Australian fighter pilots have been reunited with loved ones after carrying out air strikes against Islamic State in the Middle East

Australian fighter pilots have been reunited with loved ones after carrying out air strikes against Islamic State in the Middle East. https://t.co/3s0lBajiVO @DeptDefence @Aus_AirForce #auspol #7News pic.twitter.com/FkvxiVCQJX

— 7 News Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) January 24, 2018

Australian sniper training competition, held 11-22 November 2013

How good are your reflexes and eyesight? 👓

All the way back in 2013, #YourADF snipers travelled to Perth for the inaugural sniper concentration training competition, held 11-22 November 2013, at Campbell Barracks, Bindoon and Lancelin Training Area. pic.twitter.com/2bDawoRjFu

— DefenceAustralia (@DeptDefence) November 8, 2017

Australia DOD - HIFiRE 4 Hypersonic Scramjet Missile Test Launch

Australia Poised to Join US on Next Generation Jammer

Australia is nearing an agreement to join the US Navy's (USN's) AN/ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer-Medium Band (NGJ-MB) programme as it seeks to 'future proof' its new EA-18G Growler airborne electronic attack capability.

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) confirmed on 5 July that representatives from the Australian Department of Defence are negotiating with NAVAIR's Airborne Electronic Attack Systems and EA-6B Program Office (PMA-234) and the Navy International Programs Office (Navy IPO) to come on board with the NGC-MB development, previously known as NGJ Increment 1.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is acquiring 12 EA-18G Growler aircraft under Project Air 5349 Phase 3, with initial operating capability planned for mid-2018. The aircraft will enter service with the same AN/ALQ-99 tactical jamming system currently equipping the USN's EA-18G Growlers.

Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems was awarded a USD1 billion contract by PMA-234 in April 2016 for engineering and manufacturing development of the NGJ-MB electronic attack pod as a replacement for ALQ-99 from 2021. Intended to provide the EA-18G with enhanced airborne electronic attack (EA) capabilities to disrupt and degrade enemy air defence and ground communication systems, the system represents a step change from ALQ-99 in terms of its software-based digital architecture, and use of high power active electronically scanned arrays based on gallium nitride technology.

PMA-234 completed a Critical Design Review (CDR) for the NGJ-MB in late April 2017. The CDR confirmed the maturity of the design and approved the fabrication and assembly of test articles.

Growler Full Fleet Arrive in Australia

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, together with Air Vice Marshal Steven Roberton, Air Commander Australia; today welcomed the full fleet of EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft to RAAF Base Amberley.

Since the first two Growlers arrived in Australia in February 2017, the fleet has grown to the full twelve aircraft.

Minister Payne said the arrival of the Growler provides a potent and technologically advanced new capability for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

“We are the only country outside the United States operating the EA-18G Growler and the full fleet arrival represents a significant leap forward in joint electronic warfare capability,” Minister Payne said.

“This is an amazing achievement for the ADF. These aircraft are able to support the full spectrum of Defence missions, including operations with coalition partners.

“The EA-18G Growlers will work with Army and Navy to deliver a networked joint force able to manoeuvre and fight in the electromagnetic spectrum.“The arrival affirms the Government’s commitment to maintain our capability edge and prepare for the more complex and high-tech conflicts of the future.”

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies said he was extremely proud of all the personnel who have worked on this project both in Australia and overseas.

“The delivery of this capability shows what our Defence Force members are capable of alongside our US counterparts,” Air Marshal Davies said.

“The US Navy has been very generous in their training of our aircrew and maintenance teams, and we have cemented our reputation as credible coalition partners.

“Australian Growlers have already conducted successful weapon firings and integration flights with RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornets and US Navy EA-18G Growlers as part of Operational Test and Evaluation. We have also had the graduation of the first Operational Transition course.

“Through our partnership with the US Navy we are already planning to keep Growler at the forefront of electronic attack capability throughout the life of the aircraft.

“I wish to acknowledge the commitment of RAAF Base Amberley, the Estate & Industry Group and the 6 Squadron families who have generated the home of this exciting new aircraft.”

The Growler is based on the F/A-18F Super Hornet airframe and fitted with additional avionics, enhanced radio frequency receivers, an improved communications suite and radio-frequency jamming pods that enable it to jam enemy systems. It will provide a complementary capability to the F/A-18F Super Hornet and the F-35A Lightning II aircraft.

Avalon Air Show Plan Jericho 360 tour

Rheinmetall Boxer CRV and BAESystems Australia - Patria AMV-35 at the Puckapunyal AFV Field Firing Training Area

#Rheinmetall Boxer CRV and #BAESystems Australia - #Patria AMV-35 at the Puckapunyal AFV Field Firing Training Area#Land400 #Australia pic.twitter.com/U7A6rKD85s

— Tom Antonov (@Tom_Antonov) February 26, 2017

Australia: Muslim ex-deputy mayor to wife "I’m gonna rape your mum and your f***ing dad! I swear on the Koran!"

Abusing his wife Ayesha

🆘‼️🐸 Australia: Muslim ex-deputy mayor to wife "I’m gonna rape your mum and your f***ing dad! I swear on the Koran!" pic.twitter.com/vpajpYu22I

— Onlinemagazin (@OnlineMagazin) August 29, 2016

Australian PC-21s to Get TERPROM

Pilatus has selected UTC Aerospace Systems' TERPROM terrain referenced navigation (TRN) system for the Australian Defense Force's (ADF) Pilatus PC-21 training aircraft. UTC Aerospace announced the selection on 13 June.

The system will be fitted on all 49 ADF PC-21 aircraft, providing trainee crews with obstruction warning and cueing, predictive ground collision avoidance and drift-free terrain referenced navigation.

TERPROM offers TRN capabilities for navigation, including in GPS-denied and low-level environments. It uses a loaded digital map and on-board sensors for ground collision avoidance and obstruction warning, while maintaining zero forward electronic emissions.

UTC Aerospace Systems will also provide simulator software for the ADF's ground-based training equipment.

Kevin Pindard, managing director, UTC Aerospace Systems Sensors and Integrated Systems, said: ‘This combination of ground-based and airborne TERPROM software allows us to support our customer, Pilatus, in delivering world-class pilot training to the ADF. With this innovative technology already in use on the Australian jet trainers, there is commonality for crew across training systems.’

Another Australian success story : Hawkei

Australian soldiers with the Reaper weapon carriage system at Majura training area

#Australia-n soldiers with the Reaper weapon carriage system at #Majura training area#ADF #firearm #infantry pic.twitter.com/aIsGO9qtuF

— Tom Antonov (@Tom_Antonov) May 6, 2016

Air-to-air video of CH-53K during a flight test

Australia - Exercise Jericho Dawn

HMAS Parramatta Anti Ship Missile Defence Upgrade more than Skin Deep

http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Mar2016/Fleet/2755#.VuOtEfl97IV

HMA Ships Parramatta (left) and Toowoomba (right) at the BAE Systems shipyard at Henderson, WA. HMAS Parramatta is receiving a coat of Haze Grey following installation of new mast structures, while HMAS Toowoomba has been blasted back to bare metal and preserved with primer awaiting structural and combat system modifications to be installed. (photo : RAN)

HMAS Parramatta, the fifth Anzac class frigate built for Australia and the sixth to enter the Anti-Ship Missile Defence Upgrade programme has commenced preparations to undock in mid April.

While the most obvious and striking changes are the addition of a ‘cupola' mast to house the CEA Phased Array Radar, and a coat of the new Royal Australian Navy 'haze grey' paint, these are just two of a complex web of engineering changes and maintenance tasks delivered by BAE Systems, Saab Australia and Naval Ship Management, at the BAE Systems shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia over the past 12 months.

While significant elements of the combat system were replaced or upgraded, and large sections of the propulsion and electrical generation system were removed for overhaul prior to replacement, a significant body of work was also undertaken with assistance from uniform staff to maintain and overhaul equipment that remained.

Anzac Systems Program Office Commonwealth representative Mr Justin Bentink has been involved with the upgrade since it started and said that he has been impressed with the results that the diverse team of uniform and contract staff have produced.

“As a civilian I am honoured to work with such an inspiring group of naval professionals, supporting the Navy to achieve its capability aims," Mr Bentink said.

“Witnessing the dedication of naval personnel on a daily basis has personally altered my life's perspective on discipline, dedication and self-sacrifice.

“To me HMAS Parramatta is truly the embodiment of what can be achieved if Navy and industry come together altruistically for the good of the nation."

Following a period operating from Fleet Base East, Parramatta arrived at Fleet Base West in February 2015 and undertook a comprehensive safety and preparation phase before docking in late April. During this time, the vessel was completely emptied of all stores and supplies, de-fuelled, and cleaned in an extensive operation undertaken by the crew and contractors. Removal of some major radar and other antennae and upper deck fixtures also commenced, allowing more efficient use of time on the dock to achieve the major upgrade work.

Once docked, material control of the vessel was handed to Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Anzac System Program Office, and the crew moved to sister ship HMAS Warramunga for return to Navy service following completion of the upgrade.

'Rip out' began in the operations room to make way for the upgraded Combat System, the Guided Missile Vertical Launch system was removed to allow access for engine removal (which then allows them to be overhauled offsite and replaced in the vessel prior to undocking), and disconnection of systems and removal of upper deck mast structures began, with the ‘classic’ Anzac class masts being lifted off in May 2015. The new masts, built on the base of the original masts with new upper structures, cables, services, and paint scheme, were lifted into place on in November; the highest mast being a full seven decks above the main upper deck.

By October 2015, the entire outer hull had been blasted back and coated in a red preservation undercoat, making Parramatta nearly unrecognisable from her former glory of only months before. Application of the more traditional grey top coat commenced in September, and the ship will be fully painted and ready to be returned to the water by mid April 2016.
 
In total, Parramatta will have received the services of over 600,000 hours of individual labour from an array of Australian industry and uniform personnel, resulting in a significant capability increase in addition to the impressive new visual profile.

Australian gov. announced a robust increase in mil. spending (incl. the biggest expansion to navy since WWII)

#Australian gov. announced a robust increase in mil. spending (incl. the biggest expansion to navy since WWII) pic.twitter.com/9C7WUQVDZh

— Warfare Worldwide (@WarfareWW) February 25, 2016

Navantia Proposes Avante Range for Australia's SEA 1180

Spanish shipbuilder Navantia is positioning its Avante range of ships for the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) Australia's SEA 1180 Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) programme.

Project SEA 1180 seeks to replace 26 existing RAN vessels, including 14 Armidale-class patrol craft, in a contract that is valued at AUD1.5 billion (USD1.08 billion).

Speaking to IHS Jane's at the Pacific 2015 international maritime exhibition and conference in Sydney, Nick Kitching, a naval architect with Navantia Australia, identified possible contenders that could meet Australian requirements under the programme as the Avante 1400 and the Avante 3000.

"The Avante family was originally developed to replace a wide range of vessels that were approaching the end of their life in the Spanish Navy," said Kitching earlier in a corporate presentation on Navantia's offerings at the exhibition. Variants of the Avante series are currently in service with the Spanish and Venezuelan navies.

According to specifications provided by the company, the Avante 1400 design has an overall length of 79.9 m, a maximum beam of 11.8 m and a draught of 3.7 m. The platform displaces approximately 1,500 tonnes at full load and can take a complement of 35 with additional space for 29. The ship has a maximum speed in excess of 22 kt and a range of 4,000 n miles at the cruising speed of 16 kt. The Avante 1400 is currently in service with the Venezuelan Navy's Coast Guard Command as the Guaicamacuto-class patrol ship.

Meanwhile the Avante 3000 has an overall length of 93.9 m, a maximum beam of 14.2 m and a full load draught of 4.5 m. The design displaces approximately 2,840 tonnes at full load and can accommodate a crew of 35 with additional space for the same number.

AUSINDEX 2015 Ceremonial Sunset in Visakhapatnam, India on HMAS Arunta

No sledging incidents have been reported so far

A flight in AUSINDEX15

Lieutenant Michael Mulquiney is one of the aircrew currently embarked in HMAS Arunta for AUSINDEX15, in the waters off Visakhapatnam, India.

Now a pilot within the Royal Australian Navy, he previously worked as a commercial pilot and flying instructor as well as working in heavy industry - in a whole other life - as he calls it.

“Life circumstances provided me with an opportunity to join the Navy at age 35 and this in turn enabled me to fulfil a life ambition to become a pilot within the military,” Lieutenant Mulquiney said.

Lieutenant Mulquiney who grew up in Maitland, New South Wales, has now served eight years within Navy and is currently residing in Perth being attached to the west-coast based ship, Arunta, however he normally lives in Nowra where the Navy’s Fleet Air Arm is based.

As part of squadron detachments, Lieutenant Mulquiney has operated both AS350B Squirrel and S70B-2 helicopters out of Townsville and Darwin and has flown the eastern seaboard from as far north as Townsville, and south to Melbourne and Adelaide on many occasions. He also completed several crossings of Bass Strait to Tasmania where he was able to explore the whole island.

“As a part of ship’s company I have toured both islands of New Zealand, but with this North East Asian deployment and AUSINDEX15, it is just the beginning of many great international adventures for me,” he said.

“Over the last three years I have been heavily engaged in promoting Navy and Australian Defence Force careers through flying our helicopters to partake in school visits, base open days, support appearances at public sporting events and a variety of tasking during the International Fleet Review on Sydney Harbour.

“Now, in Arunta, I am fulfilling the operational role as part of a ship’s flight at sea, and I am excited to put my skills into practice during the exercise,” said Lieutenant Mulquiney.

Australian Defence Force personnel regularly interact with a variety of other military forces. AUSINDEX15 is the first bilateral maritime exercise to take place between India and Australia.

The exercise commenced with a harbour phase involving briefings and practical demonstrations ashore, before progressing to sea. Sea-phase serials will include a coordinated anti-submarine exercise, surface firing exercises, air defence exercises, seamanship evolutions (including replenishment at sea serials) and aviation operations with embarked helicopter flights.

Australia's first LHD ship close to initial operational capability

Australia's first-of-class landing helicopter dock ship is closer to initial operational capability following completion of a graduated test and trial program.The second LHD, meanwhile, has completed her second and final sea trials prior to delivery to the Royal Australian Navy.The Canberra-class ships will be the largest vessels operated by the Royal Australian Navy. They are about 757 feet long, displace more than 30,000 tons and have a maximum speed of 20 knots. Range is 9,000 nautical miles.

The ship hulls were made by Navantia of Spain and shipped to Australia for continued shipbuilding by BAE Systems Australia.Each of the ships can carry four landing craft, plus helicopters, and can carry more than 1,000 troops. Eight helicopters is the standard helicopter compliment but there is hanger space for 18 helicopters each.The first ship is the Canberra. The second is the Adelaide."Canberra now has another two months of more complex joint collective training and exercises to integrate other elements of the Australian Defense Force amphibious capability," said Chief of Navy Vice Adm. Tim Barrett."Certification of the Amphibious Ready Element later this year is the final tick to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support. I will then be able to declare the Initial Operating Capability for the Canberra class Amphibious Ships," he said.

Canberra's sister ship, NUSHIP Adelaide, is expected to enter service later this year.The second and final sea trials of the Adelaide were focused on testing the ship's combat and communications systems and were conducted over a 10-day period, BAE Systems said.Training of the ships' crews -- 700 sailors in all – was conducted by BAE Systems."The upcoming handover [of the Adelaide] will of course be a very proud day for all involved with building NUSHIP Adelaide, but it won't be the end of our involvement with these mighty ships," said Bill Saltzer, director of maritime, BAE Systems Australia. "As prime contractor for LHD in-service support, our team of experienced engineers, technicians and logisticians in both Sydney and Williamstown will continue to be the key partner... in managing the availability of these two ships."

Canberra was delivered to the Australian Navy in October of last year and commissioned the following month.BAE Systems Australia is involved in several projects for the Royal Australian Navy, including the ANZAC Frigate Anti-Ship Missile Defense upgrade project and other support activities for ANZAC and Adelaide-class frigates.

C-17A easily fits in MRH90 helicopter for the Australian Army

Australian Army PD-100 palm sized UAV