March
Shipbuilder Austal preps $200m-plus equity raising; founder sells
Andrew Forrest’s Tattarang Ventures is expected to take up its pro-rata share of about $41 million to maintain its stake at 19.6 per cent.
February
China drill was exposed by luck, not design. But has Albanese lied?
The prime minister hasn’t told any lies, but a lack of candour leaves it to others to fill in the gaps over the Chinese flotilla’s activities in the Tasman Sea.
‘Unprecedented’: Chinese warships seen 150 nautical miles from Sydney
Australian defence ships are monitoring the ships, which have sailed down the east coast in a big move from China to project power in the Pacific.
How the French feed 3000 people without a snail in sight
France is engaging in “carrier diplomacy”, sending its biggest warship to Australia as part of a five-month Indo-Pacific deployment amid rising China tensions.
December 2024
Collins-class submarines listed as ‘product of concern’
The government has promised to fix maintenance issues with the navy’s submarine fleet amid concerns they can’t go to sea as much.
These new missiles mean the Navy has its most lethal fleet yet
Warships are now capable of firing missiles with a range 20 times greater than before, after destroyers test fired a Tomahawk missile last week.
November 2024
Brisbane military supplier sailing with a tailwind
Being portside ready to stock military ships is a niche sector that takes strategy and sharp negotiation skills to win the race.
$10b warship decision months away despite China fears
The government has whittled down to two contenders for a lucrative navy project, but there are questions why a final decision won’t be made until mid-year.
Navy’s $10b warship contest down to Germans, Japanese
The Albanese government will make a final decision next year on the winning designer for a contract to build 11 new light frigates for the navy.
AUKUS problems go beyond Trump
While people fret about US ties under a Trump presidency, US ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy has highlighted some issues go beyond personnel.
October 2024
Missile ambitions are the key to our future defence
Australia’s defence strategy could survive a faltering of AUKUS submarines, but not the loss of the plan to build missiles at home.
September 2024
Worries over China help Australia find unlikely allies
A top German navy commander is keen to work more with Australia, as Russia and China deepen their own maritime co-operation.
Faulty $1.2b navy ships out of action until 2025
Engineers are still trying to determine root causes of engine and drivetrain issues that have stopped the navy from being able to refuel warships at sea.
August 2024
Austal fights to keep US Navy work after $35m fraud penalty
The Australian defence contractor accepted a $US24 million fine in a plea deal to avoid criminal prosecution after a long-running American investigation.
Ellerston, Bondi’s 1941 Fund backs Australian navy boat builder
Street Talk understands Sydney-based The Whiskey Project has pinned down $5 million to assist with its US expansion and boost its local manufacturing facility.
July 2024
‘Not a coherent word’: Keating slams PM, Marles over AUKUS
Former prime minister Paul Keating says there has been no proper debate about AUKUS’ impact on Australia’s defence settings, as a new report backs the delivery schedule.
AUKUS critics fail to match their speculation with substance
There is a long list of loud objections to the project. But how many of them really stand up to scrutiny?
‘Show me the evidence’: AUKUS tsar challenges critics
Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead says there will be setbacks but Australia is on track to meet key milestones under AUKUS.
There’s no point dwelling on AUKUS paths not taken
The submarine project needs more constructive criticism, and less grievance from those whose preferences were not followed.
Australia goes missing as Red Sea crisis deepens
The Houthis have been remarkably persistent in disrupting global trade. But there is a deeper strategic cost to Australia as well.