‘Transfer of reactors, radioactive material’ in ‘secret’ AUKUS pact
Australia has made undisclosed ‘political commitments’ to the US and UK under a revamped AUKUS agreement, prompting demands for greater transparency.
Defence
Increased US forces headed for Top End
More US bombers, fighter jets and surveillance aircraft will operate from Australia’s Top End bases to deter Chinese aggression.
Australia’s strategy is clear: lean on the US
Australia has a potent strategy to fill the gaps in the nation’s defence preparedness over the next decade. It can be summed up in three words: ‘The United States.’
Tom’s wish: remember all Rats, not just me
Last man standing Tom Pritchard will have his dying wish honoured after he is laid to rest on Thursday: a send-off for all the Australian Rats of Tobruk, not just him.
Call to boost US marines’ presence in Top End
A major expansion of US Marine Corps deployments to Australia to 16,000 a year would deliver the cheapest possible boost to Australia’s ability to deter potential adversaries, a new report says.
‘Confront enemies abroad … and home’
Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg will be awarded the Monash Medal, as he calls for authoritarianism abroad and anti-democratic forces at home to be confronted head-on.
Fast track for underwater Defence drone
Newly promoted cabinet minister Pat Conroy says he will use the authority that comes with the role to accelerate the delivery of new weapons and equipment for the nation’s ‘warfighters’.
ADF ‘is now a strategic liability’ to our US allies
Former chief of army Peter Leahy has warned Australia has become a ‘strategic liability’ to the US, arguing the ADF is unprepared for war.
‘Watching for boats hurts ADF capability’
The Albanese government has been accused of undermining the Australian Defence Force’s warfighting capabilities by using sophisticated RAAF aircraft to hunt for people-smuggling boats.
Base upgrades ‘will help protect’ US B-52 bombers
The US’s top air force commander in the Pacific says upgrades to Australia’s Tindal air base to accommodate B-52 bombers will give American forces the flexibility they need in a future conflict.
AUKUS cost ‘a fraction of NDIS’: new report
The AUKUS partnership will deliver a powerful new level of deterrence against Australia’s potential adversaries at a fraction of the cost of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, a new report argues.
Fears of armed conflict with China double in a decade
Most Australians expect we’ll face war with China within 20 years. But will Uncle Sam race to our rescue?
No weapons: Ghost Bats shifted to spy missions
The Albanese government has shelved plans to develop the $800m-plus Ghost Bat drone as lethal weapon after the company designing the aircraft was struck out of a US government program.
Defence nuclear waste site slammed
Defence’s decision to build a storage facility for low-level radioactive waste at HMAS Stirling naval base has been questioned by a former defence minister.
MP takes on ‘armchair generals’
Liberal MP and Afghanistan veteran Phillip Thompson has accused Defence of lagging behind the major sporting codes in protecting personnel from serious brain injuries.
Compo plan for Afghan killings
Entire villages in Afghanistan could benefit from a scheme to compensate victims of unlawful killings and abuse by Australian special forces while on deployment.
Chiefs to blame for lack of action on brain injury
Defence’s failure to come to terms with the risks to soldiers from blast-induced brain injuries makes a mockery of its claim to always put its people first.
Diggers’ support for shell-shock cut
The Defence Department axed support for a project to monitor soldiers’ exposure to blast pressure waves that have been linked to brain damage and suicide, as the bureaucracy turned a blind eye to the problem.
Defence ‘ignored toll of exposure to explosions’
Defence and Veterans’ Affairs ignored mounting evidence of chronic brain injuries in soldiers caused by repeated exposure to blast pressure waves.
Injured soldier ‘shines light’ on brain injuries
Former commando Paul Dunbavin, who has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, was exposed to thousands of explosive blasts during his 36-year military career.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/page/5