Practical application of AIC must progress
Australian Industry Capability (AIC) is one of the most contested terms in the Defence community, but what many fail to see is that the policy in this area actually is changing.
May 2022
Why hypersonic weapons are part of nation’s future
Australians may have been surprised by the federal government’s announcement last year that as part of the nation’s Force Structure Plan it was committing up to $9.3bn in the development of high-speed weapons (HSWs).
Connecting WA know-how to army capability
Western Australia has a central role to play in the nation’s response to a new “contested and apprehensive” regional environment.
Hunter-class frigate weight increase within design margins
Rumours that the Hunter-class frigates are greatly increasing in size and weight because of Australian specific changes have been quashed.
It’s time for a strategic policy reset
The antics of the Trump administration delivered a serious hit to the authority, credibility and legitimacy of the US claim to leadership of the free world.
Future looks bright beyond the F-35
The evolving debate in the US about the future of the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter may open up new opportunities for the RAAF to take a radically different direction in its future capability development.
Trump budget cut responsible for MQ-4C Triton arrival delay
The RAAF will continue to work towards a remotely piloted persistent maritime surveillance capability in the 2025-2026 time frame, despite a 12-month delay to the arrival of the first aircraft.
Army takes delivery of rival next gen tanks for testing
The competition to chose next generation heavily armoured infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) has entered its most critical phase. The two bidders have now handed over three vehicles each to the Army.
There’s room for two army attack helicopters
In one of the more remarkable Defence procurement coups in living memory, the army has managed to gain approval to purchase 29 new AH-64E Apache attack helicopters worth $4bn, without a tender and no public debate.
Navantia eyes expansion in Western Australia
Spanish naval giant Navantia has begun establishing a significant footprint in WA.
Defence takes a low-risk approach to sovereign satellite capability
Communication satellites provide secure, high bandwidth capacity but there are a few problems associated with current arrangements, most notably that the C-1 satellite is running out of life and will be decommissioned later this decade
Foreign partnerships grow with trust
The Defence Department has its sights on expanding international research collaboration further beyond the Anglophone partners and Europe and into the local region.
Supersonic stealth fighter ready to strike
The Royal Australian Air Force’s F-35A Lightning II acquisition program has enjoyed a busy year despite the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister must drive force posture review
The rise of Peter Dutton broke the short-held Western Australian ministerial dominance over the Defence portfolio.
Funding threat hangs over future sub
A contentious funding issue has become the latest problem to bedevil the RAN’s $90bn Attack-class Future Submarine program.
Are we buying the right equipment?
Defence spending is on track, but the more fundamental question is whether this year’s budget is the right plan in the first place.
WA business, VEEM, behind vital naval tech
Perth-based VEEM, a world leader in designing and manufacturing hi-tech marine propulsion and stabilisation systems, is supplying components to Australia’s Collins-class submarines.
The case for the B-21s
There’s a big gap between where we are today and where we need to be, and the shopping list crosses that gap slowly. In the vast reaches of the Indo-Pacific, range is crucial and the ADF’s long-range strike cupboard is bare.
Arafura-class patrol boats centre of gravity shifting west
One of the most critical projects for retaining Australia’s naval shipbuilding skills is SEA 1180, the $4bn acquisition of 12 Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs).
Make your next career move to SA
SA is rapidly becoming the hub of high tech industrial, shipbuilding and information systems and job opportunities abound.
Darwin, a natural northern bulwark
Darwin port has always been a safe haven and vital asset in a sometimes unstable region.
The north can contribute to securing space
The Northern Territory’s geographical advantage in the expanding commercial and defence domain of space is a clear opportunity to exploit.
Tindal $1bn upgrade under way
US forces deploy regularly to RAAF Base Tindal in remote Northern Territory, now undergoing a $1.1b upgrade.
Subs industry package to allay concerns
Future Submarine activity has been enlivened by the launch of a major industry package.
Sanderson’s seeds of success
EOS Defence Systems’ Grant Sanderson is heading a hi-tech company specialising in remote weapon stations, in a role almost predestined by his background.
Army faces greatest scrutiny in decades
The inquiry into claims that Australian Special Forces soldiers committed war crimes in Afghanistan will be delivered within weeks.
Blue crimes on the rise in Pacific
Serious offences are taking place in the Pacific maritime domain that put at risk the political stability and economic interests of Pacific island states.
Aussie-made technology is our advantage
Australia’s best and brightest are creating algorithms that diagnose the “health” of aircraft and ships, and decoys that protect ships from missiles.
Navy security training centre set for Territory
The Morrison government will soon commence building a maritime security training centre in Darwin to facilitate training of navy for maritime operational boarding tasks.
NT ‘could be a forward operating base for ADF’
The worst pandemic in a century bookends a wider set of national security challenges that are shaking up entrenched habits and assumptions.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/special-reports/defence/may-2022/page/8