Armée Australienne/Australian Defence Force (ADF)

Citation :

Australia Launches New Pacific Patrol Boat Program to Strengthen Security in Pacific Region


A new $2 billion Pacific Patrol Boat (PPB) Program unveiled today by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Defence Minister David Johnston aims to significantly strengthen security in our region. “The Pacific Patrol Boat Program is an important pillar of the Australian Government’s commitment to working with our regional partners to enable cohesive security cooperation on maritime surveillance, including in fisheries protection and transnational crime,” Minister Bishop said.
   


A new $2 billion Pacific Patrol Boat (PPB) Program unveiled today by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Defence Minister David Johnston aims to significantly strengthen security in our region. “The Pacific Patrol Boat Program is an important pillar of the Australian Government’s commitment to working with our regional partners to enable cohesive security cooperation on maritime surveillance, including in fisheries protection and transnational crime,” Minister Bishop said.
HMPNGS Dreger entering Sydney Harbour in October 2013. The Pacific class is a class of 22 patrol boats built by Australia and donated to twelve South Pacific countries. Constructed from 1985 to 1997 and operated by militaries, coast guards or police forces of the twelve island nations, these boats are supported by the Pacific Patrol Boat Program. They are used primarily for maritime surveillance and fisheries protection. Picture: Saberwyn
   
“Defence will replace the current fleet of patrol boats for all current PPB members with the addition of a new member, Timor-Leste (East Timor), which has been invited to join the program, evidence of Australia’s growing defence cooperation program with that country,” said Senator Johnston.

“The current fleet of 22 patrol boats gifted to 12 Pacific Island countries from 1987 to 1997 are now approaching their end of service life.

“This new program will involve the construction of more than 20 steel, all-purpose patrol vessels that will considerably enhance the maritime security of our Pacific and regional partners,” he said, adding: “Australia has a fundamental strategic interest in the security and stability of Pacific island nations.”

Senator Johnston said the rugged Australian-made patrol boats are worth $594 million with through life sustainment and personnel costs estimated at $1.38 billion over 30 years.

In the coming months discussions will be held with PPB states on the individual allocation of patrol vessels.

Replacement patrol boats will be offered to all current participating states including Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Samoa, Vanuatu, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Republic of Marshall Islands, Cook Islands and new member Timor-Leste.

Under the program, Defence will undertake an open tender for the procurement which includes an option for ongoing sustainment and crew training.

http://www.navyrecognition.com

Citation :

Australia's first EA-18G enters production


The Royal Australian Air Force's first Boeing EA-18G Growler has entered production at Northrop Grumman’s El Segundo plant in California.

As with every "classic" Boeing F/A-18 Hornet and E/F-model Super Hornet before it, Northrop will build the centre and rear fuselage of the Growler before shipping it to Boeing for final assembly and flight testing in St Louis, Missouri.

Australia's lead aircraft, which will be numbered A46-301, is the first of 12 EA-18Gs on order for the nation's air force. It is expected to roll out in mid-2015, before conducting a 12-month flight test campaign with the US Navy in order to meet Australian airworthiness requirements.

The production milestone comes after the first Australian Growler crews started training on the type earlier this year with the US Navy’s VAQ-129 unit at NAS Whidbey Island near Seattle, Washington. Six crews will have been trained at the location by 2016.

A first tranche of five or six Growlers is expected to be ferried to Amberley air base near Brisbane, Queensland in early 2017, and will be followed about six months later by the balance of the fleet.



Commonwealth of Australia

The aircraft will be operated by 6 Sqn – the former General Dynamics F-111C and F/A-18F operational conversion unit. In order to accommodate the Growlers, the unit will relinquish its training role and Super Hornets to the air force's 1 Sqn. Further Australian Super Hornet conversion training will be undertaken with US Navy training units at NAS Oceana, Virginia from 2015.

Australia is scheduled to declare initial operational capability with the EA-18G in mid-2018, with full operational status slated for the early 2020s.

http://www.flightglobal.com

Citation :

La Royal Australian Navy en formation sur MRH-90!  



La Royal Australian Navy (RAN) a débuté la formation de ses équipages d’hélicoptère MRH-90 en vue de l’utilisation sur navire amphibie (LHD). Ce début de formation en vue d’une utilisation du nouvel hélicoptère depuis des bâtiments de surface s’effectue depuis un simulateur de pont d’envol.

La formation se déroule donc depuis un pont mannequin installé à l'aéroport de Nowra en Nouvelle-Galles du Sud qui simule une plate-forme d'atterrissage sur navire. Cette plate-forme de simulation permet d'exercer les procédures de communication entre le contrôle de la circulation aérienne, commande de vol, l'équipe du poste de pilotage et les opérateurs de l'appareil dans un premier temps, puis les équipages travailleront aux

procédures de lancement et de récupération sur de la plate-forme avec leurs collègues marins.  Le système permet également d’exercer les opérations de ravitaillement vertical d’un navire où une charge d’un bâtiment à un autre. Les exercices de simulation ouvrent la voie à la formation à bord du navire réel.  

Rappel :

L’Australie a commandé dans le cadre du remplacement de ses hélicoptères Sikorsky Black Hawk et Sea King un total de 46 hélicoptères de type MRH-90. L’ensemble des aéronefs doivent être livrés d’ici 2015.


Photos : MRH-90 de la RAN @ RAN

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2014/06/25/la-royal-australian-navy-en-formation-sur-mrh-90-856425.html

Citation :

Raytheon ESSM Missile Upgrade Will Boost Royal Australian Navy Vessels Protection

Royal Australian Navy warships will be better protected against the threat of anti-ship missiles following a decision that opens the way to equip the ships with an upgraded version of the Evolved Seasparrow missile system, the Minister for Defence, Senator David Johnston, announced today.



Australia has elected to continue its participation in the NATO Seasparrow Consortium Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM) program that commenced in 1990.

Senator Johnston said the First Pass Approval for the upgraded ‘Block 2’ version of the Evolved Seasparrow missile would lead to a significant boost in Australia’s ability to defend its fleet against the next generation of anti-ship missile threats by delivering a more sophisticated ship self-defence missile to the Navy. The Block 2 upgrade will primarily focus on developing improvements to the missile’s guidance system.

“The Government is committed to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of Royal Australian Navy operations. The upgrade of the Evolved Seasparrow missile system follows on from a number of complementary Anzac class frigate upgrade projects,” the Defence minister said.

Senator Johnston said the Block 2 missiles would be fitted to ANZAC Class Frigates and Hobart Class Destroyers.

The Government will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the NATO Seasparrow Consortium and funding of around $300 million has been allocated to support Australia’s participation in the development of the missile upgrade.

Participation in the consortium at this level strengthens Australia’s international relations with NATO, in particular with the United States, through Australia sharing the risks and costs associated with developing the upgraded Block 2 missile.

“These arrangements will also offer significant opportunities for Australian industry to compete for work in the development, production, integration and through-life support of the upgraded Block 2 missiles,” Senator Johnston said .

“The Government expects to make a final decision on procurement of upgraded ESSMs around 2020. The Government is keen to ensure that every ESSM Block 2 missile that is eventually produced will provide work for Australian industry,” Senator Johnston said.

The countries that form the NATO Seasparrow Consortium are: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and the United States

http://www.navyrecognition.com

Citation :

Les problèmes d’entretien des sous-marins australiens sont réglés

Par Rédacteur en chef.
Publié le 4 juillet 2014, dernière mise à jour le 4 juillet 2014.

Les problèmes qu’a connu le programme de maintenance des sous-marins australiens de la classe Collins, ont été corrigés, indique le ministre de la défense,David Johnston.

A la suite de la revue effectuée par M. Coles, revue qui avait permis d’identifier les problèmes, la compagnie ASC (chargée de l’entretien des sous-marins) « a effectué un travail exceptionnel pour retrouver les niveaux de productivité, » a expliqué le ministre.

« John Coles m’a dit que la transformation qu’il avait observé au cours des 2 ans et demi passés, avait été remarquable, » a déclaré le ministre Johnston.

« Je veux dire que c’est grâce au président d’ASC, Steve Ludlam, et à son équipe. Nous avons retrouvé une situation normale avec les sous-marins. S’il n’y avait pas eu l’incendie à bord du HMAS Waller, nous aurions 3 sous-marins opérationnels, prêts à accomplir les missions dont nous les chargerions. C’est une très grosse amélioration pour nous. Donc les nouvelles à ce sujet sont en fait très bonnes. »

En février dernier, un incendie s’est déclaré à bord du HMAS Waller alors qu’il naviguait en surface. Il n’y a eu aucun blessé.

Au début de l’année, le ministre avait reconnu que, entre octobre 2009 et février 2010, aucun des 6 sous-marins australiens n’était disponible.

L’expert britannique John Coles a été chargé en 2011 d’examiner tout le processus de maintenance et il a rendu son rapport en novembre 2012.

Référence :
Adelaide Advertiser (Australie)

http://www.corlobe.tk/spip.php?article35422

Citation :

Thales Australia wins RAN Adelaide Class Frigate Maintenance Contract


Australia Minister for Defence David Johnston announced July 6th that Thales Australia Ltd has been awarded the Navy’s Adelaide Class guided missile frigate’s (FFG) Group Maintenance Contract.

Australia Minister for Defence David Johnston announced July 6th that Thales Australia Ltd has been awarded the Navy’s Adelaide Class guided missile frigate’s (FFG) Group Maintenance Contract.
Royal Australian Navy Adelaide class guided-missile frigate HMAS DARWIN

Senator Johnston said the contract will be for an initial period of four and half years with the potential for contract extensions to an anticipated value of $130 million.

“If contracted quality and service level requirements are met and efficiencies are achieved, the contract can be extended to the ship’s withdrawal from service dates,” Senator Johnston said.



Senator Johnston said this was the second of the grouped-asset, long-term, performance-based contracts for the repair and maintenance of the Navy’s major surface ships.

Planned work on the frigates will be undertaken at Navy’s Garden Island facility in Sydney.

“It demonstrates the Government’s commitment, through the Defence Materiel Organisation to apply innovative contracting practices to get the best outcome for the Navy, for industry and for every Australian taxpayer.”

“We have always recognised that the grouping of ship repair and maintenance work offers the potential for real savings by reducing the administrative burden of per-event tender contracting, providing greater certainty of revenue streams and work effort, and promoting better planning.”

Senator Johnston said the design of the contract will provide both industry and Navy with greater certainty and stability in the repair and maintenance of the guided missile frigates.

http://www.navyrecognition.com

Citation :

Royal Australian Navy MH-60R 'Romeo' helicopter crew sharpens warfare skills in Florida


Aircrew from Royal Australian Navy NUSQN 725 continue to build warfare skills in the MH-60R 'Romeo' helicopter, taking full advantage of their US based operations and deploying to the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Centre (AUTEC) in order to complete weapon firings and complex warfare training events.



Four Royal Australian Navy crews completed the intensive Helicopter Advanced Readiness Program (HARP) alongside their US Navy counterparts as part of the qualification process, whilst the maintenance teams finalised their training in weapons loading prior to deploying to AUTEC.

Speaking about the deployment, Commanding Officer of NUSQN 725, Commander David Frost, said the activity is the culmination of a lot of hard work by members of the Defence Material Organisation Phase 8 Project Team and the Royal Australian Navy's Fleet Air Arm.

“Although the main objective is to build warfare skills, it also signals a new era for the Fleet Air Arm, demonstrating the capability of this potent maritime combat helicopter.”
The HARP program covers all areas of MH-60R tactical flying, including advanced ground school training addressing aircraft employment, sensor utilisation, crew served weapons, surface and subsurface weapon employment and applied tactics.

It also includes intensive simulator events in the areas of Anti Submarine Warfare and Anti Surface Warfare.

Sensor Operator Leading Seaman Tom Clunie found the training invaluable, and a great way to round off his Operational Flying Training at HSM 40.

“The HARP training program has rapidly expanded my knowledge and capability within the MH-60R,” Leading Seaman Clunie said.

The training was provided by staff of the US Navy Weapons School located at Naval Station Mayport, and was effectively an applied Mission Readiness Evaluation for aviation assets.

HARP training is a pre-requisite for all US Navy crews prior to commencing a deployment, assuring the requisite level of capability in the specialised areas of warfare the MH-60R aircrew will be expected to operate in.

http://www.navyrecognition.com

Citation :

Australia To Build F-35 Air Combat Facilities For $1.5 Billion

Source : Our Bureau ~ Dated : Thursday, July 24, 2014 @ 09:42 AM
Views : 109 A- A A+

Australia is to take delivery of its first F-35 fighter jet on Thursday from Lockheed Martin. It plans to buy another 72.

Australia is building a $1.47 billion New Air Combat Capability Facility and has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defense Darren Chester announced on Australian Defense Forces Website.

Mr Chester said the facilities project will provide new and upgraded facility and infrastructure at William town and Tindal and supported the acquisition of 72 new F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.

“The project will provide 3 Squadron, 2 Operational Conversion Unit and 77 Squadron at RAAF Base William town, and 75 Squadron at RAAF Base Tindal with the facilities they need to train, operate and maintain the F35-A aircraft.

http://www.defenseworld.net

Citation :

Ajoutée le 30 juil. 2014

The Royal Australian Navy’s newest maritime combat helicopter, the MH-60R Seahawk ‘Romeo’, has successfully fired its first
‘Hellfire’ missile in the United States. The AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missile was fired by Navy’s 725 Squadron from aircraft
currently deployed to the United States Navy’s Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Centre off the Florida coast.

 

Citation :

Supacat wins Australian special forces vehicle contract

James Hardy, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

20 August 2014


The new vehicles to enter Australian service are based on the same Extenda platform that has been in service with the country since 2009. Source: Supacat  

Australia has awarded UK-based Supacat Group an AUD105 million (USD98 million) contract for 89 special operations vehicles based on the latest version of the Extenda high-mobility transport (HMT), the company said on 19 August.

The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) awarded the contract for what it calls the Special Operations Vehicles - Commando (SOV-Cdo) after the April 2012 selection of Supacat as preferred bidder for its Joint Project 2097 Phase 1B (REDFIN) programme.

Since then Supacat successfully completed the programme's prototype development and evaluation phase, the DMO said.

The Extenda HMT is similar to 31 HMT Special Operations Vehicles delivered to Australia in 2009 for use by its special forces. Joint Project 2097 Phase 1B (REDFIN) seeks to replace ageing modified Land Rovers with the SOVs-Cdo.

The vehicles include crew ballistic and mine-blast protection along with an integrated logistic support package that covers operating, engineering, maintenance, supply, and training support. Elbit Systems of Australia is providing the vehicle's command-and-control systems.

The Supacat statement described the HMT Extenda as being "unique in being convertible to either a 4x4 or 6x6 configuration to meet different operational requirements … The SOV-Cdo will be delivered in four reconfigurable roles, emphasising the flexibility of the HMT platform".

The Extenda HMT will be built in Australia through Supacat Team Australia, which opened in Melbourne in January 2012. "It is the launch pad for Supacat Pty in the Australian defence market," said Mick Halloran, managing director of Supacat Pty Ltd.

http://www.janes.com/article/42111/supacat-wins-australian-special-forces-vehicle-contract

Citation :

L'Australie prépare son adhésion officielle à l'Otan

Reuters 02/09/2014

L'Australie va officiellement demander son entrée au sein de l'Otan au moment où le pays assume un rôle de plus en plus important dans différentes crises, en Irak, en Syrie ou en Ukraine, a indiqué sa ministre des Affaires étrangères.

Le Premier ministre australien, Tony Abbott, doit accueillir le prochain sommet du G20 en novembre et a exprimé dans de récents discours une approche plus volontariste dans le domaine de la politique étrangère. Bien que ne faisant pas partie de l'Alliance atlantique, l'Australie est intervenue auprès des alliés en Irak et en Afghanistan, rappelle la ministre des Affaires étrangères, Julie Bishop. "Demain (mercredi), le ministre de la Défense et moi-même allons nous rendre au Pays de Galles pour participer au sommet de l'Otan et je peux confirmer que l'Australie va accepter l'invitation officielle à devenir ce que l'on appelle un partenaire" du plan d'action pour l'adhésion.

Ce programme est destiné à offrir aux Etats non membres un accès au programme des opérations militaires et une présence au sein des organes de direction de l'Otan. L'Australie a annoncé lundi une nouvelle série de sanctions contre la Russie accusée par Tony Abbott de "tyranniser" l'Ukraine.

http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/883964/laustralie-prepare-son-adhesion-officielle-a-lotan.html

Citation :

L’Australie pourrait finalement acheter des sous-marins japonais

Par Rédacteur en chef.
Publié le 2 septembre 2014, dernière mise à jour le 2 septembre 2014.


Le Japon et l’Australie envisagent de conclure un accord prévoyant la vente par Tokyo de sous-marins classiques à la marine australienne. Cet accord pourrait provoquer la colère de la Chine.

Un accord est encore loin d’être conclu, mais cette vente sans précédent de matériels militaires par le Japon à un pays étranger — des sous-marins dérivés de la classe Soryu — semble actuellement l’option la plus probable.

Cet accord serait la concrétisation de la politique du Premier Ministre japonais Shinzo Abe, pour une politique de défense plus active après des décennies de pacifisme. La Chine accuse régulièrement M. Abe de vouloir faire revivre l’époque du militarisme japonais.

De son côté, cet accord soulèvera aussi probablement la colère en Australie : un précédent gouvernement avait promis de construire en Australie 12 sous-marins classiques et de ne pas les acheter à l’étranger. Pour un spécialiste, l’achat de sous-marins “sur étagère” à l’étranger est pourtant « la meilleure option ».

Référence :
Straits Times (Singapour)

http://www.corlobe.tk/spip.php?article35842

Citation :

Royal Australian Air Force

Hawk in simulated missile attack

A Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF) HAWK 127 jet aircraft simulates a missile attack on HMAS Sydney during an air warfare exercise with the
participating warships of Exercise KAKADU 2014.

Over 1,200 people, eight warships and 26 aircraft from throughout the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions are in Australia 25 August - 12
September for the Royal Australian Navy's largest maritime warfare exercise, KAKADU 2014.

Citation :

AustralianArmy a partagé le statut de Marine Rotational Force Darwin.

The 8th/12th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, provided fire support for MRF-D during Exercise Koolendong!

PHOTOS:

 

Citation :

New Japanese submarines to cost Abbott Government $20 billion

http://www.news.com.au/national/new-japanese-submarines-to-cost-abbott-government-20-billion/story-fncynjr2-1227050682205

Citation :

The ALHD Canberra will be delivered to the Australian Navy on 25 September

http://www.infodefensa.com/es/2014/09/09/noticia-canberra-entregado-marina-australiana-proximo-septiembre.html?aleat=9060#googtrans(es|en)

Citation :

Saab Makes Late Pitch For Australian Sub Project

http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140913/DEFREG01/309130023/Saab-Makes-Late-Pitch-Australian-Sub-Project

Citation :

Air Force aircraft and personnel depart for the Middle East



The main contingent of Royal Australian Air Force personnel and aircraft has departed for the Middle East today from RAAF Bases Amberley and Williamtown.

The aircraft included F/A-18F Super Hornets, a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport and an E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft.

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, AO, said he was proud of the preparation work conducted by all Air Force personnel in the lead-up to the deployment.

“Today marked the departure of the main Air Force contingent deploying to the Middle East,” said Air Marshal Brown.

“The large amount of preparation conducted to deploy such a potent and capable force in a relatively short time is testament to the professionalism and skill of our Air Force.”

Following the Government’s decision to prepare to contribute to international led efforts to disrupt and degrade ISIL, the Australian Defence Force is deploying approximately 600 ADF personnel to the Middle East where they will prepare to respond to future Government decisions regarding Iraq.

http://news.defence.gov.au

Citation :

Australia hands Thales LRIP contract for F90 rifle

Julian Kerr, Sydney - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly  

Thales Australia has received a low rate initial production (LRIP) contract from the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) for the company's
F90 5.56 mm assault rifle, developed to replace the Australian Defence Force's (ADF's) in-service F88 series.


The F90 includes an integrated SL40 Steyr Mannlicher sideloading 40 mm grenade launcher. (Thales)  

No details were given by Thales of the contract's value or schedule, but the company is understood to be hoping for a contract for "an appropriate volume" of
F90s after second pass approval, which is anticipated in June 2015.

The initial contract is seen as a risk-reduction measure to prepare the way for full-volume production.

The F90, an evolution of the F88 developed under Project Land 125 Phase 3C, includes an integrated SL40 Steyr Mannlicher sideloading 40 mm grenade launcher.

http://www.janes.com/article/43648/australia-hands-thales-lrip-contract-for-f90-rifle

l'Australie envoie du lourd aux EAU....
http://lemamouth.blogspot.fr/2014/09/les-australiens-mettent-le-paquet.html

Citation :

First flight of RAAF F-35A



The first of Australia’s much anticipated Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) F-35A Lightening II Joint Strike Fighters (JSF) successfully took flight from Fort Worth, Texas on Monday 29 September. It was a maiden flight for the Australian F-35A, lasting approximately two hours.

JSF Division Acting Program Manager for Australia, Air Commodore Cath Roberts, said that the first flight for the initial RAAF F-35A was a direct reflection on the great work of the entire JSF team.

“Seeing this aircraft fly today, combined with the fact that we will deliver our first two aircraft to Luke Air Force Base early next year, demonstrates the commitment and combined efforts of the Royal Australian Air Force, Defence Materiel Organisation, United States Air Force and the F-35 Joint Program Office team,” Air Commodore Roberts said.

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, AO, said that the occasion of the first flight is an important symbolic step towards Australia’s new air combat capability.

“The F-35A will provide the RAAF with a transformational 5thcapability and significant benefits for the Australian aerospace industry,” Air Marshal Brown said.

“Australian industry has already won contracts worth more than US$412 million as a partner in the JSF program.”

The first two of 72 F-35A Lightening II JSF aircraft for Australia were rolled out of the Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Fort Worth, Texas on 24 July 2014. The F-35As will replace the RAAF’s current fleet of ageing F/A-18A/B Hornets.

Following initial acceptance, the first aircraft will undertake flight test and airworthiness program leading to acceptance and ferry of aircraft to Luke Air Force Base (AFB), Arizona in 2015 to support the commencement of Australian pilot training.

The first F-35A aircraft will enter service in Australia in 2018 with the first operational squadron established by 2020.

http://www.airforce.gov.au

Citation :

Minister for Defence – Purchase of two C-17A Globemaster aircraft

3 October 2014

The Australian Government has begun the process of purchasing two additional C-17A Globemaster strategic airlift aircraft, Minister for Defence Senator David Johnston announced today.

Senator Johnston said should the Government elect to exercise this option the two extra Globemasters would significantly enhance the Royal Australian Air Force’s capacity for operational tasks, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance in our region and around the world.

“Since the first delivery in 2006, we have seen the C-17A Globemaster perform exceptionally well at the forefront of Australia’s military operations and humanitarian work,” he said.

“Recent global events have seen Australia’s national capabilities like the C-17A come to the fore to assist our friends and allies.

“The C-17A Globemasters have been integral in supporting Australians at home and abroad, assisting in our aid to communities in Queensland and Victoria after flooding and cyclones, Operation Bring Them Home from the Ukraine and the search for MH370 off the West Australian coast.”

Senator Johnston said in recent years the C-17As had also delivered humanitarian aid and medical supplies to nations following natural disasters, such as the widespread flooding in Pakistan in 2010 and the Christchurch earthquake in 2011 in New Zealand.

“The ability to rapidly react and move large elements of Australia’s support systems over long distances during these times has highlighted the need for us to have a good sized fleet.

“The aircraft is also currently supporting Australian and Coalition forces in Afghanistan and the Middle East, providing a military long-range, strategic heavy airlift capability between Australia and the world,” Senator Johnston said.

Senator Johnston said the current fleet of six C-17As was based at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland, and an additional two would integrate seamlessly into the fleet.

The Government has requested pricing and availability data for two further aircraft through the United States Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Decisions on these aircraft are being informed by the force structure review currently under way within Defence as part of the White Paper process.

http://www.minister.defence.gov.au

Citation :

Australia has Formally Accepted HMAS Canberra ALHD

06 Oktober 2014


ALHD HMAS Canberra (photo : Navantia)

The Commonwealth of Australia has signed on October 3 acceptance of ALHD Canberra, first of two LHD ships Navantia has built for Australia based on the LHD Juan Carlos I designed for the Spanish Navy.

The contract, signed in 2007, includes the construction of 85% of the two ships in the shipyards of Navantia in Ferrol and completion in Australia by BAE Systems.

The ship was transferred to Australia in August 2012 and will be definitely delivered to the Australian Navy on 28 November.

The construction of these ships has led to Navantia entry into the niche market of this type of vessel, which has been consolidated with the election of Spanish LHD design by the Turkish Navy.

http://defense-studies.blogspot.fr/2014/10/australia-has-formally-accepted-hmas.html