Armée Australienne/Australian Defence Force (ADF)

Citation :

Australian Army awards exercise and advanced services standing offer to Cubic
The Australian Army has selected Cubic Defence Australia as the prime contractor for its exercise and advanced services standing offer (EATSSO).
Under the contract, the company will support the Australian Army with exercise planning, management, and evaluation, as well as the delivery of simulated environmental effects, including both live and constructive support, and the provision of medical training.
Cubic Defence Australia general manager Mark Horn said: "Cubic looks forward to supporting the Australian Army by delivering a broad range of training and simulation services that will complement the ongoing instrumentation and communication programmes we currently conduct with the Australian Army.
"Cubic has assembled a strong Australian team and is also able to draw on training services capabilities from the Cubic Global Defence business.
"We will continue to bring significant added value to large scale collective training events by providing a single point of coordinated exercise support in Australia."

Scheduled to replace the existing collective training services standing offer (CTSSO) that has also been supported by Cubic since 2011, the EATSSO will run for an initial period of five years, with two additional optional extension periods of up to two years.

The CTSSO contract covered the provision of a variety of collective training services in support of the Australian Army Headquarters Forces Command and the Headquarters First Division, which prepares soldiers and units for deployment.
Working in collaboration with other Cubic subsidiaries, including Cubic's Mission Support Services, the company provided a range of services, such as exercise planning, observer / trainer support, operational analysis, as well as a variety of live simulation activities, including replication of physical terrain.
Claimed to be complementary to Cubic's other Australian capabilities in air and land live simulation and deployable instrumentation systems, the EATSSO training services will be flexible to requirements and will support both mission specific and foundation training events.

http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsaustralian-army-awards-exercise-and-advanced-services-standing-offer-to-cubic-4609255

Citation :

Australia to buy two more KC-30A tanker transports

Julian Kerr, Sydney - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
30 June 2015





Australia is to purchase two more KC-30A multirole tanker/transport (MRTT) aircraft from Airbus Defence, to be delivered in 2018 at a cost of about AUD408 million (USD314 million), Defence Minister Kevin Andrews announced on 1 July.

The minister said that an update that included associated conversion costs had been added to the existing acquisition contract with Airbus Defence and Space for the five A330-based KC-30As now in service with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

http://www.janes.com/article/52655/australia-to-buy-two-more-kc-30a-tanker-transports

Citation :

Australia ready to sign EF88 Austeyr rifle contract

Julian Kerr, Sydney - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

06 July 2015


The ADF will start receiving about 30,000 new EF88 Austeyr 5.56 mm rifles in 2016. Source: Thales  


The Australian Defence Force (ADF) will begin taking delivery in 2016 of about 30,000 new EF88 Austeyr 5.56 mm rifles under an AUD100 million (USD75 million) contract to be signed later this month, a Department of Defence (DoD) spokesman confirmed to IHS Jane's on 7 July.

The contract, to be signed with Thales Australia, follows second pass approval announced on 6 July by Defence Minister Kevin Andrews for expenditure of AUD467 million under Project Land 125 Phase 5C.

The EF88 (E for Enhanced) will replace the Austeyr F88 which, with various modifications, has been in service with the ADF since 1988.

Andrews said in a statement that the rifles would cost an estimated AUD100 million and would be manufactured by Thales Australia at its small arms facility in Lithgow, New South Wales.

They would improve the ADF's close combat and general combat capability by upgrading the ergonomics of the current weapon and increasing the mounting options for ancillary devices.

The DoD spokesman said the Thales contract would be signed before the end of July for "about" 30,000 EF88s.

First deliveries under the new contract would take place in 2016, although some EF88s from low-rate initial production approved by the government in September 2014 had already been received for derisking activities.

The balance of the approved expenditure would be applied to the acquisition of a broad range of targeting and surveillance ancillaries for the EF88, solicitation for which was already under way.

http://www.janes.com/article/52791/australia-ready-to-sign-ef88-austeyr-rifle-contract

Citation :

Two Qantas A330s to be converted to KC-30 for RAAF


Qantas Airways will return two Airbus A330-200 aircraft to CIT Aerospace by the end of the year, pending their conversion to multi-role tanker transports (MRTT) for the Royal Australian Air Force.

The two airliners bear the registrations VH-EBH (MSN 892) and VH-EBI (MSN 898), says Australia’s Department of Defence (DoD). They will eventually be converted to KC-30As (the RAAF designation for the A330 MRTT) at Airbus Defence and Space’s Getafe, Spain facility, for delivery to the RAAF in 2018.

The DoD confirms that it will assume full ownership of the converted jets.

Qantas says VH-EBH has stopped flying and will be returned to CIT on 21 July. VH-EBI will cease operating in September and be returned to CIT on 20 November.

Flightglobal’s Ascend Fleets database shows that both jets are powered by General Electric CF6 engines – similar to the RAAF’s existing five KC-30As. VH-EBH was handed over to Qantas in January 2008, and VH-EBI one month later.

Flightglobal Ascend pegs the full-life valuation of each aircraft at $61.7 million.

Airbus says this is the first incidence of in-service A330-200s being converted to the MRTT tanker standard. The work will see the installation of hose and drogue refueling pods under the the aircraft’s wings, a refuelling boom, and other military equipment.

“The two extra aircraft for RAAF were exceptional due to their wish to use basic airframes of a specification very close to their existing fleet, and these two Qantas airframes were available,” says Airbus. “There is no proposal to convert used aircraft for any other customer.”

When contacted by Flightglobal, CIT and Airbus were unable to provide details as to when the aircraft will change hands, but Airbus says an MRTT conversion takes 10-12 months.

According to a DoD statement, the value of the transaction is worth A$408 million ($314 million).

Including the two aircraft due to be returned to CIT, Qantas has 27 A330s: 17 -200s and 10 -300s.

http://www.flightglobal.com

Citation :

L’Australie abandonne le F-35B !




Canberra, l’Australie n’achètera pas la version F-35B STOVL pour équiper ses deux bateaux d’assaut. La décision a été faite durant la préparation d'un livre blanc de la défense, qui devrait être publié le mois prochain.  

La décision australienne serait motivée par la fait que la mise en service du F-35B sur ces navires, demandaient de nombreuses et coûteuses modifications de ceux-ci. L’Australie prévoyait d’acquérir 14 à 20 F-35B.

Le F-35B :

Appareil à décollage court et atterrissage vertical (STOVL), remplaçant les Harrier et F/A-18 A/B du Marines Corps. Le F-35B est une variante  STOVL (Short TakeOff/Vertical Landing ou décollage court et atterrissage vertical) ; cette version possède une soufflante intégrée verticalement dans le fuselage à l'arrière du cockpit (utilisée uniquement pour le décollage ou l'atterrissage), ainsi qu'une tuyère principale orientable vers le bas. La soufflante est reliée à la turbine basse pression du réacteur principal. La capacité interne en carburant est réduite à 6,35 tonnes.

F-35A :

L’Australie a prévu d’acquérir 58 appareils (72 initialement) de type F-35A, qui seront livrés entre 2017 et 2021. La capacité opérationnelle initiale est prévue pour le service en 2021, et la pleine capacité opérationnelle des trois escadrons est prévue pour la fin 2023.


Photos : 1 F-35B STOVL @ USN 2 F-35A RAAF @ Lockheed-Martin

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2015/07/09/l-australie-abandonne-le-f-35b-859288.html

Citation :

Successful Sea Trials Royal Australian Navy's NUSHIP Adelaide LHD

NUSHIP Adelaide will dock at BAE Systems Williamstown shipyard tomorrow following successful initial sea trials and first docking at the RAN base at Garden Island in Sydney. The sea trials were conducted from 17 to 26 June on the voyage to Sydney and then during the voyage back following the successful docking.

NUSHIP Adelaide will dock at BAE Systems Williamstown shipyard tomorrow following successful initial sea trials and first docking at the RAN base at Garden Island in Sydney. The sea trials were conducted from 17 to 26 June on the voyage to Sydney and then during the voyage back following the successful docking.
RAN's NUSHIP Adelaide Landing Helicopter Dock succesfuly ended its sea trials
(BAE Systems)

NUSHIP Adelaide will dock at BAE Systems Williamstown shipyard tomorrow following successful initial sea trials and first docking at the RAN base at Garden Island in Sydney.

The sea trials were conducted from 17 to 26 June on the voyage to Sydney and then during the voyage back following the successful docking.

Sea trials are designed to test the ship’s systems to ensure that all perform to their capability in a range of scenarios. This first set of trials focused mainly on platform systems, while the next set of trials will focus mainly on combat and communication systems.

NUSHIP Adelaide will remain at Williamstown for some final outfitting and integration activities in preparation for the second set of sea trials which is planned for mid-late August.

BAE Systems Director of Maritime, Bill Saltzer said: “During sea trials, we essentially test the ship and all its systems in the ‘at-sea’ environment in which it will be expected to operate in the service of the Royal Australian Navy. It is also the first opportunity for the new officers and crew to be engaged in on-board operations following the extensive training program that they undergo at our state-of-the-art training facility in Mascot, NSW.

“NUSHIP Adelaide performed exceptionally well in the first phase of sea trials. The ship is well ahead of where HMAS Canberra was at the same time in her production schedule, demonstrating again the benefits that come from continuous production.”

http://www.navyrecognition.com

Citation :

DCNS propose une version classique du sous-marin nucléaire Barracuda à l’Australie


Par Rédacteur en chef.
Publié le 15 juillet 2015, dernière mise à jour le 15 juillet 2015.


DCNS propose à l’Australie un sous-marin baptisé Shortfin Barracuda comme participant à l’appel d’offres destiné à remplacer les sous-marins actuels.

Il s’agit d’une version à propulsion classique de son sous-marin nucléaire d’attaque Barracuda.

Le directeur de DCNS Australia, Sean Costello, a précisé que les caractéristiques exactes de ce nouveau sous-marins restaient confidentielles, mais qu’il mesurait plus de 90 mètres de long et qu’il déplaçait plus de 4.000 tonnes en plongée.

C’est la première fois que DCNS propose de partager avec un pays étranger les technologies mises au point pour le Barracuda, qualifiées de « joyaux de la couronne ».

Référence :
SBS (Australie)

http://www.corlobe.tk/spip.php?article39100

Citation :

2RAR live fire in BFTA

Par 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit

1JPAU at work: Photography by LCPL Kyle Genner in NT.

AustralianArmy soldiers from 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR) conducted live firing activities in Bradshaw Field Training Area (BFTA) in Northern Territory over 15 – 18 July as part of their final phase for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2015 (EX TS15).

The Battalion initially setup a defensive position in the area before commencing platoon level assault live fire serials through an engineer built simulated enemy defensive position.

The activities have been unique as Support Company has provided Direct Fire Support Weapons (DFSW) Platoon and Mortar Platoon capabilities to enable platoon commanders to draw upon assets that would typically only be utilised at company level attacks.

2RAR are now preparing to stage and redeploy to Townsville having successfully completed their role in the exercise.

PHOTOS:

Citation :

Fin des essais d'acceptation du premier H135 australien


Dans Actualité Défense, Actualité Hélicoptères militaires
Publié le 27/07/2015 à 11h56, par Emmanuel Huberdeau


L'Australie a commandé 15 H135 HATS © Airbus Helicopters


Airbus Helicopters a annoncé le 27 juillet 2015 la fin des essais d'acceptation du premier hélicoptère H135 destiné aux forces armées australiennes.

L'Australie a commandé quinze H135 (Ex EC135 T2+) qui serviront à la formation et à l'entrainement des pilotes de la marine et de l'armée de terre. Le programme a été baptisé HATS pour "Helicopter Aircrew Training System".

Le contrat de commande de ces hélicoptères avait été signé en novembre 2014 et le premier appareil a effectué son vol inaugural en janvier 2015. Le premier H135 accepté par les forces armées australiennes ne sera pas immédiatement expédié en Australie. Des équipages et des mécaniciens vont auparavant être formés en Allemagne sur le site d'Airbus Helicopters à Donauwörth. Le premier H135 HATS rejoindra l'hémisphère sud début 2016.

Le maitre d'oeuvre pour ce programme est Boeing Defense Australia. En plus des quinze hélicoptères, l'Australie mettra en oeuvre des simulateurs de vol et un navire doté d'une plateforme hélicoptère.

L'armée de terre australienne opère des NH90 TTH ainsi que des hélicoptères d'attaque Tigre. Mais aussi des Bell 206, des CH-47D et F Chinook et des UH-60A. La Marine a commandé des MH-60R.  

http://www.air-cosmos.com/fin-des-essais-d-acceptation-du-premier-h135-australien-41109  

Citation :

Australia receives seventh C-17


By: Greg Waldron Singapore


Australia has taken delivery of its seventh Boeing C-17A strategic transport.

The aircraft arrived at RAAF Amberley following Canberra’s announcement in April 2015 that it would obtain two additional examples of the type, says Australia’s Department of Defence in a statement.

Canberra’s final example will arrive in late 2015.

“The active involvement of a number of United States and Australian agencies has been pivotal in meeting the successful delivery of this aircraft and I applaud everyone involved in the acquisition program,” says minster for defence Kevin Andrews.

“With its proven ability to transport heavy equipment, vehicles and helicopters in a short time frame, the C-17A’s capabilities are vital to Australia’s national security and safety.”

The RAAF has used the C-17 fleet to support military operations in the Middle East as well as humanitarian relief missions.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/australia-receives-seventh-c-17-415144/

Citation :

30/07/2015

Le premier EA-18G « Growler » australien !  




St-Louis, Boeing dévoilé le premier exemplaire du EA-18G « Growler » destiné à la Royal Australian Air Force lors d’une cérémonie qui a eu lieu, en fin de journée ce mercredi. L’Australie devient ainsi la première nation en dehors des États-Unis à disposer de cet aéronef.

12 EA-18G pour la RAAF :

L’Australie a commandé un total de 12 avions Boeing EA-18G «Growler», en avril 2012. Il s’agit en fait d’une conversion 12 F/A-18 E/F «Super Hornet» en EA-18G sur un total de 24 appareils commandés, auprès de l’avionneur américain.

Le premier «Growler» australien est numéroté A46-301 sera déployé à la mi-2015,  avant de mener une campagne d'essais en vol de 12 mois avec l'US Navy, afin de répondre aux exigences de navigabilité australiens.

Les premiers équipages australiens ont débuté au printemps une formation sur le «Growler» au sein de l’escadron VAQ-129 de l'US Navy,  sur les installations de transformation de Whidbey Island, près de Seattle, Washington. Six équipages de la RAAF seront opérationnels,  pour l’arrivée des premiers EA-18G en 2016.

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.


Photos : le premier EA-18G « Growler » australien @ Boeing

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2015/07/30/le-premier-ea-18g-growler-australien-859381.html  

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Citation :

NIOA wins 40mm grenade launcher contracts


28 Jul 2015


Under the Land 40 Phase 2 project, NIOA will deliver
the MK47 40mm Automatic Light Weight Grenade
Launcher. Credit NIOA

NIOA has been awarded contracts by the Commonwealth of Australia for the supply and support of the next generation of Light Weight Automatic Grenade Launchers (LWAGL) for the Australian Army.  

Under the Land 40 Phase 2 project, NIOA will deliver the MK47 40mm Automatic Light Weight Grenade Launcher, fitted with Lightweight Video Sight (LVS2) sighting system. The advanced LVS2 provides a new level of capability for light weapon sighting systems with integrated colour video and thermal imaging.

Delivery of the LWAGL systems and spares will commence in mid-2016, with systems being systematically introduced into service across the ADF.

NIOA’s managing director, Mr Robert Nioa, said “we are very excited that NIOA has been awarded these contracts to supply and support the MK47 40mm ALGL with LVS2. With the award of these contracts, NIOA will become Australia’s only Australian-owned contractor capable of supporting the bulk of the Commonwealth’s infantry, direct fire and medium calibre weapon systems.  

"NIOA’s engineering and support capability developed under these contracts will become a major component of the Priority Industry Capability (PIC) for support of infantry weapons in Australia, and provides the Commonwealth with a viable option for the support of these weapon fleets," Nioa said.


http://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/nioa-wins-40mm-grenade-launcher-contracts  

Citation :

L'Australie annonce un programme de construction navale de 59 mds EUR sur 20 ans

     
Sydney, 4 août 2015 (AFP) -

L'Australie a annoncé mardi une enveloppe de 89 milliards de dollars australiens (59 milliards d'euros) pour la construction navale qui serviront à fabriquer sur place des frégates et des navires de patrouille mais a repoussé à plus tard le choix éventuel d'un groupe étranger pour ses nouveaux sous-marins.

Ce programme prévoit sur 20 ans le renouvellement de la flotte australienne de frégates, de bâtiments de patrouille et de sous-marins. Il représente 2.500 emplois, en particulier en Australie méridionale, a déclaré le Premier ministre Tony Abbott, parlant "d'annonce très historique".

"Ce que nous annonçons aujourd'hui c'est la construction d'une flotte ici en Australie", a ajouté M. Abbott.

Le chef du gouvernement s'est refusé à donner de nouvelles précisions sur l'appel d'offres en cours pour trouver un groupe international pour la conception et la fabrication de la prochaine génération de sous-marins. Ceux-ci doivent remplacer la flotte australienne vieillissante de Collins à propulsion diesel-électrique, qui doivent partir à la casse à partir de l'année 2026 environ.

La France, l'Allemagne et le Japon sont sur les rangs pour ce programme évalué à 50 milliards de dollars australiens.

"Nous avons demandé à nos partenaires potentiels de nous fournir des devis pour une construction en Australie, des programmes conjoints et des programmes à l'étranger", a-t-il déclaré. "Nous prendrons une décision sur le fondement des retours que nous aurons dans les prochains mois".

Cette question des sous-marins est un sujet de polémique en Australie où de nombreuses voix se sont élevées pour s'inquiéter de l'avenir de la construction navale nationale en cas de choix d'un chantier naval étranger.

L'Australie méridionale abrite les plus importants chantiers navals australiens. Cet Etat figure également parmi ceux qui connaissent un fort taux de chômage (8,2%).

Les frégates qui seront remplacées sont de la classe ANZAC tandis que les bateaux de patrouille qui prendront leur retraite sont des Armidale.

http://www.marine-oceans.com/actualites-afp/11138-laustralie-annonce-un-programme-de-construction-navale-de-59-mds-eur-sur-20-ans

Citation :

Thales wins a $74M contract to supply Australian Defence Force with F90 assault rifles

Thales’s F90 rifle is to enter Australian Defence Force service, marking a new era for the Australian soldiers and their weapons. The Australian Department of Defence has signed a AUD 100 million (USD 74M) contract with Thales to produce 30,000 rifles, 2,500 SL40 grenade launchers, spare parts and various ancillaries at Thales’s facility in Lithgow, regional NSW.
The F90 is a light, versatile weapon that meets the highest standards of performance and reliability, and has been well-received by soldiers in various trials, announced Thales in a statement.

Kevin Wall, Thales’s Armaments Vice President in Australia, said: “Our soldiers deserve the best possible equipment, and the F90 delivers on all counts. Enhancing the Austeyr is the most cost-effective way to deliver a capability upgrade, and we’ve worked closely with Defence and Army units to design, test and manufacture this world-class weapon. We’re now looking forward to getting it into troops’ hands as quickly as possible.”
“The F90 is born from over 100 years of engineering and manufacturing expertise at Lithgow, and this is the latest chapter in Lithgow Arms’ long contribution to Australian military operations.” In Australian Defence Force (ADF) service, the rifle will be known as the Enhanced F88 (EF88), marking a significant enhancement of the original Austeyr F88.

Two versions will be delivered – a standard rifle with a 20” barrel, plus a carbine with a 16” barrel. Deliveries to the ADF will begin in the next few weeks and phased over six years. Thales is currently exploring export opportunities for the F90 in various markets around the world, while also developing further enhancements for the rifle, which is fitted for but not with electronic architecture including centralised power as a key future-proofing measure.

The F90 assault rifle is available in five variants: F90; F90(G) (grenade launcher variant); F90M (’Marksman’ variant with a longer barrel); F90M(G) and F90CQB (Close Quarters Battle – a carbine). The Marksman variant is the same length as Australia’s in-service F88SA2, but is over 0.5kg lighter, while the equivalent grenadier variant is over 1.6kg lighter.Thales is in cooperation with Austrian company Steyr Mannlicher to pursue specific opportunities, such as the French DGA FAMAS replacement project, utilising Steyr Mannlicher’s manufacturing experience and facilities.

http://www.armyrecognition.com/august_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/thales_wins_a_$74m_contract_to_supply_australian_defence_force_with_f90_assault_rifles_20408154.html

Australie obtient son premier avion Growler guerre électronique


http://www.defensa.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16284:australia-recibe-su-primer-avion-growler-de-guerra-electronica&catid=64:restomundo&Itemid=187

Citation :

BAE Systems Australia selected to support RAAF fleet of Hawk 127 trainer aircraft

BAE Systems Australia has been selected to deliver operational maintenance for the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF’s) Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter fleet. From 1 July 2016, 116 new employees will deliver all maintenance support on the flight line to the Hawk fleet at RAAF Bases Williamtown and Pearce, directly supporting the training of Australia’s next generation of combat aircrew.




This support contract includes aircraft launch and recovery; on-site management support; and deployment operations, BAE announced today August 7.
Under the change to the existing Hawk Lead-In Fighter In Service Support Phase 3 contract, BAE Systems will now provide the total Hawk sustainment solution, managing both deeper and operational maintenance.

The contract reinforced the enduring partnership between the Company and the Department of Defence in ensuring the Hawk remains an effective training platform.

BAE Systems Australia Director Aerospace Steve Drury said: “By building on the unified approach we have with the Department of Defence to deliver Hawk deeper maintenance, our operational maintenance solution enables a more holistic approach to Hawk support that maximises aircraft serviceability for less cost.”

Mr Drury continued: “This outcome is a testament to our people and performance over more than a decade with 78 Wing, 76 and 79 Squadrons and the Tactical Fighter Systems Program Office. We are proud to be expanding our support of this important RAAF capability.”

The new operational maintenance arrangement will be phased-in from October this year.

The Royal Australian Air Force ordered 33 Hawk 127 Lead-in Fighters (LIFs) in June 1997, 12 of which were produced in the UK and 21 in Australia.

Project to upgrade the RAAF's Hawks to a standard similar to the Hawk 128 standard began in 2014, and it is planned that the two squadrons will begin operations with these aircraft in 2017.


http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-news-2015/august/1984-bae-systems-australia-selected-to-support-raaf-fleet-of-hawk-127-trainer-aircraft.html

Citation :

Australian soldiers start receiving new protective and load-carrying gear

Soldiers from Australian Army's 1st Brigade are the first to receive the new generation of body armour, helmets, load carriage equipment, eye and hearing protection and field packs. The equipment has been acquired by the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group’s Land Systems Division as part of the LAND 125 Phase 3B project for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Over the next three years, 21,000 sets of leading-edge, high-quality, tailored Soldier Combat Ensemble (SCE) will be delivered to Army’s combat brigades, support brigades, 2nd Division reinforcing battlegroups, special forces and selected Air Force and Navy units.

The SCE integrates five separate elements designed to optimise individual soldier protection and mobility: load carriage equipment – including harnesses, pouches and a range of packs, body armour, combat helmets, combat hearing protection, and ballistic/laser eye protection.

The quality of the SCE is standardised, with 3 tiers of SCE tailored to the role of the combatant. Each tier is designed to equip a combatant based on their primary task and likelihood of threat they will face, ensuring the optimal balance between protection and mobility.

Tier 2 Dismounted – A configuration for combatants who regularly engage in close combat as part of a dismounted combined arms team, including infantry, joint fires teams, combat engineers, select signallers and other common attachments to dismounted combined arms teams.

Tier 2 Mounted – A configuration for combatants who operate armoured fighting vehicles as part of a combined arms team.

Tier 3 – A configuration for general combatants whose roles and tasks are primarily focused on providing combat support and combat service support to combined arms teams, including all corps not included in the Tier 2 definitions.

Tier 0 Heavy – A basic load carriage configuration issued to Tier 2 and Tier 3 combatants that will modernise the in-service belt rig.

This roll out of the new generation SCE is the next step in Land Systems Division’s program to continuously improve combat protection for the ADF.

“Since 2011 Project Land 125 Phase 3B and Diggerworks have spearheaded the adaptive development of the SCE through a combination of soldier feedback, trials and the review of RODUMs (Report On Defective or Unsatisfactory Materiel),” said Colonel (COL) Mark Jennings, Director Diggerworks.




The roll-out to 1st Brigade commenced in May this year, while 3rd Brigade will receive their issue next year and 7th Brigade in 2017. Forces Command’s support brigades and 2nd Division reinforcing battlegroups will receive quantities of the SCE throughout the three-year rollout. The rollout will be supported by training teams, training packages and the logistics system on an enduring basis.

“Diggerworks will continue to liaise with the soldiers, units and formations issued the latest SCE to verify its form, fit and function, and to identify future enhancements,” COL Jennings said.

http://www.armyrecognition.com/august_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/australian_soldiers_start_receiving_new_protective_and_load-carrying_gear_21308151.html

Citation :

Australian pilots began flying US MQ-9 Reaper drones over Syria to fight against IS

Royal Australian Air Force pilots have begun flying American MQ-9 Reaper drones over Syria, taking for the first time Australia's involvement in the fight against the so-called Islamic State from Iraq into the more complex neighbouring country, unveiled today The Sidney Morning Herald.

An Australian Defence spokesman has told Fairfax Media that five RAAF personnel are embedded with the United States Air Force's 432nd Operations Group, which flies armed MQ-9 Reaper drones.

"While the focus for [Australian Defence Force] operations to counter Daesh remains Iraq, a small number of Royal Australian Air Force personnel are now contributing directly to coalition operations to counter Daesh in Syria as well as Iraq, consistent with long-standing arrangements for ADF personnel embedded in US units," the spokesman said, using the alternative name for the Islamic State.
He said five RAAF personnel attached to the USAF were "performing operational duties with their parent unit as MQ-9 Unmanned Aircraft System pilots and sensor operators".
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"The MQ-9 UAS comprises an armed remotely piloted aircraft that can also conduct remote intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations," he said.

The 432nd Operations Group flies the drones out of Creech Air Force Base in Nevada.
Their involvement marks the first time Australian personnel have been directly involved in the air campaign against the Islamic State in Syria.
However this is likely to be expanded, with Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Thursday confirming Australia was in talks with allies about expanding its current air strikes in Iraq into neighbouring Syria. Fairfax Media understands such an expansion is likely to be approved.

The US, Canada, Britain and several Arab countries are already carrying out air strikes in Syria, in the US's case often using drones.

Such an attack is believed to have killed notorious Sydney jihadist Mohamed Elomar in June.

The RAAF's main operations currently involve carrying out air strikes in Iraq. Six Australia Hornet fighter planes are conducting the air raids. They are supported by a KC-30 aerial refueller and a Wedgetail command and control surveillance and radar aircraft.

These two support aircraft have also been supporting allied combat planes, including some that have carried out strikes in Syria, though the Australians have always stayed in Iraqi air space.

http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-news-2015/august/2008-australian-pilots-began-flying-us-mq-9-reaper-drones-over-syria-to-fight-against-is.html

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Adelaide undertakes final sea trials

Julian Kerr, Sydney - IHS Jane's Navy International
18 August 2015


The Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) second Canberra-class landing helicopter dock (LHD), the future HMAS Adelaide , has left BAE Systems' shipyard in Williamstown to undertake final sea trials before delivery to the RAN later this year, the company announced on 18 August.

The 10 days of trials off the Jervis Bay area south of Sydney will involve testing the 27,500-tonne vessel's combat and communications systems in a range of scenarios to validate their capabilities, the company said.

On its return to Williamstown Adelaide will be prepared for delivery, during which time the RAN will perform various routine alongside exercises while the ship compartments and systems are progressively handed over to the crew.

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Ready set go: Australia’s Land 400 programme

20 August 2015

http://www.army-technology.com/features/featureready-set-go-australias-land-400-programme-4647058/

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Australia to buy 200 grenade launchers

Julian Kerr, Sydney - IHS Jane's Defence Industry

26 August 2015


Australia is to buy more than 200 lightweight automatic grenade launchers (LWAGL) with an estimated value of AUD47 million (USD34 million), the government announced on 27 August.

The contract, signed under Project Land 40 Phase 2 with Australian company Nioa, will see deliveries begin in the third quarter of 2016 and be completed in mid-2017.

Although the type of LWAGL was not disclosed, Nioa has confirmed it will supply the General Dynamics Mk 47 system fitted with the Raytheon AN/PVG-1 lightweight video sight. This will replace the MK 19 Mod 3 AGL currently used by Australian forces.

The announcement concludes a contentious acquisition process which began in 2007, saw the cancellation of commercial negotiations with an earlier contender, and then listing in 2012 as a Project of Concern.

http://www.janes.com/article/53854/australia-to-buy-200-grenade-launchers

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Boeing to Provide 9 P-8A Poseidon to US Navy, 4 to RAAF as Part of 2nd Full-Rate Production Lot
Boeing will provide the first P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for Australia and additional P-8As for the U.S. Navy following a $1.49 billion contract award from the Navy for 13 aircraft. The order includes nine aircraft for the U.S. Navy and four Poseidon aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), a long-time partner to the U.S. Navy on P-8A development.


http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/2015/08/boeing-to-provide-9-p-8a-poseidon-to-us.html?m=1

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7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment a partagé l’album de 1st Brigade - Australian Army.


All units of the AustralianArmy's 1st Brigade, along with a team from Marine Rotational Force Darwin, are currently at Mount Bundey Training
Area competing for top honours at the annual Mil Skills competition.

Each unit's team sees a section-size group of soldiers compete in physical assessments, all corps operational skills, shooting, bayonet assault
competencies, and also tests their skills and speed on an obstacle course.
The teams will remain at Mount Bundey and Kangaroo Flats Training Area before heading back to Robertson Barracks for the culminating events
this Friday morning.

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