and the need to secure commercial bandwidth will lead once again to a sustainable military market for commercial satellite companies.” NSR forecasts that from $1 billion in 2003, commercial satellite communications revenues will grow to $7.2b in 2015, yielding total revenues of $45.8b over a 13-year period. Demand will principally be driven by the US military, and other government agencies within and outside the United States. [07.11.07]

AUSTRALIAN SOLIDER DIES INSIDE EAST TIMOR BARRACKS: The Department of Defence has confirmed an Australian soldier, Private Ashley Baker, was found dead from a gun shot wound whilst in a barracks area. The 19 year old Baker was serving with the 2nd Battalion RAR on operations as part of the International Stabilisation Force in East Timor. The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, says “the circumstances of the incident are still uncertain, however … a full investigation will be conducted by staff of the ADF Investigative Service. Additionally, a formal CDF Commission of Inquiry will be completed, consistent with new military justice arrangements.” The soldier’s body is to be brought home by an ADF or permanently chartered ADF aircraft, and will be under constant escort by ADF personnel. [06.11.07]

DEFENCE RESPONDS TO IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE STORY: The Department of Defence has responded to media coverage of ADF efforts to develop effective responses to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by submitting both projects Land 133 and Land 144 are “not intended to deliver specific countermeasures against IEDs.” On top of ‘improved tactics, techniques and procedures to assist with mitigating the threats posed by IEDs’, Defence says Australian Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operatives utilise “a range of mechanical and non-mechanical methods that provide the capacity to approach and neutralise IEDs remotely ... the ADF inventory includes EOD remote positioning vehicles (RPV) … both heavy and light robots are in-service with the Reconstruction Task Force in Afghanistan. Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) magazine has recently undertaken an extensive review of IED threats to Australian soldiers. Email ‘Request IED Feature’ to busicom@ozemail.com.au for an extract of this story. [06.11.07]

RUDD MAKES COMMITMENT TO HONOUR ‘SUPER HORNET’ DEAL: Labor leader, Kevin Rudd, has been reported by ‘The Age’ newspaper as saying a Federal Labor Government would honour contracts for the purchase of 24 Boeing ‘Super Hornet’ aircraft (project Air 5349), but would subsequently “investigate defence department advice on the deal … (as) I am determined to get to the bottom of the question as to whether Dr Nelson’s position was absolutely consistent with that of the defence force chief.” Rudd’s reported remarks confirm an earlier DIAR.com report [30.10.07] -based on an official statement by the Shadow Minister for Defence, Joel Fitzgibbon – and saying, “the Howard Government has committed us to both the JSF and the ‘Super Hornet’, and we accept that they will be part of our air capability mix.” [06.11.07]

SURVEILLANCE AUSTRALIA TAKES DELIVERY OF FINAL ‘DASH 8’: Canadian-based Field Aviation reports it has delivered the 10th and final Bombardier ‘Dash 8’ aircraft to Adelaide-based National Jet Services (NJS) subsidiary, Surveillance Australia, as part of the Australian Customs Service’s project ‘Sentinel’. The aircraft were delivered straight from Bombardier to Field Aviation for structural and systems modification work, before final fit-out of sensors, operator stations and systems racks is undertaken by NJS. The full project ‘Sentinel’ (formerly CMS04) fleet will consist of six ‘Dash 8-200’ models, and four ‘Dash 8-300’ models, the latter of which offer much longer range. The company is required to have fully acquitted its maritime patrol fleet rejuvenation program by 1 January 2008. [06.11.07]

CANBERRA SYMPOSIUM TO UPDATE BORDER SECURITY/PROJECT ‘SENTINEL’: The Border Protection Command’s (BPC) Director General of Development, Nigel Perry, is to lead a Workshop on ‘Capability Development for the BPC’ at the 1st National Defence Capability Development Symposium, to be held in Canberra on 27-28 November. The BPC workshop will also include the presentation of a ‘Case Study’ on ‘Shifting to World Class Border Surveillance’, by Anthony Patterson, Director of Business Development for National Air Support. Surf www.homelandsecurity.org.au/events for symposium program updates and registration details, or telephone Eleonor Geoghegan on 0410 178 879 with specific symposium participation inquiries. Alernatively, email admin@capabilitydevelopment.org.au. [06.11.07]

TWO SIDES TO ARGUE MERIT OF NATIONAL SECURITY MEASURES: Following a debate between the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, and his Opposition Shadow, Joe Ludwig, in Sydney, Ruddock has noted that if elected, a future Labor Government would require ‘opposing arguments’ in Cabinet on major national security measures. In support of his claim, Ruddock quoted Ludwig as saying Labor would “separate the role of the Attorney-General and Minister for Homeland Security, so that both streams of advice are fed into Cabinet.” Labor has previously argued there is a discontinuity between having a single Department as the promulgator of Commonwealth legal policy, as well as the enforcer of such laws. Ruddock says the idea of having split responsibilities “is a recipe for talk rather than action in protection the Australian community.” [06.11.07]

UAV-BASED INTELLIGENCE CRITICAL IN SUCCESS AGAINST IEDs: The use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in Iraq is a "decisive factor" in the dramatic drop in successful improvised explosive device (IED) attacks says US Army MajGen James Simmons, the Deputy Commanding General, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, III Corps Commander, and the senior aviator in the CENTCOM Theater of Operations. The General confirmed that eight Army ‘Warrior A’ UAS had been successfully flying missions in the Iraqi theatre under the auspices of the largely shrouded Task Force ‘ODIN’ (Observe, Detect, Identify, Neutralise) - a high priority effort aimed at stemming the IED threat in Iraq. Through to August, 148 sensor-to-shooter target handoffs have resulted in 233 IED emplacers being killed, 48 being injured, and 260 being detained. [06.11.07]

MODERNISED GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEN NOW READY FOR USE: The modernised Global Positioning System Block IIR (GPS IIR-M) satellite, launched from Cape Canaveral in October has been declared fully operational for military and civilian navigation users around the globe, following a successful on-orbit checkout by a combined US Air Force/Lockheed Martin team. The satellite, designated GPS IIR-17M, is the fourth in a series of eight Block IIR-M satellites that bring new capabilities to military and civilian users of the 28-spacecraft constellation GPS system. Each GPS IIR-M satellite has a modernised antenna panel that provides increased signal power to receivers on the ground, two new military signals for improved accuracy, enhanced encryption and anti-jamming capabilities for the military, and a second civil signal that will provide users with an open access signal on a different frequency. [06.11.07]

TSAT GROUND STATION FIRED UP BY BOEING TEAM: The Boeing Company and its industry partners report they have successfully demonstrated a ‘one-button’ start-up feature for the ground station being offered in support of its Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT) bid. The feature allows a ground station technician or a remote command center operator to use one button on a control panel to go from a full ‘off’ condition to full communications operation within minutes, even under adverse operating conditions. The hardware also supports a USAF requirement that TSAT spacecraft operate without constant monitoring and adjustment. TSAT is the successor to the Wideband Gap-Filler (or Global) Satellite system chosen for phase 4 of the ADF’s Joint Project 2008. [06.11.07]

RAYTHEON ‘AFATDS’ RECOGNISED IN US DEFENCE AWARD: The Raytheon Company's Advanced Field Artillery Data System (AFATDS) program has been recognised by the US Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) as a 2006 ‘Top 5’ DoD program award winner for ‘systems engineering’. AFATDS is the US Army's system of record for planning, coordinating and controlling all mortars, close air support, naval gunfire, attack helicopters, offensive electronic warfare, field artillery cannons, rockets and guided missiles. Methods for procurement of the system are also currently being solicited under Australia’s project Land 17. The ‘Top 5’ award recognizes excellence in the application of systems engineering that results in highly successful programs. [05.11.07]

EADS WORKING OUT THE COST OF A400M TRANSPORTER DELAYS: EADS reports it is currently determining charges needing to be recorded against third quarter earnings in regard to recently confirmed (17 October) A400M aircraft delivery delays of six months, with a risk of a further slippage of up to a half year. While the calculations are not yet finalised, EADS now believes it will need to expense between €1.2-1.4 billion to cover the charges. This figure does not include new potential issues which could arise from flight testing, engine development and military systems. EADS’ 2007 EBIT guidance will accordingly be replaced by updated guidance on 8 November, along with the disclosure of third quarter earnings. The A400M program currently has 192 aircraft on order from nine nations (of which 180 are aircraft ordered through OCCAR on behalf of seven founder program nations). [05.11.07]

GD-NASSCO LAYS KEEL FOR SEVENTH TAK-E SHIP: General Dynamics NASSCO reports it has laid the keel of the seventh dry cargo-ammunition ship in the US Navy's 14-ship T-AKE program, and started construction of the eighth ship. Both ships will be delivered to the Navy in 2009. Designed by NASSCO, the T-AKE class incorporates international marine technologies and commercial ship-design features, including an integrated electric-drive propulsion system, to minimise operating costs over its projected 40-year service life. The primary mission of T-AKE ships is to deliver as much as 10,000 tons of food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions to combat ships at sea, and accordingly, has relevance to ADF requirements being developed for phase 4 of Joint Project 2048. [05.11.07]

CHEMRING SNAPS UP RICHMOND ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING: The UK’s Chemring Group has acquired the entire issued share capital of Norfolk-based Richmond Electronics & Engineering for £11m. The £5.8m annual turnover Richmond company makes disruptors and other equipment for the safe neutralisation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and unexploded ordnance. Its patented recoilless disruptors fire a projectile or jet of water into the firing circuits of an IED to neutralise the device without detonation, and can be fitted to even small bomb disposal robots using Richmond's precision aiming and mounting systems. The company also manufactures IED search equipment and a range of tools for remote dismantling and neutralising unexploded ordnance to facilitate conflict zone reconstruction. The Richmond acquisition is said to support Chemring's strategy of building a strong presence in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and IED defeat markets, and complements related equipment and consumables produced by Chemring's Energetics businesses. [05.11.07]

‘SHIRLOC’ PDA WORKING TO KEEP THE PEACE FOR THE MILITARY: The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) has developed a new hand-held information tool designed to help Australian Defence Force personnel operate more effectively by using local knowledge during deployments overseas. The Synchronised Handheld Information & Local Observation Collator (or ‘SHIRLOC’) runs on Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), and was initially developed for Australian troops in Timor-Leste, to help them in compiling information on local criminal elements and illegal activities. As warfighting becomes more complex, and local knowledge is becoming increasingly important to mission success, the ‘SHIRLOC’ device improves awareness of mission-relevant information to assist troops in carrying out dangerous tasks. [04.11.07]

KOKODA SPEAKS ON ADF JOINT FIRES REQUIREMENTS: A new report from the Kokoda Foundation on ‘ADF Joint Fires in 2020’ has questioned the traditional view of ‘joint fires’ – being one where Air Force and Navy assets support the Army, to one where Australian military units as a whole become exceptionally skilled at bringing lethal and non-lethal fires down onto opponents in 2020. If all three Services can work together to do this, says Kokoda, then “they will most likely prevail on most future battlefields. In short, mastering joint fires will be a litmus test of the ADF’s future combat capability.” To help work on such an outcome to gain traction, Kokoda considers an early ADF priority should be “the acquisition of a synthetic environment within which military units can be trained and exercised in a wide range of Joint Fires scenarios.” [04.11.07]

NICTA BEING FUNDED FOR SILICON CHIP DESIGN TEAM: Sixteen silicon chip design researchers retrenched by an American-based multinational in North Ryde have been given a new home at National ICT Australia (NICTA), following a $4.8m funding package agreed on by the Federal Government. Communications, IT & Arts Minister, Senator Helen Coonan, said the team had been developing state-of-the-art personal broadband wireless chips able to transfer large multi-media files a thousand times faster than is currently possible. She added, “the Coalition government has moved to keep this highly valued team together, and in Australia.” NICTA was established in 2002 and maintains laboratories in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane. [04.11.07]

LAND 17 CHANGES EMERGE FROM CONTRACTOR BRIEFING: A project Land 17 post solicitation industry briefing held in Melbourne 19 October has revealed a formal amendment to the protected self-propelled howitzer (PSPH) price and delivery schedule, and including: six platforms to be delivered not later than June 2011; the next 12 platforms to be delivered by June 2012; and the remaining platforms (for the 24 and 30 gun options only), to be delivered not later than June 2013. Vehicle protection changes include: to provide ballistic floor protection for the occupants against the effects of 100 gm explosive mass anti-personnel mines. Critical dates for the project include: approval of source evaluation report – late-2008; development of 2nd pass acquisition business case – late-2008 to early-2009; 2nd pass approval (and commence contract negotiations) – mid-2009; and contract signature – late-2009. [04.11.07]

TRADE POLICY ANGLE FOR DEFENCE TRADE SHOWS/MISSIONS: The Coalition has undertaken in its 2007 ‘Go for Growth’ Policy platform that, if re-elected, it will put $11m over three years into the Export Partnerships Fund (EPF) – designed to provide matching funding of up to $1 million to enable emerging export sectors (including defence) to build their structural and organisational capability. Grants under the EPF can be used to: undertake trade promotion activities including trade shows, business missions and participation in major events; complete benchmarking studies to improve productivity & competitiveness; complete an industry ‘stock-take’ to assess their operating environment to identify opportunities for collaborative R&D; and identify drivers that will ensure their growth and future export success. [04.11.07]

RTF SOLDIER SERIOUSLY INJURED BY ROADSIDE BOMB: The Department of Defence has confirmed an Australian soldier serving with the Reconstruction Task Force (RTF), Sergeant Michael Lyddiard, was seriously wounded late-Friday (AEST) when a roadside bomb detonated in close proximity to him. A qualified Explosive Ordnance Disposal operator, Sergeant Lyddiard was involved in a route clearance task during Operation ‘Spin Ghar’ in Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device (IED) was discovered. He was in the process of attempting to render the device safe when it detonated. Defence says no other soldiers were wounded in the incident. Fellow RTF members are said to have quickly reacted to the explosion by securing the scene, and providing immediate medical assistance. [03.11.07]

ELEVEN SELECTED FOR DARPA URBAN CHALLENGE: The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has selected 11 teams to compete in its 2007 ‘Urban Challenge’ event. Finalists include: the Ben Franklin Racing Team of Philadelphia; CarOLO, of Caroline, NY; Honeywell/Intelligent Vehicle Solutions, Troy, MI; the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; California’s Stanford Racing Team; Tartan Racing of Pittsburgh; Team Cornell, Ithaca, NY; Victor Tango, Blacksburg, VA; Team AnnieWay, Palo Alto, CA; Team Oshkosh Truck, Oshkosh, WI; and Team UCF, Orlando, FL. Teams competing in the Urban Challenge will test the ability of their respective robotic vehicles to complete a complex 60-mile urban course with live traffic in less than six hours. The urban setting replicates environments where many of today’s military missions are conducted, and technology emerging from the event is expected to be applied to numerous missions hazardous to humans, including clearing minefields and IED threats. [03.11.07]

NATO MEDAL TO BE AWARDED TO ADF AFGHANISTAN TROOPS: The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, says Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel serving alongside their North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) counterparts in Afghanistan will now be able to officially accept and wear the NATO medal with clasp ‘ISAF’. The announcement follows the Commander of the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) making a formal offer to award the medal to ADF personnel who have undertaken 30 days service in Afghanistan in support of ISAF. ADF personnel have been working with ISAF since 28 July 2006. ADF members deployed to Afghanistan on Operation ‘Slipper’ are also eligible for the Australian Active Service Medal with clasp ‘ICAT’, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. [02.11.07]

NELSON QUESTIONS NATO COMMITMENT TO AFGHANISTAN: Speaking to media 26 October at a time when NATO countries were said to be ‘meeting in the Netherlands to discuss their deployments to Afghanistan’, Defence Minister Nelson commented, “it’s no secret that we are concerned that NATO – which has 2.4 million troops available to it – has a little over 40,000 deployed to Afghanistan, and that a number of those countries (also) have caveats on their troops, which means that they are not coming to the south. The heavy lifting in the south is being done by the United States, the Netherlands, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and a handful of other countries. We think it’s extremely important that all of the NATO countries fully discharge their obligations to deploy to Afghanistan, and also make sure that their troops are able to go where the ISAF leaders believe they need to be.” [02.11.07]

US NAVY TERMINATES FOURTH LITTORAL COMBAT SHIP: The US Navy (USN) is to terminate construction of the fourth Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) - which was still to be authorised for construction following a series of cost overruns on LCS 2 - for convenience, given it could not reach agreement on the terms of a modified contract involving a fixed-price incentive agreement, with General Dynamics (GD). Western Australian-based Austal is teamed with GD on the LCS project, and shares in the company fell 14% (45c) to $2.72 upon absorbing news of the termination announcement. GD and Lockheed Martin (LM) are currently building competing versions of the new LCS, and each had initially been given an order for two ships. Cost overruns soared, however, and in April the USN cancelled the second LM ship. Now the same has happened to the GD offering. [02.11.07]

LCS PROGRAM UP FOR GRABS, ALTHOUGH USN COMMITTED: Commenting on the LCS 4 termination, the Secretary of the Navy, Donald Winter, told media "LCS continues to be a critical warfighting requirement for our Navy to maintain dominance in the littorals, and strategic choke points around the world. While this is a difficult decision, we recognise that active oversight and strict cost controls in the early years are necessary to ensuring we can deliver these ships to the fleet over the long term." USN Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Gary Roughead added, "I am absolutely committed to the LCS (but) it is very important that our acquisition efforts produce the right LCS capability to the fleet at the right cost.” It remains to be seen whether the US Navy will now continue the competition between LM and GD, or opt for a single source contract. [02.11.07]

PARKER AEROSPACE ACQUIRES SHAW AERO DEVICES: Cleveland (Ohio)-based Parker Hannifin Corporation's Parker Aerospace business unit has acquired Naples (Florida)-based Shaw Aero Devices Inc, a producer of aerospace components and equipment. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The 1956-founded and US$45m annual turnover (2007) Shaw Aero Devices - which invented patented safety-lock, flush-mounted fuel and lightning safe caps - also produces other caps and adapters, fuel system components, lubrication and hydraulic system equipment, and water & waste components for aerospace markets, including both commercial & military aircraft and their engines. Shaw Aero Devices will be integrated into Parker Aerospace's Air & Fuel Division, which is headquartered in Irvine, California. [02.11.07]

PRE-ELECTION BUDGET PAPER REVEALS CREEPING WAR COSTS: A pre-election Economic & Fiscal Outlook paper prepared by the Treasury & Finance Departments under the ‘Charter of Budget Honesty Act 1998’, forecasts the Australian economy will grow 4.25% in 2007/08 - falling to 3.5% in 2008/09. The paper goes on to note that increased costs in the supply of ‘enhanced electronic counter measures’ to Operations ‘Catalyst’ & ‘Slipper’ in the Middle East “will be met from existing Department of Defence funding, and involving $46m in 2007/08 and $27m in 2008/09.” An initiative to extend patrol vessel operations in Australia’s northern waters will similarly cost an extra $11.3m in 2007/08, and $24.3m in 2008/09. New regional maritime security ‘capacity-building’ measures will cost $7.8m over four years, commencing 2007/08. [01.11.07]

RETIREMENT OF LAST ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE BOEING 707s: The RAAF has confirmed the last of its Boeing 707 strategic airlift & air-to-air refueling aircraft will be retired in June 2008. The announcement came as the third (of originally four) aircraft – the ‘City of Sydney’ - was retired 31 October, after 24 years of service. The last B707 serving with 33 Squadron at RAAF Base ‘Richmond’ is the ‘Richmond Town’. Defence says it will make a decision on the final disposal of its B707 fleet capability and associated equipment during 2008. Future RAAF air-to-air refuelling capability will be provided by the project Air 5402 EADS/Airbus KC-30B Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), the first aircraft of which is due for RAAF delivery in early-2009. The KC-30Bs will be operated by 33 Squadron from new facilities being constructed at RAAF Base ‘Amberley’, in Queensland. [01.11.07]

MSC ROADSHOW TO PROFILE VIRTUAL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: MSC Software is set to commence its 2007 Virtual Product Development (VPD) Roadshow in two weeks time. Entitled - ‘Breaking Through the Barriers of VPD’ – the roadshow will see two hour events held in Perth (19/11); Adelaide (20/11); Brisbane (21/11); Sydney (22/11); and Melbourne (23/11). The Roadshow aims to provide a consolidated review of virtual product development and related simulation environments available today in support of the theme – ‘Engineering Productivity for Competitive Advantage’ - and a perspective on trends and development over the next twelve months. Surf http://roadshow.mscsoftware.com.au for further details. [01.11.07]

RADIO INTERFACE UNIT FEATURES ‘SWITCHPLUS’ TECHNOLOGY: A new ruggedised Radio Interface Unit (RIU) manufactured by the C4i company is said to enable the connection of up to four radios to an IP network. Serial data, audio, COR and PTT for each interface is transported using VOIP technology, making the RIU an ideal appliance for applications requiring a number of radios (or other audio devices) to be linked across a LAN or Wide Area Network. Serial ports can be used for data communications or remote control and are easily configurable between RS-232, 422 and 485 and for data rates up to 115kbps, whilst the RIU runs on Power over Ethernet (PoE), thus eliminating the need for power cables and AC adapters (albeit offered as an option). The RIU also features a web browser configuration interface, and forms a key part of C2 and dispatch voice communication solutions using C4i’s ‘Switchplus’ products. C4i is based in Melbourne (Australia) and Reston (Virginia), and is one of the publicly traded ‘LongReach Group’ family of companies. [01.11.07]

SPECIAL TREATMENTS TO SECURE MILITARY VEHICLE SAFEY: UK-based Hobson Industries reports it has delivered to the Ministry of Defence new technology which combines existing ballistic-defeating technologies with blast remediation attributes. Noting the detonation of a 1.5-3kg anti-vehicle mine will give a resonant shock wave of seven kilometres a second, company MD, Peter Hobson, says that via a recently formed joint venture with US-based Paxcon Inc - the manufacturers of ‘LINE-X’, a polyurethane coating that adds a lightweight spall lining directly onto metal and non-metal surfaces – recent upgrades and re-armouring of Land Rovers (given weight constraints of the Land Rover chassis) have seen the latest version of the Weapons Mounted Installation Kit (WMIK) for Land Rover vehicles equipped with ‘LINE-X’ anti-spall lining on the inner surface of the rear protective floor pan. ‘LINE-X’ contains a blast mitigation material (known as ‘PAXCON’) that can also be used on buildings and other permanent structures. [01.11.07]

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE ANNUAL REPORT TABLED: Commenting upon the tabling of the Department of Defence’s 406-page 2006/07 Annual Report, the Secretary of Defence, Nick Warner, said the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) had declared Defence’s 2006/07 financial statements as ‘true and fair’, except for a qualification on General Stores inventory of $1.974 billion. Warner nevertheless described this as “a significant achievement” – given no new areas of ANAO qualification were found - and “is proof that the reforms we are making in Defence’s financial management are working and moving in the right direction. The improvements mark the beginning of a much broader process of change that we will implement over the coming years ... (including) but not be limited to, the Defence Management Review, which provides an opportunity for reform, not a blueprint.” [31.10.07]

VOLUME 2 REPORT FROM THE DEFENCE MATERIEL ORGANISATION: A second 200-page volume of Defence’s 2006/07 Annual Report – covering the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) - sees the organisation’s CEO, Dr Stephen Gumley, claiming “the DMO achieved 92% of its budget target for the approved Major Capital Investment Program at a time of increased operational tempo for the ADF. Performance in terms of sustainment and through life support projects was even better, achieving 99% of budget target. In terms of rapid acquisitions to support ADF units deploying on operations, the DMO achieved a 98% demand satisfaction rate.” In 2006/07 the DMO was managing 210 ‘major’ projects, over 200 ‘minor’ projects, and sustained several hundred fleets of equipment. [31.10.07]

ORGANISATIONAL GROWTH TRACKED IN ASIO ANNUAL REPORT: Commenting upon the tabling of the 2006/07 Annual Report of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, says “the report states the main terrorist threat to Australia and its interests for the foreseeable future comes from extremists inspired or directed by al-Qa’ida and like-minded groups. These extremists have the intent and capability to attack Australian interests globally. Over the past year, ASIO’s investigative and analytical priority has been counter-terrorism, whilst continuing to address other threats to security.” Australia’s national counter-terrorism ‘alert level’ remains at ‘Medium’, which means a terrorist attack could occur. [31.10.07]

INTERSCAN SOLD ‘LOCK, STOCK & BARREL’ TO INDRA: Madrid (Spain)-based IT & Defence Systems company, Indra, has acquired 100% of Sydney-based Interscan Navigation Systems (INS), a global leader in the design and integration of ground based infrastructure support equipment for the aerospace transportation sector. INS is famous for its radio-navigational aids, with more than 800 implementations worldwide, predominantly in Australia and China, along with Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal and New Zealand. Company turnover in FY2006 was €6.4m. According to officials, Interscan’s presence in the Asia-Pacific “will be a key element for Indra's consolidation in the area, specially for the Transport & Traffic and Security & Defence markets … a great market potential is opened in a key area for the company's international growth strategy.” [31.10.07]

AEHF SATELLITE COMPLETES MAJOR TEST ON ROAD TO LAUNCH: Lockheed Martin (LM) says it has completed a major Baseline Integrated System Test (BIST) on the first Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite, demonstrating its readiness to enter the critical environmental test phase in preparation for launch in late 2008. LM is currently under contract to provide three Advanced EHF satellites to form a system that will provide global, highly secure, protected, survivable communications for the US Department of Defense. Officials indicated advanced EHF satellites would provide a greater total capacity than the entire MILSTAR constellation, whilst also offering higher channel data rates in order to permit the transmission of secure, tactical military communications such as real-time video, battlefield maps and targeting data. [31.10.07]

FUTURE OPERATING CONCEPT TO GUIDE BPC CAPABILITY PLAN: The 2006/07 Australian Customs Service Annual Report has noted that Australia’s Border Protection Command (BPC) is currently preparing a Future Operating Concept (FOC) that will determine the Command’s capability needs out to the year 2015. The FOC will initially form the basis of a 10-year rolling capability acquisition plan. In conjunction with preparation of the FOC, Customs is also to conduct an information management architecture review to identify the BPC’s information requirements, and develop its information system in concert with the establishment of an Integrated Operations Centre, now set to incorporate the existing National Surveillance Centre, Australian Maritime Information Fusion Centre, and Border Protection Command Intelligence Centre. [30.10.07]

BPC TO ADDRESS DEFENCE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM: Australian Border Protection Command (BPC) executive (and former Navy Commodore) Nigel Perry is to conduct a workshop on BPC capability development plans on Day 2 of the 1st National Defence Capability Development Symposium, to be held in Canberra on 27 & 28 November 2007. The Symposium features several workshops over two days on major forthcoming national domestic security (NDS) and Australian Defence Force capability acquisitions, as well as opportunities for vendors to present profiles of technologies relevant to NDS and ADF capability acquisition processes. Contact Eleonor Geoghegan on 0410 178 879 with specific inquiries, or email admin@capabilitydevelopment.org.au or surf www.capabilitydevelopment.org.au for further details. [30.10.07]

RAAF ‘ORION’ FLEET COMES TO RESCUE BORDER SURVEILLANCE: The 2006/07 Australian Customs Service Annual Report has noted a deficiency in the numbers of surveillance hours flown by ‘Coastwatch’ contracted aircraft (19,780 hours flown against a target of 21,000 hours), has principally been made up by the RAAF’s AP-3C ‘Orion’ aircraft flying a total of 1,417 hours compared to the 250 hours initially targeted. According to Customs, “worldwide demand for qualified aircrew and industry shortages, along with aircraft serviceability issues and crew illnesses” adversely impacted on the ability of Coastwatch provider – Surveillance Australia Pty Ltd (SAPL) – to satisfy the Border Protection Command’s (BPC) ability to provide all of the additional surveillance provided for in the Federal Budget, thus forcing a reduction of the forecast 171.6m square nautical miles (sqnm) of surveillance downwards to 152.7m sqnm. [30.10.07]

FOCUS PUT ON LEVERAGING RELIABILITY OF NEW DASH 8 FLEET: Customs goes on to say the end of the financial year result saw SAPL delivering the number of surveillance hours required under the contract for the ‘Dash 8’ fleet, “but it fell considerably short of the expected outcome for other aircraft. When it became apparent that SAPL would not be able to deliver expected hours across the whole fleet, BPC directed that the effort be concentrated on the ‘Dash 8’ aircraft, which can deliver significantly more sqnm coverage than the rest of the fleet. BPC was able to recover the surveillance not achieved by SAPL, and also complete a significant amount of additional coverage through the deployment of RAAF AP-3C ‘Orion’ aircraft assigned to Operation ‘Resolute’, and through use of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) ‘Dornier’ aircraft (flown by ‘AeroRescue’) – when not required for search & rescue (SAR) activities.” [30.10.07]

LABOR DUMPS F-22 COMMITMENT FOR AIR CAPABILITY REVIEW: Responding to an ABC ‘Four Corners’ report alleging mismanagement of Australia’s air defence capability by the Howard Government, the Shadow Spokesperson for Defence, Joel Fitzgibbon, has said that while the Boeing F-18F ‘Super Hornet’ “may or may not be the best aircraft to fill the capability gap … in the absence of the comparative analysis that should have been undertaken, we simply don’t know.” Fitzgibbon goes on to accuse the Government of rushing into the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) project and retiring the F-111s too early, given that JSF delays have subsequently emerged. Turning to the management of Australia’s air capability under a Rudd Labor government, Fitzgibbon added, “the Howard government has committed us to both the JSF and the ‘Super Hornet’, and we accept that they will be part of our air capability mix. If a Rudd Labor government is elected, we will review our air capability to determine if additional capability is required to maintain Australia's air superiority.” [30.10.07]

CONTROL REGIME INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE DEFENCE EXPORTS: A new bulletin from the Defence Export Control Office (formerly the Defence Trade Control & Compliance section), has cited the recently signed (but yet to be Parliament/Congress endorsed) Australia-United States Treaty on Defence Cooperation, and noting, “it is the Government’s policy to encourage the export of defence and ‘dual-use’ goods/.” Writing in DECO’s bulletin, Alan Tebb, the National Export Control Officer for Thales Australia says, “the key to successfully managing controlled defence and ‘dual-use’ technologies in a defence company is to ensure that systems and checks are integrated into every stage of the business process.” [30.10.07]

PERSONAL WEAPONS SIMULATOR FROM BOHEMIA INTERACTIVE: Bohemia Interactive and Laser Shot Inc have launched a new Personal Weapon Simulation (PWS) version of their ‘Virtual Battlespace 2’ (VBS2) software, specifically tailored for realistic weapons training simulations. Whether employed for individual or small unit tactical simulations with weapons, or integrated in Live-Virtual-Constructive exercises, PWS provides VBS2 environments with precise laser and live-fire hit detection, multiple shooter hit detection, camera field-of-view vehicle attachments, After Action Review integration, and much more. Enterprise-level VBS2 software is used by the US Army Special Forces Command, the USMC, and the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Bohemia Interactive was founded in 1999 as an independent game developer with studios in the Czech Republic and Australia, the latter operation of which is solely focused on military applications. [30.10.07]

NEW ZEALAND SELECTS POWER OPTION FOR NEW TRAINING HELO: New Zealand Defence Minister, Phil Goff, has confirmed Cabinet’s selection of AgustaWestland and its twin engine AW109E ‘Power’ helicopter as the preferred tenderer for the NZ Defence Force’s new training & light utility helicopter requirement. Contract negotiations will now commence for five helicopters and a flight simulator, with contract signature expected in the first quarter of 2008 (and aiming at an RNZAF in-service date of 2010). In common with the ‘Seasprite’ helicopter (already in service) and the eight new NH-90s (currently on order from the RNZAF), Goff noted “the A109 is wheeled and capable of deployment from Navy vessels ... (and it) has the advanced technology necessary for training pilots going on to the ‘Seasprite’ & NH-90, which the ‘Sioux’ does not have.” Light utility applications for the RNZAF will include: air transport; search & rescue; aero-medical evacuation; disaster response; and surveillance & counter-terrorism support. [30.10.07]

RELEASE OF NEXT ADDITION TO ‘MICROLIGHT’ FAMILY OF RADIOS: Raytheon has confirmed its introduction of the ‘MicroLight-DH500’, as it latest offering in the ‘MicroLight’ family of radios, and leveraging all the advantages demonstrated in the MicroLight 2nd generation, or M2G MicroLight-I (currently in US Army dismounted operations use). Additionally, the new radio integrates the functionality of an external voice controller and a GPS receiver to provide networked communications radio that can provide soldiers with simultaneous voice, video, data and critical position location information. Raytheon adds, “the MicroLight-DH500 provides additional tri-band capability operating in the 225MHz to 2.0 GHz frequency, providing users with greater flexibility in operations.” [30.10.07]

AURORA FLIGHT SCIENCES ACQUIRES PAYLOAD SYSTEMS: Manassas (Virginia)-based Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation has confirmed its acquisition of Cambridge (Massachusetts)-based Payload Systems Inc, effective 26 October. Payload Systems was founded in 1984 with a mission to provide science and engineering services for spaceflight and terrestrial applications, and has been involved in over 28 space missions – including the International Space Station. Aurora currently operates four business sectors focusing on Tactical Systems, Science Applications, Advanced Concepts, and Aerostructures. Among the company's signature programs are the ‘GoldenEye’ (a vertical takeoff and landing UAV being developed for DARPA), and the ‘Global Hawk’, a Northrop Grumman UAV for which Aurora manufactures major portions of the airframe. [30.10.07]

FRENCH CONFIRMS VBCI ORDER TO BOLSTER FRES BID: The French armament procurement agency, DGA, has issued a purchase order to Nexter (previously Giat Industries) for the delivery of 117 infantry combat armoured vehicles (VBCI), thus completing an initial order for 65 vehicles, the first 41 of which will be delivered to the French Army during the second half of 2008. The 8 x 8 off-road VBCI is designed to replace the AMX10P, and is also being tested by the British Army as a possible contender for its FRES program. The vehicle also has relevance to Australia’s Land 400 project, given its inclusion of an NBC protection system, and armour resistant to medium calibre fire, shell shrapnel and IEDs, together with a very high degree of protection against mines (including an anti-missile infra-red decoy system). Extant levels of protection are to be reinforced by active protection (hard kill) against RPG rockets, HE shells and anti-tank missiles. The VBCI has a 25mm gun and a 7.62mm machine gun, weighs around 25 tons (in operational configuration), has a maximum speed of over 60 mph, and is air-transportable in an A400M. The infantry combat version carries 11 soldiers. [30.10.07]

RAYTHEON STEPS UP TO HIGH FREQUENCY SATELLITE: Raytheon has confirmed its formation of a team (with L3 Communications, Northrop Grumman Corporation & Agile Communications Inc, along with Lockheed Martin – in regard to networking & logistics), to compete for the US Army's High Capacity Communications Capability (HC3), the next generation of satellite communications designed to deliver a family of reconfigurable communications terminals that will provide soldiers with high-capacity, multi-band, multimode connectivity. HC3 will use current and future satellites and will be integrated into the Army's future force communications architecture. In short, one HC3 SATCOM terminal will undertake the work of five - in that it will be able to communicate using the C-, X-, Ku-, Ka- and Q-bands. The company's Secure Mobile Anti-jam Reliable Tactical Terminal is said to be a precursor to HC3, and was the first of the military's Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) terminals to go into production (ie: in April 2007). [30.10.07]

HC3 TEAMING BRINGS THE BEST OF SATCOM CAPABILITIES: Noting the ‘high power’ of its HC3 teaming, Raytheon says Northrop Grumman will bring “communications & network management experience and insights from many related programs, including Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS); Force XXI Battle Command Brigade-and-Below (FBCB2); Blue Force Tracking and Future Combat Systems (FCS). Agile Communications will apply its C4ISR system-of-systems engineering expertise to HC3, based on similar work performed for JTRS, including realistic simulation & evaluation of network systems. Lockheed Martin (LM) has extensive communications & network management experience, and offers insights from WIN-T, JTRS Airborne Mobile Fixed, and the Transformation Communications Satellite Mission Operations System. LM is also the prime contractor for several of the satellites required for HC3 communications. [30.10.07]

LABOR COMMITS $150K FOR BENDIGO MILITARY MOBILITY CENTRE: The Australian Labor Party (ALP) has committed (should it win Federal Government on 24 November) $150,000 towards the development of a business case for a proposed Australian Military Mobility Centre (AMMC), in Bendigo (Victoria). The decision was announced by the Shadow Minister for Trade & Regional Development, Simon Crean, and Member for the marginal seat of Bendigo, Steve Gibbons. The AMMC is a partnership between government, local industry and Latrobe University, and is designed to build on Bendigo’s strength in defence research & manufacturing, and its hosting of French-owned Thales Australia (known for its ‘Bushmaster’ IMV), and privately-owned Australian Defence Apparel. [29.10.07]

FUTURE OF ASPI DEPENDENT ON ELECTION OUTCOME: The 2006/07 Annual Report of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) has noted the Institute’s operations beyond the next financial year “will, in large measure, be determined by the outcome of (a) Defence Funding Review, and Cabinet’s consideration of its recommendations.” ASPI has developed a ‘strategic plan’ which contemplates “further expansion of capability, including through a new research program focused on transnational threats to Australia’s security, and the expansion of strategic gaming expertise … (and) developing capacity to undertake classified studies in-house.” Net of interest on ‘cash at bank’ of $1.219.9m, APSI is currently 75% dependent on Government funding to support its activities. The Institute ran a conference, seminars & publications program which generated $728,747 in 2006/07, however, the majority of its commissioned work (including classified tasks) was done for the Government. [29.10.07]

DEFENCE PROJECT DELAYS HELP FATTEN BUDGET SURPLUS: A Treasury report on the 2006/07 Australian Government Budget outcome reports the year ended with an underlying cash surplus of $17.2 billion (1.6% of GDP) - some $3.6b higher than estimated at the time of the 2007/08 Budget – with cash payments $1.5b lower than expected, and cash receipts $2.1b higher than expected. The cash payments outcome is said to have resulted from “lower than expected spending across a number of programs, including delays in some defence acquisition projects.” The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) also collected “higher than expected revenue of $72m for services provided to foreign governments.” Total Defence expenditure for 2006/07 was $16,854m, compared to $17,358m (3% lower) at the time of presentation of the 2007/08 Budget, and 4.1% higher than the 2005/06 outcome. [29.10.07]

BUDGET OUTCOME TWISTED BY AIR 8000 EXPENSE MANIPULATION: The Treasury’s final Commonwealth Budget outcome report goes on to explain “an accounting reclassification” of $826m relating to the purchase of C-17 ‘Globemaster III’ heavy lift aircraft (under project Air 8000) was effected during 2006/07 “from expenses to net capital investment, as these aircraft can be used for non-military purposes. This was partly offset by a reclassification of defence weapon inventories from net capital investment to expenses (of $327m), reflecting an improvement in identifying the military versus non-military components of inventory holdings.” Treasury nevertheless adds the noted changes in the classifications, “have no overall impact on the fiscal balance.” [29.10.07]

DEFENCE REJECTS ABC-FOUR CORNERS F-22 ‘RAPTOR’ LOBBY: Responding to an ABC ‘Four Corners’ program commenting on Australia’s project Air 5349 purchase of 24 Boeing F-18F ‘Super Hornet’ fighters and the method by which the acquisition was progressed, Defence Spokesman Brigadier Andrew Nikolic, has said, “Defence rejects any assertion that our air superiority would be compromised. The ‘Super Hornet’ is a true multi-role aircraft that spans the air combat spectrum, including maritime strike that is so vital for Australia. The Super Hornets will ensure Australia’s air combat superiority well into the future and will enable us to maintain our edge in all aspects of air combat as the Air Force goes through the transition from the F-111 and Hornet to JSF.” [29.10.07]

F-111 CLUB CONVENIENTLY OVERLOOKS ‘F’-GROWTH CAPABILITIES: Group Captain Steve Roberton, Head of the Defence Air Combat Transition Office, has similarly reinforced the ‘Super Hornet’ capability edge saying that “if a ‘Super Hornet’ was to meet a Su-30 in the next 5-8 years, and I had to bet my life on the outcome, I'll sit in the F-18F cockpit every time. Any pilot who has flown the new Block II F-18F with AESA radar would do the same. The ‘Super Hornet’ will test any modern air defence system. The airframe is designed for signature reduction and the aircraft is built around the most advanced radar in any non-fifth generation aircraft in the world. Its advanced weapons and electronic warfare suite make it a superb dog-fighting system, and it can defeat an enemy’s ability to shoot before the ‘Super Hornet’.” [29.10.07]

NATIONAL DEFENCE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM: Newly-appointed Chief of the Defence Capability Development Group (CDG), Rear Admiral Matt Tripovich, is to provide the keynote address at the 1st National Defence Capability Development Symposium, to be held in Canberra on 27 & 28 November 2007. RAdm Tripovich will be followed by the Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Roger Lough, who will outline the functions of the new Joint Defence Simulation & Support Centre. Dr Lough will be followed by Air Vice Marshal John Quaife, recently appoint Head Capability Systems in the CDG. The Symposium will also feature several workshops on major forthcoming new military capability acquisitions, as well as an opportunity for vendor presentations of technologies relevant to acquisition processes for short-technology-refresh-cycle capabilities. Surf www.capabilitydevelopment.org.au for further details or email admin@capabilitydevelopment.org.au with specific inquiries. [29.10.07]

WEIGHT OPTIMISED JSF CENTRE FUSELAGE IN PRODUCTION: Northrop Grumman reports it has completed assembly of the centre fuselage for the first ‘weight-optimised’ conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), designated AF-1. The milestone comes a day after the company officially began the first phase of F-35 low rate initial production (LRIP) by starting the fabrication of a single-piece, all-composite inlet duct for the USAF's first production F-35. The AF-1 centre fuselage is one of 19 centre fuselages Northrop Grumman is producing for the current ‘Lightning II’ SDD phase. To date, the company has delivered centre fuselages for six F-35 aircraft, including AA-1 - the first F-35 aircraft to fly; and BF-1 - the first F-35 short take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) variant. BF-1 will be the first F-35 to be delivered to the US Marine Corps. [29.10.07]

BOEING & TEXTRON TEAM FOR JOINT LIGHT TACTICAL VEHICLE: Boeing Integrated Defense Systems' - Combat Systems division and Textron Marine & Land Systems have concluded a teaming agreement to compete in the technology demonstration and system development phases (and ultimately the production phase) of the US Army/US Marine Corps Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program. The JLTV system (or family of vehicles) is intended to replace the High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), substantial numbers of which are already being replaced under the high priority Mine Resistant Armour Protected (MRAP) program. For JLTV, Boeing is offering its extensive experience in the design and integration of complex hardware development programs, as well as capabilities in systems engineering and integration, modeling & simulation, supply chain management and lean manufacturing. Textron will bring its strong capabilities in the field of combat vehicle design, development and manufacturing - including the M1117 Armored Security Vehicle (ASV) and related variants. [29.10.07]

THAAD SYSTEM UNDERTAKES EXO-ATMOSPHERIC TBM TEST: The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has completed a test of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) element of the Ballistic Missile Defense System, resulting in the successful intercept of a ballistic missile target at the Pacific Missile Range Facility off the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Officials indicated the planned flight test objectives were achieved, with the intercept involving the exo-atmospheric (outside earth's atmosphere) ‘hit to kill’ destruction of a unitary (non-separating) target representing a ‘SCUD’-type ballistic missile launched from a mobile platform positioned off Kauai. The subject test was the 31st successful ‘hit to kill’ intercept in 39 tests since 2001 by ground and sea-based interceptors against short, medium and long-range ballistic missile targets. [29.10.07]

TENIX COMPLETES LAST PROJECT ‘PROTECTOR’ LAUNCH: The second of two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) being built by Tenix for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has been successfully launched in Williamstown (Victoria). The subject vessel, named the ‘Wellington’, is one of seven ships being built under the NZ$500m ‘Protector’ project. As well as the two OPVs, four Inshore Patrol Vessels are being built at Tenix's Whangarei (NZ) facility. The third ‘Protector’ component - the 8500 tonne multi-role vessel HMNZS ‘Canterbury’ - was delivered in May this year. Addressing the gathering, Tenix Group MD Greg Hayes said the launch “continues the successful trans-Tasman industrial co-operation established for the ‘Anzac’ ship project, under which Tenix built eight frigates for Australia and two for NZ. Tenix’s naval shipbuilding program provides jobs for over 1100 people in Australia and NZ, and involves another 2000 small to medium enterprises as sub-contractors and suppliers. Over the past 20 years, Tenix has built over 100 ships and exported around 60% of them.” [27.10.07]

GOFF TALKS OF WIDER NATIONAL SECURITY ROLE FOR NEW SHIPS: Also addressing the ‘Wellington’ launch gathering, NZ Defence Minister, Phil Goff, said the 85 metre-long vessel would soon join her sister ship, the ‘Otago’ (launched in November 2006) and the multi role vessel – HMNZS ‘Canterbury’ (commissioned into operational service in June), to undertake a range of national security tasks, including: patrolling NZ’s Economic Exclusion Zone and undertaking operations in the Southern Ocean; border protection; supporting counter terrorism missions; and enhancing New Zealand’s presence in the Pacific. The two OPVs are three-quarters the length of an ‘Anzac’ frigate but feature the same 6000-mile range, are helicopter capable, ice strengthened and are able to carry thirty troops. NZ companies have provided at least $110m of work related to construction of the vessels. [27.10.07]

AWD ALLIANCE SECRETS REVEALED IN MELBOURNE BRIEFING: A project Sea 4000 ‘Hobart’-class air warfare destroyer industry briefing in Melbourne has revealed that outside of the physical build of the three ships themselves, officials anticipate the majority of Australian industrial participation in the project to occur from local companies engaging offshore original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and securing agreements to become the subject OEMs Australian agent for the supply of repair & maintenance and technical support services. Further, and despite the efforts of the SA Government to secure ‘Aegis’ radar & combat system integration activity for the State, officials confirmed they expected the majority of this work to be undertaken by Lockheed Martin at its Moorestown (New Jersey) ‘destroyer in the corn field’ facility. [26.10.07]

TAX MAN COMING TO SORT OUT DEFENCE IT SPACE: Defence has confirmed the appointment of Greg Farr (currently a Second Commissioner in the Australian Taxation Office) as the Department’s new Chief Information Officer (CIO). Farr is said to have been selected from a competitive field of public and private sector candidates, and will begin his new role in late-November. During his time in Taxation, Farr is said to have overseen production management areas covering almost all processing of taxpayer information, and led significant reform of the ATO’s information and communications technology operations. Defence considers the appointment of a new CIO “meets a key recommendation of the Defence Management Review (or ‘Proust’ Review) to give a heightened priority to reform of our business systems.” [26.10.07]

QINETIQ STILL IN CORPORATE ACQUISITION MODE: UK-based QinetiQ Group reports it has completed the acquisition of Boldon James Holdings Limited from ISIS Equity Partners, for an initial cash consideration of around £15.7m - with a further payment of around £4.3m depending on the achievement of specific performance criteria. The acquisition is part of QinetiQ's strategy to grow its Europe, Middle East and Australasia (EMEA) capabilities, with the latter now apparently targeted on Canberra-based Ball Solutions Australia. Boldon James is a UK-based provider of software solutions for high end secure messaging, primarily for military, government and security customers world-wide. According to QinetiQ CEO, Graham Love, “this acquisition is part of the ongoing process to shape our EMA business by growing our capabilities and extending our geographic footprint.” [26.10.07]

CSC EXPANDING SUPPORT TO MILITARY FORCES: Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) has won a US$430m contract (all options exercised) to provide technical support services for the US Naval Air Warfare (NAVAIR) Centre’s Atlantic Test Range, Air Vehicle Modification and Instrumentation, and Atlantic Targets and Marine Operations Division. Services to be provided include: program management; logistics; training & simulation; engineering & instrumentation; data collection & management; aviation modifications; laboratory & field testing; special programs support; data reduction & analysis; and administrative support. The contract was struck on a one-year base period, plus two one-year options and two one-year performance-based extensions. [26.10.07]

COLLABORATION FOCUSED ON NEXT-GENERATION ARMOUR: BAE Systems (BAES) and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) have signed a memorandum of agreement to work collaboratively in support of the US Army's Heavy Brigade Combat Team modernisation plan, which proposes to upgrade, modernise and achieve commonality on BAES' family of ‘Bradley’ fighting vehicles, and GDLS’ M1 ‘Abrams’ tanks. The agreement seeks to respond to US Army requirements for common solutions to reduce the logistics burden, to lower development costs, and to make soldier training easier. BAES and GDLS also comprise the principal ‘One Team’ partners for the Future Combat Systems (FCS) program, which is primarily responsible for ground combat systems development. The ‘Bradley’/‘Abrams’ agreement thus allows the two companies to leverage work they are doing on the FCS program for application to current force vehicles. [26.10.07]

‘TEAM IMPAQT’ TEST FIRES URBAN BATTLEFIELD 155MM ROUND: Europe’s ‘Team ImpaQt’ consortium has successfully fired the first metre-long fully composite 'strength of design' projectile under the UK Ministry of Defence’s Lightweight Advanced Munition (LWAM) program - part of the Advanced Ordnance Demonstrator (AOD) effort. LWAM is a 30kg/155mm munition which seeks to provide mobile forces with a lightweight rapid response capability with at least the same performance as today's conventional heavyweight systems, like the MLRS or AS90. The munition will be able to carry a variety of payloads including high explosive, smoke or illuminating canisters. In comparison with existing conventional 40+kg, 155mm ammunition, LWAM will enable range, lethality and accuracy at least as good as current in-service conventional munitions together with a large reduction in weight consistent with achieving a rapid reaction capability. ‘Team ImpaQt’ comprises: QinetiQ, Nexter (formerly Giat Industries), BAE Systems Bofors AB and MBDA. [26.10.07]

SAS SOLDIER KILLED IN ORUZGAN PROVINCE CLASH: The Department of Defence has confirmed an Australian soldier from the Special Air Service Regiment, Sergeant Matthew Locke, has been killed in action in Oruzgan Province. Locke is said to have been on a patrol when he was severely wounded by small arms fire from Taliban extremists. The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said other members of the patrol reacted to the incident by extracting Locke from further danger and providing immediate first aid. According to Houston, “a Coalition helicopter immediately responded to a call for assistance from the Australian patrol and evacuated the soldier to a nearby medical facility. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of his mates and the aero-medical team, (Locke) succumbed to his wounds.” [25.10.07]

INJURIES SUSTAINED DURING F1 GRENADE TRAINING: Defence has confirmed two soldiers have received minor injuries following the detonation of an F1 hand grenade during a grenade training activity at the Army’s School of Infantry in Singleton (NSW). Due to immediate medical treatment and follow-on medical care, both are expected to make a full recovery. The cause of the incident is not yet known. In accordance with established investigative processes, a ‘Quick Assessment’ has been initiated to determine the direction of further investigation. Experts from Defence's Explosive Ordnance Services Directorate are on their way to the School of Infantry to assist with the investigation. The Chief of the Defence Force has directed that grenade training be suspended as a precautionary measure pending a technical evaluation of the cause(s) of the incident. [25.10.07]

COOPERATION PROGRAM TO ELIMINATE IED PRECURSORS: Defence reports that over the past three weeks, divers from Australian Clearance Diving Team Four (AUSCDT4) have been training Solomon Islands Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians in underwater methods for disposal of unexploded ordnance found in the area. Over 400 explosive projectiles and bombs left over from World War II have now been disposed of, with the largest item destroyed being a 45 kilogram bomb. The training and disposal was conducted as part of the Defence Cooperation Program between Australia and the Solomon Islands. Five members of the Solomon Islands Police Force received diving training from AUSCDT4 which included a variety of skills and techniques used in underwater explosive disposal. [25.10.07]

MIDS JOINT TACTICAL RADIO SYSTEM TESTING: The US Naval Air Warfare Centre Weapons Division has conducted the first flight of the Multi-Functional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) in an F/A-18F ‘Super Hornet’ aircraft, as part of a 2001 direction to migrate MIDS to JTRS compliance. An incremental strategy was subsequently constructed that initially developed the core MIDS JTRS radio with full MIDS Low Volume Terminal (LVT) capability, while adding three additional channels for JTRS waveforms as they become available. Officials indicated the current program was aimed at delivering by February 2009 a terminal that can operate in today's joint and combined combat operations, as well as readily adapt to future networking requirements such as Tactical Targeting Networking Technology (TTNT) or Flexible Access Secure Transfer (FAST). The flight was undertaken in conjunction with the first checkout of the latest F/A-18 Operational Flight Program, termed H5E. MIDS JTRS will initially deliver LINK 16 data and voice as well as Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) capability. [25.10.07]

LEAHY SPURNS NCW FOR ‘BOOTS ON THE GROUND’ STRATEGY: Opening the 2007 Land Warfare Conference in Adelaide, the Chief of Army, LtGen Peter Leahy, has told some 1600 delegates that to prevail in modern warfare, future land forces “need to be pervasive, persistent and proportionate ... counter-insurgency operations are manpower intensive. They require ‘boots on the ground’ in sufficient concentrations to provide visible reassurance to the supporters of the government whose legitimacy we are underpinning. Only when the insurgent and the population alike know that we are present, can people go about their lives with confidence. No unmanned drone or aircraft can provide this persistent, loitering presence which is vital to protecting the people and isolating the insurgent from them – both physically and emotionally.” [24.10.07]

TECHNOLOGISTS FAILING TO GRASP ‘THREE-BLOCK’ OPERATIONS: LtGen Leahy continued, acknowledging “technical mastery may contribute to pervasive presence. SIGINT and precision targeting are terrific force multipliers. But in operations of this type, there is no substitute for a well trained, resolute, decent, compassionate soldier on the ground to provide a sense of security to the civilian population. Those NCW and RMA advocates who boast of ‘pervasive situational awareness’ through a network of remote sensors do not grasp the fundamental characteristics of the type of complex, ‘three block’ operations that we and our allies are now engaged in. In this type of warfare, the best sensor is a soldier on the ground, with language skills, cultural awareness and a firm appreciation of the nature of the conflict he is involved in, and an appreciation of the strategic aims of the campaign.” [24.10.07]

ARMY CHIEF TALKS UP ADVANCED URBAN OPERATIONS GAME: Whilst in Adelaide, LtGen Leahy also launched the latest addition to Defence’s suite of on-line games – Advanced Urban Ops – and designed to attract people to consider a career in the Army. According to Leahy, “it might sound like a lot fun – but these games play a more important role. The value of these games is their potential for us to increase the reach of our brand in a very cost effective way. This means the games themselves drive brand as a marketing tool, by dispelling any myths about what we do in the field. This creates interest, which in turn drives recruitment ... 16% of those people who register on the defencejobs website have ‘clicked through’ from the games site.” [24.10.07]

HOWARD CONFIRMS SKILLS TRAINING PLAN FOR DEFENCE: During a brief visit to the 2007 Land Warfare Conference, Prime Minister Howard has announced on the Raytheon Australia stand a re-elected Howard Government would establish two new Colleges (one at RAAF Base ‘Edinburgh’ -SA, and the other at RAAF Base ‘Amberley - SE Qld), specialising in defence studies (maths, sciences and trade skills) for Year 11 and 12 students. The four-year/$208m 'Skills for Australia's Future Defence Plan' includes 2,200 scholarships for school leavers interested in joining the military, as well as a portal to train existing Reservists in critical trades. The plan provides $45m to create a Canberra-based Australian Centre for Defence Skills, and a $20m Adelaide-based Defence Software Engineering Institute (in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University). Graduates of the colleges would also be given preferential consideration when applying to enter either institute. [24.10.07]

ADELAIDE SET TO BECOME HOME FOR MILITARY SPACE PROJECTS: In addition to talking up the Government’s recent air warfare destroyer (Sea 4000) build project, upgrades for the ‘Collins’-class submarines, JORN radar network and AP-3C ‘Orion’ aircraft, and decision to base the 7 Royal Australian Regiment in South Australia (involving more than 1,100 military jobs), Prime Minister Howard has further confirmed, “the relocation to SA in 2011 of a squadron of the Air Operation Support Group (AOSG) – currently based in Canberra – with 50 personnel and facilities worth $15m,” and South Australia’s new role “as the home of the ADF’s future space-based projects and the sophisticated information distribution network needed to support them.” [24.10.07]

HYDROGEN ENGINE TESTED FOR HALE UAV SYSTEM: The Boeing Company - using a Ford Motor Company-developed hydrogen engine – reports it has successfully tested (in a controlled chamber at Manassas-based Aurora Flight Sciences), the hydrogen propulsion system of its proposed High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) unmanned aircraft. The Boeing HALE aircraft is designed to economically maintain persistent presence (ie: more than seven days) over a specific ground location from stratospheric altitudes, providing tremendous potential for surveillance and communications applications payloads weighing up to 2,000 pounds. Potential applications include battlefield persistent intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance, border observation, port security and telecommunications. The long endurance autonomous aircraft will be a propeller-driven, lightweight structure with a high-aspect-ratio-wing. [24.10.07]

MORE HELMET MOUNTED CUEING SYSTEMS FOR AUSTRALIA: Vision Systems International (VSI) – an Elbit Systems/Rockwell Collins Joint Venture - has received several new contracts from Boeing for its Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS), and valued at more than US$60m. Under its eighth production contract since 1996, VSI will provide JHMCS hardware, including spares, technical support and support equipment for Full Rate Production - Lot 4 (FRP-4). Additional contracts will satisfy US government domestic requirements for numerous aircraft, such as the US Air Force F-15 & F-16, Air National Guard F-15, US Navy F/A-18E/F, as well as foreign military sales for Greece (F-16), Poland (F-16), Belgium (F-16), Turkey (F-16), Australia (F/A-18), Switzerland (F/A-18) and Canada (F/A-18). [24.10.07]

‘SEA KING’ HELICOPTERS RESUME NOWRA FLYING PROGRAM: The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) 817 Squadron fleet of ‘Sea King’ helicopters has resumed flying operations following a three week flying suspension imposed 2 October, as a precautionary measure to allow a maintenance incident to be fully investigated and appropriate inspections to be carried out on all aircraft. According to the Commander Australian Fleet & Naval Operational Airworthiness Authority, Rear Admiral Nigel Coates, “a thorough investigation was conducted into the circumstances surrounding the tail rotor anomaly on one of the aircraft. No further anomalies were detected in any of the other aircraft.” [23.10.07]

BUSH SEEKS US$189.3B IN FY 2008 WAR SUPPLEMENTAL: President Bush has submitted to Congress a request for US$42.3b in supplemental war funding, taking total funding for the global war on terrorism to $189.3b for Fiscal Year 2008. Most of the supplemental funding aims to support day-to-day military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, including basic needs like bullets and body armour, protection against IEDs and mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles ($11b is sought for an additional 7,274 MRAPs, taking the total order to 15,274). Another $8.8b (on top of $37.6b) seeks to replace equipment lost or damaged in-theatre, including 383 new ‘Stryker’ IMVs, over 4,100 Humvees, over 11,000 trucks and over 72,000 SINCGARS radios. [23.10.07]

MRAP ORDERS FILTER THROUGH TO FORCE PROTECTION INC: Ladson (South Carolina)-based Force Protection Inc has received a US$376m contract to produce an additional 800 vehicles under the US Marine Corps' Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program. This latest delivery order calls for 553 MRAP Category I ‘Cougar’ 4X4 and 247 Category II ‘Cougar’ 6X6 vehicles – all to be completed by April 2008. Force Protection has received contracts for more than 2,700 MRAP vehicles thus far in the program. In a related development, General Dynamics Land Systems similarly received a $188.8m work order from Force Protection Inc to produce 401 vehicles for the USMCs MRAP vehicle program. [23.10.07]

MINCOM EXPANDS WITH MCNAUGHT & ASSOCIATES PURCHASE: Brisbane-based Mincom Limited is to acquire Queensland-based logistics management solution and services company, Bruce McNaught and Associates (BMA). In the acquisition process, Mincom will also secure an advanced inventory analytics solution, SIAM, which uses powerful algorithms to optimise inventory levels for asset-intensive organisations in mining, utilities and transport. Mincom CEO, Richard Mathews, commented that through the BMA acquisition, Mincom “would be able to build out its comprehensive supply chain management solution in the area of inventory optimisation and supplier performance evaluation for the benefit of customers.” The SIAM application integrates with Mincom ‘Ellipse’, which is already being provided into Defence by Mincom under Joint Project 2077. [22.10.07]

EXERCISE IN TASMANIA TO COUNTER TERRORISM THREAT: A Federally-funded national counter-terrorism tactical response exercise, code-named ‘Southern Contact’, is being run in various regional locations across Tasmania this week, and through to 1 November. Developed by a joint Australian & Tasmanian Government exercise management team, ‘Southern Contact’ has a specific focus on testing and evaluating the tactical-level response of the Tasmanian Police and its interoperability with Australian Government security agencies. The exercise involves participation from a number of Australian Government agencies including the Attorney-General's Department, Australian Federal Police and the ADF, as well as various Tasmanian Government agencies. The Commonwealth has committed $53.3m since 2003/04 to enhance Australian counter-terrorism programs and boost State and Territory counter-terrorism resources. [22.10.07]

SINGAPORE BOOSTS F-15 FLEET TO TWENTY-FOUR AIRCRAFT: The Singapore Ministry of Defence has exercised an option to purchase eight Boeing F-15SGs, as well as ordering four more, as part of the original contract for 12 aircraft announced 2005 – thus taking the total fleet to 24 aircraft. The F-15SG is a derivative of the USAF’s F-15E ‘Strike Eagle’, said by the company to be “the world's most capable long-range, multi-role fighter. It can simultaneously perform air-to-ground and air-to-air missions during day or night, in virtually any weather. It carries significant payload, reaches speeds in excess of Mach 2, and incorporates some of the most advanced military technologies.” Integration and flight testing of the F-15SG will be performed in St Louis (Missouri) and Palmdale (California), beginning in November 2007. [22.10.07]

BLOCK 20 ‘GLOBAL HAWK’ PUSHED TO ITS FUEL LIMITS: Northrop Grumman’s RQ-4 ‘Global Hawk’ Block 20 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has had its fuel system pushed to the limits at tests in California during a weeklong fuel starvation test. The testing involved tilting the aircraft to a 20-degree angle (to simulate a missed approach and resultant ‘go around’ for a second landing) while running the aircraft out of fuel inside a weight & balance hangar. The Block 20 carries 1,000 pounds more payload, and 6,000 pounds more fuel than the Block 10, meaning an entirely new fuel cell configuration and fuel management system was necessary – and requiring new tests to measure the amount of fuel remaining when fuel starvation begins. The test team used Isopar-M (a synthetic fuel) instead of standard JP-8 fuel for safety purposes (given JP-8 has a lower flash point - the point where fuel ignites). [22.10.07]

‘POSEIDON’ PASSES 200TH FIRE SUPPRESSION TEST: Boeing reports its P-8A ‘Poseidon’ long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance aircraft team completed last month the program's 200th live-fire shot at the US Navy's Weapons Survivability Laboratory in China Lake (California). Designed to test the Poseidon's dry bay fire-protection design, live ordnance is fired into simulated aircraft sections to ensure dry bay fires are automatically detected and suppressed. P-8A fire suppression testing began in April 2005 and will continue through 2009. Full-scale live-fire testing is slated for 2012 using the P-8A static test aircraft. Some 108 P-8As are planned to replace the USN’s fleet of P-3C aircraft, along with those of the RAAF under phase 2 of project Air 7000. The first USN aircraft will be delivered for flight test in 2009, and initial operational capability is slated for 2013. [22.10.07]

SHARED FUNDING EFFORT TO RECTIFY JASSM RELIABILITY?: Lockheed Martin (LM) has been awarded a US$38m contract from the United States Air Force to execute phase I of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) Plan of Action & Milestone (POA&M) effort seeking to address reliability and characterisation of the missile, including data mining, functional ground test, free-flights and aircraft integration/sustainment activities. LM is reportedly contributing a roughly equal funding share to the POA&M effort in an attempt to dramatically improve/increase JASSM reliability in order to stave off early-2008 program cancellation. Australia has previously ordered JASSM for its F/A-18 ‘Hornet’ fleet under project Air 5418. [22.10.07]

AIR WARFARE DESTROYER ROADSHOW KICKS OFF IN CANBERRA: Representatives of the project Sea 40000 air warfare destroyer (AWD) Alliance have undertaken in Canberra the first of a national series of seminars designed to inform industry of opportunities available in the $8 billion program. According to speakers, the project has moved into its third phase (2007-2017), and involves the building of three ships, followed by a naval operational test & evaluation period running from 2014-2018. The in-service support phase is expected to run from 2014 through to 2044. Although evaluated on the Navantia F-100 design, officials confirmed the actual vessel to be built for Australia would be based on the evolved F-105 design, with adaptations for Australia in terms of: very short range defence; communications systems & electronic warfare, and undersea warfare capabilities that are more suited to local conditions. [22.10.07]

RFPs & RFTs COMING FOR ‘HOBART’-CLASS CONSTRUCTION: The three new ‘Hobart’-class AWDs will be built to modular construction techniques, with 20 of the 31 blocks (representing 70% of the volume of construction) put out to third parties. Officials estimate there will be $1.25 billion of shipbuilder procurements related to the AWD build, with hull blocks estimated to cost $450m, and the supply of intermediate products and services costing another $95m. Other Australian AWD content is estimated at $130m, predominantly in relation to the supply of business systems software and supporting hardware. Fabrication will commence in the 3rd quarter of 2009. ASC Pty Ltd is investing $100m in upgrading its infrastructure, while the South Australian Government is investing $300m in Common User Facility (CUF) infrastructure, including a 9,000 tonne ship-lift to be completed in late-2009. [22.10.07]

NATIONAL DEFENCE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM: Newly-appointed Chief of the Defence Capability Development Group (CDG), Rear Admiral Matt Tripovich, is to provide the keynote address at the 1st National Defence Capability Development Symposium, to be held in Canberra on 27 & 28 November 2007. RAdm Tripovich will be followed by the Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Roger Lough, who will outline the functions of the new Joint Defence Simulation & Support Centre. Dr Lough will be followed by Air Vice Marshal John Quaife, recently appoint Head Capability Systems in the CDG. The Symposium will also feature several workshops on major forthcoming new military capability acquisitions, as well as an opportunity for vendor presentations of technologies relevant to acquisition processes for short-technology-refresh-cycle capabilities. Surf www.capabilitydevelopment.org.au for further details or email admin@capabilitydevelopment.org.au with specific inquiries. [22.10.07]

BEGINNING OF THE END MAPPED OUT FOR IRAQ PRESENCE?: Having skirted around the edges in the Sunday evening televised leaders’ debate regarding the future of Australia’s military presence in Iraq, Opposition Leader, Kevin Rudd, affirmed he would move early after winning government to have the 550-strong ADF combat element back in Australia by mid-2008, whilst naval and air units (and the SECDET group in Baghdad) would remain in country. Prime Minister Howard, however, went on to signal that in the coming week talks would commence with local authorities in Iraq about fully transitioning the extant combat force into the training role, and when this was completed around mid-2008, then that function might no longer need to be supported by Australia. [21.10.07]

QINETIQ TO SET UP ROBOT SUPPORT CENTRE IN AUSTRALIA: UK-base QinetiQ has unveiled plans to establish a service and support centre for its North American-manufactured ‘Talon’ robots in Sydney, in conjunction with its in-country representative, Pacific Security and Environmental Solutions (PSES). The business plan sees PSES holding a stock of ‘Talon’ spare parts in its warehouse and providing technical support, service repairs and overnight shipment of components as required. The <100lb (45kg) ‘Talon’ robot supports a family of powerful, durable, lightweight remotely operated tracked vehicles that enable operators to be positioned up to a kilometre away from the danger point. Talon’s are widely used for Explosive Ordinance (bomb) Disposal (EOD), reconnaissance, communications, sensing, security, defence and rescue operations. They have all-weather, day/night capabilities and can navigate virtually any type of terrain. Bomb disposal robots are increasingly being used by the military in their battle to safely render harmless Improvised Explosive Devices (IED’s). [20.10.07]

WORK STARTS AT BAES ON JSF CARRIER VARIANT: BAE Systems (BAES) reports it has started manufacture of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft carrier variant (CV), the last of three F-35 ‘Lightning II’ design derivatives. Initial manufacturing on the CV variant has begun with the first titanium and aluminium frames set to form part of the aft fuselage of the aircraft, and using the latest in advanced digital design and manufacturing technology at BAES' Samlesbury (Lancashire, UK) facility. The carrier version, which is planned to take to the skies in 2009, is being designed for the US Navy and is being up-engineered to cope with the demands of catapult launches and arrested landings on large US aircraft carriers. [19.10.07]

LOCKHEED MARTIN & PATRIA TEAM FOR NEW USMC TROOP CARRIER: Owego (New York)-based Lockheed Martin (LM) and Patria of Finland have teamed to compete for the US Marine Corps' next generation medium armoured vehicle, to which request for proposals relating to a new Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC) are expected in the second quarter of 2008. The MPC is designed to fill the medium-armour ground vehicle gap, while also providing capability to 'swim'. Under the teaming agreement, LM Systems Integration will act as prime contractor for the MPC effort, providing systems integration, survivability enhancements, US production and net-centric and logistics capabilities for Patria's proven AMV 8x8 multi-role vehicle. The AMV 8x8 multi-role vehicle was launched in 2001, and has found customers in the Polish, Finnish, Slovenian, South African and Croatian armies. LM’s previous experience with military vehicles for the Marines includes the Light Armoured Vehicle Command & Control (LAV-C2) and Lightweight Prime Mover. [19.10.07]

EUROPCOPTER RAMPS-UP HELICOPTER TRAINING SYSTEMS: Eurocopter Germany has officially inaugurated its new training device capability for the EC135 light twin engine helicopter at its Donauwoerth site, with a second facility to follow at American Eurocopter in Dallas. The simulators have been developed by Indra and CAE in cooperation with Eurocopter, and will feature a full-motion system with six degrees of freedom, an instructor station, simulation of all systems and optional equipment solutions, avionics system and full replica of the EC135 cockpit, sound system, original OEM simulation data package and a visual system field of view of 160° horizontal and 80° vertical daylight/dusk/night, with the vertical field of view featuring a -50° full chin window view. The visual database will feature detailed airports, heliports, helipads and platforms as well as realistic 3D moving models and full correlation between databases. The simulators will be ready for training in the second quarter of 2008, after certification according to JAR-STD2H Level 3 and FAA-Part 60 FTD Level 6. [19.10.07]

EC APPROVES BAE SYSTEMS & VT JOINT VENTURE: The European Commission has given its approval to the planned creation of a joint venture (JV) in naval surface shipbuilding and related support services between BAE Systems plc and VT Group plc. The proposed JV brings together the two remaining UK companies having the capability of designing and building naval surface ships. In addition, the parties would integrate their existing joint venture, Fleet Support Limited (FSL), which is active in naval surface ship support, into the new joint venture. The Commission concluded that the operation would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it. [19.10.07]

ROUND 11 CAPABILITY TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATOR SELECTIONS: The Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Roger Lough, has announced the selection of eight proposals under the latest $26m per annum round of the Defence Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) Program. Dr Lough told the annual CTD dinner, held in Canberra, that “more than $160m has been committed to the CTD program over the past nine years in support of 64 projects.” The CTD program currently has 35 active demonstrator projects, which looks to help Australian companies develop and demonstrate high-technology innovations with potential application to the Australian Defence Force. Dr Lough added a target had been set to conclude contractual arrangements for each of the eight selected projects within three months of their announcement. [18.10.07]

CSIRO A BIG WINNER FROM CTD FUNDING ARRANGMENTS: The DSTO calls for applications for funding on an annual basis, with Round 12 applications having closed in July. Round 13 is expected to open in April 2008. The eight successful CTD proposals selected under Round 11 are: Corrosion Prognostic Health Management System for Aircraft (BAE Systems Australia); Carbon Nanotubes for Ballistic Protection (CSIRO Textile & Fibre Technology); Increased Situational Awareness for Land Vehicles (Thales Australia); Flexible Integrated Energy Device (CSIRO Textile & Fibre Technology); Autonomous Underwater Surveillance Sensor Network (L-3 Nautronix); ‘Spherion’ Broadband Sonar Processing (Thales Underwater Systems); Millimetre Wave Digital Receiver (Tenix Systems); and Ceramic Membrane Oxygen Generator (Tectonica, CSIRO Energy Technology). [18.10.07]

BEST OF QUEANBEYAN TECHNOLOGY SET FOR NOVEMBER DISPLAY: The Queanbeyan City Council is facilitating an exhibition at the Queanbeyan Conference Centre on 15 November with the intent of providing an opportunity for small-to-medium (SME) technology companies based in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Southern NSW region to publicly display their current and emerging technologies. Participation in the 2007 ‘Technology in Bloom’ exhibition is also being extended to the technology departments of regional tertiary training and higher education institutions. Email bruce.tunnah@codarra.com.au for further details. [18.10.07]

ENHANCED MISSION PLANNING SYSTEM FOR ‘GLOBAL HAWK’ UAV: Northrop Grumman Corporation has showcased at the international Mission Planning Users Conference in Orlando (Florida) its newest Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) software, including a common unmanned air vehicle (UAV) planning system integrated with automatic sensor planning and low-observable auto-routing. The UAV planning system is based upon Northrop Grumman's Rapid Autorouting Grid Extensions technology, which rapidly creates automated routing solutions necessary in a fast-paced mission planning environment involving unmanned vehicles and a myriad of other available assets. The JMPS provides unit-level mission planning for all phases of military flight operations, and is being integrated to support F/A-18 fighters, the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW). Additional platforms and weapons expected to use a JMPS-based mission planning solution, include: the ‘Global Hawk’ unmanned aerial vehicle; Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM); and F-35 ‘Lightning II’ JSF. [18.10.07]

ASC PTY LTD REPORTS LARGEST PROFIT IN 14 YEARS: ASC Pty Ltd has confirmed for the 2006/07 financial year it achieved net earnings of $29.6m, the company’s biggest profit in 14 years. ASC Managing Director, Greg Tunny, attributed the 60% increase in profit to achieving unprecedented levels of efficiency and effectiveness in the company’s principal activity of maintaining the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) fleet of six ‘Collins’-class submarines. Tunny added, “we achieved 20% growth in revenue to $312.4m ($260.9m in 2005/06) primarily as a result of obtaining record incentive payments under the submarine Through-Life Support contract.” The company also paid a fully-franked dividend of $17.8m to the Commonwealth of Australia (the company’s 100% owner), which was also a 60% increase on the $11.1m paid in 2005/06. [17.10.07]

THALES F1 GRENADE RELEASED BACK INTO ADF SERVICE: The Department of Defence has confirmed that following the 12 September 2007 suspension of ADF use of the Thales Australia F1 grenade as a precautionary measure following an explosion during testing at Graytown (Victoria) - to ensure that appropriate safety procedures were in place and the grenade was reliable - the F1 grenade has now been released back into ADF service. The Department says “Defence munitions experts have completed a technical investigation that determined the grenade is reliable, and suitable for continued use.” Defence will also resume routine testing - a standard procedure when accepting ammunition into service - of newly-manufactured batches of F1 grenades. [17.10.07]

‘PASSLOGIX’ FOR DSD TESTING TO DELIVER GREATER ICT SECURITY: The Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) has confirmed it will assess the security of Passlogix’s V-GO Sign On Platform product suite under the Australasian Information Security Evaluation Program (AISEP). The V-GO single Sign On Platform is an emerging technology which has potential for use on government systems, and successful DSD evaluation is aimed at providing assurance that government ICT users will have greater choices available in securing their information and systems to meet their individual business requirements. This Passlogix suite will allow consumers to securely access multiple applications using a single login mechanism. [17.10.07]

AUSTRALIA TO HELP PROTECT PACIFIC FISH STOCKS: The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, has confirmed Australia will provide incentive funding to recognise effective action by Pacific Island nations to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. As a first step, Australia will provide $500,000 to strengthen the regional monitoring, control and surveillance of key Pacific fisheries. Funding will be provided under the government’s overseas aid program, and will be additional to existing Australian support for sustainable fisheries in the region. Australia is also developing a program of longer-term support for fisheries in the Pacific, focussing on economic growth through sustainable management of fish stocks. [17.10.07]

NETTING TECHNOLOGY PUTS INTEROPERABILITY IN THE PICTURE: The US Department of Defence (DoD) is to spend US$45.5m purchasing Raytheon Solipsys’ Tactical Component Network (TCN) technology - a sensor netting framework that enables warfighters to achieve a single integrated picture and joint interoperability. TCN is said to provide a path forward for a joint framework to support an interoperable 'plug-and-fight' architecture. The new award follows a similar procurement by the US Missile Defence Agency (MDA) earlier in the year in support of ballistic missile defence system initiatives. The company will also provide run-time licensing of its Tactical Display Framework visualisation product across all DoD and MDA programs. [17.10.07]

EADS CONFIRMS A400M DELIVERY DELAYS: EADS has confirmed that delivery of its new A400M military transport aircraft is expected to start six months later than initially planned, with there being an associated risk of a further slippage of up to a half year. EADS blames the delay on slow progress in engine development, with schedule overruns impacting systems development and the flight test program. Mitigation measures are nevertheless being implemented, and the financial consequences currently being assessed. The first A400M is currently in production in a new final assembly line constructed at Seville (Spain), and is due to make its first flight in summer 2008. [17.10.07]

CSC TO VERIFY INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR HOMELAND SECURITY: Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) has confirmed its award of a US$53m (1+4 year option) task order to provide information technology (IT) support services for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Verification Information System (VIS). The task order was awarded under the Enterprise Acquisition Gateway for Leading Edge Solutions (EAGLE) contract, and involves the continued provision of help desk support, systems training and security, strategic business system planning, business intelligence analysis, and performance testing and measurement services. In addition, the company will continue to ensure that the VIS meets all operational technology requirements associated with the REAL ID Act of 2005 and state and federal legislation mandating the use of E-Verify, an electronic employment verification system. [17.10.07]

NAVY PREPARING TO RESUME ‘SEA KING’ FLYING OPERATIONS: The Commander of the Australian Naval Aviation Group, Commodore Tim Barrett, has advised that Navy ‘Sea King’ helicopter crews are confident in the safety of the aircraft, and are preparing to resume flying operations as soon as possible. The acting Chief of Navy, RAdm Russ Crane added, "we are determined to do everything necessary to bring ‘Sea King’ systems and processes to the necessary standard. Substantial progress has been made … but it is true that we still have some way to go.” ‘Sea King’ helicopter flying operations were suspended 27 September after a fault was experienced in the tail rotor control assembly of an aircraft shortly after take off from HMAS ‘Albatross’ (Nowra, NSW). [16.10.07]

DCGS INTEGRATION BACKBONE RACKS UP INDUSTRY FIRSTS: Raytheon reports that at exercise ‘Empire Challenge 2007’, the company achieved the multiple sharing of intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance (ISR) data between coalition, NATO countries and the United States using its Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) Integration Backbone (DIB). Additionally, Raytheon says it populated metadata catalogues at coalition partner sites with information extracted from streaming video from the Global Broadcast System network. Raytheon's high speed ‘Agatiya’ security product also successfully transferred U-2, Advanced Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System and F-22 ‘Raptor’ imagery and unclassified streaming video to US, coalition and NATO networks. Further, Raytheon says it also integrated a capability into the DCGS system to enable use of its Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) to perform target-weapon pairing, namely, selection of the right effect for engaging the right target at the right time. [16.10.07]

IFF TRANSPONDER DEVELOPED FOR LARGE MILITARY AIRCRAFT: Thales and Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems (ACSS) - an L-3 Communications & Thales Company - have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to develop an ARINC Format Identification Friend and Foe (IFF) Mode 5 transponder for large military aircraft for tanker/transport, and reconnaissance. The agreement brings together ACSS' position in safety avionics systems, including Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS), Terrain Avoidance Warning Systems (TAWS) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), with Thales strength as a leading military avionics supplier with a full range of military IFF solutions for air, sea and land applications. Both companies will offer the product as an upgrade path for existing NATO IFF Mode 4 customers and to new military aircraft customers. [16.10.07]

MELBOURNE HOSTS INDIVIDUAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT CONFERENCE: The Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO), together with the US Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, have co-hosted in Melbourne the Individual Protective Equipment (IPE’2007) International Conference. Said to be the first conference of its kind held in Australia, the 117 delegates at IPE’2007 put a uniquely Asia-Pacific perspective on the issues faced by professionals and practitioners dealing with protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. Areas of conference interest ranged from basic science research into new and novel materials, to test & evaluation of protective ensembles, heat stress mitigation strategies, and IPE modelling and integration. [15.10.07]

NEW BOARD FOR SA DEFENCE TEAMING CENTRE: The Annual General Meeting of the South Australian Defence Teaming Centre, held at Technology Park on 11 October, had appointed the following to its Board: Laz Davila (Davtec IT); Rober Lemonius (ASC); Paul Levett (Levett Engineering); Mark Martin (Terra Firma); Tim O’Callaghan (Piper Alderman Lawyers); Daryl O’Shaughnessy (Plasteel SA); Kim Scott (Tenix Defence-ESD); Adrian Smith (Sydac); Andrew Watson (Ernst & Young); Paul Weiss (DSpace); and Jim Whalley (Nova Aerospace). Two Public Sector Directors were appointed: Kim McCleery (Defence SA) and Andrew Parfitt (University of SA). [15.10.07]

BOEING TESTS NEW LASER TO COUNTER IED & UXO THREATS: Boeing reports it has successfully demonstrated a new 1-kilowatt solid-state laser system which can neutralise improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Known as the ‘Laser Avenger’, the system is said to have proved its effectiveness at ranges at safe distances from the target. During the test, the system also took a step toward demonstrating a counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) capability by destroying two small UAVs that were stationary on the ground. Boeing is funding a series of upgrades to expand the ‘Avenger’ air defence system into an Agile Multi-Role Weapon System (AMWS) with ground-to-ground as well as ground-to-air capability. The laser capability was added while retaining Avenger's ability to carry other weapons, including missiles and a machine gun. A ‘shoot-on-the-move’ capability is also being considered. [15.10.07]

ALCOA FORGES INTO JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER PROGRAM: Lockheed Martin has awarded Alcoa’s ‘Power & Propulsion’ business a 10-year US$360m contract to supply advanced patented 7085 alloy aluminium die forgings for the F-35 JSF program. The work will be done by Alcoa Forged & Cast Products (Cleveland) and involves the design and manufacture of all the large aluminium structural die forgings for more than 1,200 aircraft. The forgings include 15 large bulkheads, the primary structural support for the wing and engine that can weigh from 1,800 to 6,000 pounds and range from 10 to 23 feet in length, and six wing box parts which serve as an important component of the skeletal structure to the wing. Other Alcoa aerospace units will provide critical F-35 components: highly-engineered joining devices from Alcoa Fastening Systems; specialty alloy plate from Alcoa North American Mill Products; and high-pressure JSF engine turbine blades and structural aluminium castings from Alcoa Power and Propulsion. [15.10.07]

HOWARD DECLARES 24 NOVEMBER FOR NEXT FEDERAL ELECTION: After visiting Government House in Canberra to request dissolution of the 41st Parliament, Prime Minister John Howard, has called the next Federal election for Saturday, 24 November 2007. Howard will lead his campaign on the question of who is most able to deliver the ‘leadership’ the nation requires to accommodate the challenges of the coming years, and claiming the Coalition has an established and open plan of leadership transition – from his own extensive experience in Parliament and decade as PM - to Peter Costello, who Howard said has ably served for the past decade(+) as Federal Treasurer. [14.10.07]

‘SECURING AUSTRALIA’ SET AS ONE OF FIVE KEY COALITION ELECTION THEMES: The Prime Minister had earlier released (Friday) a 19-page ‘vision’ statement – ‘Australia: Strong, Prosperous and Secure’ - outlining the Liberal Party 2007 election agenda, and listing five key areas set to receive more substantive policy announcements during the ensuing federal election campaign. The five agenda points highlighted in the document are: a new growth & opportunity agenda; a new sustainable country agenda; a new securing Australia agenda; a new sustainable country agenda; and a new national unity agenda. [14.10.07]

‘BUSHMASTER’ IMV DAMAGED IN SECOND MIDDLE EAST IED ATTACK: The Department of Defence has confirmed that a project Land 116 ‘Bushmaster’ Infantry Mobile Vehicle (IMV) has been damaged by an improvised explosive device (IED) during a patrol in southern Iraq. The IED detonation immobilised the vehicle and caused severe damage after it caught fire, however, all occupants safely evacuated the vehicle and there were no injuries. A Defence spokesman said that after the explosion, “the OBG(W) patrol immediately secured the scene, assessed the situation and requested support from nearby Coalition forces who supplied increased physical security and surveillance overwatch.” The damaged vehicle will be recovered to the Australian base at Tallil. [12.10.07]

CSC APPOINTED AS SYSTEM INTEGRATOR FOR JP 2030 JCSE: CSC Australia has been awarded a $20m contract to act as System Integrator for the Joint Command Support Environment (Joint Project 2030), to assist in the provision of joint solutions and integrated systems to deliver capabilities for the ADF. The subject component of work was first announced by Defence on 12 October 2006, and is the first phase of work set to deliver a single integrated command support system, leveraging from existing command support systems developed for the individual services and for the higher headquarters. The Defence Material Organisation (DMO) is proposing to utilise an evolutionary acquisition approach for the Project, whereby the capability will be incrementally defined and approved by Government before delivery. The first order contract to achieve the defined outcomes will commence immediately. [12.10.07]

TENIX & ICN VICTORIA FUNDED TO PROMOTE LHD SUPPLIER ACCESS: An Industry Capability Network Victoria & Tenix Pty Ltd proposal to enhance Australian industry participation in the $3 billion Joint Project 2048 (phases 4A/4B) amphibious ships (LHDs) project has been confirmed as one (of six) proposals to share $1.1 million in funding under the Federal Government’s ‘Supplier Access to Major Projects’ (SAMP) program, which is designed to boost opportunities for Australian industry participation in major ventures. According to Federal Industry Minister, Ian Macfarlane, “SAMP has a strong track record in linking the best of Australian suppliers, especially SMEs, with project opportunities. Since 1997, SAMP has helped Australian companies win contracts worth more than $1.7 billion for work which might have otherwise gone to overseas competitors.” [12.10.07]

GRANTS FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY TO HELP SEIZE GLOBAL MARKETS: Citing the successes of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) ‘Team Australia’ program in securing $160m of work for local companies, the Federal Government has launched a new program to build on the capacity of wider Australian industry to harness business opportunities within the global marketplace. Launching the $254.1m ‘Global Opportunities’ (GO) program, Industry Minister, Ian Macfarlane, has encourages businesses of all sizes to take their place in increasingly important international supply chains. Promulgation of the ‘GO’ program is a major component of the Government’s recent ‘Global Integration’ Industry Statement, and will provide financial and other assistance for firms to work together to form larger networks that can participate on a more equal footing with multinationals in global markets. Surf www.industry.gov.au/go for details. [12.10.07]

NEW GUIDELINES TO UPDATE ASIO ACCOUNTABILITY: The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has confirmed that the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has been issued with new Guidelines relating to its functions of obtaining intelligence relevant to security and politically motivated violence, and including the collection and handling of personal information. Ruddock says the new Guidelines “do not broaden ASIO's powers beyond what the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 already allows.” The review and updating of the Guidelines, he says, “stems from: substantive changes in legislation that affects ASIO; the changed security environment and the ongoing threat of terrorism; changes in ASIO's internal policies and procedures; the need to make best use of new and advanced analytical and investigative methodologies to assist in preventing terrorism; and the need for the Guidelines to be more readable and easily understood by those applying them.” Copies of the new Guidelines are available on ASIO's website at www.asio.gov.au. [12.10.07]

C-RAM SOLUTION OPTION UNVEILED IN WASHINGTON: Lockheed Martin (LM) has unveiled at the AUSA 2007 Exposition in Washington DC, its operational prototype of the US Army's new Enhanced AN/TPQ-36 radar, also known as the EQ-36 Counterfire Target Acquisition Radar. The EQ-36 is designed to provide soldiers with the capability to detect, classify, track and determine the location of enemy indirect fire such as mortars, artillery and rockets in either 90 degree or 360 degree modes. EQ-36 systems will eventually replace ageing TPQ-36, TPQ-37 and other Cold War-era radars, which only operate in limited 90 degree modes. For its EQ-36 prototype, LM is also developing the existing counterfire capabilities of partner Syracuse Research Corporation's operational Advanced Technology Objective (ATO), a sensor system developed for the Army's Intelligence & Information Warfare Directorate (I2WD). Under a US$120m contract, LM is to provide the US Army with five Enhanced AN/TPQ-36 radars within 36 months - the first two systems the northern summer of 2009; the third and fourth by fall 2009, and the fifth by early 2010. The ADF is similarly looking at C-RAM solutions under phase 7 of project Land 19. [12.10.07]

TEST OF TRANSFORMATIONAL SATELLITE SYSTEM: A Lockheed Martin Northrop Grumman team is said to have been the first to successfully complete the last in a series of verification tests of its Next Generation Processor Router (NGPR), performed during the Risk Reduction and System Definition (RR&SD) phase of the Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT) Space Segment. The 'spiral tests' are said to have demonstrated additional NGPR functions and performance beyond those conducted in previous demonstrations, and met all test criteria with 100% success. The NGPR spiral test is the end a four-year, risk reduction plan, developed in partnership with the MILSATCOM Systems Wing at the US Air Force Space & Missile Systems Center. TSAT is expected to succeed the current WGS series of satellites, and provide extremely high data rate connectivity to thousands of mobile terminals connected in an Internet Protocol (IP) network, thus enabling information-intensive, network-centric warfare of the future. The NGPR is the heart of the system's network and protection capabilities. [12.10.07]

USAF ‘HUNTER-KILLER’ UAV FLYING IN AFGHANISTAN: The US Air Force has confirmed its new MQ-9 ‘Reaper’ hunter-killer unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is now flying operational missions in Afghanistan, having completed twelve flights since 25 September. The ‘Reaper’ UAV is larger and more heavily-armed than the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems-built MQ-1 ‘Predator’, and in addition to its traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, is designed to attack time-sensitive targets with persistence and precision, and destroy or disable those targets with on-board weapons. To date, ‘Reaper’ operators have not been called upon to drop their weapons on enemy positions. [12.10.07]

PUBLIC RELEASE OF INFORMATION BY DEFENCE DEPARTMENT: A statement by the Director General of Defence Public Affairs, Brigadier Andrew Nikolic, has noted the recent death of an Australian trooper in Afghanistan to a Taliban roadside bomb rightly raises questions about the flow of information to the Australian public from Defence. According to Nikolic, “it is often said that there is a tension between the interests of military forces to control information, and the desire of the media to publish or broadcast. Balancing these interests is difficult … the ADF has an absolute commitment to be open about its activities, but this must be balanced against the safety of our people on dangerous operations and the rights of their families to be informed first about personal events.” Nikolic added, “we cannot forget that our forces are on dangerous missions, and in the case of Afghanistan, they are fighting a determined and capable opponent in the Taliban ... (who are) a ruthless exploiter of the media, using it as a source of intelligence about Australian and NATO activities and as a platform for its own propaganda.” [11.10.07]

DEFENCE ACADEMICS CONCLUDE TALKS IN CANBERRA: The 11th ASEAN Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities, Colleges and Institutions Meeting (HDUCIM) has concluded in Canberra after two days of discussions on successful innovations in professional military education. HDUCIM is a forum for senior leadership of Defence universities, colleges and institutions from participating countries to discuss regional issues and ways to conduct research, educational exchanges and promote trust in the region. The annual HDUCIM has been conducted under the aegis of Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum (ARF) since 1997. The theme of the 11th ARF HDUCIM was, ‘The development of curriculum in ARF Defence universities, colleges and institutions that deliver the professional military education to enable leaders and officials to most effectively operate in the current complex security environment.’ [11.10.07]

WIDEBAND GLOBAL SATELLITE TRANSMITS ITS FIRST SIGNALS: Boeing reports it has acquired signals from the first 702-series Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite, which was successfully launched 10 October by a United Launch Alliance ‘Atlas V’ vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base, in Florida. The satellite - the first of five Boeing is currently building for the US Air Force – directed its first signals to a ground station in Dongara (Australia) with Boeing controllers in El Segundo (California) subsequently confirming that the satellite was healthy. Following a series of orbital maneuvers and in-orbit testing, the satellite is expected to begin Air Force service during the first quarter of 2008. The Australian Government confirmed 3 October it would spend $927m buying the sixth (currently US unfunded ‘reserve’) WGS satellite under the $1.5b phase 4 of Joint Project 2008. Anticipated functionality of the new satellite for the ADF is 2013. [11.10.07]

RAN SIGNS UP TO ECPINS SUBMARINE NAVIGATION SYSTEM: Canadian-based OSI Geospatial Incorporated has confirmed its International Systems Operations group has signed a US$2m contract to provide the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) with their ‘ECPINS’ submarine navigation system. Under the terms of the new contract, OSI will provide six navigation systems and a software upgrade for the RAN's ‘Collins’-class submarines. OSI president and CEO, Ken Kirkpatrick, said his company has been “working with the Australian Navy since March 2004, and including this contract, has now secured more than US$9m of business with this very important customer." [11.10.07]

‘LITENING’ AT POD GETS ITS FIRST TESTS AT EXERCISE ‘BOLD QUEST’: Northrop Grumman Corporation has confirmed demonstration of its latest iteration ‘Litening’ Advanced Targeting (AT) pod at the US Joint Forces Command-sponsored ‘Bold Quest’ military exercise. During the exercise, the ‘Litening AT’ is said to have demonstrated enhanced targeting, surveillance and net-centric warfighting capabilities (ie: including, omni-directional data link technologies), in a manner that positively identified targets and provided encrypted, bi-directional airborne transmission of streaming video and bi-directional cursor-on-target metadata-tagged still imagery at full sensor resolution. Such technology is said to have allowed ground forces to receive imagery and its associated geo-positional data for battlefield situational awareness, aircraft position, sensor point of interest and target selection. In addition, target identification and data link transmission ranges are said to have significantly exceeded the ranges currently provided by other targeting pods. The RAAF earlier purchased a version of the ‘Litening AT’ pod under project Air 5376, and these are in the process of being integrated into the F/A-18 ‘Hornet’ fleet. [11.10.07]

ROAD TO JOC HEADQUARTERS TO BE PAVED IN VOTES: Defence Minister Nelson has confirmed a re-elected Federal Government will contribute $8.2m towards improving the Kings Highway between Queanbeyan and Bungendore, subject to consultations with both Roads ACT and the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority on a delivery strategy and commencement date for the subject road works. The new funding contribution seeks to address a sore point with local voters in acknowledging that the traffic load created by the decision to locate the new Joint Project 8001 Defence Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) near Bungendore, will impact on all users of the Kings Highway, given a minimum additional traffic load of 1200 vehicle movements per day once the JOC is fully operational in mid-2009. Dr Nelson said a Defence traffic study carried out between February and August this year indicated that four overtaking lanes, and a major intersection upgrade at Captains Flat Road, are needed to maintain traffic flows on the Kings Highway. Defence staff are expected to begin occupation of the new HQJOC towards the end of 2008. [10.10.07]

NOWRA DEEMED AS THE NEW HOME OF ADF HELICOPTER TRAINING: The Government has selected the naval air station HMAS ‘Albatross’ at Nowra (NSW), as the location for the ADF’s new joint helicopter school. The new school is being established via the $500-700m Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) – phase 7 of project Air 9000 - and designed to replace aircrew training on Navy ‘Squirrel’ and Army ‘Kiowa’ helicopters as part of a broader integrated training strategy (project Air 5428) – all intended to better equip ADF aircrew to fly more advanced helicopters such as the ‘Seahawk’, MRH-90, ‘Seasprite’, ‘Black Hawk’, ‘Chinook’ and ‘Tiger’ ARH. The new helicopter school will train up to 60 pilots, 40 aircrewmen/loadmasters and 12 observers per year, and will help create around 100 civilian positions for maintenance, support and training roles. [10.10.07]

DECENTRALISED LOCATION BEST FOR TRAINING OUTCOMES: Defence Minister Nelson told media the Government’s selection of Nowra as the most suitable location to provide the broad range of training environments required for the ADF’s aircrew, took into account its varied terrain to the west of the base, where overland skills such as low level navigation can be practiced without undue noise impact. To the east, Jervis Bay and the Eastern Australian Exercise Area were also considered ideal for maritime training, as well as an opportunity to work with the Navy’s warships. The construction of new hangars and associated facilities worth approximately $100m is planned to start in 2012, with undergraduate aircrew training to commence in 2013. Helicopter aircrew graduating from their initial HATS training will then undertake operational flying conversion to other aircraft types: ‘Seahawk’ & ‘Seasprite’ training will remain at Nowra; with MRH-90 & ‘Tiger’ training at Oakey, and ‘Chinook’ training at Townsville. [10.10.07]

NEW CHARTS TO HELP NAVY/CUSTOMS CHASE ILLEGAL FISHERS: Perth-based Fugro Survey Pty Ltd has been selected by Defence to undertake Phase 2 of the Fisheries Protection Survey and Charting (FPS&C) project, as a follow-up to initial work done by Tenix-LADS. The project was initiated by the Government to provide accurate charting of Australia’s northern waters via $18.5m (over three years) provided to the Royal Australian Navy to facilitate charting of the Torres Strait and northern Barrier Reef (as part of a $388.9m plan to combat illegal foreign fishing), so that enforcement agency vessels can navigate safely in currently uncharted waters to carry out enforcement operations. Survey operations are due to commence in November 2007 and conclude in January 2009. [10.10.07]

PRELIMINARY CHARTS TO BORDER PROTECTION COMMAND: Defence says that Fugro Survey Pty Ltd will undertake survey operations in the Torres Strait and utilise both local and overseas contractors. It is expected that over 12,000 square kilometres will be surveyed during the project, with Phase 1 having collected 6,360 square kilometres of survey data. This latter data is in the process of being released on preliminary charts to Border Protection Command. The surveying will be conducted to International Hydrographic Organisation standards and the data collected will be used by the Australian Hydrographic Service to update navigational charts, including Electronic Navigational Charts. [10.10.07]

TWELVE-ELEMENT PROGRAM TO UPGRADE RAAF BASE ‘TINDAL’: The Federal Government has committed $58.7m for a 12-element redevelopment of RAAF Base ‘Tindal’ (adjacent to the town of Katherine, NT), and home of No 75 Squadron, equipped with F/A-18 Hornet fighters. Initially developed between 1984 and 1988, much of the initial infrastructure is considered by Defence to be in need of mid-life refurbishment or supplementation. The proposed works are a combination of new construction and refurbishment, and will address such varying requirements as catering facilities, workshops, warehousing, fire fighting services, security, power generation and working accommodation. Subject to Parliamentary clearance, construction work is expected to start in October 2008, and will be completed by November 2010. [10.10.07]

HMAS ‘ADELAIDE’ NOW RETURNED BACK HOME FOR GOOD: Marking the end of her last overseas deployment as a commissioned warship, the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) longest serving guided missile frigate, HMAS ‘Adelaide’, has arrived back in her home port of HMAS ‘Stirling’, Rockingham, WA. The FFG’s homecoming follows a successful six-week deployment that included the multinational naval exercise ‘Malabar 07-2’ in the Bay of Bengal (with the US, Indian, Singapore and Japanese navies), a three-day joint passage exercise with the Indian Navy and associated port visits to the Indian cities of Visakhapatnam and Chennai. Visits to Thailand and Singapore completed the deployment. HMAS ‘Adelaide’ will take part in two further local naval exercises before undertaking farewell visits to the cities of Adelaide and Fremantle prior to her decommissioning on 19 January 2008, at HMAS Stirling. After her decommissioning, the ship will be gifted to the NSW Government and sunk off the NSW Central Coast at Terrigal, to form an artificial reef and dive attraction. [10.10.07]

CSC RECOGNISED FOR ITS EXPERTISE IN MILITARY LOGISTICS: US-based Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) has received an 'honourable mention' award in the 'Outstanding Industry Leader in Military Logisitcs' category from the Institute for Defence and Government Advancement (IDGA). The award was presented at the annual 2007 Military Logistics Summit. The IDGA honoured CSC for its work on the US Army Logistics Modernization Program (LMP) - one of the world's largest enterprise resource planning implementations. CSC provides end-to-end applications development and suport services for the LMP, which continues to modernise the US Army's supply chain management operations. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is currently looking to upgrade its military logisitcs regime under Joint Project 2077. [10.10.07]

FIRST DUAL-COCKPIT HELMET-MOUNTED CUEING SYSTEM: Boeing reports it has delivered the first factory-installed, dual-cockpit F/A-18F ‘Super Hornet’ Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) to the US Navy. The JHMCS allows flight crew members to rapidly acquire and designate a target simply by looking at it. The two-seat variant places a JHMCS helmet on both crew members, giving each the capability to aim weapons and sensors as well as a visual indication of where each crew member is looking. Inclusion of JHMCS in the aft seat of two-seat aircraft gives the weapons system officer the same weapons management capabilities as the pilot. The system vastly reduces the amount of required verbal discussion between the aircraft’s two occupants, as well as improving the ability to react rapidly to targets and/or threats that are visually detected by either crew member. The RAAF is purchasing 24 ‘Super Hornet’ fighters under project Air 5349. [10.10.07]

BAE SYSTEMS/NAVISTAR TEAM UP FOR JLTV: BAE Systems and International Military and Government LLC (an affiliate of Navistar International Corporation) have confirmed they will team to produce a platform for the US Army/Marine Corps Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program - a multi-service initiative for a family of future light tactical vehicles that provide integrated and scalable personnel protection, vehicle agility and mobility, while retaining the payload and transport capabilities of the light tactical vehicle fleet. The JLTV initiative also aims to reduce fleet lifecycle costs by the extensive use of common spare and repair parts at the sub-assembly and component level. The team will also be investigating other opportunities for sales to militaries around the world. The JLTV fleet of vehicles was initially proposed to replace the High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (Humvee), however, substantial numbers of these vehicles (including those written off in current operations) are already being replaced under the Mine Resistant Armour Protected (MRAP) program, which has been afforded high priority funding status. The JLTV program also has an Australian equivalent in terms of aspects of project Land 400. [10.10.07]

AMPHIBIOUS SHIPS BUILD CONTRACT SIGNED AT WILLIAMSTOWN: Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia (including: Defence Minister Nelson; the Chief of Navy, VAdm Russ Shalders; and CEO of the DMO, Dr Stephen Gumley), Tenix Defence and Spanish-based Navantia have signed contracts for the build phase of the RAN’s two new ‘Juan Carlos I’-class amphibious ships (Landing ship, Helicopter & Dock – LHDs), onboard HMAS ‘Kanimbla’ at Tenix’s Williamstown Dockyard, in Melbourne, Victoria. Cabinet chose Tenix/Navantia’s baseline Option 2 for the Joint Project 2048 (phases 4A/4B) solution, which will basically see the majority (Zones 1-7) of each vessel built in Spain, with construction of the superstructure (Zone 8) and systems integration being done by Tenix, at Williamstown. All platform equipment (except combat & communications) for Zones 1-7 will be procured by Navantia, whilst bulk materials and consumables (termed ‘Category C’ items) for Zone 8, will be procured by Tenix Marine. Through Life Support for the two LHDs was not included in the LHD acquisition contract, and will be subsequently tendered. [09.10.07]

NELSON PUTS BLAME FOR AFGHANISTAN IED ATTACK ON IRAN: Speaking to media after news of the death of an Australian soldier in Afghanistan due to an improvised explosive device (IED) detonation, Defence Minister Nelson says, “there’s no question that a variety of weapons including IEDs, and explosively formed projectiles and other things are finding their way from Iran into both Iraq and Afghanistan. At this stage, we don't know precisely the source of this particular IED. But in the recovery of the vehicle and the examination of all of the circumstances surrounding this particular attack, we will do the very best we can to get to the bottom of it.” Dr Nelson further told media, “Australia is working very closely with the United States, our British and other allies in understanding improvised explosive device technology, how to counter it, and how they work.” [09.10.07]

NO NEED TO UPGRADE TO HEAVIER MILITARY VEHICLES: Asked by media whether the Government would give consideration to providing soldiers with tougher vehicles following the IED-related fatality, Dr Nelson replied, “the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle and the ‘Bushmaster’ are world class for this type of vehicle. They are extraordinarily well protected … they're extremely capable ... and there are a number of Australian soldiers who said to me, ‘Sir, I owe my life to this vehicle’. They provide a very high level of protection. Unfortunately, we've had several IED attacks in Afghanistan and Iraq involving these vehicles over the last few months. We will be specifically looking at how this attack occurred, and what we might be able to do if there's anything in the future to avoid a similar sort of outcome. But apart from the ‘Abrams’ tanks, which we've just acquired, these vehicles provide the highest level of mobility and protection that the ADF has.” The United States is currently upgrading its vehicle fleets via the Mine Resistant Armour Protected (MRAP) program, whilst the UK has upgraded deployed ‘Vector’ and ‘Bulldog’ vehicles, as well as negotiating for a rapid acquisition of ‘Mastiff’ armoured vehicles – a UK version of the ‘Cougar’ vehicle being similarly supplied under MRAP by Force Protection Incorporated. [09.10.07]

JSF PROGRAM BROADENING AEROSPACE INDUSTRY BASE: Adelaide-based Levett Engineering reports it is about to ship airframe components for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) made on new machinery at its Elizabeth plant to Lockheed Martin, at Fort Worth (Texas). Company founder and MD, Paul Levett, says F135 engine components are also to be supplied to Pratt & Whitney under a US$23m deal that will see annual turnover of his company more than quadruple over the next five years. According to Levett, “joining the international JSF program has enabled Australia to access capability and technology a generation ahead of other contemporary aircraft. It has given the company access to the global aerospace industry, and … it will also put us into an even stronger position when it comes to biding for work on new projects such as the Sea 4000 Air Warfare Destroyer program. Now other companies are talking to us, such as Rolls Royce and General Electric. We’ve always been in defence, but with the JSF we’re moving into aerospace.” [09.10.07]

HMAS ‘WALLER’ FCD TAKES NATIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT AWARD: ASC Pty Ltd’s work (from March 2004 to March 2007) on the ‘Collins’-class submarine HMAS ‘Waller’ full cycle docking (FCD) project - which included installation of the advanced ADCAP/CBASS torpedo system and AN/BYG-1 combat system, has been selected as national winner of the Australian Institute of Project Management’s (AIPM) Hobart Project Management Achievement Awards (PMAA). The ‘Waller’ FCD endeavour, which incorporated 1.25 million man hours and 7,500 tasks, was chosen over more than 90 other entries. The submarine upgrade is part of an $857m program extending across all six boats for completion by 2010. ASC has now performed three FCDs, and work is well underway on the fourth ‘Collins’ boat, HMAS ‘Dechaineux’. The project Land 907 FMS ‘Abrams’ tank acquisition project also received a ‘judges recognition’ award at the PMAAs. [09.10.07]

MUTUAL RECOGNITION SET TO RELIEVE ENGINEERS SHORTAGE: Prospects for increasing the mobility of engineers between Australia and Canada has been given a boost through the signing of an agreement in Ottawa – by the National Presidents and Chief Executives of Engineers Australia and Engineers Canada – that is designed to streamline mutual recognition of engineering qualifications and licensing arrangements for individuals to work on projects in both countries. According to Engineers Australia National President, Rolfe Hartley, “while advanced communications allow many engineering services to be delivered online, the presence of engineering expertise on-site in other countries is often essential for quality service delivery. Mutual recognition agreements can play a vital role in overcoming a variety of impediments to the conduct of business.” The agreement signed with Canada is a first for Engineers Australia, and is anticipated to set a benchmark for similar arrangements to be agreed for Australian engineers with other countries - all designed to assist in overcoming skills shortages. [09.10.07]

COUNTER-TERRORISM AMBASSADOR HEADS TO UNITED NATIONS: Australia’s current Ambassador for Counter‑Terrorism, Mike Smith, as been appointed to the position of Executive Director of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate, which he will take up in November. According to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, “the Australian Government places the highest priority on countering the scourge of terrorism, and has sought to work cooperatively within the Asia-Pacific region, and more broadly. Mr Smith’s appointment is a clear recognition of Australia’s work in counter‑terrorism by the international community.” Before his appointment as Ambassador for Counter‑Terrorism, Smith served as Australia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, and Ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament. [09.10.07]

GOFF UPDATES NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE OUTLOOK: Speaking to the annual New Zealand Defence Industry Association (NZDIA) conference, NZ Minister for Defence, Phil Goff, has said that since 1999, the Government had committed NZ$7.6b under the 2002 (and 2006 updated) Defence Long-Term Development Plan, and the subsequent $4.4b Defence Sustainability Initiative to transform the country’s Defence Force. Goff added that priority in military expenditures had been given to force elements that are trained, equipped, and maintained at appropriate levels of combat viability and readiness. He told the conference, “we have advanced 28 major projects, including the delivery of Light Armoured Vehicles, Light Operational Vehicles, two Boeing 757 strategic transport aircraft, the upgrade of the P-3 ‘Orion’ and C-130 ‘Hercules’ fleets, the ‘Javelin’ anti-armour missiles and seven new Project ‘Protector’ ships.” In terms infrastructure, the NZ Cabinet is to shortly consider a package of essential development projects at ‘Ohakea’ Air Base. The next few months will also see a contract signed for new training and light utility helicopters, and advancement of the tender for Army engineering ‘gap crossing’ equipment. [09.10.07]

$600M COMING FOR NZ NAVY ‘ANZAC’ FRIGATE UPGRADE: Goff also told the NZDIA conference that preparations for upgrading the country’s Navy’s ‘Anzac’ frigates were also underway, and focusing on: a close-in weapon system upgrade (to provide defence against close proximity sea or air strikes, including by terrorists); a platform systems upgrade (involving renewal of each frigate’s engines and upgrading of the weapons cooling system, environmental air conditioning, power generation & conversion, damage control, and fire fighting equipment); and a self-defence upgrade (to enhance each ship’s mission systems to provide an ability to defend against increasingly sophisticated anti-ship systems). Goff confirmed the total upgrade package equated to around $600m of capital and operating expenditure over the next six years, thus “maintaining the Government’s investment in a practical and balanced naval fleet, which is able to operate across the full spectrum of operations.” [09.10.07]

NETFIRES DELIVERS FIRST NLOS LAUNCHER SYSTEM: NetFires LLC - a joint venture between Raytheon's Missile Systems business and Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control - has delivered the first two Non Line-of-Sight (NLOS)-Launch System Container Launch Units (CLUs) to US Army Evaluation Task Force soldiers in Fort Bliss, Texas. The NLOS-LS CLU is the first (ie: ‘Spin Out 1’) system to be delivered for evaluation as part of the larger Future Combat System (FCS) initiative, and will provide a much-needed precision weapon system capable of engaging both moving and stationary targets. The NLOS system is similarly expected to be considered by the ADF as a latter option for the delivery of high precision munitions (ie: outside of new artillery the subject of project Land 17), for progression under Joint Project 2085 The FCS program is shortly expected to achieve its Engineering Maturity (EM-1) milestone on the road to achieving ‘systems of systems’ preliminary design review in early-2009. [09.10.07]

TEXTRON TO ACQUIRE UNITED INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION: Textron Inc has reached an agreement to acquire Hunt Valley (Maryland)-based United Industrial Corporation (UIC) in a cash transaction valued at approximately US$1.1 billion. UIC operates through its wholly-owned subsidiary, AAI Corporation. With projected 2007 revenues of approximately $700m and 2,500 employees world-wide, AAI is a provider of intelligent aerospace and defence systems, including: unmanned aircraft & ground control stations, aircraft & satellite test equipment, and training systems & counter-sniper devices. The company also has a strong services & logistics business to support its customers. AAI will become part of Textron’s Bell segment, with the majority of the business operating within Textron Systems Corporation, which currently makes: precision weapons, surveillance systems, complex intelligence & communication systems, aircraft control systems, specialty marine craft & armoured vehicles for the defence, homeland security & aerospace markets. [09.10.07]

BAES BAR ARMOUR FOR ROUTE CLEARANCE VEHICLES: BAE Systems (BAES) has confirmed it will provide lightweight bar-armour kits for 215 US Army Route Clearance Vehicles under a US$14.5m contract. The contract will equip the Army’s RG31 and ‘Cougar’ vehicles with BAES’ ‘L-ROD’ aluminium armour (developed under a DARPA program), but already used widely on US Army ‘Buffalo’ explosive ordnance disposal vehicles. L-ROD is a modular system made of lightweight aluminium alloy that protects vehicles without adding significant additional weight or compromising their operational capabilities. The system weighs less than half of comparable steel designs and is bolted to the vehicle (ie: avoiding the need for welding or cutting), and can be repaired easily in the field. Additional L-ROD kits are similarly slated for USMC ‘Buffalo’ vehicles. BAES is also completing L-ROD designs for its ‘Caiman II’ and RG33-series mine-protected vehicles. [09.10.07]

DATES & LOCATIONS SET FOR AIR WARFARE DESTROYER BRIEFS: The Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Alliance (ie: the DMO, ASC and Raytheon Australia) has advised the following dates & locations for its project Sea 4000 National Industry Engagement ‘Roadshow’: 22/10 - Canberra, Parliament House Theatre; 22/10 - Cairns, Shangri-La Hotel; 23/10 – Newcastle, Crowne Plaza Hotel; 23/10 – Wollongong, Novotel Northbeach; 24/10 – Hilton Sydney; 24/10 – Launceston, Hotel Grand Chancellor; 25/10 – Brisbane, Christie Corporate; 26/10 – Melbourne, MCG Gate 3; 30/10 – Adelaide, AAMI Stadium; 2/11 – Perth, Duxton Hotel. The Roadshow will detail opportunities for local industry to support the AF-100 frigate construction program, including dates for prospective tender releases. Surf www.ausawd.com for briefing times and registration. [08.10.07]

TENIX CONFIRMS MOVE TO POSITION FOR LONGER-TERM GROWTH: Tenix Pty Limited has officially confirmed media speculation of its intention to offer to interested parties participation in the ownership of its defence and infrastructure businesses, as part of the next generation of growth and development. According to Tenix Chairman, Paul Salteri, “an internal review process to determine the strategic direction of the businesses … has focussed on positioning Tenix for future growth, concentrating on defence and infrastructure services. However, the review also found that future growth opportunities and value creation will be superior when combined with the operations, scale and market strengths of leading companies with a global focus in these sectors.” [08.10.07]

MULITPLE PARTIES SAID TO BE INTERESTED IN TENIX INVESTMENT: Confirming the appointment of UBS as financial adviser, Tenix Group MD & CEO, Greg Hayes, said “considerable interest has been shown by multiple parties in participating in the growth of Tenix’s defence and infrastructure businesses, and it is expected this interest will result in a positive outcome. The success of the Salteri family has largely been due to our ability to adapt to a changing environment and respond positively to meeting the needs of our customers. The time is right for us to evaluate the ownership structure of our defence and infrastructure businesses to position them for continued success. The ongoing involvement from the existing shareholders will be determined after all the proposals have been examined.” [08.10.07]

DELIVERY OF ASLAV CREW PROCEDURAL TRAINERS: Thales Australia has confirmed its delivery of the final Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) Crew Procedural Trainer (CPT) Simulation Device to 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment in Brisbane. The CPT Simulators, which feature an enhanced software package, are said to have been in constant use at the School of Armour and the Army's Cavalry Regiments for over 15 months, with immediate savings delivered in terms of over one million simulated rounds having been fired during training courses. The CPTs are fully portable and deployable by air, land and sea. Thales adds that is has fielded “over 500 exercises” that allow for the training of basic gunnery skills through to advanced Troop fire control in scenarios such as ‘advance and withdrawal’ in contact, convoy escort and route reconnaissance tasks. [08.10.07]

AFP EXPANDS FOR INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS FOCUS: Assistant Commissioner, Tony Negus APM, has been appointed as the second Deputy Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), a new position created in response to a significant expansion in the size and scope of the AFP's domestic and international responsibilities. Negus will assume responsibility for the AFP's National Operations, which includes the organisation's border, economic and special investigative activities. The job also encompasses the AFP's forensic and technical areas, and the International Deployment Group (IDG). A career police officer of 25-years, Negus has worked in numerous disciplines within the AFP, including community policing, major fraud and drug operations, protection activities and human resources. [08.10.07]

CHINESE NAVAL VISIT PROOFS BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP: Defence Minister Nelson has welcomed to the Garden Island naval base in Sydney a People’s Liberation Army-Navy Task Group consisting of the destroyer ‘Haerbin’, and replenishment ship, the ‘Hongzehu’. The port visit coincides with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Australia and China, as well as China’s National Day. Following the port visit, the Chinese ships will participate in a trilateral Search & Rescue Exercise (2-3 October) in the Tasman Sea with the RAN and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). Conduct of the exercise is the first time both the RAN and RNZN have conducted a trilateral activity with China. HMA Ships ‘Parramatta’ and ‘Perth’ completed a similar visit to China earlier this month. [28.09.07]

‘SEA KING’ HELICOPTER GOES DOWN AT NAS ‘ALBATROSS’: The Department of Defence has confirmed that a ‘Sea King’ helicopter operating yesterday in the vicinity of HMAS ‘Albatross’ (the naval air station near Nowra, NSW), suffered a fault in its tail rotor control assembly shortly after take off, and conducted a controlled landing at the naval air station. According to Defence, “as soon as the crew became aware of the fault they landed the aircraft without further incident. The aircraft was undertaking a routine maintenance test flight as part of a scheduled testing program. As with all incidents of this nature, technical and safety investigations are underway.” The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Marshall Houston, declared a personal commitment 21 June ‘to fixing the state of Naval aviation’ after releasing a Board of Inquiry report into the loss of the loss of ‘Sea King – Shark 02’ at Nias (Indonesia) on 2 April 2005. [28.09.07]

AUSTRALIAN ASSUMES COMMAND OF MEAO TASK GROUP: Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Commodore Allan du Toit has taken charge of several Coalition ships (known as Combined Task Force 158), undertaking Maritime Security Operations (MSO) around the Al Basrah and Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminals, in support of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1723. The two oil platforms account for about 90% of the country's GDP, and are manned by Iraqi marines under the training and leadership of CTF-158. This is the third occasion the RAN has been given responsibility for CTF command, and says Defence, “is indicative of the coalition’s high regard for the RAN’s professionalism.” [28.09.07]

VOICE ACTIVATED COCKPIT PICKED-UP BY ROCKWELL: Melbourne-based Adacel has been selected by Rockwell Collins to develop a Voice Activated Cockpit (VAC) interface for Rockwell’s next generation ‘Pro Line’ avionics suite. Adacel will provide a modified version of the system currently being developed for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), intended to provide pilots with the capability to interact with avionics functions using voice commands. The VAC system operates cooperatively with the avionics suite as an alternative to manual input, and is speaker independent, eliminating the requirement for individual voice training. Basic features include radio frequency selection and display interaction. Future versions will include voice input to Autopilot, Flight Management System, Electronic Flight Bag interfaces and command macro’s for executing a series of inputs using a single voice command. The system is expected to begin flight testing in 2008, on the road to achieving DO-178B certification. [28.09.07]

DEFENCE TENDERING TO ‘FIX’ PROBLEM KANGAROOS: The Department of Defence is to release a tender for a specialist contractor to implement the recommendation of a panel appointed to develop a kangaroo management plan in the Australian Capital Territory, and which is proposing to use “a mix of translocation, fertility control and – only where necessary – euthanasia”, to bring the kangaroo population into balance with the ecosystem at the Belconnen Naval Transmitting Station (BNTS). At the Majura Training Area (MTA), Defence has already engaged a contractor to construct a kangaroo exclusion fence, as a temporary measure, around threatened Natural Temperate Grassland. The expert panel is to be invited to assess the MTA for additional measures in the near future. [28.09.07]

C-27J ‘SPARTAN’ AFFIRMED AS JOINT CARGO AIRCRAFT: The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has denied the protest filed by Raytheon, challenging the US Army's June 2007 award of a contract to an L-3-led team (including Alenia North America, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems and Global Military Aircraft Systems), to buy the C-27J ‘Spartan’ as the new Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA). The C-27J is a multi-mission cargo aircraft set to fill a currently perceived capability gap in joint aerial delivery based on its ability to transport critical cargo and personnel, self-deploy over strategic distances, land in austere locations, operate autonomously, and provide routine and combat aerial sustainment to the joint force. The GAOs conclusions not only clears the way forward for the US program, but also for Australia’s project Air 8000, where the only issue facing defence procurers seems to be whether RAAF C-27Js will be bought direct from Italy (via Alenia), or sourced off the US production line. [28.09.07]

CUBIC DEFENCE SELECTED FOR JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER ACTS: US-based Cubic Defense Applications (the defence segment of Cubic Corporation), has received a US$50.3m development contract from Lockheed Martin to design and integrate an embedded version of its latest-generation air combat training system for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The system to be provided will be based on Cubic's successful pod-based P5 Combat Training System/Tactical Combat Training System technology, now operational in several locations. Cubic is scheduled to deliver five prototypes consisting of airborne instrumentation and ground station planning and debrief software systems as part of F-35 SDD phase, and will be installed in all US and JSF partner F-35 fighters. [28.09.07]

FIRST, OF LAST STEPS TAKEN TO REALISE GENERAL BAKER VISION: The appointment of LtGen David Hurley - as the first dedicated, three-star level Chief of Joint Operations (CJOPS) - has been described by his predecessor, LtGen Ken Gillespie (now solely tasked as Vice Chief of Defence Force), as the first of the last two significant steps in realising the original vision of a unified operational commander set down by former (1995-1998) Chief of Defence Force, the late General John Baker. The second step, said Gillespie, is completion of the purpose-designed, built and located, Joint Operations Command Headquarters (JOCHQ), to be occupied from late-2008 at Bungendore (NSW). Gillespie’s last task as CJOPS was overseeing heavy infantry combat in Afghanistan. [27.09.07]

HURLEY MAKES TWO INITIAL CJOPS COMMITMENTS: Formally signing his CJOPS appointment papers at a ceremony on-site of the new Joint Project 8001 JOCHQ, LtGen Hurley, committed himself to a total focus on ensuring the conduct of successful military operations, honouring the traditions of the ADF, and maintaining the high standards of operational ability. The commitment is timely, he said, in that if the Government subsequently decides to commit the ADF to further operations, “it will be the best led and supported force available.” Hurley’s second commitment was to be totally focused on leading the new headquarters team (currently operating from an interim JOCHQ at Fairbairn), in a manner that ensured the transition to the new JOC building, and adoption of the joint operating command way of fighting, will be completed successfully. [27.09.07]

JSF WORK RETURN APPROXIMATES DOLLAR INVESTMENT: Defence Minister Nelson has confirmed that twenty-three Australian companies have now won contracts for work on the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, and worth about A$160m (ie: compared to the initial SDD investment of US$150m). Melbourne-based GKN Aerospace Engineering is said to have accumulated “well over one million hours of JSF design work under contract,” whilst Marand Precision Engineering’s existing ground support equipment and tooling contracts with Lockheed Martin “have recently been extended with substantial additional work in the offing”. Production Parts is also said to have won additional work with JSF prime contractors, and Parker Aerospace for airframe and engine components. [27.09.07]

JOINT VENTURE FORMED TO ADDRESS F-35 PRODUCTION VOLUMES: Outside of Melbourne, Nowra (NSW)-based Partech Systems is said by Dr Nelson to have secured “additional JSF test equipment work from Northrop Grumman.” More recently, and in its first JSF contract, Adelaide-based Levett Engineering “will machine specialised components for Lockheed Martin.” BAE Systems (UK) has also, says the Minister, “welcomed bids from both Marand and Aerotech International (a joint venture between Melbourne and Sydney based engineering companies, Metaltec and Broens), for the supply of specialised JSF tooling. BAE Systems (UK) will shortly begin discussions on the specific tool types required from each company. [27.09.07]

NEW ‘VUNG TAU FERRY’ TO UPGRADE WA COMMON USER FACILITY: Former WA-based Geraldton Boat Builders (now re-badged as Strategic Marine) – and winner of the US$60m contract to build the floating dock for the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) Common User Facility (CUF) in Henderson (WA) – says it will use a new Vietnam-based facility (as well as the AMC) to build and deliver the new dock. The pontoon or base of the 99m long, 53m wide submergible dock will be built at Strategic Marine’s new 10,000sqm yard in the Dong Xuyen Industrial Zone, Ba-Ria Vung Tau, Vietnam. The pontoon will be shipped to Australia for integration with the sidewalls, machinery, electronics and ballasting systems at the AMC. The Australian component will involve over 1,000 tonnes of structural steel work, estimated at 60% of contract value. The new floating dock will be able to lift 12,000 tonne vessels from the water for refit, and transfer 3,500 tonne vessels to the CUF’s hardstands. Strategic Marine’s new globalised shipbuilding strategy, with yards in Singapore and Vietnam, has seen them earn a huge backlog of orders with 124 vessels, valued at $245m, including a second 143m long Dive Support Vessel on the books. [27.09.07]

MINCOM CRACKS RECORD FULL YEAR PROFIT RESULT: Brisbane-based Mincom Limited, Australia’s largest commercial software developer, has reported a record full year profit of $22.171m before tax and non-recurring costs - including acquisition related transaction costs for the year ended 30 June 2007 - almost double the 2006/07 financial year result of $11.311m. The company recorded total revenues from all sources of $230.153m (a 15.8% increase over the 2006/07 financial year result of $198.814m). This included full year 2007 software revenue of approximately $62.707m, up 96.3% on the previous year (2006/07: $31.951m). According to Mincom management, the annual result was “driven by strong performance across all regions of the company … (with) growth a direct result of increased sales to both large national and off-shore customers.” Mincom is a key supplier of logistics software to the Department of Defence. [27.09.07]

KURDISTAN WORKERS PARTY STILL ON THE BLACK LIST: The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has confirmed the re-listing (for another two years) of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code. Originally listed in December 2005, the PKK is said to be “a Kurdish separatist organisation founded in Turkey in 1974, which has continued to conduct terrorist attacks, including attacks targeting local civilians, foreigners and tourist areas. (It) has periodically announced ceasefires including in October 2006 and June 2007. However, PKK attacks have continued, including the 22 May 2007 suicide bombing in Ankara which killed 10 people, the 15 June 2007 bombing in Diyarbakir which injured six people, and the 23 June 2007 suicide attack against a police station.” [27.09.07]

BOEING ‘SUPER HORNET’ AWARD RELEVANT TO AUSTRALIA: Boeing’s F/A-18 Integrated Readiness Support Teaming (FIRST) program has received the system-level award for excellence in the field of performance-based logistics (PBL), at the 3rd annual Secretary of Defence PBL Awards in Washington, DC. Through FIRST, Boeing asset managers oversee inventories, forecast demand and procure spare parts for US Navy F/A-18 ‘Super Hornet’ fighters. Boeing also provides technical information, on-site engineering services and field service representatives. Under PBL contracts, customers pay for a set level of readiness, not individual spare parts or services. Industry is provided with an incentive to make parts and systems more reliable while the customer enjoys increased readiness at a lower cost of ownership. FIRST is credited with having increased the Super Hornet's mission capable rate from 57% in 2000, to 73% in 2007, and is currently under consideration by Defence as the prime support mechanism for Australia’s new fleet of 24 F/A-18Fs being procured under project Air 5349. [27.09.07]

FIRST PRODUCTION F135 ENGINE FOR ‘LIGHTNING II’: Pratt & Whitney has been awarded a US$69.3m production contract for F135 engines to power the ‘Lightning II’ JSF . The F135 engine low rate initial production contract will support two conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) F-35 production aircraft, with engine deliveries scheduled to begin in June 2009. The first F135-powered F-35 aircraft is scheduled for delivery to the US Air Force's ‘Eglin’ Air Force Base (Florida) in 2010. Pratt & Whitney's F135 engine recently exceeded 8,400 system development and demonstration (SDD) ground test hours. By the time the engine enters operations, the F135 is expected to have logged more than 16,000 flying hours. [27.09.07]

NATO SETS UP UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE STANDARDS: NATO’s Conference of National Armaments Directors has established a new set of common standards on the technical integrity of design and construction for fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Currently, special fixed-wing UAVs with a take-off weight between 150kg to 20,000kg do not operate under a common set of aviation standards. However, by agreeing to the new standards, UAVs from one country should enjoy easier access to other country’s airspace because a key uncertainty regarding the airworthiness of that UAV will have been resolved. The initiative will now be formally considered by all member countries for approval as a NATO Standardized Agreement (STANAG). [27.09.07]

DEFENCE RELEASES PROJECT LAND 17 TENDER REQUEST: The long awaited project Land 17 RFT has been released by the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) to industry, and in a notably truncated form compared to the original tender. The single RFT looks only for the supply and initial seven-years Through Life Support (TLS) of the protected Self-Propelled 155mm artillery system (SP155), previously known as ‘Package B’. Other elements of the enhanced Indirect Fire Support System (IFSS) earlier anticipated to be progressed simultaneously, will now be pushed back into two Invitations to Register (ITR) interest, and Government to Government negotiations, namely: the previous ‘Package A’ requirement for the specified Battle Management System - Fires (BMS-F); and the Raytheon Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS), which could lead to possible further competitive or sole-sourced RFTs for a BMS-F integrator. [26.09.07]

SP GUN AMBITIONS NOW BOOSTED TO THREE DOZEN: Defence is requesting offers of SP155 in quantities of 18, 24 and 30 systems - with an additional option of six more. The successful tenderer will have to meet an SP155 in-service date of June 2011, with the option extending to within five years of the achievement of final operating capability - which could be as late as the 2020s. The successful SP155 is to be capable of manoeuvre commensurate with that of the supported forces, and fitted with digital communications as part of the BMS-F. The TLS requirement covers training support, facilities and all other aspects. TLS will be managed under a performance management regime with options for additional periods of support. Both the acquisition and TLS contracts will be entered into in response to a single tender, but the Commonwealth may enter into the contracts with different legal entities. [26.09.07]

ITR FOR LIGHTWEIGHT GUNS TO BALANCE FMS CASE: The DMO has also released a project Land 17 ITR for the supply of between 18 and 35 lightweight (ie: under 5,040kg) 155mm artillery systems (LW155), with the first seven to be delivered by June 2011, and the last (if 35 are acquired) by end-2014. The requirement for LW155s has changed to also include the gun’s Weapon Management System (WMS) or on-board BMS-F Fire Control System, called BMS-F (FCS). This had previously being scoped as part of the Land 17 ‘Package A’, and was subsequently likely to be a common solution to the BMS-FCS of the SP155. The intent of the LW155 ITR appears to be aimed at determining the marketplace for ‘air deployable guns’, perhaps to provide a competitive backdrop to a likely Foreign Military Sales (FMS) acquisition of BAE Systems M777A2 guns direct from the US Government. [26.09.07]

GOVERNMENT WILL FURNISH ‘EXCALIBUR’ FUSE SYSTEM: One element of the LW155 gun delivery platform not to be offered by the ITR respondent is integration with the Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuse Setter (EPIAFS), which sets the target information for munitions with electronic fuses (compared to legacy manual fuses), and are the only way to fuze the Raytheon/BAES Bofors XM982 ‘Excalibur’ Precision Unitary Munition (PUM). The DMO states that EPIAFS will be provided as pre-acquired Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), thus confirming rumours of plans for a rapid ‘Excalibur’ PUM acquisition, and its integration with legacy M198 155mm artillery systems. See item at [01.10.07] for further details. [26.09.07]

LAND 17 TO TARGET JOINT FIRES REQUIREMENT: The second Land 17 ITR released by the DMO is for the supply of target acquisition and fire mission planning equipment for Forward Observers (FO) and Terminal Attack Controllers (TAC). Some 107 sets of FO/TAC equipment will be acquired including appropriate artillery fire mission, offensive air support and naval surface fire support software operating on a Military Rugged Tablet (MRT) computer. Supporting the management system will be a video capture device (‘Rover 4’), tripod and angulation head, digital combat radio (with VMF), laser rangefinder (LRF), laser target designator (LD), batteries and a backpack. The LRF will incorporate thermal night vision and optical magnification to enable targets to be detected at least 5km (day) and 800m (night), and range determined to at least 10km. [26.09.07]

AMMUNITION SHORTLIST EMERGES FROM LAND 17 ITR: The ITR for the project Land 17 LW155s has confirmed the likely future of ammunition types for the new ‘all’ 155mm artillery Australian Army. The standard conventional munitions for the new fleet of guns will be the US Army standard M107 unassisted High Explosive (HE) round, and the longer range M549A1 assisted HE round with, in the LW155, the M203A1 charge system. The standard PUM projectile is the M982 Block 1A-2 ‘Excalibur’, with the standard Sensor Fused Munition (SFM) the Diehl/Rheinmetall ‘SMArt’ (not competed against the BAES Bofors/Nexter ‘Bonus’ as first thought). Conventional rounds will be acquired under an expansion of the MINCS(L) AMP 40.10 – Medium Artillery Replacement Ammunition Project (MARAP), and the PUM and SFM via Joint Project 2085. [26.09.07]

AUSTRALIA JOINS MAJOR US COUNTER-TERRORISM EXERCISE: Australia is to undertake its first ever participation (from 16 October) in a United States counter-terrorism exercise - exercise ‘Top Officials 4’ (TOPOFF 4), which aims to test US preparedness and response systems in relation to a simulated terrorist incident. Australian government agencies will also join Canada and the UK in this year’s exercise. Agencies taking part include: the Attorney-General’s Department, the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Defence, Australian Federal Police, ANSTO, ARPANSA and ASIO. During TOPOFF 4, personnel from Australian agencies will be embedded within US agencies as they respond to simulated attacks. Australia will also work with the US, the UK and Canada to respond to consular issues arising from the attacks. New Australian-based counter-terrorism exercises are to be held in Tasmania and the ACT in the next few months. [26.09.07]

BIG CLEAN-UP COMING FOR FORMER SUBMARINE BASE: The Department of Defence is to provide $20m this financial year to kick start the site clean-up of the former Sydney harbourside submarine base, known as HMAS ‘Platypus’. Subject to the finalisation of a formal agreement on remediation of the site between the Defence and the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, a further payment of $20m will be paid to the Trust next financial year, with the remainder of the cost of remediation to be met by the Department of Defence in following years. Once the clean-up is complete, it is anticipated the public will be afforded access to the site, and it will be managed by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust on a day-to-day basis. [26.09.07]

TWO-YEAR MILITARY JUSTICE REFORMS SAID TO BE ON TRACK: The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, says he is pleased substantial progress has been made towards implementing recommendations from the 2005 Senate Report - ‘The effectiveness of Australia’s Military Justice System’. According to Houston, of the 30 recommendations agreed to by the Government, “twenty-two are complete and the remaining recommendations are on track to be finished by the end of this year.” Houston added, “it is critical to the ADF’s operational effectiveness and the protection of individuals and their rights that we have a strong military justice system – one that not only underpins our discipline and command structures, but also enables our personnel to work in a fair and just environment.” Major recent achievements include the establishment of a new permanent Australian Military Court (AMC), which will commence on 1 October 2007. [26.09.07]

DEFENCE FORCE DISCIPLINE TRIBUNAL APPOINTMENT: The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has announced the re-appointment of Justice Kevin Duggan AM RFD as a Member of the Defence Force Discipline Appeal Tribunal. Justice Duggan's appointment will expire in 2011 when he reaches the age of 70. He was first appointed to the Defence Force Discipline Appeal Tribunal in 2002, and has been a judge of the Supreme Court of South Australia since 1988. He held the rank of Major General in the Army Reserve and was awarded the Reserve Forces Decoration in 1988. Justice Duggan is a former Judge Advocate General of the Australian Defence Force, and for his exceptional service to the ADF as Judge Advocate General he was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2002. [26.09.07]

NEW CLOBBER TO SPRUCE UP THE LOOK OF NAVY SAFETY: The Royal Australian Navy is set rollout from mid-2008 a new two-piece fire-retardant uniform, complete with improved safety boots. Much of the design for the replacement Navy uniform, however, derives a land warfare version first introduced in the mid-90s by the Australian Army. The two-piece uniform will align with other ADF combat uniforms in its use of the Australian Camouflage (AUSCAM) pattern, but will be unique to Navy in terms of the littoral colours used, and the addition of reflective tape on the upper arms. Sixty thousand sets of the uniform are required for initial delivery to the RAN, representing a $13m dollar injection into Australia’s textile and clothing manufacturing industries. Following an ADF-wide review of footwear, replacement safety boots will also be introduced into service. This will also see efficiencies via reduced inventories, as the alternative boot is expected to do the job of five other types of footwear currently in use. [26.09.07]

USI OF THE ACT SIGNS OFF ON 2007-2012 STRATEGIC PLAN: The United Services Institute (USI) of the ACT has released a new forward looking five year strategic plan, confirming the aim of the Institute to be “to promote informed debate, and to improve public awareness and understanding of, defence and national security.” The plan sees the USI needing to take measures to increase the perceived value of membership through development programs that will: attract more and younger members; build a national security fraternity of interest; and cater for the interests of civilian and military members, both serving and retired, across the national security community continuum. The USI will also develop a Public Information plan as a means to rebalancing priorities and give due emphasis to stimulating community and public awareness. [26.09.07]

AUDIT ON SECURITY OF WEAPONS, MUNITIONS & EXPLOSIVES: Defence Minister Nelson says the recent audit of Defence’s security policy and practices applying to weapons, munitions and explosives (WME) has resulted in a series of recommendations to tighten arrangements. According to Dr Nelson, the audit recommended “to further tighten (security) procedures, including through a stronger oversight and compliance regime. It also recommended improvements for the security of munitions, including M72 rocket launchers, and security arrangements applying to explosive ordnance.” The audit further recommended there should be a single authority within Defence with oversight for WME at all stages of their handling, from acquisition through to use or disposal. Dr Nelson has asked for a detailed, fully costed, implementation plan to be developed, which will be closely and regularly monitored for progress against each of the recommendations. The Vice Chief of the Defence Force, assisted by the Commander Joint Logistics Group, will provide the new oversight function. [25.09.07]

NEW SECURITY SECTION WITHIN THE DEFENCE SECURITY AUTHORITY: Key recommendations from the audit on security of weapons, munitions and explosives (WME) include: introducing higher levels of physical security and access controls; enhancing personnel security checking procedures; introducing more searches at facilities; implementing a mandatory ‘two person’ policy to prevent unsupervised access to weapons; creating a specialist WME security section in the Defence Security Authority (DSA) with a capability to audit, review compliance and mandate remediation of WME security issues; ensuring a Defence wide understanding of WME security requirements through a single reference point managed by the DSA; undertaking a security validation program across all Defence WME storage facilities; more rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the security performance of contractors with a role in managing and handling weapons munitions and explosives; and introducing a Defence wide security information system to monitor security management procedures and performance. [25.09.07]

ADMISSION THAT ‘MINIMI’ BLANKS OVERSIGHT POTENTIALLY LETHAL: Dr Nelson also told media that he had been advised in March of an incident where a small number of live rounds had found their way into a round of blanks used in a ‘Minimi’ machine gun. Defence is said to have fully investigated that incident, and in response, he says, “there have been significant changes to the way in which our blanks are stored, the way they are packaged, the way they are identified, changes in military doctrine, and the supervision of the use of blanks and live ammunition in those kinds of exercises.” More broadly on weapons control, Dr Nelson stated “we’ve had, over a seven year period, 33 weapons out of 85,000 (ie: one every 2,575) either stolen or misplaced in Defence. Many of those have been recovered in one form or another.” [25.09.07]

LOCKHEED MARTIN TO FINISH OFF SEA 1390 MISSILE UPGRADE: Lockheed Martin (LM) is to undertake a US$20.6m upgrade of the MK92 Fire Control System to enable the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) ‘Adelaide’-class guided missile frigates (FFGs) to support and fire the SM-2 ‘Standard’ missile. The upgrade is part of phase 4B of project Sea 1390 – which under Thales Australia has already witnessed firings of the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) – with the work being performed by Sydney-based LM Australia, as well as the parent company’s Moorestown (New Jersey) business. According to officials, “the MK92 upgrade represents the very first introduction of an SM-2 capability (replacing SM-1s) into an FFG-class surface combatant anywhere in the world.” The MK92 system (originally developed by LM), provides integrated X-band radar surveillance, target tracking and weapon fire control capability for naval gun and missile applications. [25.09.07]

CLIMATE CHANGE TO GUIDE DEFENCE PLANNING UNDER LABOR: Seizing on the comments of Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Mick Keelty, regarding the likelihood of increasing climate change induced security threats facing Australia in future years, the Shadow Spokesperson for Defence, Joel Fitzgibbon, has said a Rudd Labor Government “will ensure that climate change is a central consideration in strategic Defence and capability planning, (thus) ensuring that in Labor’s new Defence White Paper, the implications of climate change are fully considered and responded to.’ Similar to Keelty, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, also cited in June ‘climate change and the impacts of global demography’, as new security challenges the military had not faced before, and accordingly, were relevant to any new strategic review. [25.09.07]

SCANEAGLE CLOCKS UP 5000 HOURS IN SUPPORT OF ADF: Boeing Australia Limited and US-based Insitu Inc have confirmed their ‘ScanEagle’ unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has provided 5,000 hours of sky-based surveillance and reconnaissance services to Australian Army units deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. The fully autonomous ‘ScanEagle’ UAV, which is provided to the ADF under a Boeing in-theatre support arrangement, can capture stationary and moving imagery using an inertially stabilised electro-optical or infrared camera. Measuring 1.2m long (and with a 3m wingspan), the UAV provides more than 15 consecutive hours of “on-station” coverage. It is launched autonomously via Insitu’s ‘SuperWedge’ pneumatic wedge catapult, and flies pre-programmed or operator-initiated missions guided by a GPS-based navigation system. The UAV is retrieved using a ‘SkyHook’ system in which the UAV catches a rope hanging from a 15m-high pole. [25.09.07]

UNIVERSITY JUMPS TO SUPPORT STUDENT RESERVISTS: Queensland's James Cook University (JCU) has become the State's first tertiary institution to formally adopt Student Reservist Support Guidelines. The JCU announcement follows the benchmark decision by NSW-based Southern Cross University earlier this year to adopt a supportive leave policy for its students. The guidelines developed by JCU allow students to learn in alternative formats, provides them with additional time to complete assessment requirements and grants them special examinations and variations to due dates amongst other provisions.” According to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Peter Lindsay, the JCU's adoption of the guidelines “represented 'Best Practice' and that similar guidelines and policies were being promoted to other universities and TAFE Colleges across Australia.” [25.09.07]

PHYSICAL BUILD WORK STARTS ON BAES ‘TARANIS’ UAV: BAE Systems (BAES) has confirmed that work has started on the physical build of its ‘Taranis’ airframe, under a £124m unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) demonstrator. Named after the Celtic God of Thunder, ‘Taranis’ will help inform the UK Ministry of Defence’s approach to future capabilities needed for deep target attack and intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR). ‘Taranis’ ground testing is scheduled to begin in early-2009, with the first flight trials due to take place in 2010. The program brings together a number of technologies, capabilities and systems to produce a UCAV technology demonstrator based around a fully autonomous intelligent system. The 'first metal cut' on the new airframe took place this month at BAE Systems' manufacturing facility in Samlesbury, Lancashire – as part of the UK Government's Strategic Unmanned Air Vehicle (Experiment), or SUAV(E). BAES is working with Rolls-Royce, QinetiQ and the Systems division of GE Aviation (formerly Smiths Aerospace) on the project. [25.09.07]

ACCEPTANCE COMPLETED FOR F-35 ELECTRONIC WARFARE SYSTEM: Sixty-six months into F-35 system design and development, BAE Systems reports it has completed acceptance testing for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) electronic warfare (EW) suite spiral, release 2. The system is said to have met all contractual requirements during formal evaluation by Lockheed Martin (LM) program officials. The delivered system will first be used at LM’s Fort Worth (Texas) facility for integration, and then will be released to the production floor and installed in an aircraft. The final build EW suite will detect, analyse, evaluate, and react to EW threats fielded by potential adversaries. This spiral release provides the capabilities to perform initial manufacturing system checkouts on F-35 BF-4, the first full avionics aircraft, scheduled to fly in the first quarter of 2009. [25.09.07]

AFTER-BURNER FIRED ON ALTERNATIVE JSF ENGINE: The GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team reports it has successfully fired the augmentor (ie: afterburner – which provides a very rapid increase in thrust) on the F136 test engine for the first time. A series of key engine tests are being undertaken in support of the engine’s Critical Design Review (CDR) in early-2008, which will be conducted by the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program office. The first product configuration engine in the SDD program is expected to test in early-2009, followed by the first flight on the ‘Lightning II’ aircraft in 2010. The SDD phase is scheduled to run through to 2013, with the first production F136 engines scheduled to be delivered in late-2012. Although challenged by US Defense officials every year, ongoing funding for F136 engine development looks likely to be approved again by Congress in FY 2008. [25.09.07]

ROLLS-ROYCE SELECTED FOR NEW JET ENGINE WORK: Rolls-Royce has been selected by the US Air Force to undertake the Highly Efficient Embedded Turbine Engine (HEETE) advanced technology program, to design next-generation propulsion systems for the military. HEETE aims to pursue high temperature, high pressure ratio compressor technologies and their related thermal management features. While HEETE is currently focused on an advanced compressor demonstration, the goal is to define the next generation engine architecture for subsonic missions (such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), subsonic strike, transports, and carrier-based unmanned aerial vehicles. The work will be carried out by the company’s ‘LibertyWorks’ research unit in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company was also contracted by the USAF in August to advance a $296m Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology (ADVENT) program. [25 .09.07]

CACI SPLASHES US$200M ON ATHENA INNOVATIONS BUY: CACI International has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Arlington (Virginia)-based Athena Innovative Solutions Inc from Veritas Capital for US$200m. Athena provides specialised services and solutions to the US Intelligence Community and national security clients. The company has a full-time staff of more than 600 professionals, over 95% of whom possess security clearances at the ‘Top Secret’ level, or above. The company offers expertise in five core competencies: human intelligence, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, all-source analysis, and strategic policy development. More than 90% of Athena's services are provided on-site at customer locations throughout the US and abroad. Athena's revenue is expected to be approximately $110m for the calendar year ending December 2007. [25.09.07]

HUG UNCERTAINTIES DRIVING SECOND TRANCHE OF ‘SUPER HORNET’: Washington and Canberra are buzzing with talk (and subsequent media reports) about Australian interest in purchasing a second tranche of F/A-18F ‘Super Hornet’ fighters, as a follow-on from the 6 March decision to acquire 24 aircraft under project Air 5349, for delivery from 2010. It is said the second batch of F’s is likely to also include at least six ‘G’-model (or ‘Growler’) electronic attack aircraft for delivery between 2012-2014. The follow-on ‘Super Hornet’ order appears principally structured as a ‘Kinnaird’ procurement reform option, in case of delays (or a cutting back) of the project Air 5376 (phase 3.2B/C) centre barrel replacement (CBR) program currently being proposed for the F/A-18A/B ‘Hornet’ fighters, which due to local technical and cost issues, is likely to be wholly shifted to Canada. [24.09.07]

KEELTY TALKS ON CLIMATE CHANGE & NATIONAL SECURITY: The Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Mick Keelty, has told an Adelaide conference the potential security issues associated with environmental change “are enormous and should not be underestimated.” He added the mass displacement of people potentially affected by climate change, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, “could create a great deal of social uncertainty and unrest in the region. In their millions, people could begin to look for new land, and they’ll cross oceans and borders to do it. Existing culture tensions may be exacerbated as large numbers of people undertake forced migration … so for us at the moment, we need to be monitoring closely the development, both academic and actual, (of this) over the course of the next decade.” Turning to proposals for an Australian carbon trading scheme, Keelty said any scheme “will require regulation … (and) also investigation if corruption or fraud begin to undermine the market.” [24.09.07]

US AIR FORCE HUNTING FOR STRIKE OPTIONS TO REPLACE JASSM: The US Air Force has released to industry a formal Request for Information (RFI) seeking alternatives to the troubled Lockheed Martin (LM) Joint Air-to-Surface Strike Missile (JASSM), with recommendations for alternatives due in by 14 November. LM is partially funding a program to address reliability issues associated with the missiles performance. Options likely to be advanced should LM be unable to rectify JASSM reliability via its ongoing Reliability Characterisation Program include: expanded response (ie: longer-range) versions of both the Stand-off Land Attack Missile (SLAM-ER) and Joint Stand-off Weapon (JSOW-ER). Any failure by LM to rectify JASSM issues will also have implications for the RAAF, who ordered JASSMs under project Air 5418 to boost the strike capabilities of the current F/A-18A/B fleet, as a precursor to the decision to retire early the F-111 fleet. [24.09.07]

MRAP HI-JACKS US EQUIVALENT OF PROJECT LAND 400: Department of Defence officials have more than doubled their requirement for Mine Resistant Armour Protected (MRAP) vehicles to 15,274 units in an effort to replace softer skinned vehicles (ie: such as the Humvee) on operations. Under the new target, the Army would receive 10,000 MRAPs, the Marine Corps would be allocated 3,700 units, the Air Force - 697, the Navy - 544, and the US Special Operations Command - 333. Pentagon officials hope the majority of these vehicles can be funded via supplemental war appropriations. In a related development, the Pentagon has dumped plans to replace the Humvee via the nascent US Army/US Marine Corps Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program by redirecting an anticipated acquisition phase into a "robust technology demonstration phase." According to one unnamed official, "MRAP has killed JLTV ... at least for now." [24.09.07]

TWELFTH ‘ARMIDALE’ PATROL BOAT COMMISSIONED: The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) twelfth (of 14) ‘Armidale’-class patrol boat (ACPB) – HMAS ‘Launceston’ – has been commissioned at ‘Beauty Point’, near her namesake city. The vessel, built by WA-based Austal Ships, is one of four ACPBs to be based in Cairns (Qld), as part of the RAN’s ‘Argent’ division, consisting of four patrol boats and six crews. Defence Maritime Services (DMS) won the project Sea 1444 on the basis of an efficiency bid that adopted multi-crewing concept and performance-based logistics designed to maximise platform availability without compromising crew respite and training periods. Lieutenant Commander Richared Stevenson RN is the Commanding Officer of HMAS ‘Launceston’. [22.09.07]

ARCH BEVIS TO SPEAK AT SAFEGUARDING AUSTRALIA 2007: The Shadow Minister for Homeland Security, the Hon Arch Bevis MP, has accepted an invitation to speak at the forthcoming ‘Safeguarding Australia 2007 Summit’ dinner on Wednesday, 3 October. The Summit is being held at the Hotel Realm (adjacent to the National Press Club) over 3-4 October 2007. Organisers expect Bevis’ speech to mark a key pointer in the articulation of Labor national domestic security policy, given the Party’s proposal to create a Department of Homeland Security, and a new, national Coastguard. The Summit’s conference sessions will focus on evolving threats, anticipating consequences and predicting implications. Surf www.safeguardingaustraliasummit.org.au for details. Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) magazine is producing a special Supplement on national domestic security (NDS) policy for distribution at the Summit. [22.09.07]

‘IROQUOIS’ SAID TO BE MAKING WAY FOR NEW MRH90 FLEET?: The Army has finally farewelled its Vietnam War-era UH-1H ‘Huey’ helicopters (now only flying in Utility mode) with a farewell fly-past by three aircraft over Brisbane. The Iroquois fleet was initially operated by the RAAF before a 1989 decision to hand all rotary wing platforms to the Army. A number of the Hueys had been fitted out as gunships, although this capability was removed in June 2004 on assumption the role would be taken over by the project Air 87 ‘Tiger’ ARH’s, which are still to enter operational service. The Navy also operated Iroquois from 1963, with the type being withdrawn from RAN service in 1989. According to the Commander of Army’s 16th Brigade (Aviation), Brigadier Nick Bartels, “towards the end of the year we will take delivery of the first of our multi-role helicopters, the MRH-90, which will take over all the duties of the Iroquois, as well as providing important new capability.” [21.09.07]

LEGACY AIRCRAFT RETIRED AS NEW COASTWATCH DASH 8s COME ON LINE: After twelve years and nearly 8,500 flights in northern Australia, two types of Darwin-based Customs Coastwatch aircraft – the Reims F406 and the Pilatus Britten Norman Islander - have been fully retired from active border protection operations. The Islander and Reims platforms began Coastwatch patrols in 1995 and 1996 respectively, together logging nearly 25,000 flight hours. Both aircraft are in the course of being replaced by new and upgraded Dash 8 aircraft, as part of the new $1 billion CMS’04 aerial surveillance contract, awarded to Adelaide-based (and Cobham plc owned) National Air Support (NAS). NAS is currently progressing a major aircraft sensor/systems upgrade, and is well on track to supplying a minimum of eight (of ten) new Dash 8 aircraft modified with a new digital surveillance system configuration by 1 January 2008. [21.09.07]

RAYTHEON MAKES CORPORATE CYBER-SECURITY ACQUISITION: US-based Raytheon Company has entered into an agreement (terms undisclosed) to acquire Salt Lake City (Utah)-based Oakley Networks, a leading developer of cyber-security technology. The 200 employee strong Oakley Networks was founded in 2001 to deliver security solutions to the US government and ‘Fortune 500’ companies, and focusing on the protection of their most critical information technology assets from abuse or misuse. The Oakley product platform is said to “uniquely combine a broad enterprise monitoring solution with highly visual investigation and forensics tools that protect against a full range of cyber threats.” Oakley's portfolio of products and technology is to be combined with Raytheon's software systems integration expertise. [21.09.07]

‘PINE GAP’ BACK WEDGING NATIONAL SECURITY POLITICS: The Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson, has suggested to Parliament on the 40th birthday of the Australian government’s establishment of the (now joint with the United States) satellite communications facility at Pine Gap (NT), that the facility’s current role - in collecting intelligence by technical means and providing early warning on the launch of ballistic missiles - might in future be combined with the capabilities of the ‘Jindalee’ Over-the-Horizon Radar Network (JORN) to boost current US and Japanese efforts to develop more effective anti-ballistic missile defences. Dr Nelson spoke of Pine Gap’s capabilities “continuing to evolve” to meet new demands, as well as “taking advantage of new technologies”. Labor Defence Shadow, Joel Fitzgibbon, has cautioned against assuming his party’s support for capabilities going beyond the protection of sea-based assets from aircraft, or aircraft-launched missiles. [20.09.07]

BEAZLEY LETS ‘CAT’ OUT OF THE BAG ON RWR SECRETS: Delivering his farewell address to the Parliament, former Labor leader (and Defence Minister), Kim Beazley, has provided an insight into the stressed relationships of former Labor governments with earlier US Administrations and Defense Ministers, in terms of gaining Australian access to secret technologies designed to make RAAF warplanes superior in the region to US-built warplanes operated by other countries. Beazley noted how, on becoming Defence Minister in 1984, the ability of RAAF ‘Hornet’ fighters to shoot down US-built enemy aircraft was deficient, given the supply of critical radar warning receiver (RWR) and electronic warfare (EW) ‘threat libraries’ on the subject aircraft had been denied by the United States. “In the end, we spied on them and extracted the codes ourselves,” said Beazley. Defence Minister Nelson earlier in the year cancelled the indigenous ALR-2002 RWR program in favour of a US-sourced system, for both the existing ‘Hornet’ (and new ‘Super Hornet’) fighters. [20.09.07]

DEFENCE EFFICIENCY PUSH MANIFESTING ITSELF IN DMO REFORM: Expanding on the mantra that a future Labor government will push for efficiency savings in military programs rather than simply enforce cuts, Shadow Defence Spokesperson, Joel Fitzgibbon, has told a defence-industry leaders function that, in government, Labor would move to implement a wider swath of 2003 ‘Kinnaird’ Review defence procurement reforms than has so far been adopted by the Government. Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) Chief, Dr Stephen Gumley, is considered to have seized on Government blanket endorsement of Kinnaird’s report to build an even larger procurement empire that remains stooped in procedure and legal paperwork, when many argue that what he should have done is strip down the organisation, and outsource large swaths of non-critical functions to industry. Fitzgibbon says Labor will investigate whether more of Kinnaird’s recommendations should be adopted, including the more controversial concept that the DMO should be stripped down to an Executive Agency of not more than 500 people. [20.09.07]

OK FOR STATUS OF FORCES AGREEMENT WITH THE PHILIPPINES: The Federal Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCoT) has recommended that Australia ratify a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) previously concluded with the Philippines. The Agreement is a reciprocal document affording the same rights to ADF personnel in the Philippines as their own national forces, as well as to similar rights for Philippines personnel operating in Australia. According to JSCoT Chair, Dr Andrew Southcott MP, the SOVFA will be binding in international law, and will strengthen Australia’s already strong defence relationship with the Philippines. [20.09.07]

APPROVAL FOR STAGE 3 UPGRADE TO RAAF BASE ‘AMBERLEY’: The Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Public Works has recommended that the $268.2m Stage 3 development of RAAF Base ‘Amberley’ – otherwise known as the C-17 Heavy Air Lift Infrastructure Project - be approved by Parliament. The works will include: new facilities and infrastructure, aircraft aprons, a headquarters building, an air movements terminal, a C-17 simulator precinct and a warehouse. Aircraft pavements, air movement terminals and infrastructure will also be provided at RAAF Bases ‘Darwin’, ‘Edinburgh’, ‘Pearce’ and ‘Townsville’, where the RAAF new fleet of four C-17s will operate. Construction will commence in early-2008. [20.09.07]

‘SILICON DATA VAULT’ READY TO HIT THE ROAD: The Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) says it has completed a high-grade evaluation of West Australian-based Secure Systems’ Silicon ‘Data Vault’ hardware security system, which enables greater portability and protection of classified information. According to DSD Director, Ian McKenzie, the product “is one of the few … available on the Australian market that is suitable for the storage and protection of information on laptops at the higher classification levels. The successful evaluation is an important step in not only the protection of classified electronic information, but also government’s ability to transport this type of information securely.” The subject ‘Data Vault’ completed a ‘common criteria’ evaluation at Evaluation Assurance Level 2 (as well as a DSD cryptographic evaluation), enabling it to secure information to ‘Restricted’ level. With some minor enhancements, says DSD, “the product is now able to be used in systems that protect the higher classification levels.” [20.09.07]

NATIONAL POLITICAL SPOILS SHOWER ON POINT COOK: The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Peter Lindsay MP, has confirmed the Department of Defence will retain RAAF Base ‘Williams’ (Point Cook) as an open working heritage base. Lindsay says, “I have agreed with a recommendation to separate the Defence operational and public areas of the base into discrete precincts with appropriate levels of access.” Under the plan, the public precinct will accommodate authorised commercial leases that use spare capacity of the airfield, the RAAF Museum and heritage buildings, and the Point Cook Primary and Pre-schools. Defence will continue to maintain the facility as an operating airfield, and able to support military flying operations when required (including by the RAAF Museum). Lindsay added, “the airfield will continue to be used, under arrangement, by civilian flying operators, although over time, commercial arrangements will be put in place similar to those at other airfields.” [20.09.07]

SAS SPENDS A WEEK CELEBRATING ITS 50TH BIRTHDAY: The Chief of Army, LtGen Peter Leahy, has congratulated the Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment on its 50th Anniversary. Throughout the week anniversary activities have included a memorial service, static demonstrations, a book launch, the Ladies Auxiliary fashion parade, and various low-key reunions attended by SAS veterans from across Australia. The Australian SAS Regiment, with its motto - ‘Who Dares Wins’ - was formed on 4 September 1964, although its predecessor, the 1st Special Air Service Company (part of the Royal Australian Infantry), had been in existence since 1957. The Special Operations Commander, MajGen Mike Hindmarsh, also acknowledged the efforts of the thousands of officers and troopers who have stood in the ranks of the SAS over the past fifty years. [20.09.07]

RHEINMETALL EXPANDING REGIONAL PRESENCE & AUSTRALIA FOCUS: German-based Rheinmetall AG has recruited Atlas Elektronik Chief Executive, Gordon Hargreave, to help resource a new regional head office in Singapore from January 2008. The new regional office is to have a particular focus on expanding into Australasia existing business lines in Land force weapons and systems, and simulation. Atlas Elektronik was 51% owned by Rheinmetall from 1996 to 2004, before the naval business (Sonartech) was separated and taken over by BAE Systems, together with the Atlas name. [20.09.07]

CURB PUT ON MATERIAL ADVOCATING TERRORIST ACTS: The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has welcomed the passage of amendments to the Classification Amendment (Terrorist Material) Bill 2007 in the Senate, as a means of effecting a mandatory refusal of any Australian publication classification for material that advocates terrorist acts. Ruddock says the new amendments respond to Government concern about influences “that lead people into terrorism, and our laws must deal adequately with material that encourages people to commit terrorist attacks." [20.09.07]

JOINT STAND-OFF WEAPON TO BE NETWORK ENABLED: Rockwell Collins has been selected by Raytheon Missile Systems to progress a US$18m contract for the design, development and production of their Strike Common Weapon Data Link Program (SCWDLP). Sponsored by the US Navy, the SCWDLP upgrades the Joint Stand Off Weapon (JSOW) and ‘Harpoon’ weapon systems with a network enabled data link capability, to enable the provision of target updates, retarget the weapon while in flight and abort, and provide bomb hit indication (BHI). Because the data link is networked (and has anti-jam features), the enhanced weapon control capabilities are said take each weapon well beyond conventional point-to-point launch platform-to-weapon communications. [20.09.07]

ASC PUBLISHES 2007-2010 CORPORATE INTENT STATEMENT: As a precursor to publication of its 2006/07 Annual Report, ASC Pty Ltd (the former Australian Submarine Corporation), has tabled in Parliament its 2007-2010 Statement of Corporate Intent. The Statement embodies six key objectives: leverage ‘Collins’-class construction skills and apply them to effective maintenance/upgrade of the class; ensure successful implementation of the ‘Hobart’-class air warfare destroyer project; build on the company’s high end skills to undertake other major defence design, construction & through-life support (TLS) projects; sustain itself as a national repository of engineering capability & excellence; create a long-term viable Australian business that is responsive to the needs of its customers, 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. [19.09.07]

SUBSTANTIVE 2007 PROFIT COMING FOR GOVERNMENT OWNER: As foreshadowed in a similar statement published in 2006, ASC management have adopted as policy the payment of a dividend of “at least 60% of the company’s profit, after tax and abnormals”. Last financial year, the company paid $18.5m on total shareholder equity of $114.2m – a 16.2% return. The statement goes on to note that under its 25-year ‘Collins’-class TLS contract, it “expects to increase its incentive earnings even further, with more in-service support experience with the ‘Collins’ (driving) efficiency gains … and (via) a better understanding of the customer’s needs.” ASC adds the company has commenced to earn a small revenue stream from the Sea 4000 air warfare destroyer project, the construction contract for which is expected to be signed in the coming week. After recent changes, ASC’s Board now comprises: John Prescott AC (Chairman), Greg Tunny (MD & CEO); Charles Bagot; Graeme Bulmer; Geoffrey Phillips; Dr Bill Schofield AM; and Mike Terlet AO. [19.09.07]

THIESS LAUNCHES PLAN TO GROW DEFENCE INDUSTRY BUSINESS: At an official launch at Parliament House in Canberra, Thiess Pty Ltd have confirmed their formation of a joint venture (JV) with the large American defence service supplier Dyncorp, to bring a new force to the delivery of defence capabilities to Australia. Speaking of the new Thiess-DynCorp arrangement, the Executive General Manager for Thiess Services, Leigh Ainsworth, said the company had “for some time been looking to expand its capability in the defence service and maintenance sector.” Ainsworth told guests that Thiess was aware the Department of Defence was acquiring equipment away from its traditional Australian suppliers, adding the company “had significant capabilities, particularly in the areas of performance based maintenance contracts spanning over the complete life of equipment as well as heavy moving plant management, operation and support.” [19.09.07]

NEW PROCUREMENT MODEL REQUIRES GLOBAL SUPPORT: Ainsworth added, “Defence is using more government to government purchasing from United States suppliers that are not present in the Australian market, and who are not prepared to invest in (local) support due to the small size of the market.” He added support of such equipment purchased via this method “is difficult to give to traditional Australian (defence) industry, which is mostly aligned with competing Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). There is a need to get a major Australian player to provide a non-aligned support to a number of these overseas suppliers .Today’s launch is all about positioning Thiess into that non-aligned sector.” Dyncorp, already maintains a large proportion of the US Army’s M1A1 ‘Abrams’ tanks, as well as a large cross section of US Air Force aircraft. [19.09.07]

APPOINTMENTS CONFIRMED TO NEW AUSTRALIAN MILITARY COURT: Defence Minister Nelson has nominated – for appointment by the Governor-General - Brigadier Ian Westwood AM, to be the Chief Military Judge of the new Australian Military Court (AMC), for a term of 10 years on a salary set by the Commonwealth Remuneration Tribunal. He is to be assisted by two other permanent military judges: Colonel Peter Morrison; and LtCol Jennifer Woodward, also to be appointed for 10 years. The AMC was created by the government in response to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee report on ‘The effectiveness of Australia’s military justice system’. At full strength, it will consist of a Chief Military Judge, two permanent military judges, and up to eight part time military judges. The Court will deal with the same offences as the current Courts Martial and Defence Force Magistrates trials, however, it reports to Parliament, not the military chain of command. [19.09.07]

‘H’-MODEL ‘HERCULES’ BACK TO GULF AFTER EW UPDATE: Defence has confirmed that three C-130H ‘Hercules’ transports and their crews have taken over duties from C-130J aircraft, which have been rotating through the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) since 2005. The ADF’s ‘H’-model ‘Hercules’ fleet is currently being progressed through a major upgrade in Melbourne by Tenix Aerospace & Defence, including the fitment of updated electronic warfare self protection (EWSP) equipment. The C-130 detachment of about 160 personnel will continue to provide vital intra-theatre combat airlift support for ADF and coalition elements in the Middle East. Defence confirmed that one of the ‘J’-models returning from the MEAO will undergo repairs after sustaining damage to the rear underside of the fuselage during a landing. The aircraft underwent inspection and initial repairs in the Middle East, but has returned to Australia to effect more permanent repairs. [19.09.07]

FEDSAT OUT, BUT NOT DOWN FOR ANOTHER NINETY-SIX YEARS: Following almost 20,000 orbits, the 58kg ‘FedSat’ microsatellite - Australia’s only public satellite - has ceased operations. Launched from Japan in December 2002, and managed by the University of South Australia’s Institute for Telecommunications Research (ITR), ‘FedSat’ operated for four years and three months, some 40% longer that its designed operation period. ‘FedSat’ was used to undertake a number of scientific experiments related to space and communications. It carried six payloads performing a variety of scientific and engineering research functions, some of which have delivered data of interest (in terms of the effect of radiation on space-borne materials) to the Department of Defence. The Department participated in the project via the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), and as a partner in the CRC for Satellite Systems consortium. Officials indicated ‘FedSat’ would remain in orbit for approximately 96 years, after which time it would burn up in the atmosphere whilst descending from its low-earth orbit. [19.09.07]

‘LOMBOK’ TREATY OK EXCEPT FOR TRANSPARENCY OF DEFENCE LINKS: The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has approved for ‘binding treaty action’, the Agreement between Australia and the Republic of Indonesia on the Framework for Security and Cooperation, signed at Mataram, Lombok on 13 November 2006. In undertaking its review of the Framework, the Committee said the Government should “increase transparency in defence cooperation agreements to provide assurance that Australian resources do not directly or indirectly support human rights abuses in Indonesia.” The government replied, “Australia has no defence cooperation agreements with Indonesia.” Australia nevertheless maintains a ‘Defence Cooperation Program’ with Indonesia, which undertakes a range of engagement activities spanning: counter-terrorism, maritime security, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and governance. [19.09.07]

AWARD FOR SYDNEY ACADEMIC’S RESEARCH ON BIOTERRORISM: The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has congratulated Sydney University Professor, Raina MacIntyre, on her receipt of the 2007 Sir Henry Wellcome Medal for creating a world-first scoring system to rank the different types of bio-terrorism risks. Ruddock said in a media release, "national security needs researchers because they help us to better understand problems, identify new techniques and tools and make an informed choice about the best solution to any issue." [19.09.07]

ITT BUYS EDO CORPORATION, INCLUDING $120M OF NET DEBT: ITT Corporation has reached an agreement with EDO Corporation to purchase all of EDO’s outstanding shares for approximately US$1.7b in cash. The 4,000-strong EDO Corporation designs and manufactures a diverse range of products for aerospace and defence, intelligence, and commercial markets. EDO CEO, James Smith described the acquisition as “an excellent strategic fit, and offers shareholders tremendous value. It substantially increases our business scale and opens new opportunities in defence markets. EDO's position in defence electronics will add to ITT's established sensing and surveillance capabilities. In tactical communications, ITT's position in battlefield communications is complemented by EDO's expertise in mobile networking and integration, interference cancellation and antennas. [19.09.07]

DAVID HURLEY PROMOTED TO HEAD JOINT OPERATIONS: As foreshadowed in DIAR.com last week, the Department of Defence has formally confirmed the appointment of Lieutenant General David Hurley, formerly Chief Capability Development Group (CCDG, and prior to that CDE), to the new three star position of Chief of Joint Operations (CJOPS). Rear Admiral Matt Tripovich is also to be promoted to Vice Admiral, and will take up the position of CCDG vacated by Hurley. Defence says the creation of a separate three star (CJOPS) position enables the organization to split the roles currently performed by one officer, whilst addressing one of the key findings of the recent Defence Management Review (Proust Review). In short, this was that Defence faced significant challenges in meeting its administrative responsibilities while conducting military operations in nine major deployments around the world. [18.09.07]

OPERATIONS EXPERIENCE CRITICAL TO FUTURE PROMOTION: Defence says that as CJOPS, LtGen Hurley will focus on the command and control of operations during the current period of ongoing high operational tempo, and in time, would be based at the new Joint Project 2008 Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) facility, near Bungendore, from late-2008. The Vice Chief of the Defence Force (VCDF), LtGen Ken Gillespie, will now turn to focusing on delivering strategic advice to both the CDF and the Government. He will also be tasked with developing policy guidance for current and future commitments, to assist the Chief of the Defence Force in governing the operating tempo of the ADF, and be the ADF’s joint capability manager. A restructured VCDF group will now include: Joint Doctrine, Education, Training & Evaluation; Joint Logistics; Reserve Policy; and Joint Capabilities, Commitments & Concepts. [18.09.07]

THALES SECURES AIR 87 COMMUNICATIONS EXPORTS: Building on its role in supplying the Communication Control Module (CCM) for the Army’s project Air 87 ‘Tiger’ Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARH), Thales Australia reports it has been selected to develop a customised export variant of the CCM for Spanish ‘Tiger’ helicopters. The CCM is a data link processor which gives the aircraft crew a live tactical picture overlaid onto their moving map display. This picture can be updated during the mission from sensors, ground stations and other aircraft, and also enables the aircraft position to be broadcast to friendly participants. Thales anticipates that leveraging the company’s global supply chain, the CCM will also end up being integrated into the French ‘Tiger’ helicopters by the end of the decade. [18.09.07]

SYDNEY COMPANY TO CRACK CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY: Sydney-based Etherstack Limited has confirmed the brokering of a strategic investment and technology advancement agreement with In-Q-Tel, to help market solutions to support the missions of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the broader US Intelligence Community. Etherstack develops wireless air interface protocol stack software (also known as ‘waveforms’), primarily for public safety and defence equipment manufacturers. The company also has a range of fault tolerant all-IP core network technologies that allows the deployment of secure, wide area communications networks for the transmission of voice and data in mission critical applications. The In-Q-Tel investment will also help Etherstack to broaden its waveform technology base from its already successful APCO P25, Tetra and defence product lines. [18.09.07]

BORDER PROTECTION COMMAND REELS IN FOREIGN FISHERS: Northern maritime patrols co-ordinated by Border Protection Command - and involving officers from Defence, Customs and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) - have seen five illegal foreign fishing vessels, with 57 foreign fishers aboard, towed into the northern city of Darwin. Having found fresh trepang onboard the vessels, Customs officers immediately returned the catch to the ocean. In a separate incident, the Customs vessel ‘Botany Bay’ has also intercepted and boarded a shark boat found south of Thursday Island, with four crew ending up being taken to Weipa for processing by Customs, before on-transfer to Darwin for further investigation. [18.09.07]

WAR BREAKS OUT AT EDEN-MONARO PUBLIC MEETING: Following his attendance (in a private capacity) at a public meeting in Queanbeyan (NSW) discussing the Iraq War – and hosted by the Labor Candidate for Eden-Monaro, Mike Kelly - Dr Peter Phelps (the Chief of Staff to the Special Minister of State) has issued a media release questioning Kelly’s activities whilst serving as a member of the Australian Defence Force in Iraq. Phelps charges of Kelly, “you were deputy to US Ambassador Paul Bremmer in Iraq. Why didn’t you, at any stage, tell him about the abuses you said you saw in Abu Ghraib prison?” Phelps adds that during the course of his opening speech at the meeting, “Kelly disparaged the issue of WMD’s in Iraq, but stated that the war would have been justified ‘if it had just been about the removal of Saddam’.” [18.09.07]

NEW BOOKLET ON AUSTRALIA’S GLOBAL MINE ACTION ACTIVITIES: As part of celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of the signing of the International Mine Ban Convention, the Australian government has released a new booklet detailing its achievements in mine remediation action and countering the global threat of mines over the last year. Some $21.9m was provided in 2006/07 to fund practical mine action, as part of a five-year commitment of $75m to fund positive landmine action. Australia has recently provided $1 million to help clear landmines along Jordan’s border with Syria. Some $1.5m has also been provided to support the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining. [18.09.07]

HMAS ‘SYDNEY’ HEADS OFF TO TEST ESSM & NEW COMBAT SYSTEM: The guided missile frigate (FFG) HMAS ‘Sydney’, has deployed from Fleet Base East Garden Island for a voyage to the United States and Canada, which will see port visits to Pearl Harbour, Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco and San Diego. The deployment provides an opportunity to undertake testing of the functionality of upgrades to the ship taken under project Sea 1390 and including, off the coast of Hawaii, the ship’s participation in Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) firings at the Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility. The ‘Sydney’ will also undertake trials of its new torpedo decoy system at Nanoose Bay, in Vancouver. [17.09.07]

FULL COMPLEMENT OF LAND 907 TRANSPORTERS DELIVERED: MAN Military Vehicles reports it has successfully delivered to the Army in Townsville, the last of the 18 heavy tank transporter (HTT) systems procured under project Land 907. The HTTs were procured principally to transport the ADF’s new M1A1 ‘Abrams’ tanks. Speaking on the delivery, the CEO of MAN, Mike Riley, thanked their Brisbane-based SME subcontractors - Drake Trailers and MAI - for their efforts on the project, as well as their role in facilitating all necessary Australian content. Riley says, “the Australian industry (AII) value for the program grew throughout the project, with Australian SME’s well able to step up to the mark, including significant vehicle engineering aspects.” The through life support program for all 18 HTTs over the next three years will be delivered via Brisbane-headquartered MAN Service. [17.09.07]

FIRST IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE ATTACK IN AFGHANISTAN: The Department of Defence has confirmed a ‘Bushmaster’ Infantry Mobility Vehicle (IMV) accompanying members of the Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) conducting a reconnaissance task, was damaged yesterday when an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated near their vehicle operating in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan. None of the IMV’s crew were wounded in the incident. Defence says the bomb was placed on a public road that is also used by locals. The bombing marks the first IED incident faced by the RTF since a suicide bomber exploded a device on 3 May this year. Three Special Operations Task Group soldiers also suffered wounds and injuries during an intensive contact the Taliban in Oruzgan earlier this month. [16.09.07]

SIMULATION INDUSTRY MEETING TO CONSIDER EXPANSION: The Simulation Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) will meet at the Brindabella Business Park (Canberra) on 20 September for its annual general meeting, and to consider a change to the Association’s Constitution to allow for the creation of Chapters within the SIAA, with the first likely to be the Australian Society for Simulation in Healthcare. The Association’s Executive has also agreed to facilitate the establishment of a Special Interest Group to look at simulation opportunities in National Security. The AGM will be followed by a presentation from Dr Richard Davis, head of the National Security, Science & Technology Unit in the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet. Email inquiries to exec@siaa.asn.au. [16.09.07]

GRENADE TRAINING PAUSE AFTER GREYTOWN ACCIDENT: The Chief of the Defence Force, ACM Angus Houston, has ordered an immediate pause in the training use of Thales Australia-manufactured F1 grenades, following an accident at the Graytown (Victoria) Proof & Experimentation Establishment which saw a civilian seriously injured. Defence first advised the cause of the grenade accident was being investigated, saying potential causes included, but were not limited to “a malfunction of the grenade or of the testing procedures.” In a subsequent release, the Department cautioned, “it would be premature to speculate on the causes of the incident until the investigation is complete.” The lethality radius of an F1 grenade is reportedly six metres. [14.09.07]

ORDER NOW GOING TO THE US FOR INTERIM GRENADES: The F1 grenade is made by Thales Australia to a Defence Department specification, with the use of large fragments (ie: balls) to minimise collateral damage beyond six metres. In its original ‘F1 Grenade Safety’ release, the Department of Defence said it was “working closely with the grenade’s manufacturer … to validate, and where necessary, improve all aspects relating to the safety and reliability of the product.” In the meantime, Defence is moving to rapidly procure sufficient stocks of high explosive (HE) grenades from the United States, so as to support necessary training for the ADF. It also added, as “a small number of failures of the F1 grenades to detonate were reported in 2006 from the Middle East ... rapid steps were taken to confirm the reliability of grenades in service.” [14.09.07]

FEW CONCERNS RAISED WITH ADF AIR SUPERIORITY PLAN: The Defence Sub-Committee of the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence & Trade has published its final ‘Inquiry into Australian Defence Force Regional Air Superiority’ report. While the Sub-Committee makes no recommendations as to the subject at hand, it does provide commentary throughout the report’s contents which usefully summarises Defence’s evolving air combat capability plans, as well as the views of its critics. Much of the report focuses on Defence’s own plans for upgrading RAAF capabilities, compared to alternative commercial proposals rejected in 2001 to develop an evolved F-111 fleet, and supplement it with 55 Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22A ‘Raptors’. The inquiry was substantively concluded prior to the Government’s announcement it would procure 24 Boeing F/A-18F ‘Super Hornet’ aircraft to smooth the transition to the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). [14.09.07]

ADVICE GIVEN TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR ADVERSARY CAPABILITIES: Sub-Committee comment also appears to support the position Defence has taken when illustrating the complexities of sustaining F-111 operations long term, the unavailability of the F-22A for export (due to the ‘Obey’ amendment), new capabilities emerging via successful delivery of the project Air 5376 Hornet Upgrade Program (HUG), and the planned project Air 6000 New Air Combat Capability (NACC) acquisition of the Lockheed Martin F-35A ‘Lightning II’ Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The committee further stated, “providing Australia continues to implement new and enhanced capabilities and does not underestimate the capacity of others, the chances for maintaining regional air superiority are good.” Surf http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jfadt/adfair/report.htm for further details. [14.09.07]

PROJECT AWARD FOR ‘COLLINS’ SUBMARINE FULL CYCLE DOCKING: Project management expertise displayed in the recent first Full Cycle Docking (FCD) of a ‘Collins’-class submarine – undertaken by ASC Pty Ltd on HMAS ‘Waller’ - has been recognised by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM), with the ASC chosen as winner of the SA Project Management Achievement Awards. The ‘Waller’ FCD encompassed extensive maintenance and platform enhancements, including the fitting of the Mk48 Mod 7 ADCAP Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (CBASS) torpedo (via project Sea 1429/2), along with the Raytheon-sourced AN/BYG-1 replacement combat system. The ‘Waller’ is the first submarine to be equipped with both devices as part of the $857m project Sea 1439 upgrade, described by the AIPM as “a blueprint for the upgrade of all six ‘Collins’-class subs in the Navy’s fleet by 2010.” The FCD also saw critical repairs to the Waller’s engine undertaken from a workshop set up inside the vessel, as a means of obviating a more costly and risky removal of the engine from the submarine. [14.09.07]

SATURATED MARKET EXPOSES FOLLY OF ‘LEOPARD’ TANK SALE: Belatedly recognizing the the diminished prospects for Australia to actually sell its 1970s-vintage ‘Leopard I’ main battle tanks (MBTs) into an international market already saturated with 2nd generation units (as recently examples by a sale of Leopard 2 tank by Germany to Canada), Defence Minister Nelson says de-commissioned ‘Leopard’ tanks have now become available for gifting to veteran and historical organisations across Australia. The Leopard I’s entered service in 1977, and have since been replaced by 59 M1A1 ‘Abrams’ MBTs acquired via project Land 907. Dr Nelson says that to be eligible for consideration, organisations should be able to demonstrate that the tank will be of some historical or cultural significance to them. EoI’s should be lodged with the Leopard Disposals Manager, 256-310 St Kilda Road, Southbank VIC 3006 by 12 October 2007. [14.09.07]

NAVY JOINS THE CLIMATE CHANGE MONITORING CAUSE: The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) frigate HMAS ‘Adelaide’ - which is on her final voyage before decommissioning in Sydney on 19 January 2007 - is currently working with the Hobart-based CSIRO Division of Marine and Atmospheric Research deploying ‘profiling floats’ as part of the 25-nation global Argo Ocean Monitoring program, which is collecting temperature and salinity profiles from the upper 2000 metres of the ice-free global ocean. Some profiling floats are also measuring oxygen, turbidity and deep ocean currents. Argo data is said to underpin all current research into climate change and variability, and provides critical input to the joint RAN and Bureau of Meteorology/CSIRO ‘BlueLINK’ project, which aims to deliver ocean forecasts (similar to weather forecasts) to the Australian maritime community. Defence considers the data gleaned from the Argo arrays “will not only enhance the Navy's own capability to operate effectively in changing maritime and climatic conditions, but will also enable future generations to develop the tools to better manage the deep ocean environment." [14.09.07]

GILLESPIE’S VIEW ON CONTEMPORARY PEACE OPERATIONS: The Vice Chief of the Defence Forct, LtGen Ken Gillespie, has told a Canberra conference of the increasing likelihood of the ADF in the future having to undertake a range of operations other than conventional war. As a result, he says, “preparing for peace operations will take a more prominent place in our defence planning than it has in the past. Although equipment procured for the ‘Defence of Australia’ will continue to suit peace operations, “the demanding nature of contemporary peace operations may involve adjustments to our individual and collective training regimes. We have already seen evidence of this in Exercise ‘Talisman Sabre’. We expect that many future exercises, while having elements of the continuum of conventional war, will have strong components of stabilisation and peace operations.” [13.09.07]

NEW APPROACHES NEEDED FOR THE ‘LONG PEACE’ CAMPAIGN: LtGen Gillespie concluded his remarks saying “complexity, and the need for peace operations to more than simply re-establish short term security for populations, does demand that our national approach changes. If we are to provide for long term stability and progress in fragile nations, we have to bring more than just military, police and humanitarian power to the table. A more focused whole of government, whole of nation, whole of region approach is required.” LtGen Gillespie accordingly saw the establishment of a united ‘whole of government’ peace operations training establishment, or at least a research institute, “would seem to be logical, and both cost and operationally effective. Such a development should be looked at sooner rather than later.” [13.09.07]

MCCLELLAND OUTLINES RUDD NATIONAL SECURITY AGENDA: Speaking to an Iraq Community Forum in Queanbeyan, the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Robert McClelland MP, has said a Rudd Labor Government “will be committed to taking primary responsibility for building security in our region while contributing to broader international security. (We will) establish an Office of National Security within the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet (to) coordinate between the many different Government agencies with responsibilities for national security, providing the Government with a 'bigger picture' of exactly what needs to be addressed. We will establish a Pacific Partnership for Development & Security … to address stability and security with our Pacific neighbours. It will address problems of governance, infrastructure, employment and economic growth in consultation with our neighbours. We will return to an era of constructive working relationships with Pacific Governments, and real commitments to their progress. We will also establish an Asia-Pacific Centre for Civil-Military Cooperation (to) draw together all elements of government, aid, policing and the military to train Australians for the complex task of peace-building and institution-building.” [13.09.07]

EXPLOSION ROCKS DEFENCE EXPERIMENTAL ESTABLISHMENT: The Department of Defence has confirmed an Australian Public Service employee has been injured by an exploding F1 grenade during a standard testing activity at the Graytown Proof and Experimental Establishment, in central Victoria. The Defence employee was provided immediate first aid by fellow workers, and was subsequently evacuated by air to the Royal Melbourne Hospital given his injuries are serious, but condition is stable. The cause of the incident is not yet known, however, officials have initiated a ‘quick assessment’ of the incident. Fellow Defence colleagues are being provided counselling support by a Critical Medical Support team. [12.09.07]

NEW AIRBUS MANAGEMENT TO FOCUS ON BUSINESS REFORMS: Two weeks after his arrival in Toulouse, new Airbus President & CEO, Tom Enders, has appointed his top management team. The new Airbus Executive Committee (EC) has been cut from 12 to nine, and includes: Chief Operating Officer (COO), Fabrice Brégier; Chief Financial Officer, Hans Peter Ring; COO-Customers, John Leahy; Executive Vice President (EVP) Programs, Tom Williams; EVP Engineering, Patrick Gavin; EVP Operations, Gerald Weber; EVP Human Resources, Thierry Baril; EVP Strategy & Future Programs, Christian Scherer; and EVP Procurement, Klaus Richter. Richter will join Airbus 1 November from BMW, where he currently heads the production materials purchasing division. His worldwide experience in procurement in the automobile industry is expected to facilitate implementation of the new ‘Power8’ procurement model Airbus is putting into place, and related campaign to improve Airbus’ relationship with its suppliers. [12.09.07]

RAAF C-17 ‘GLOBEMASTER IIIs’ NOW READY FOR OPERATIONS: The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd, has announced that after successfully completing eight months of intensive ‘introduction-into-service’ activities, the first two C-17s delivered to Australia under phase 3 of project Air 8000 have achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC). A further two aircraft will be delivered by mid-2008. Operators of the new aircraft, No.36 Squadron, will now conduct further development and training to enable the C-17 aircraft to be operated in more complex tactical roles, including the airdrop of personnel and equipment, and aeromedical evacuation of high dependency patients. The C-17 project’s $2.2b budget also includes the construction of permanent facilities for No.36 Sqn and its support agencies at RAAF Base ‘Amberley’ (Qld), as well as significant improvements to air movements facilities at RAAF Bases ‘Darwin’, ‘Townsville’, ‘Edinburgh’ and ‘Pearce’. [11.09.07]

INVESTIGATION TO TAKE C-17s INTO AIR-TO-AIR REFUELLING: The Department of Defence is understood to be carrying out an engineering study to modify the Boeing C-17A ‘Globemaster III’ into a ‘KC-17’ standard, in order to enable the aircraft to offload fuel from wing mounted in-flight refuelling hose & drogue pods. The C-17A Block 16s acquired by the RAAF can each carry 111 tonnes of fuel in its existing tanks (the same as the EADS CASA KC-30B Multi-Role Tanker Transports ordered under project Air 5402), without utilising any part of its 75 tonne cargo payload. Further, the KC-17 is capable of offloading fuel at low speeds (ie: 210-460 kph/116-256 knots), such as to helicopters, in controlled fight and depending on the aircraft’s gross weight. Other ADF investigations relate to fuller utilisation (or supplementation) of the C-17 fleet to enable the eventual phase-out of legacy C-130 airlifters, and a move to a dual-type (C-27 & C-27J) airlift fleet. [11.09.07]

DEFENCE SUBMISSION PUT FOR SPECIAL FORCES ‘CHINOOK’: Defence is further understood to have recommended to government the purchase of a batch of Boeing MH-47G ‘Chinooks’ – the version configured for rapid insertion and extraction of Special Operations Forces (SOF). The acquisition is expected to be funded via Joint Project 2097 (Project ‘Redfin’) to satisfy burgeoning SOF force projection needs, and will complement the project Air 9000/5B.2 long-term CH-47 helicopter upgrade initiative. Defence is now waiting on ‘second pass’ approval consideration by the National Security Committee (NSC) so an acquisition announcement can be made during the forthcoming Federal election campaign. Legacy Army CH-47Ds have been widely used in Iraq and Afghanistan to support Australian SOF personnel, but in substantially changed roles when compared to that originally proposed for the Defence of Australia – the carrying forward of fuel blivets for ‘Black Hawk’ helicopters. Three new MH-47Gs (or customised F’s) would first replace CH-47D’s (2+1 spare) currently deployed to Afghanistan, with the extant six-aircraft Army fleet then being cycled three at a time through the standard ‘F’-model upgrade. The deal would also see the 171st Aviation Squadron (assigned in direct support of Special Operations Command – Australia - SOCOMD-A) expanded into a full regiment. [11.09.07]

MH-47G TAKES ‘CHINOOK’ CAPABILITY TO A NEW LEVEL: The extensively redesigned and enhanced Special Operations Forces MH-47G ‘Chinook’ is built in Philadelphia at a former steam engine plant, on the same line as the latest CH-47F variant, itself a much improved standard from the current Australian Army fleet of six CH-47Ds. The ‘F’-model includes a new lighter and stronger airframe, digital avionics and more powerful engines. SOF modifications include a multi-mode terrain following radar, FLIR night vision, an in-flight refuelling probe, long-range fuel tanks, enhanced weapons and countermeasures. The MH-47G’s fully integrated digital Rockwell Collins Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) integrates the FLIR and multimode radar for nap-of-the-earth and low-level flight operations in conditions of extremely poor visibility and adverse weather. Some 61 MH-47Gs are on order for the US Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), with a Combat Search And Rescue (CSAR) HH-47H version only recently controversially selected for the US Air Force. [11.09.07]

CDE BACK TO CDG, AND MORE ORGANISATIONAL CHANGES COMING: The Department of Defence’s Capability Development Executive (CDE), borne out of the Kinnaird inquiry reforms, has just been renamed and returned to its original guise as the Capability Development Group (CDG). The renaming has been undertaken in advance of more extensive changes soon to be announced by Defence Minister Nelson, including a restructuring of the roles and responsibilities of the position of Chief Capability Development (CCD), held by Lieutenant General David Hurley, and the Chief of Joint Operations, undertaken by the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, LtGen Ken Gillespie. The purpose of the changes appears intended to position LtGen Hurley to succeed Angus Houston as Chief of the Defence Force at the end of Houston’s term in 2008. The CDG has grown rapidly since its formation from a small focused team responsible for developing proposals for new military capability acquisitions, to one which now includes responsibility for rapid prototyping, simulation & wargaming, and scientific research to bring forward new defence technologies. [11.09.07]

DEFENCE INDUSTRY CORPORATE EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS: Former Thales Australia General Manager for Underwater Systems, Brent Clark, has been appointed acting Vice President Naval following the departure of Ali Baghei, initially recruited out of the United Kingdom aircraft carrier program to oversee the company’s bid for Joint Project 2048 (amphibious ships). Former Booz Allen Hamilton executive, Richard Hodge, will commence as General Manager of CAE Professional Services at the end of October. CAE has also recruited the former General Manager of ESRI Australia, Brian Vernon, to run its new Canberra office. RAdm Boyd Robinson AM has replaced Trevor Ruting as Head of the DMO’s Maritime Systems Division. [11.09.07]

VICTORIAN SME STEPS UP ITS ISO CERTIFICATION LEVEL: Melbourne-based Tectonica Australia has achieved AS/NSZ ISO 9001:2000 quality management system certification, thus demonstrating the firm’s commitment to maintaining business processes of the highest standard. The two day audit was conducted by SGS Australia, and covered Tectonica’s engineering design, development, manufacturing, sales and support services. Tectonica Australia is a leading engineering company committed to delivering innovative engineering products and services to clients in a wide range of industry sectors. Services range from concept generation and product development through to systems integration, manufacture and maintenance. The Company claims to now have “an experienced multi-disciplined engineering team, versatile in-house manufacturing capabilities and a well developed network of reliable and responsive suppliers.” [11.09.07]

DEFENCE TRADE COOPERATION TREATY A TIME SAVER: The Department of Defence has said that the signing of the Australia-US Treaty on Defence Trade Cooperation during the APEC leaders week in Sydney “will ultimately improve access for Australian industry to sensitive US technology, and the removal of bureaucratic barriers will simplify the process for sharing equipment, information, spare parts, services and technical data.” State Department information indicates that last year, 2361 export licences and 312 technical data agreements were approved for Australia. Defence conservatively estimates “at least half of these approvals, which can take 90 days or more, will no longer be required under the Treaty. This will save hundreds of person-years of processing time and, through certainty, reduce delays to project schedules by months each year.” Signing of the Treaty comes on top of Prime Minister Howard’s announcements on increased Defence cooperation with the US in areas such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as enhancements to joint training. [10.09.07]

TEST FIRING ESTABLISHES INITIAL FFG DEFENSIVE CAPABILITY: Defence has confirmed that on 20 August the FFG-7-class guided missile frigate, HMAS ‘Sydney’, successfully conducted the inaugural and first-of-class firing of its new Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) system against a ‘Kalkara’ unmanned airborne target. The ‘Sydney’ is the first of six FFGs initially contracted under project Sea 1390 to receive extensive combat systems and weapons upgrades, although after successive delays to the project and a capability down-scoping, the full upgrade was reduced to only four vessels. The ESSM was fired from the ship’s newly-installed Vertical Launch System (VLS), and supported by the upgraded combat system – including the Australian Distributed Architecture Combat System (ADACS) developed by the former ADI Limited (now Thales Australia). [10.09.07]

ADACS SYSTEM PROVES IT CAN AT LEAST FIRE ESSM WEAPON: In a separate statement to that of Defence, Thales Australia said the inaugural firing represented “the culmination of many months of detailed development and integration of the FFG Upgrade Baseline Build 2 software, including the ADACS, Mk92 Mod 12 Fire Control System and the Mk41 VLS.” Thales has now completed the upgrade of hardware on two FFGs, with the third currently in the final stages of production. The fourth and final Ship, HMAS ‘Newcastle’ is planned to commence its upgrade in October 2007. Defence says project Sea 1390 is currently scheduled for completion in December 2009. The initial FFG Upgrade scope of work included work to incorporate SM-2 missiles on the six ships, however, this has since been reclassified by Defence into a separate project. [10.09.07]

REFIT OF HMAS ‘SUCCESS’ CONTRACTED TO THALES AUSTRALIA: The Defence Material Organisation (DMO) has contracted Thales Australia to undertake phase 2 of the Type Refit of HMAS ‘Success’, one of the Royal Australian Navy’s two underway replenishment ships. The contract follows Thales’ conduct of scope definition and the planning of the refit under an initial phase over a three month period earlier this year. Phase 2 will consist of a four month production period, followed by two months of trials. Major tasks to be undertaken during the phase 2 refit include refurbishing the main engines and diesel generators, and overhauling the shafting and ‘replenishment at sea’ systems. [10.09.07]

SA ‘DEFENCE READY’ PROGRAM YIELDS A GRADUATE: Adelaide-based metal finishing business, ‘A-Class Metal Finishers’, have been declared ‘Defence Ready’ under the SA Government’s ‘Commercial Defence Ready’ guidelines. According to company MD, Amanda Wood, while relationship building is “a crucial element in the attraction of defence business … being able to show skill and an aptitude for providing what is required is paramount. Suppliers to the defence industry must adhere to stricter standards & specifications, and their organisations and systems must be well controlled.” Wood says that whilst A-Class’s process lines are not individually large or automated, the company is one of the most diverse suppliers of metal coatings and finishes in the country. She adds, “this stands us in good stead for servicing emerging and changing markets because their requirements are about quality, not quantity.” [10.09.07]

RUDDOCK CONFIRMS RE-LISTING OF TERRORIST ORGANISATIONS: The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has confirmed the Australian Government has taken steps to re-list three terrorist organizations: Hamas’ Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades (Hamas’ Brigades); the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ); and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code for the third successive period, as provided under Australia’s counter-terrorism laws. These new listings will operate for two years. The re-listings mean that the offence provisions in Division 102 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 continue to apply. In short, this means says Ruddock, “it is an offence to be a member of, associate with, train with, provide training for, receive funds from, make funds available to, direct or recruit for these organisations. This applies to conduct in Australia and overseas, and carries penalties of up to 25 years’ imprisonment.” [10.09.07]

FORTY YEARS COMMEMORATION FOR NAVAL COMMUNICATIONS: Defence has released a new publication celebrating 40 years of operations at the ‘Harold E Holt’ Naval Communications Station, located on near Exmouth on the North West Cape of Western Australia. The station’s main role is to provide very low frequency communications to Australian and US Navy submarines operating in the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific. The station was initially established as a US facility, then became a joint facility in the mid-1970s before becoming fully Australian-operated in the mid-1990s. The new publication - ‘Calls to the Deep’ - tells the story of the creation and operation of the little-known Cold War facility, which has at its heart a two million-watt transmitter surrounded by massive steel towers each taller than the Eiffel Tower, with the middle tower taller than the Empire State Building. [10.09.07]

GENERAL ELECTRIC SETTLES IN TO POWER SPANISH FLEET: Evendale (Ohio)-based GE Marine has confirmed it will supply Navantia with two LM2500 gas turbines to power the Spanish Armarda’s fifth F-100-class frigate - to be named ‘Roger de Lauria’ (F-105) – and currently under construction at its Ferrol shipyard. The two gas turbines will be applied in a combined diesel or gas turbine (CODOG) configuration aboard the F-105. A total of 22 GE LM2500 gas turbines are currently employed by the Spanish Navy, eight of which have been applied in CODOG arrangements aboard the initial four F-100s. The Spanish Navy’s aircraft carrier - ‘Principe des Asturasias’ - and currently under construction BPE amphibious ship - ‘Juan Carlos I’ - are also powered by LM2500s. Delivery of the gas turbines is slated for the summer of 2008, with the F-105 to be commissioned at the end of 2012. [10.09.07]

‘HARPOON III’ ORDERS TO TURN MISSILE MARKET BOEING’S WAY: A new report – ‘The Market for Anti-Ship Missiles’ – from Forecast International (FI) says nearly 13,000 anti-ship missiles (ASMs) worth an estimated US$7.9 billion will be built over the next 10 years, with Boeing expected to garner the largest share (about $1.5b) based on a shift from 2nd to 3rd generation ‘Harpoon’ missiles, followed by Europe’s MBDA with $789m in sales. China, however, is to build the largest number of ASMs, although export sales are expected to be minimal outside of countries with limited budgets or those without access to weapons from Europe, North America or even Russia. Russia itself will manufacture nearly as many missiles as the United States, but the value of production will be considerably less. FI’s report also notes the ASM market is in transition, saying “in the past, missiles were developed to meet specific needs. With advances in technology, a single weapon can now perform multiple missions, such as anti-shipping and strike. In a few years, therefore, the ASM market could disappear as an independent entity, becoming submerged in a larger strike weapons market.” [10.09.07]

‘SAFEGUARDING AUSTRALIA’ CONFERENCE ON 3-4 OCTOBER 2007: The 6th Homeland Security Summit & Exposition – ‘Safeguarding Australia 2007’ – will be held in Canberra 3-4 October 2007, and following the RNSA Security Technology Conference, to be separately staged in Melbourne on 28 September. Conference organisers say this year’s Summit will depart significantly from previous years (as well as all other competitor National Security conferences), in that day-long plenary speeches will be eschewed to allow for a new program of highly interactive workshops where delegates will have an opportunity to contribute their own knowledge to conference discussions, as well as more thoroughly test the expertise of speakers. Surf www.safeguardingaustraliasummit.org.au for details. Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) has been appointed official ‘defence’ magazine for ‘Safeguarding Australia 2007’. [10.09.07]

PROSPECT RAISED OF ADF AFGHANISTAN EXIT AFTER THE DUTCH?: The Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson, has released video footage of Australian Defence Force (ADF) security elements operating in Afghanistan, and responding aggressively to a Taliban attack. According to the Minister, release of the footage was “a departure from normal practice … (but would allow) the Australian public (to) better understand the conditions and threats faced by our troops in the Middle East.” Speaking on Sunday morning television regarding the prospect of Dutch forces completely withdrawing from Afghanistan, Dr Nelson said that such an event would “make it extremely difficult for Australia’s Reconstruction Task Force to continue to do their work in Oruzgan Province.” [09.09.07]

GLOBAL STRATEGIC LIFT FLEET READY FOR OPERATIONS: The ADF is to mark formal declaration of Initial Operating Capability (IOC) of the RAAF’s new project Air 8000/3 Boeing C-17 ‘Globemaster III’ fleet with a visit to Canberra on Tuesday (11/9) of one of the Air Force’s two new C-17s, being flown in from the aircraft’s home at RAAF Base ‘Amberley’, in Queensland. The C-17 capability has successfully completed eight months of intensive introduction-into-service activities and, says Dr Nelson, “is now ready for operational tasks.” Australia is acquiring four C-17 Globemasters, the third and fourth aircraft of which are currently being built at Boeing’s Long Beach (Los Angeles) facility in California. [09.09.07]

D+I REGIONAL BRIEFINGS START IN SYDNEY & MELBOURNE: Following the staging of the 2007 national Defence+Industry (D+I) conference and exhibition in Adelaide from 21-23 August, the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) will start its regional briefings series this week, beginning in Sydney, at the National Maritime Museum on Tuesday, 11 September, from 8.15am. The next major capital city D+I briefing will be held in Melbourne on Wednesday, 12 September, at Level 5 (Bellarine Hall) of the Melbourne Convention Centre (Cnr Flinders & Spencer Streets), and beginning at 1.00pm. A special D+I briefing will also be held in Canberra on 20 September, at the Australian Academy of Science (Shine Dome), and beginning at 8.15am. Surf www.defenceandindustry.gov.au for details of other D+I regional briefings, and accompanying registration details. [09.09.07]

ASC WINS ‘GONG’ FROM WELDING TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE: ‘Collins’-class submarine builder - and soon-to-be AF-100 ‘Hobart’-class air warfare destroyer constructor - ASC Pty Ltd, has received the ‘company of the year’ award from the Welding Technology Institute of Australia in recognition of its welding achievements in 2006, including work associated with ongoing maintenance of the ‘Collins’ fleet, its R&D effort into welding techniques, and the company’s overall contribution to the defence industry. In advancing its welding R&D program, the ASC is working collaboratively with: the Cooperative Research Centre for Welded Structures; the Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation; the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO); and the University of Adelaide. [07.09.07]

PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM RECOGNISED FOR ‘SIRIUS’ EFFORT: The DMO’s HMAS ‘Westralia’ Replacement project (phase 2A of Sea 1654), has won Project of the Year (ACT) in the Defence category at Canberra’s Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) awards. Commenced in early 2001, the project initially sought a $450m purpose-built ship to replace the aging auxiliary oiler by 2009, however, changes to international maritime regulations in late-2003 saw this date brought forward to 2006. With a purpose-built ship no longer an option in the new time-frame, the only feasible means to maintain the Navy’s at-sea refuelling capability was the purchase and conversion of a commercial oiler. According to the AIPM citation, “in record time, and against fierce international competition for base ships, the project team was able to secure an ‘as new’ vessel; develop fully costed specifications for the conversion to Royal Australian Navy requirements; and award/manage a demanding conversion contract.” The subject vessel, now HMAS ‘Sirius’ “was delivered in 2006, ahead of schedule and under budget” says the DMO. The AIPM’s National Awards will be held in Hobart, on 9 October 2007. [06.09.07]

AUSTRAC EXPANDS ITS FOOTPRINT INTO QUEENSLAND: The Minister for Justice & Customs, Senator David Johnston, has confirmed the establishment of an Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) office in Brisbane, with dedicated Queensland staff, and aiming to better support the needs of Queensland-based partner agencies and regulated entities. Johnston says AUSTRAC “is expanding to meet the needs of industry. Establishing an office in Brisbane demonstrates a strong commitment to working with industry in all parts of Australia.” With this latest opening, AUSTRAC now has four offices, the other three being in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. AUSTRAC is Australia's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulator and specialist financial intelligence unit. It administers the Financial Transaction Reports Act 1988, and the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006. [06.09.07]

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATIONS FOR ‘SAFEGUARDING AUSTRALIA’: Early bird registrations will shortly close for the 6th Homeland Security Summit & Exposition – ‘Safeguarding Australia 2007’ - to be held in Canberra 3-4 October 2007, and following the RNSA Security Technology Conference (to be separately staged in Melbourne on 28 September). Organisers say this year’s Summit will be a departure from previous years (as well as all other national security conferences), in that day-long plenary speeches will be shortened to allow for a new program of highly interactive workshops where delegates will have an opportunity to contribute their own knowledge to conference discussions, as well as more thoroughly test the expertise of speakers. Surf www.safeguardingaustraliasummit.org.au for details. Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) has been appointed official ‘defence’ magazine for ‘Safeguarding Australia 2007’. [06.09.07]

HARRIS ‘FALCON III’ AN/PRC-152(C) CERTIFIED FOR JTRS: US-based Harris Corporation has announced its ‘Falcon III’ AN/PRC-152(C) multiband handheld radio has become the first Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) approved radio to be certified as compliant, without waivers, with version 2.2 of the Software Communications Architecture (SCA) of the JTRS. The ‘Falcon III’ and its vehicular adapter, the AN/VRC-110, are said by Harris to offer capabilities “well beyond legacy single-mode Sincgars radios. In addition, ‘Falcon III’ radios now provide ultra-high frequency (UHF) ground-to-ground line-of-sight communications, close-air support, and tactical satellite communications. The radios also support programmable encryption, and software upgrades using the JTRS SCA.” There are currently more than 17,000 AN/PRC-152(C) radios in use around the world. [06.09.07]

‘STAND UP’ SUCCESS FOR SWEDISH NH90 HELICOPTER DERIVATIVE: Sweden’s Defence Agency, FMV has taken delivery of its second NH90, the first aircraft assembled by Patria in Halli, Finland as part of a September 2001 contract for 25 NH90s covering 18 firm orders of variants for the Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH), which include 13 Tactical Troop Transport (TTT)/Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters and five Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), plus seven options. These helicopters are equipped with a complete new Tactical Mission System (TMS) developed by SAAB in cooperation with NHIndustries (NHI). Of the 18 NH90s, 14 are to be assembled in Finland. Sweden is also launch customer for the High Cabin Version (HCV) of the NH90, which features an increased usable cabin height by 24 centimetres (from 1.58m in the standard version), to 1.82 meters. This variant, says NHI, “allows operators and passengers to stand upright in the cabin.” The Finnish assembly line is the 4th global operational line to assemble the NH90, after lines set up in France, Germany and Italy. A fifth assembly line at Australian Aerospace in Brisbane is said to have started producing the MRH90 variant in May 2007. Australia is considering further NH90 acquisitions under project Air 9000. [06.09.07]

PUTIN VISIT TO INDONESIA SEALS DEFENCE EQUIPMENT FINANCING DEAL: An official visit to Indonesia by Russian President Vladimir Putin (on his way to Australia for the APEC meeting), has seen the conclusion of a US$1 billion deal to purchase Russian defence equipment. Specifically on the list were 10 transport helicopters, five assault helicopters, 20 amphibious tanks and two submarines, all to be financed by Russian state credit facilities with offsets in mining and energy exports. Indonesia had earlier agreed to buy six Sukhoi fighters for $335m, although no finance for the deal has been confirmed by banks. Weapons for the Sukhoi’s are nevertheless understood to be included in the latter $1b deal. Jakarta turned to Russian and eastern European weapons suppliers several years ago when subject to a US arms embargo, however, Washington later restored military ties and lifted the embargo as reward for cooperation in the war against terrorism. Indonesian Defence Minister, Juwono Sudarsono, told reporters there were “fewer strings” attached to arms deals with Russia, than with the United States. [06.09.07]

BUSH & HOWARD SIGN DEFENCE TREATY TO REDUCE ITAR BURDEN: On the periphery of the APEC meetings in Sydney, Australia and the United States have signed a new ‘Treaty on Defence Trade Cooperation’, designed to permit the licence-free export of defence goods and services meeting security and regulatory requirements between the Australian and US Governments, and between Australian and US companies. Prime Minister Howard told media the new Treaty (once ratified by the US Senate, and reviewed by the Australian Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Treaties), “will significantly cut red tape and simplify processes for sharing equipment, information and technology between Australian and US defence companies.” Raytheon Australia Managing Director, Ron Fisher, immediately welcomed the Treaty’s signing, saying it would “greatly assist Raytheon to fulfill its role as mission systems integrator for the Navy’s new air warfare destroyers, as well as in the role it plays in other major programs.” [05.09.07]

UNITED KINGDOM & AUSTRALIA REWARDED FOR IRAQ SOLIDARITY: The new ‘Treaty on Defence Trade Cooperation’ signed by President Bush and Prime Minister Howard, is understood to be constituted in a manner similar to an agreement also offered by Bush to former United Kingdom Prime Minister, Tony Blair, just prior to his retirement. The subject Treaty, however, is yet to secure approval from the US Senate, now controlled by the Democrats – who were not in the majority when the Bush Administration pushed through the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement. A more hostile US Senate concerned with job losses in the run up to next year’s Presidential election may thus be expected to frustrate passage of the Treaty given its intention to deliver significant new opportunities for Australia's defence industry to work cooperatively on sensitive defence technology projects, and to compete jointly for major defence-related global supply chain contracts. [05.09.07]

EXPLOSIVE DETECTION DOG KILLED BY FRIENDLY TYRE: Defence Spokesperson Brigadier Andrew Nikolic, has confirmed in an official Departmental release Australia’s Reconstruction Task Force in Afghanistan recently paused operations to mourn the death of ‘Merlin,’ an Explosive Detection Dog who served with distinction throughout his Army career. ‘Merlin’ was accidentally killed in a vehicle incident earlier this month, while supporting RTF reconstruction activities on the outskirts of Tarin Kowt. RTF personnel are said by Nikolic to have “gathered at the Kamp Holland kennel complex with RTF Chaplain, Captain Craig Potter, to farewell their four-legged mate.” ‘Merlin’ was a veteran of three operations including support to the 2006 Commonwealth Games and operations in Timor-Leste. [05.09.07]

CHOICE OF TECHNOLOGIES FOR ‘COLLINS’ SUBMARINE REPLACEMENT: An international submarine conference (SubCon’07) in Kiel (Germany) has looked at a range of technologies (diesel-electric, air-independent propulsion and nuclear) potentially applicable to Australia’s ‘Collins’-class submarine replacement program (project Sea 5000). According to a ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems speaker, the company is “in the unique position of being able to offer two proven non-nuclear, air-independent propulsion systems. Twenty-one boats featuring the ‘fuel cell’ system developed by HDW have already been contracted. Six submarines of the revolutionary Class 212A have also been commissioned by the German and the Italian Navy. The ‘Stirling’ motor developed by Kockums is successfully run by the Swedish Navy on five submarines.” [04.09.07]

INAUGURAL NAVY PARTICIPATION IN INDIAN NAVY EXERCISE: Defence has confirmed that the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) frigate, HMAS ‘Adelaide’ and the fleet oiler HMAS ‘Sirius’ will be the inaugural Australian participants in Exercise ‘Malabar 2/07’ (in the Bay of Bengal), the eleventh iteration of the ‘Malabar’ series of maritime training exercises conducted between the navies of India and the United States. Several other naval forces, such as Singapore and Japan, will also joint Indian and USN units for the week-long exercise, which consists of a series of graduated training serials and weapon practices designed to increase interoperability among the participants. It will also feature an opportunity to improve standard operating procedures used in the execution of maritime security operations. [04.09.07]’

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION FOR MILCIS 2007 NCW CONFERENCE: Early bird registration will shortly close for the 2007 Military Communications & Information Systems (MilCIS) Conference, to be held over 20-22 November 2007 at the National Convention Centre in Canberra. The theme for the 2007 conference is ‘Network Centric Warfare - Realising the Vision’. To be chaired by Dr Mike Ryan from UNSW@ADFA, MilCIS’2007 is aimed at attendees from military and government organisations, academia and defence industry. MilCIS will also feature an exposition to provide an opportunity for exhibitors to demonstrate new technologies and promote their products and services to attendees. Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) has been appointed ‘official journal’ for MilCIS 2007. [04.09.07]

COMMEMORATIVE STAMP SERIES ISSUED FOR SPECIAL FORCES: Australia Post has released a special issue commemorative stamp to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Australian Special Air Service (SAS). The 50 cent stamp features imagery of two SAS troopers patrolling in the foreground, with background imagery of several troopers alighting from a helicopter, and one man parachuting into action. The first SAS Company was officially established at Swanbourne, Western Australia, in July 1957. The First Day Cover for the new stamp issue features the postmark of the WA coastal suburb of Swanbourne, along with the SAS motto – ‘Who Dares Wins’. The issue date of the commemorative stamp coincides with the Regimental birthday, and a large reunion event. [04.09.07]

GENERAL ATOMICS COMPLETES BAMS UAV WIND TUNNEL TESTS: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc has confirmed its successful completion of wind tunnel testing on a new ‘Mariner’ unmanned aircraft (a derivative of the proven turboprop ‘Predator B’ UAV) being developed as the US Navy’s (USN) Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) program solution. The new ‘Mariner’ is the centerpiece of the ‘Team Mariner’ UAS BAMS proposal, designed to provide unmanned persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) over littoral and broad ocean areas of interest, and offering a tactically superior system with all-weather performance, maneu