Australian Industry Proves World Beater, Smashing $1BN Milestone for Superjet

The Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today announced that Australian industry has been collectively awarded over $1 billion in production for the F-35 program.

The strength of Australia’s defence industry has made it a significant and crucial contributor to the program which will support up to 5000 Australian jobs by 2023.

“More than 50 Australian companies directly shared in the production contracts to date, with many more indirectly benefiting through supply chain work,” Minister Pyne said.

“Australian industry continues to prove its global competitiveness by performing better than initial forecasts, with Australian industry involvement expected to exceed $2 billion by 2023.”

“The journey of Australian industry’s involvement in the global F-35 Program has been one of great success and long-term economic opportunity for Australia.

In 2016 the Joint Strike Fighter program supported more than 2400 jobs across Australia, which is set to grow to 5000 by 2023.

“Further opportunities are expected for Australian companies to increase production contract values over the next four years as F-35 production rates more than double.

“Australian industry is manufacturing parts that will be fitted to every F-35 aircraft in production across the globe.

“Australian success in the Joint Strike Fighter program isn’t limited to manufacturing parts. Australian industry has also been chosen as the maintenance hub for the engines, airframes and 64 of 65 components which have been assigned by the Joint Project Office.

“When I travel to the U.S. in April I will be arguing for more work for Australia, we have the capability and we deserve the work,” Minister Pyne said.

In a major milestone for the Australian F-35A Project, the first Australian-made Vertical Tail – produced by Victorian-based company Marand – was fitted to Australia’s third F-35A aircraft as it neared completion at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, in August 2017.

The stealthy, advanced F-35A represents a significant change in capabilities and will give Australia an edge against the emergence regionally of advanced capabilities.

The first two Australian F-35A aircraft are scheduled to arrive for permanent basing at RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales, in December.

By the time of Final Operating Capability, expected in December 2023, Australia will have a training squadron and three operational squadrons comprising 72 aircraft.

Australian Navy HMAS Hobart First of Class Trials

HMAS Hobart has achieved a number of firsts for her class and the Royal Australian Navy over the past several weeks off the east coast of Australia.

Hobart successfully tested her 20mm Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) against an inflatable surface target, marking the first ever time an Australian warship has fired a CIWS capable of striking air and surface targets.

The ship’s five-inch main gun was tested against a towed target from varying distances and directions in an early morning naval gunfire exercise.

Two practice delivery torpedoes were also fired from the port and starboard tubes with both torpedoes recovered for analysis by Navy’s Surface Forces branch.

Test Director Lieutenant Commander David Small of Surface Forces oversaw the program of firing serials and said they would help prove the true capabilities of Australia’s newest warships.

“First-of-class trials set a baseline for the performance of a new class of ship”, he said.

Video of RAAF EA-18G incident at Nellis AFB

A RAAF EA-18G caught fire during take-off at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada on Jan. 27. KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas has a video of the incident.

HMAS Hobart continues with her trials off the coast of New South Wales

#GreenGhost #HmasHobart continues with her trials off the coast of New South Wales - this is a great video of yesterday’s Harpoon ejection test- #FightandWin. @Australian_Navy pic.twitter.com/1iuLdX4oi5

— RADM Stu Mayer (@COMAUSFLT) November 30, 2017

RAN second Air Warfare Destroyer 'Brisbane' starting sea trials

Royal Australian Navy commissioned the Guided Missile Destroyer, HMAS Hobart

HMAS Hobart has “slipped her lines” and set sail for the first time since commissioning on 23 September 2017.

Her departure from Fleet Base East, Garden Island, Sydney on Wednesday heralded the much anticipated return to sea for the Guided Missile Destroyer (DDG) of the Royal Australian Navy.

During her journey to and from Jervis Bay on the New South Wales south coast, HMAS Hobart’s ship’s company will perform a series of exercises to test core mariner skills.

Commanding Officer, HMAS Hobart, Captain John Stavridis, said the ship’s company were eager to put their skills to the test.

“This is really the first key milestone in proving that we can operate the warship safely and effectively,” he said.

“My crew have worked very hard to get the ship commissioned and ready for sea.”

The week long Mariner Skills Evaluation (MSE) period will see the ship’s company put through their paces in a series of essential navigation and seamanship exercises off the east coast of Australia to prove Hobart’s safe and effective operation at sea.

The MSE will feature boat drills, man-overboard, casualty and damage control exercises.

“The ship’s company will be tested in toxic hazards, fire-fighting, flood stop and repair, all the essential emergency responses to ensure a ship can operate safely at sea,” Captain Stavridis said.

“It’s a challenging time for the ship’s company but the sense of accomplishment will make it very worthwhile.”

“We’re all very proud to wear the name Hobart on our shoulders and carry the motto ‘Grow with Strength’,” he said.

“This is an opportunity to live up to that legacy.”

On return to Fleet Base East, Hobart will continue with a complex series of system trials and unit readiness tests and evaluations, working towards full operational capacity late next year.

RAAF performed a rare practice landing on the Nullarbor plain

Extraordinary scenes on the Nullarbor plain as the Royal Flying Doctor Service & the RAAF performed a rare practice landing. @JessAdamson7 pic.twitter.com/fn2edgdNcq

— 7 News Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) October 22, 2017

Indonesia deploys F-16s to Darwin for Elang AUSINDO 17

The Indonesian Air Force has deployed six F-16s to Darwin, Australia for exercise Elang AUSINDO 17 with the Royal Australian Air Force.

Royal Australian MH60R helo conducts submarine-tracking exercises

Globally deployed #MH60R helo conducts submarine-tracking exercises | video via @Australian_Navy https://t.co/9SzbGHZYJY #SeoulADEX pic.twitter.com/Hoaja8rtBt

— Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) October 20, 2017

Australia and Indonesia Conduct Trilateral Maritime Patrol

Australia’s cooperation with Indonesia on maritime security has been further strengthened through a trilateral maritime security patrol in the Timor Sea north-west of Darwin, targeting illegal exploitation of natural resources.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) and Indonesian Coast Guard (BAKAMLA), as part of Operation Shearwater V, concluded the patrol together with the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs & Fisheries (MMAF) on 11 October 2017.

Operation Shearwater and the MMAF Coordinated Patrols are usually standalone patrols but, in a first for all of the involved agencies, were combined into a single operation.

These patrols target the illegal exploitation of natural resources and help to stop illegal fishing and environmental threats, while simultaneously improving operational communication between Australia and Indonesia.

The Australian Border Force Cutter (ABFC) Cape St George worked alongside BAKAMLA vessel KN Gaja Laut 4804 and MMAF vessels KP Orca 01 and Hui Macan Tutul 01 with an ABF Dash-8 aerial aircraft complementing the surface assets.

In support of this operation, an AFMA officer was on board ABFC Cape St George for the duration of the patrol.

Commander Maritime Border Command (MBC), Rear Admiral (RADM) Peter Laver, said these activities demonstrate the inter-operability of MBC, BAKAMLA and MMAF assets and enhance Australia’s collaboration between agencies involved.

“The combined Operation demonstrates the close relationship between MBC, AFMA, BAKAMLA and MMAF to combat the ongoing threats of illegal civil maritime activity, including foreign fishing either side of Australia and Indonesia’s maritime boundaries.

“These maritime operations are a result of ongoing close cooperation among the ABF and our international law enforcement and intelligence partners,” RADM Laver said.

This was the fifth Operation Shearwater conducted between the ABF and BAKAMLA, with the inaugural patrol occurring in October 2013.

Three Miniature Satellites for ADF will be Provided by UNSW Canberra

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today announced a three-year space research and development program between the University of New South Wales Canberra (UNSW Canberra) at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

Announcing this significant investment at the Astronautical Conference on Thursday night, Minister Pyne said the Government was investing the $9.96 million to support the growth of Australian space technologies, as well as to investigate and demonstrate ways to enhance Defence space capability.

“The program is designed to enhance the ability of UNSW Canberra to deliver world-class space education to Defence personnel, as well as inform the future direction of Defence space capability.

“Through the program’s delivery, UNSW Canberra will partner with Australian industry to develop elements of a space flight mission.

“Research outputs are anticipated to provide UNSW Canberra with commercialisation opportunities, which in turn could provide opportunities to stimulate Australian space industry.”

A total of three miniature-satellites will be launched over the duration of the program, providing the opportunity to demonstrate innovative communications and remote-sensing payloads, and test spaceflight modelling techniques.

Minister Pyne said the program would also help to achieve a secure, resilient Australia by supporting the protection of our space systems from debris and anti-satellite weapons.

“Partnerships such as this are an integral element of our Defence Force,” Minister Pyne said.

“The expansion of space research and development into a regional academic institution provides Defence with an opportunity to build, sustain and create momentum to develop our space professionals.”

Australian Navy​ Collins class submarine powering through Sydney Harbour

.@Australian_Navy​ Collins class submarine powering through Sydney Harbour. #Navy #7News pic.twitter.com/KEq8VXboAJ

— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) August 14, 2017

BAE Systems Officially Submits Bid for SEA 5000

BAE Systems today announced that it has submitted its bid to the Australian Government for the nation’s SEA 5000 Future Frigate program.

The bid is to partner with the Government to develop a long-term ship building strategy in Australia for complex warships and to offer a proposal to build nine Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates for the Royal Australian Navy.

BAE Systems is offering the Global Combat Ship-Australia, a variant of its Type 26 Global Combat Ship which commenced manufacture for the first of three ships for the UK’s Royal Navy 20 July.

The campaign is being led by BAE Systems’ global Maritime Business Development Director, Nigel Stewart, and the bid was put together by a joint UK and Australian team to ensure the learning and knowledge from the Type 26 program is fully complemented by the maritime skills and expertise of BAE Systems’ team in Australia.

Nigel Stewart said: “BAE Systems is proud to have submitted its response to the Australian Government for the SEA 5000 program. By combining the formidable capability of our Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigate with the heritage and skills we have in Australia, we are sure we can offer a proposition to the Government that is both transformational and compelling. Our commitment is to establish a world class ship building capability in Australia that will build Australian ships with an Australian work force. The opportunity we will bring to Australia through SEA 5000 is unique. It offers us the chance to collaborate across the company by sharing our expertise and experience, transferring embedded knowledge from one market to benefit another. In addition, BAE Systems is committed to representing Australia in the global marketplace, helping grow Australia’s export opportunities and opening up new markets for Australian industry through our global supply chain.”

The Type 26 benefits from a modern digital design approach that uses the latest engineering and design technologies. As a fully bow-to-stern digital design, BAE Systems has been able to substantially de-risk construction for the Royal Navy with Australia standing to benefit from all learnings drawn from the UK construction program.

BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Glynn Phillips said: “BAE Systems has over 3,500 people already working in Australia, a fully mature supply chain of over 1,600 Australian SMEs and we have a proud history of over 60 years working in partnership with the Australian Government as a trusted supplier. Deepening that partnership through selection on SEA 5000 would be a privilege that we are ready and excited to deliver.”

RAAF to Receive New Tech to Identify Electronic Threats

As part of the government’s second tranche of Defence Innovation Hub investments, a Sydney company will develop new technology for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) that can autonomously identify electronic threats.

Saber Astronautics was awarded a $275,000 contract to develop the software to support the RAAF.

The contract is the first phase of a three-phase project using the company's advanced machine learning capability.

It is expected that the technology will not only have defence applications, but commercial, with Saber anticipating it will enable better communications between spacecraft operators and their satellites, especially during disruptive events such as solar flares.

Saber's director and chief executive Dr Jason Held said the contract came at the right time as Australia is looking to advance its space industry and technology with International Astronautical Congress arriving in Adelaide in September.

"This is great timing as it allows us to develop a key technology for secure communications at exactly the time that the Australian market is heating up," said Dr Held.

"Commercial small satellites are more susceptible to solar storms but still need to produce clean data for customers on Earth. We’re particularly excited to explore this potential more broadly with the Australian Air Force."

Saber Astronautics has nearly a decade of experience in applying machine learning to diagnostics, having demonstrated the technology previously on several NASA and commercial spacecraft. Using the technology to diagnose signals is a new application.

The company's mission statement is to reduce barriers to space flight, making it more accessible to people on Earth.

C-MAX Side Scan Sonar for Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia

At MAST Asia, C-MAX introduced its CM2 side scan sonar to MONS: “We provide both the hardware and the software for the for the CM2 system,” says Hugh Frater, from C-MAX, “which has multiple applications, including hydrographic survey work, port security and, in its military application, mine counter measure (MCM).”

The CM2 exists in two configurations: the DF (100/325kHz) and EDF (325/780kHz). In 100kHz mode, the DF is particularly useful for searching larger objects such as wrecks or freight containers, whereas in 325kHz mode it can distinguish smaller objects such as mooring ropes, anchor chains, anchors, rock or even seabed texture. The EDF on the other hand offers a higher resolution and gives the most detailed images.

“Compared to a multibeam sonar, the CM2 provides real data information that can be analysed and acted upon immediately, as opposed to being processed later,” continues Mr Frater. The system scans the seabed and provides a high-resolution picture that appears on the monitor of the operator and is also recorded for later viewing. It facilitates the detection of objects of interests and is therefore particularly useful for MCM in the naval domain.

“We have sold systems to the Royal Australian Navy, the Indonesian Navy and the Malaysian Navy,” concludes Mr Frater, “which represents approximately 30% of our business.”

Talisman Sabre‏ - Largest amphib. assault for Aussies since WWII

It was the largest amphib. assault for Aussies since WWII. @USAembassyinOZ @Australian_Navy @AustralianArmy @NZDefenceForce @USArmy pic.twitter.com/osmP2iFYIY

— TalismanSabre (@TalismanSabre) July 14, 2017

Australian Navy & INS Shivalik crew practice Yoga 2gether during ship stay at Freemantle Australia

#Yoga #BridgesofFriendship #AUSINDEX @Australian_Navy & INS Shivalik crew practice Yoga 2gether during ship stay at Freemantle Australia pic.twitter.com/NRT08Su1Gf

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 16, 2017

Australia Requests Sale of Anti Radiation Missiles for EA-18G Growler

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia for Anti-Radiation Missiles. The estimated cost is $137.6 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 27, 2017.

Australia has requested a possible sale of up to seventy (70) AGM-88B High Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM) Tactical Missiles; up to forty (40) AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles (AARGM) Tactical Missiles; up to sixteen (16) CATM-88B HARM Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); up to sixteen (16) CATM-88E AARGM CATM; up to twenty-five (25) AGM-88B Control Sections; up to twenty-five (25) AGM-88B Guidance Sections; up to twenty (20) AGM-88E Control Sections; up to twenty (20) AGM-88E Guidance Sections; up to forty eight (48) Telemetry/Flight Termination Systems; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other associated support equipment and services. The total estimated cost is $137.6 million.

This sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major contributor to political stability, security, and economic development in the Western Pacific. Australia is an important Major non-NATO Ally and partner that contributes significantly to peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.

Australia is requesting these missiles for its Electronic Attack EA-18G Growler aircraft. The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability in current and future coalition efforts. Australia will use this capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. Australia will have no difficultly absorbing these additional missiles into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support does not alter the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractors will be Orbital ATK (OA), Ridgecrest, CA, and Raytheon Missile Systems Company, Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to travel to Australia.

Six More HERCULES Armoured Recovery Vehicles Delivered to Australian Army

Defence has bought six new M88A2 HERCULES armoured recovery vehicles, marking an important milestone for Army.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP said the delivery of the HERCULES (Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation System) vehicles is critical to ensure the safe and effective operation of Australia’s Abrams Main Battle Tank capability.

“The HERCULES is a 64 tonne tracked vehicle used primarily for the repair and recovery of tanks and other vehicles whilst under fire and will complement the seven currently in operation,” Minister Pyne said.

“Valued at more than $58 million, the six new HERCULES will support armoured units based in Darwin and Townsville, and operator and maintenance training at Puckapunyal and Bandiana in Victoria.

“Pleasingly the maintenance, servicing and engineering support for this equipment will be delivered regionally by Broadspectrum, with four new jobs to be created in Darwin.”

Since their delivery to Defence, all six vehicles have been accepted into service, painted in Australian camouflage and sent to their units.

Ultra Electronics to Design Early Warning System Techniques for Australian Navy

The Australian government last Thursday announced that it had awarded A$1.7 million to Ultra Electronics Pty Ltd to build early warning system techniques for the Australian Navy.

Ultra Electronics will develop the techniques to provide naval ships with early warning of low flying air threats, such as anti-ship missiles.

Defence minister Christopher Pyne said that the grant would improve the technology available to the Navy.

“This project will complement existing ship-borne radar systems,” Pyne said.

“I am pleased to announce Ultra Electronics Avalon Systems Pty Ltd will receive funding to take this innovative technology to the next level. We are determined to use the defence dollar to drive a higher technology, advanced manufacturing future.

“We need to ensure that we maximise opportunities for Australian Industry to contribute to meeting our capability needs.”

In February this year, the Defence Department tendered for its IT procurement panel. Last year, the Government launched the Defence Innovation Hub, which brings together existing Defence innovation programs to try to streamline investment in innovation.