Armée Australienne/Australian Defence Force (ADF)

Citation :

Thales Australia has delivered two Hawkei reconnaissance 4x4 armoured vehicle to Australian army
Thales Australia has delivered a further two Hawkei vehicles to the Defence Materiel Organisation on schedule. The handover of the two Reconnaissance variants under Stage 2 of the Manufactured and Supported in Australia option of Land 121 Phase 4 means that all six vehicles are now with the Department of Defence for testing. All vehicle delivery milestones have been met on schedule.
Friday, May 31, 2013 11:04 AM

http://www.armyrecognition.com/may_2013_news_defence_army_military_industry_uk/index.php

Citation :

Final blocks come together for Air Warfare Destroyers at Adelaide's Techport maritime precinct at Osborne

AUSTRALIA'S first air warfare destroyer is coming together with the final four building blocks of the 7000tonne Hobart-class ship arriving in Adelaide yesterday.

The AWDs being constructed at the Techport facility at Osborne are made up of 31 steel modules, being manufactured by three Australian shipyards and one Spanish yard.

The number of people working on the project is at a peak of 2500.

The workers are responsible for eventually bringing three ships into service.

Another milestone was also passed last week with the bridge block being lifted into place.

"The bridge is part of one of the most recognisable grand-blocks which was joined to the ship structure on Thursday morning by the AWD Alliance," Alliance chief executive Rod Equid said.

"The block is a combination of two smaller blocks constructed by lead shipbuilder ASC.

Nation depends on response to SOS The Australian, 16 May 2013
1100 jobs on line at shipyard The Australian, 22 Apr 2013
Cold water on Antarctic icebreaker deal Adelaide Now, 7 Feb 2013
Destroyer project gets first sonar block Adelaide Now, 16 Jan 2013
AWD sonar block arrives in Adelaide Adelaide Now, 16 Jan 2013
..

End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.

"Weighing more than 200 tonnes, the grand-block was the biggest block added to the ship structure to date. The forward superstructure houses the ship's command hub - the bridge and the operations room (combat information centre)."

Mr Equid said the process of putting the blocks together was progressing well.

"Two of the four blocks in this delivery by Forgacs are located at the bow of the ship," he said.

"The ship's five-inch naval gun will sit on top of one of the blocks, which will also house its ammunition. The forward-most block will make up the forecastle of the ship and will hold the anchor, chain and winch machinery.

"The remaining blocks will be positioned at the aft of the ship and house the helicopter hangar and rudder controls."

When the three destroyers enter service with the Royal Australian Navy from 2016, they will represent a significant increase in capability.

The ships will be equipped with the Aegis Weapon system, making them capable of assuming a leading command and control role in the Australian Defence Force and coalition forces.

The AWD project is being delivered under an Alliance structure.

The AWD Alliance comprises the Defence Materiel Organisation representing the Australian Government, ASC as the lead shipbuilder and Raytheon Australia as mission systems integrator.

www.adelaidenow.com

Citation :

Over the period of 9 May to 1 June 2013 Townsville based 3rd Brigade (3BDE) conducted a Combined Arms Training Activity (CATA) in the Townsville Field Training Area (TFTA) in order to prepare for Exercise TALISMAN SABRE in July and the progression towards the Brigade’s ‘Ready’ status in November. The CATA focused on the conduct of high end mid-intensity Foundation War Fighting with a number of Battle Group manoeuvre activities and Live Fire Exercises, including a brigade level live fire as the final activity. The scenario within the activity allowed for Battle Groups to move through two different missions with the second providing an opportunity for live fire.

Citation :

04/06/2013

L’Australie confirme le binôme Super Hornet & F-35 !


CANBERRA, le gouvernement australien vient de confirmer la commande d’un nouveau lot d’avions de combat Boeing EA-18G «Growler» et confirme également l’achat du Lockeed-Martin F-35.


Boeing EA-18G :


On attendait cette commande depuis l’année dernière, cette fois elle se confirme, l’Australie va passer commande pour un lot de 12 Boeing EA-18G «Growler» de guerre électronique. Cette commande va se greffer à celle de l’US Navy qui prévoit de commander 9 appareils de ce type cette année.


Pour Boeing, cela signifie qu’en ajoutant les commandes additionnelles de «Super Hornet» pour la Navy est éventuellement, celles, de clients étrangers, la chaine de montage du F/A-18E/F & EA-18G devrait être maintenue jusqu’en 2020.



L’Australie avait initialement prévu de convertir la moitié de ses 24 existant F/A-18F «Super Hornet» en configuration «Growler», mais dans un communiqué, le Premier ministre Julia Gillard et le ministre de la Défense Stephen Smith ont déclaré que le gouvernement a décidé de conserver le «Super Hornet» et de le compléter avec 12 EA-18G.



Le EA-18G «Growler» :


L’EA-18G dispose du radar AN/APG-79 à antenne active (AESA) lui permettant non seulement d’être autonome en comparaison de son prédécesseur le EA-6B en mode air-air, mais intègre des possibilités de liaisons de données numériques et de brouillage dirigé indépendant du reste des systèmes embarqués.

Pour la lutte contre les défenses ennemies, l’EA-18G dispose de pod ALQ-99 de brouillage couplé à un système d’analyse à large spectre ALQ-218 lui permettant de différencier les types de radars (surveillances, poursuites, sol ou embarqué) et l’analyse des types de fréquences. Le système enregistre et répertorie l’ensemble des menaces pour permettre leur restitution sur un écran tactique, avec une plus grande précision que par le passé.

Les systèmes embarqués du «Growler» lui permettent d’agir sur trois modes tactiques :

- Reconnaissance électronique (analyse des diverses menaces, radar et missiles)

- Suppression des menaces connues et mémorisées selon un scénario prévu.

- Réaction immédiate à l’engagement d’une nouvelle menace non répertoriée.

Du point de vue des communications, l’avion dispose du système AlQ-227 qui lui permet d’épier et de brouiller les communications adverses, en contre partie le Growler dispose pour sa propre protection le nouveau concept INCANS qui améliore les communications et transferts de données à l’intérieur d’un groupe naval.

Capacités ECM :

- Détection passive/active.

- Analyse des menaces et classifications.

- Brouillage actif, perturbation électronique (radar et communication).

- Paralysie électronique avec des virus informatiques.

Capacités de tirs :

- air-air (AIM-9X Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM,)

- Elimination de radars ennemis (AGM-88 HARM)

L’ensemble de ces possibilités offrent l’opportunité aux équipages du Growler de pouvoir participer directement à l’escorte d’un groupe d’attaque tout en étant susceptible de se défendre face à n’importe quelles menaces en vol.



Confirmation pour le F-35 :


La seconde confirmation vient du programme concernant le Lockheed-Martin F-35, l’Australie prévoit de se doter de 72 appareils de ce type, soit : 3 Escadrons. Les F-35 devraient entrer en service en 2020.

Analyse :

L'inconvénient de cette décision est que la Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) devra exploiter une flotte mixte de «Super Hornet» et F-35 à partir de 2020 jusqu’en 2030 au minimum. Ceci représente un excès de coûts pour la mise en oeuvre des deux types d’avions. Certes, cette solution est basée sur une diminution du nombre de F-35, soit 72 en lieu et place des 100 avions prévus au départ. Mais cette solution semble limitée du point de vue tactique et laisse le choix aux futurs gouvernements de ce pays d’engager où non, un complément d’acquisition selon l’évolution de la situation. On sent la frilosité du moment ...


http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/

Citation :

« Talisman Sabre »







(Source MOD)

Citation :

Thales Delivers 1,000th Bushmaster PMV to Australia

15 Juni 2013

                                                            Bushmaster - protected mobility vehicle (photo : Dirk Bruin)


Bushmaster – 1,000 strong and still going 

The 1,000th Bushmaster vehicle to be produced at Thales Australia’s Bendigo facility will be delivered to the Australian Defence Force this Friday.

The Bushmaster is an Australian success story, delivering for the ADF, the local defence industry and Australia’s domestic manufacturing capability.

Most importantly, the Bushmaster has saved hundreds of Australian lives.

The milestone will be marked at an event at Thales’s Bendigo facility in Victoria, where the 1,000th Bushmaster will be officially handed over to the Department of Defence.

Chris Jenkins, Thales Australia’s CEO, said: “This is a very important day because the Bushmaster has become such a recognised life-saving vehicle thanks to its performance on overseas operations with the ADF and other customers. 

“To have produced 1,000 vehicles is a testament not only to the Bushmaster’s innovative design and technology, but also to the high quality of its manufacturing. This is due to the skills and expertise of the workforce we have in Bendigo, where 200 people are dedicated to ensuring the continued success and evolution of the Bushmaster platform.

“Australian industry has played a vital role in this achievement. There are around 120 companies in the Bushmaster supply chain, many of them local SMEs whose hard work, innovation and commitment to delivery have helped make the Bushmaster what it is today.” 

“Working together, Defence, Thales Australia and our industry partners have created a vital strategic capability, fully proven and ready to produce the next generation light protected vehicle, Hawkei, for the ADF and export markets.”

During the event Thales Australia will also formally launch its partnership with Soldier On and sponsorship of the 2013 Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge. 

Walking With The Wounded raises funds to train the wounded, injured and sick, assisting them to find a career outside the military. The Challenge involves three teams of wounded servicemen and women from the UK, US and the Commonwealth (Australia and Canada) racing to the Geographic South Pole in November and December. http://soldieron.org.au


http://defense-studies.blogspot.fr/2013/06/thales-delivers-1000th-bushmaster-pmv_6473.html

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SEA LION roars in far north Queensland

17 June 2013
by LEUT Gary McHugh

Exercise SEA LION 2013 got underway on June 10 as HMAS Choules slipped out to sea with a complement of more than 400 Army and Navy personnel onboard, and various pieces of equipment firmly secured on the vehicle deck.
EX SEA LION 13, which is the first major joint amphibious exercise for the year, is being conducted between Townsville and the Cowley Beach Training Area, and is part of the ADF’s enhanced amphibious capability development.
Commander of the Australian Amphibious Task Group Captain Ray Leggatt said the experience gained by personnel in Exercise SEA LION would prove invaluable in developing the skills necessary for the complex and demanding amphibious environment.


Troops from 2RAR onboard LCM8 return to HMAS Choules after conducting training exercises as part of Exercise Sea Lion. Image: ABIS Chantell Bianchi.

“This exercise will hone our amphibious procedures and systems as we head towards a comprehensive expeditionary capability which will be based around the 27,000 ton LHDs,” he said.
“To achieve this, it is important that Navy and Army can work well together to achieve any task that is given to an amphibious force; and this is were Exercise SEA LION 2013 comes in.”
The exercise also gave members of Navy’s 808 Squadron the chance to hone their skills behind the controls of the new MRH90 helicopter.


Leading Seaman Aircrew Roberto Waglers heads out to an MRH90 helicopter onboard HMAS Choules during Exercise Sea Lion 2013. Image: ABIS Chantell Bianchi.

The MRH90 is a multi use aircraft that replaced Navy’s Sea King helicopters, and is set to take the place of the Army’s Black Hawk helicopters.
Navy pilot LCDR Steve Brown said Navy will mainly use the MRH90 to conduct maritime support for ships, including boarding party support, medical evacuations and search and rescue operations.
“The MRH90 is a very versatile aircraft that allows the crew to carry out a number of tasks that may be assigned to them,” he said.
“This exercise gives members of 808 Squadron the chance to conduct individual and collective training with the MRH90 in a realistic environment.”
The dual service use of the MRH90 is another indication of how Navy and Army can work together in an amphibious environment.
Exercise SEA LION 2013, which forms Block Two of a three-block amphibious serial, runs until June 28 2013, and is followed by Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2013.

As well as HMAS Choules, HMA Ships Tarakan and Labuan are also participating in Exercise SEA LION 13.

http://www.navy.gov.au/news/sea-lion-roars-far-north-queensland

Citation :

Two subs out of action for six years   


TWO of navy's six Collins-class submarines will be out service for more than six years under the Gillard government's new maintenance regime.
HMAS Rankin and HMAS Collins have been out of action while undergoing maintenance in Adelaide, and will be returned to the Royal Australian Navy much later than the present three-year deadlines. The Rankin is the youngest submarine in the fleet yet it has been docked since 2008. It will not be released by shipbuilder ASC until the middle of next year at the earliest. The Collins is the fleet's oldest and has been at the ASC facility in Adelaide since last August. It will not be

www.theaustralian.com

Citation :

100 Days to go until World's Navies Arrive in Sydney for Fleet Review

24 June 2013

24 June marks 100 days to go until the Royal Australian Navy commemorates the arrival of its first fleet 100 years ago with a spectacular International Fleet Review in Sydney from 3 -11 October 2013.


Ships from more 20 nations comprising around 40 warships and 17 tall ships, plus 8000 naval personnel will help celebrate Navy’s historic event which is being staged in partnership with the NSW State Government and City of Sydney Council.
More than 20 nations have confirmed participation by either a warship or tall ship including: Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Colombia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Micronesia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Tonga, United Kingdom and the United States of America.
“Today is a significant day as it marks 100 days to the International Fleet Review Sydney 2013, an event which will not only celebrate Navy’s centenary in Sydney, but the largest commemorative event the Royal Australian Navy has ever undertaken,” says Captain Nick Bramwell, Director of the International Fleet Review.
The International Fleet Review will commence with the 17 tall ships entering Sydney Harbour on Thursday 3 October at 11am, followed by a combined fleet entry of over 25 warships on Friday 4 October from 6am to 6pm.
Saturday 5 October will mark the actual Ceremonial Fleet Review by Her Excellency the Governor General of Australia embarked in HMAS Leeuwin between 11.00am-2.30pm.
Military and historic aircraft will also feature prominently during the Review with more than 30 RAN and visiting navy helicopters and fixed wing aircraft taking part.
Saturday 5 October will conclude with a spectacular 30 minute International Fleet Review Pyrotechnics and Lightshow Spectacular commencing at 7.30pm.



http://www.navy.gov.au/news/100-days-go-until-worlds-navies-arrive-sydney-fleet-review

Citation :

HMAS Melbourne trains in readiness for Operation SLIPPER deployment

24 June 2013

Ships Company show the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal team some of the hard work involved with being at sea whilst conducting an Air Warfare Serial with the firing of the 5in Gun in the Eastern Australian Exercise Area during the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal Inspection onboard HMAS Melbourne.

For the past five weeks HMAS Melbourne has conducted Unit Readiness (UR) level collective training in the East Area Exercise Area including a number of evaluations supervised by Sea Training Group (STG).
Melbourne will commence mission specific training from Monday 24 June, in preparation for their OP SLIPPER deployment.
Gunnery, air warfare, damage control and force protection were some of the key areas of focus over the past two weeks with more than 30 personnel from STG embarked in Melbourne providing oversight.
Commander Sea Training – Major Fleet Units Captain Michael Harris said despite the challenging living and working conditions for Melbourne’s crew of 230 and the team from STG, there was a strong level of dedication and cooperation to meet the standards required.
“Melbourne’s ship’s company demonstrated a strong work ethic throughout the training to meet the standards we require of them to be assessed as unit and mission ready,” CAPT Harris said.
“Like many ships conducting workup, factors such as individual and collective experience at sea, planning expertise, percentage of crew change-out prior to a deployment and receptiveness to the STG advice all has a bearing on the success of workup.”
Collective training begins with Pre-Workup Training and the Mariner Skills Evaluation (MSE) . Following MSE, ships’ companies are deemed safe to proceed to sea to undertake trials and basic mariner evolutions. In order to sustain Navy’s preparedness across its full range of capabilities and missions, ships subsequently undertake Unit and/or Mission Readiness Workups.
Melbourne will have conducted three mission-specific workups within three years in the lead up to support operations in the MEAO later this year.


Ships Company show the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal team some of the hard work involved with being at sea by demonstrating a Damage Control exercise on HMAS Melbourne in the Eastern Australian Exercise Area during the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal Inspection onboard the Ship.

http://www.navy.gov.au/news/hmas-melbourne-trains-readiness-operation-slipper-deployment

Citation :

Australian warship to take part in Exercise Pacific Bond 2013

24 June 2013
by LEUT Grant McDuling

Naval personnel and units from Australia, Japan and the United States are enroute to participate in a tri-lateral maritime exercise, Pacific Bond 2013, that is due to take place from 22nd to 26th June, 2013.
The exercise will be conducted in the western Pacific Ocean, in the vicinity of the Marianas Island chain. Pacific Bond is designed to test each participating nation’s naval coordination, planning and capability at a tactical level.
The Royal Australian Navy’s guided missile frigate, HMAS Sydney, will be taking part in the exercise as part of it’s embedding with the US Navy’s 7th Fleet George Washington Carrier Strike Group.
According to HMAS Sydney’s Commanding Officer, Commander Karl Brinckmann, some of the aims of the exercise involve improving interoperability and mutual understanding between the Royal Australian Navy, the United States Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.
“This is particularly the case regarding anti-submarine warfare and surface surveillance operations,” CMDR Brinckmann said.
“Multi-lateral exercises such as Pacific Bond are crucial in enhancing the capability of participating maritime forces in support of our mutual desire to improve maritime security. Consistent multi-lateral training is central to developing Navy to Navy coordination and collaboration, which are critical in times of crisis.”
“Another focus of the exercise is to transfer sailors between the participating ships so they can see how each other operate at sea” he stated; “It is as much a cultural, as it is a professional exchange”.
HMAS Sydney’s embed is also greatly enhancing the Royal Australian Navy’s preparation for the incoming Hobart Class destroyers.





Royal Australian Navy guided-missile frigate HMAS Sydney (FFG 03) passes alongside the Arleigh Burke-Class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) following a maneuvering exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul Kelly/Released)




Royal Australian Navy LEUT Joshua Reilly coordinates with Cmdr. Kurt Sellerburg, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-Class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88), and Cmdr. Jeff Heames, executive officer of Preble during a maneuvering exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul Kelly/Released)





Royal Australian Navy LEUT Joshua Reilly coordinates with Cmdr. Kurt Sellerburg, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-Class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) during a maneuvering exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul Kelly/Released)

http://www.navy.gov.au/news/australian-warship-take-part-exercise-pacific-bond-2013

Citation :

Minister for Defence Materiel – Sale of decommissioned Ships Manoora and Kanimbla
24 June 2013

Minister for Defence Materiel Dr Mike Kelly AM MP today announced the disposal by sale of the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) decommissioned ships HMAS Manoora and HMAS Kanimbla.
Dr Kelly said the Navy vessels would be recycled by purchaser Southern Recycling LLC in the United States in a manner commensurate to the environmental standards the Commonwealth expected of such disposal activities by 2014.
“In June 2012, the Department of Defence released a Request for Tender offering the two former Australian naval vessels for sale for recycling to domestic and international markets,” Dr Kelly said.
The disposal of these vessels required US Government consent in accordance with US International Traffic in Arms Regulations, which has now been achieved.
Contract negotiations with the preferred purchaser were completed in early May 2013 and the disposal contract was signed on 20 May 2013. The contract details regarding cost are ‘Commercial in Confidence’. The ships were withdrawn from service in 2011.
“The disposal of Manoora and Kanimbla by sale has been completed in less than two years from the date the vessels were withdrawn from service, providing the best and most competitive net disposal cost to the Commonwealth,” Dr Kelly said.
The ships were formally decommissioned with ceremonies in 2012. Memorabilia from the ships has been transferred to the Naval Heritage Collection Headquarters and the main repository at Spectacle Island, which are both located in Sydney.
HMAS Tobruk and HMAS Choules now continue to provide Navy’s core amphibious capability together with Australian Defence Vessel Ocean Shield, until Australia’s First Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) HMAS Canberra is commissioned in 2014.
HMAS Choules recently completed a successful period of ‘Shakedown’ training in far north Queensland which included flying operations with a Royal Australian Navy Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH90) and is currently taking part in a joint Navy and Army amphibious exercise called Exercise SEA LION from 10–24 June 2013.

www.minister.defence.gov.

Citation :

25 Juni 2013

1000th Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Delivered to Defence

25 Juni 2013

G-Wagon under Land 121 project (all photos : ADF)

Minister for Defence Materiel Dr Mike Kelly AM MP today announced the delivery of the 1000th Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon under Project LAND 121 Phase 3A.

The new G-Wagons, along with Australian-made trailers, are being rolled out to Army and Royal Australian Air Force units as part of LAND 121 ‘Project Overlander’, a $7.5 billion program delivering more than 7500 protected and unprotected vehicles to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) over the next decade.

“The new G-Wagons will help prepare ADF personnel for operations and provide the flexibility to undertake a wide range of tasks in difficult off-road conditions, while ensuring that Australian soldiers are better prepared and equipped,” Dr Kelly said.

The new variants are used as tactical training vehicles and for a wide range of support tasks.

“G-Wagon variants include utility, ambulance, surveillance and reconnaissance, mobile command post variants, and even a canine variant to transport military working dogs and their handlers,” Dr Kelly said.

Dr Kelly congratulated Mercedes-Benz on the delivery of the first 1000 G-Wagons, adding that the G-Wagon represents a big step forward for the ADF’s tactical training capability.

“Today’s handover of the 1000th G-Wagon represents an important milestone at the Mercedes-Benz facility in Mulgrave, Victoria,” Dr Kelly said.

“At the Mulgrave facility, modules and tray bodies provided by G.H. Varley in Newcastle are integrated with the vehicles and pre-delivery work is undertaken.”

A total of 2146 G-Wagons are being rolled out to ADF units between July 2012 and June 2016.

http://defense-studies.blogspot.fr/2013/06/1000th-mercedes-benz-g-wagon-delivered.html

Citation :

Defense Security Cooperation Agency
NEWS RELEASE

MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes

http://www.dsca.mil/pressreleases/36-b/2013/Australia_13-37.pdf

http://www.dsca.mil

Citation :

New Romeo helicopter takes to the sky



THE first of Australia's new Romeo navy helicopters has successfully completed its first flight ahead of delivery later this year.

Defence Materiel Minister Mike Kelly said the aircraft passed a series of tests at the Sikorsky helicopter production facility in the United States.

Under a $3 billion deal, the navy will acquire 24 of the MH-60R (Romeo) versions of the Seahawk helicopter to replace older Seahawk helicopters and the cancelled Seasprites.

Dr Kelly said these would provide the navy with a significant capability to detect and attack submarine and surface vessels.

"The US Navy and its industry partners have worked hard to accelerate the Romeo acquisition program and this first flight occurred only two years after contract signature, some six months ahead of the original schedule approved by government in 2011," he said in a statement.


Dr Kelly said the first helicopter was being prepared for transfer to Lockheed Martin's facility in Owego, New York, where it will be fitted with mission systems and sensors.

Three other Australian Romeos are in various stages of assembly. The first two will be handed over to the navy in December.

Dr Kelly said the 24 aircraft would allow the Navy to have eight aboard the Anzac frigates and new Hobart-class air warfare destroyers with the rest based at HMAS Albatross in Nowra.

Commodore Vince Di Pietro, commander of the Fleet Air Arm, said this first flight was exciting news.

"The RAN will very shortly be flying the most capable anti-submarine and anti-surface helicopter in the world and it will be a quantum increase to our current helicopter force, both in numbers and capability," he said in a statement.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au

Citation :

03/07/2013

Le premier MH-60R australien a volé !



Le premier des 24 MH-60R " Romeo » destinés à la marine australienne a effectué avec succès son premier vol d'essai à l'usine de production de Sikorsky. Ce premier vol d’une durée de 80 minutes a permis de tester les performances de l’hélicoptère y compris l’analyse des vibrations moteur et les systèmes de  navigation.

Ce premier MH-60R va prochainement rejoindre les installations de Lockheed Martin près de New York, où il sera équipé de son système de mission. Trois autres hélicoptères MH-60R australiens sont actuellement à divers stades d'assemblage, les deux premiers devraient être remis à la Royal Australien Navy (RAN) en décembre 2013. Les premiers MH-60R vont débuter leur carrière au sein du Squadron 725 dont les équipages et le personnel au sol ont débuté la formation sur le nouvel hélicoptère au sein de la base Navale de Jacksonville en Floride.


Les 24 Sikorsky MH-60R « Romeo » vont remplacer les MH-60B « Seahawk » actuellement en service au sein de la RAN.



Le Sikorsky MH-60R :

La version MH60R et le dernier développement du SH60-SeaHawk destiné à la lutte anti-sous-marine et de bâtiments de surface. Il remplace et reprend l’ensemble des missions actuellement dévolues aux actuels SH60B et SH60F. Conçu par Sikorsky est doté d’une interface de Lockheed Martin, le MH-60R représente l’évolution des versions précédentes, grâce aux leçons apprises durant les différents déploiements et durant les nombreuses opérations de ces dernières années. Cette nouvelle version permet un engagement multi missions en utilisant un équipage de trois personnes.

Outre, l’attaque de navires et de sous-marins, le MH60R est susceptible de remplir l’ensemble des missions secondaires telles que : la recherche et le  sauvetage (SAR), le  ravitaillement vertical, le soutien aux incendies de surface, l’évacuation médicale (MEDEVAC)  ainsi que le relais des communications.


Lockheed Martin qui est responsable de l'intégration numérique de poste de pilotage de l'hélicoptère, du radar multi-mode, du sonar acoustique à longue portée et l’adjonction d’une caméra infrarouge. Le MH60R dispose également d’une architecture électronique permettant de protéger l’aéronef contre les menaces missiles.



Photos : 1 Le premier MH-60R australien 2 & 3 Equipage australien en formation @ Sikorsky

    http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2013/07/03/le-premier-mh-60r-australien-a-vole.html

Citation :

Fleet Air Arm to Wow Australia

This article has photo gallery Published on 09 July 2013 LEUT Lauren Rago (author), ABIS Alan Lancaster (photographer)


The International Fleet Review (IFR) livery applied to a AS-350BA Squirrel helicopter for its role during the IFR in October 2013.  

The Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Air Arm (FAA) will play a spectacular role in the International Fleet Review (IFR) from 3 – 11 October 2013 which includes a combined flypast above more than 40 ships for the salute on Sydney Harbour.

More than a dozen Navy helicopters and hundreds of members of the FAA will contribute to marking 100 years since the nation’s first RAN Fleet Entry in 1913.

The FAA will also showcase the way it supports today’s Fleet with the helicopters that have become integral to Navy operations.

Major aviation events within the IFR include a variety of aerial demonstrations and support activities. These are expected to include, helicopter flag flying, tactical mission demonstrations, photographic support, VIP transport and medical evacuation standby.

On Saturday 5 October, the IFR will include a streamed formation flypast and ceremonial salute for Her Excellency the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Hon Ms Quentin Bryce AC, CVO, at the exact same moment that warships on the harbour are making their salute. That evening, IFR will provide a spectacular event to light up Sydney Harbour with fireworks and maritime technology like never before.

Aviation planning for the IFR is being undertaken by a small team of Navy Reservists and Permanent Navy personnel, working within the Headquarters Fleet Air Arm and the IFR Coordination Cell in Sydney.

The team are collectively applying their skills and experience with display flying, operations planning and logistics management, to achieve safe, spectacular and properly coordinated air activities during IFR.

Commander Rick Allen is the IFR Manager within the Headquarters Fleet Air Arm. He is a Reserve Officer who has worked within the FAA since 1992 as a Maritime Aviation Warfare Officer, mostly flying Seahawk helicopters.

CMDR Allen remembers a similar spectacle during Navy’s 75th Anniversary celebrations in 1986.

“I was in my second last year of High School and was only 15 months from joining the Navy as a bright-eyed Midshipman. I remember the ’86 Fleet Review and harbour displays being a strong motivation towards joining the Navy and my personal enthusiasm for the Fleet Air Arm.”

“A special part of the events in October will be the wide variety of participants.”

“Spectators and aircraft enthusiasts are likely to see military helicopters and aeroplanes representing a number of our visiting Navy partners. In addition to the helicopters from each of our commissioned air squadrons, there will also be other Defence aircraft and some wonderful heritage aeroplanes that have a close connection to Navy.”

“It is important to highlight that it won’t just be aircrew who are involved in the IFR. As ever, it will be a cooperative team effort between maintainers, air crew, engineering support personnel and many others who will work to ensure that aviation aspects of IFR are safe, spectacular and well received by the general public. Most people in the community don’t get to see Navy’s ships and helicopters, let alone in the concentration being assembled for IFR,” said CMDR Allen.

“A lot of careful management is required for a complex event like this. Part of that effort will include a graduated build up to the activity through training and trial flying. Our crews don’t get to do things like flag flying or mounting helicopter formations that often, so detailed preparation is essential. Our plans for IFR include a practice and qualification opportunity for the visiting nations who may be participating in the flying schedule,” said CMDR Allen.

The Fleet Air Arm has not been involved in a public event of this scale in more than 25 years.

“It’s not something Navy does every day. We are used to working in small teams so it will be a challenge of scale. Of course, the IFR will pose a fantastic opportunity to showcase Navy and the FAA to the people of Sydney.”

“The FAA will be a strong player in the overall celebration of our nation’s Fleet. I think the highlight will be seeing it all come together, with Squadrons participating in the salute and also cooperating with partner nations in a remarkable and uniquely navy celebration.”

“It will be such a special opportunity for people who were not around in ’86 or ‘88 and who don’t normally get the chance to see our helicopter operations up close.”

“It’s an exciting time and an event that is unlikely to be repeated for many decades, which is part of the reason for the growing excitement within the FAA.”

“Everyone involved in IFR will remember October 2013 for the rest of their career and will take forward memories from a great celebration.”
 
http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Jul2013/Events/108/Fleet-Air-Arm-to-Wow-Australia.htm

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Staff from 'Fleeting Image' apply the International Fleet Review (IFR) livery to the second of four AS-350BA Squirrel helicopters in preparation for their role during the IFR in October 2013.


Staff from 'Fleeting Image' apply the International Fleet Review (IFR) livery to the second of four AS-350BA Squirrel helicopters in preparation for their role during the IFR in October 2013.


Staff from 'Fleeting Image' apply the International Fleet Review (IFR) livery to the second of four AS-350BA Squirrel helicopters in preparation for their role during the IFR in October 2013.


The International Fleet Review (IFR) livery applied to the first of four AS-350BA Squirrel helicopters in preparation for their role during the IFR in October 2013.


Three of the four AS-350BA Squirrel helicopters wearing their new International Fleet Review (IFR) livery in the hangar at 723 Squadron stand ready for their role during the IFR in October 2013.


Staff from 'Fleeting Image' apply the International Fleet Review (IFR) livery to the second of four AS-350BA Squirrel helicopters in preparation for their role during the IFR in October 2013.

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Navy commissions 808 Squadron and new helicopter

A new helicopter to be used by both the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army has been inducted into the Australian Defence Force Fleet during a commissioning ceremony at HMAS Albatross, near Nowra, NSW.

The ceremony also marked the formal induction of 808 Squadron to operate the new MRH 90 Taipan Multi-Role Helicopter.

This commissioning ceremony is the culmination of three years of training, testing, development and trials to bring this new generation, high-tech aircraft into service. Further trials will be conducted with the aircraft after commissioning.

Commander of the Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Tim Barrett said the Navy would use the aircraft for the maritime support role previously carried out by the now retired Sea King helicopter, while the Army would use it to replace its Blackhawk helicopters as a battlefield and special operations support helicopter.

“The commissioning of 808 Squadron is a significant milestone for the Navy as we formally welcome into service a new generation, maritime support helicopter that not only replaces the retired Sea Kings, but delivers new capabilities and a capacity to meet emerging requirements in the future,” Rear Admiral Barrett said.

808 Squadron was previously commissioned into the RAN during the 1950s when it operated fighter aircraft from the Navy’s aircraft carriers HMA Ships Sydney and Melbourne.

The re-commissioned 808 Squadron not only inherits its predecessor’s crest, battle honours and motto Strength in Unity, but also its legacy of operational excellence, courage under fire and of breaking new ground in naval aviation.

“This is a significant day for the men and women of 808 Squadron, who have all worked hard over a long period preparing ourselves, our unit and our aircraft to join the Fleet,” Rear Admiral Barrett said.

“Bringing a technologically advanced, new generation aircraft into service is no simple task, but 808 Squadron personnel have worked tirelessly together, and with the Defence Materiel Organisation project office and the Army to reach this milestone.

“There are several nations around the world introducing variants of the MRH 90 Helicopter but 808 Squadron is leading the world in the level of capability being achieved with this new aircraft, particularly in its operations at sea,” Rear Admiral Barrett said.

808 Squadron will be based at the Naval Air Station, HMAS Albatrossand its aircraft will operate from the Navy’s amphibious and afloat support ships such as HMA Ships Success, Tobruk and Choules.

In the future, these aircraft will also operate from the Navy’s new 27,000-tonne Landing Helicopter Dock amphibious ships Canberra and Adelaide.

http://www.defence.go/

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Australian army starts biennal military training exercise Talisman Saber 2013


Exercise Talisman Saber 2013 has commenced, with more than 28,000 soldiers, sailors, air men and women taking to the sea, land and sky in northern Australia. Talisman Saber is a biennial training activity jointly sponsored by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Joint Operations Command and the US Pacific Command to train the United States 7th Fleet and Australian Deployable Joint Headquarters staffs as a designated Combined Task Force. Tuesday, July 16, 2013 09:24 AM


http://www.armyrecognition.com/july_2013_news_defence_security_industry_military/index.php

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Calytrix to continue support for Australia's JCTC Centre
17 July 2013

Calytrix Technologies has secured a series of contracts to supply support services for the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) Joint Combined Training Capability (JCTC) Centre in Canberra, Australia.

As part of the contracts, the company will support the centre's transition from a technical simulation facility to a joint collective training centre, capable of training major command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) elements.

Initially intended to enhance ADF's force preparation, JCTC now also seeks to assist the certification and assessment of Joint Task Force (JTF) headquarters, including Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) and the Deployable Joint Force Headquarters (DJFHQ).

Calytrix CEO Shawn Parr said the company will provide an increased range of support to the JCTC in functional areas that enhance its existing delivery of core simulation, network and information systems services.

Having helped JCTC over a long period, the company is now looking forward to collaboration through its next period of growth.

"Calytrix is rightly proud of our achievements working with the JCTC," Parr said.Calytrix has served as the prime contractor for the development and delivery of systems support services (SSS) to the JCTC since its inception in 2006.

The company has also provided manager systems for the operation, support and maintenance of JCTC simulation systems, exercise support services team for assistance in planning, execution and evaluation of training exercises, as well as governance team for management of JCTC finance, contract, facilities and logistics management services.

A joint initiative between the governments of Australia and the US, JCTC combines live, virtual and constructive technologies to deliver enhanced high-end bilateral training, such as supporting mission rehearsal exercises (MREs) and major joint and combined exercises.

The company has not disclosed the contract value and performance period.


http://www.army-technology.com/news/newscalytrix-continues-support-australias-jctc

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Boeing Maritime Jet Gains Favor in Australia, Paring Drone Need

Australia plans to buy more Boeing Co. (BA:US) P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol jets than initially projected to replace planes dating from the 1970s, reducing its requirement for drones built by Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC:US)

Funding for the purchase will be sought next year, with talks under way about the exact mix of P-8s and MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft, the head of the Royal Australian Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, said in an interview in London.

Australia currently uses 18 Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT:US) AP-3C Orions upgraded a decade ago to hunt submarines, monitor ship traffic and aid in rescue missions, with some planes also deployed in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. While it had planned to acquire eight aircraft and seven drones, the number of P-8s could now reach into double figures, Brown said.

“We are making an argument that a larger number of P-8s would be better,” he said. “I am not looking for more dollars, I am just looking at where we spend the money.”

While the P-8 -- a Boeing 737 airliner modified to carry gear that can detect submerged submarines, drop torpedoes and fire weapons -- is more capable than the AP-3C, wider global demands mean a substantial fleet is required, Brown said.

The shift in thinking toward P-8s, currently operated by the U.S. Navy and Indian air force, doesn’t mean drones such as the Triton, a version of the U.S. Air Force’s Global Hawk that’s also used by the U.S. Navy -- are out of favor, he said.

“I’m still a great supporter of unmanned air systems,” Brown said, adding that the Triton, while lacking weapons, would be able to monitor far greater areas than an aircraft.
JSF ‘Confidence’

Brown said he also expects the RAAF to examine requirements for smaller drones once operations in Afghanistan cease, to be purchased outright or under a fee-for-service arrangement.

Australia deploys Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. Heron unmanned aircraft in that role and may replace them with larger Heron-TPs, also built by the Tel Aviv company, or Reaper drones from San Diego-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.

Among other impending orders is one for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, of which Australia has bought 14 of 72 it plans to take with the aim of reaching operational status by 2020, two years before Boeing Co. F/A-18 Hornets are retired.

The country has acquired 24 newer F/A-18E/F Super Hornets as a gap filler, while planning to add 12 EA-18G Growlers -- a version of the same aircraft used for electronic warfare.

Additional Super Hornet purchases are unlikely given “increasing confidence” in the F-35 schedule, Brown said.

The initial JSFs will establish three combat squadrons and a training unit, and Australia retains a long-term objective of fielding 100 of the planes, with an order decision likely after 2020 when the Super Hornets will need retiring or upgrading.

Brown said that while he’s a backer of the F-35, he’s frustrated by delays in arming the plane with an anti-ship weapon, regarded as central to Australian requirements.

“A maritime strike missile is an important weapon for us,” he said. “If there was any part of the program I have been disappointed with it has been the slowness to address the maritime strike weapon.”

http://www.businessweek.com

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  Exercice Talisman Saber 2013 commence  



Exercice Talisman Saber 2013 a commencé, avec plus de 28 000 soldats, marins, hommes de l'air et les femmes qui prennent à la mer, la terre et le ciel dans le nord de l'Australie.


Talisman Saber est une activité de formation tous les deux ans, parrainée conjointement par le commandement des opérations conjointes de Force de défense australienne (ADF) et le commandement du Pacifique nous former aux États-Unis 7ème flotte et australien interarmées déployable personnels comme un désigné Combined Task Force.

Australian Talisman Saber 2013 porte-parole Brigadier Bob Brown, l'activité de formation verrait les États-Unis et l'Australie à mobiliser leurs forces pour réagir à un scénario fictif.

« Le scénario sera une mission d'imposition de paix, qui énonce les conditions de la task force de remettre à une force de maintien de la paix des Nations Unies, » a déclaré le Brigadier Brown.

"Les forces opéreront dans les domaines de la formation militaire dans le centre et le sud-est du Queensland, territoire du Nord et la mer de corail, d'Arafura et de Timor. Zone d'entraînement de Shoalwater Bay serviront principalement, avec une grande aire de repos à Rockhampton Base de défense.

"Cette année Talisman Saber voit plus pratique et la progression de la capacité amphibie émergente de la défense. L'exercice sera le troisième bloc de la formation du 2e Bataillon, prêt élément Landing Force de Royal Australian Regiment amphibie.

"Talisman Saber est une occasion unique et inestimable d'exercer la capacité de défense combinée et conjointe entre l'Australie et les États-Unis.

"Comme avec les précédents exercices de Talisman Saber, cette activité est une entreprise majeure qui reflète l'alliance australienne et nous et la force de la relation aux militaires,", a affirmé m. Brown Brigade.

Environ 21 000 américains et 7000 membres de la Force de défense australienne participeront à l'exercice. Autres agences du gouvernement australien seront également impliqués notamment le ministère des affaires étrangères et commerce, AusAID, Australian Federal Police et Centre civilo-militaire australien.

L'ADF a mené une évaluation de l'impact environnemental sur la région de Shoalwater Bay et des mesures fortes ont été mis en place pour les participants de respecter et de protéger le milieu marin dans lequel ils seront en opération.

Talisman Saber 2013 jusqu'au 6 août 2013.

http://www.microsofttranslator.com/BV.aspx?ref=IE8Activity&a=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.army.gov.au%2FOur-work%2FNews-and-media%2FExercise-Talisman-Saber-2013-begins  

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Copyright String  Commonwealth of Australia  

US and Australian militaries launch new logistics tracking system
22 July 2013


https://far-maroc.forumpro.fr/t2019p555-us-army#301364

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Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles contract to supply logistic vehicles to Australian Army

The Australian Defence Force has contracted with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RMMV) of Germany, a joint venture company of Rheinmetall AG and MAN Truck & Bus AG, to supply it with an extensive fleet of advanced logistical vehicles.


Tuesday, July 23, 2013 11:55 AM



http://www.armyrecognition.com/july_2013_news_defence_security_industry_military/index.php

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RAN RMI 2 programme delivers Bell 429 upgrade



The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Bell 429 helicopter has been upgraded to allow operations at an internal gross weight of 7,500lbs as part of the Retention and Motivation Initiative 2 programme (RMI 2).

The capability upgrade was delivered by Raytheon Australia in cooperation with the RAN under a $26 million four-year contract.

The 500lb increase in internal gross weight will allow the Bell 429 to fly further and for longer while carrying more people, and each aircraft can now execute substantially more tasks in a single mission.

During conversion training, the endurance level for a sortie with a crew of four has increased by 35 per cent. Operationally, the radius of action has grown by 100 per cent for some missions and the payload has increased by two people. This means that for missions where the platform could previously take four crew members, it can now carry six and still fly for 20 minutes longer.

In addition to increasing mission duration, the platform’s avionics equipment has also been enhanced with the addition of a Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System. This makes the Bell 429 helicopter even safer and more flexible as it delivers a lower mission risk profile during flights in challenging conditions.

Commodore Vincenzo Di Pietro, CSC, RAN Commander Fleet Arm, said: ‘The RMI programme provided through Raytheon Australia is a key enabler in ensuring the skills and competencies of junior aircrew are sustained whilst awaiting operational flying training.’

Michael Ward, managing director, Raytheon Australia, added: ‘As a trusted partner to the RAN, Raytheon Australia is proud to deliver this capability upgrade to enhance the RMI2 mission. Importantly, in addition to delivering greater endurance and more lift for the Bell 429 helicopter, this advancement will also reduce per mission costs.’

The Bell 429 helicopters were introduced into service ahead of schedule in April 2012, under the RAN’s RMI 2 programme which enables junior qualified aircrew to consolidate and enhance their skills whilst awaiting operational flying training.

‘Together with our partner Bell Helicopter, we look forward to continuing to deliver on our commitments for the programme while exploring additional innovative capability upgrade opportunities for the platform over its lifecycle,’ Ward added.

http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/rotorhub/ran-rmi-2-programme-delivers-bell-429-upgrade/