Armée Australienne/Australian Defence Force (ADF)

Citation :

7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment a ajouté 7 nouvelles photos.

‪#‎K10‬ continued its urban operations training today, trialling new tactical procedures with our new Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV). The UGV's
can be used in places soldiers cannot get or can move forward of the call sign to identify the enemy and reduce the risk to the soldiers.

PHOTOS:

Citation :

US Government Approves Sales of E-2D AWACS Aircraft to Japan and P-8A MPA to Australia

The US government has approved the sale of advanced electronic surveillance aircraft to Japan and Australia, the Department of Defense said in two contract notifications.


Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. is being awarded a $151,309,421 contract for the procurement of one E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft for the government of Japan under the Foreign Military Sales program, the Defense Department stated on Thursday.

In U.S. Navy service, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is set to replace the E-2C Hawkeye in its primary mission to provide airborne early warning and command and control capabilities for all aircraft-carrier battle groups. While the primary mission for the E-2 has not changed, the Advanced Hawkeye is able to gather and process data more precisely and efficiently thanks to state-of-the-art radar and communication equipment.

The Boeing Co., Seattle, Washington, is being awarded a $101,585,021 contract for the integrated logistics support and site activation for full-rate production II and III (Lots 6 and 7) of the P-8A aircraft for the Navy and the government of Australia.

Based on Boeing’s Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airplane, the P-8A offers one of the worlds’ most advanced anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The U.S. Navy has deployed the first two P-8A patrol squadrons since operations started in 2013.



http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3236

Citation :

Le F-35 sous l'oeil du sénat australien


Dans Actualité Défense, Actualité Avions de combat
Publié le 02/12/2015 à 16h02, par Antony Angrand


Le sénat australien a chargé l'un de ses comités d'examiner le F-35, qui devrait équiper la RAAF, à la loupe.
© Lockheed Martin


Un comité du sénat australien se prépare à examiner les plans d'acquisition du très controversé Lockheed Martin F-35 qui devrait devenir la pièce centrale de la Royal Australian Air Force.

Le comité du commerce, de la défense et des affaires étrangères du sénat australien va évaluer le F-35 dans sa globalité, c'est-à-dire sous l'angle des besoins en termes de défense aérienne qu'il devrait combler, des coûts, des changements en termes de calendrier d'acquisition, des performances des appareils d'essais et des alternatives potentielles au JSF.

Le rapport de ce comité sera rendu le 1er mai 2016.

D'un coût de 16 milliards de dollars, c'est pour l'Australie le programme d'acquisition d'un système de défense le plus cher jusqu'alors. Le développement du JSF a été victime de retards, de problèmes techniques et d'accroissements de coûts.

L'Australie a planifié l'achat d'au moins 72 F-35, nombre qui pourrait être porté jusqu'à 100 appareils. Jusqu'à présent, seuls deux appareils ont été livrés et font partie de l'escadron d'entraînement qui opère aux Etats-Unis. La RAAF a prévu de disposer de ses deux premiers escadrons opérationnels de F-35 en 2020.

http://www.air-cosmos.com/le-f-35-sous-l-oeil-du-senat-australien-52054  

Citation :

AustralianArmy a partagé l’album de 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit.

Exercise Red Pegasus
Here are some photos of the 1st Commando Regiment conducting parachute training into the waters off Manly Beach on Saturday 5th and
Sunday 6th December 2015 as part of Exercise Red Pegasus.

PHOTOS:

 

Citation :

Submarine Bids Now in, Australian Panel Begins Evaluation


08 Desember 2015


Future submarine of Australia (image : WSJ, Financial Times)

MELBOURNE, Australia — Now that all three competitors have issued final proposals in Australia's AU$ 50 billion (US $36.44 billion) Future Submarine program, an expert advisory panel will begin its evaluations and issue findings next year to guide the government's selection.

Up to 12 large conventional submarines will be acquired under Project Sea 1000. The Australian government selected France’s DCNS, TKMS of Germany and the government of Japan to participate in a competitive evaluation process (CEP).

“Since the CEP began in February, all three participants have worked closely with [the Department of] Defence and they should be congratulated for the hard work and significant investment they have made to reach this point,” Australian Defence Minister Sen. Marise Payne said in a statement.

“Submarines are Defence’s most complex, sensitive and expensive capability, so it is important that evaluation process is fair and robust.”

Each of the three bidders is required to submit three strategies for construction of the Future Submarine, from full completion in their home shipyards; through a hybrid model where initial boats are built in the home yard and the remainder in Australia; and a complete build in an Australian shipyard.



DCNS is proposing a conventionally powered derivative of its Barracuda nuclear attack submarine, known as the Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A. The company announced that its proposal, which includes a government-to-government agreement between the Australian Department of Defence and France’s Direction Générale de Armament, was submitted on Nov. 27.

TKMS is bidding a submarine which uses its existing HDW Type 216 boat as a reference design, but will be significantly scaled up to meet Australia’s requirements.

During the Pacific 2015 Maritime Exposition held in Sydney in October, TKMS Australia Chairman John White announced that the design would be named "Endeavour," after the barque of Capt. James Cook who landed on Australia’s east coast in 1770.

The Japanese government, in partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Shipbuilding, is dealing directly with the Australian Defence Department’s procurement organization, the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group. The Japanese are proposing a new submarine design based upon the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force’s current Soryu-class boat.

The CEP, which is being followed for both Sea 1000 and Australia’s Future Frigate (Sea 5000) programs in lieu of the traditional tender process, has attracted a great deal of comment from defense analysts and industry in Australia, with some likening it to a "beauty pageant."



Graeme Dunk, the manager of a national defense industry organization, the Australian Business Defence Industry, writing in the Australian Strategic Policy Institutes "The Strategist" blog in August, warned that the information resulting from the CEP will be less reliable than that coming from a tender process.

“While Defence will no doubt do a good job of the evaluation process, the results will therefore be more amenable to interpretation,” he wrote.

“Simply put, the selection of the contestants and the lack of detail in the information provided means that it will be easier for the government to make a decision other than the one that might be recommended by Defence.”

However Payne defended the strategy in her keynote speech to the Submarine Institute of Australia’s Science, Technology and Engineering Conference in Adelaide on Nov. 17, saying the government was determined to get the best capability and value for money through the CEP process.

“The aim of the CEP is to inform government’s decision on the international partner to work with Australia to develop and deliver the Future Submarine. Through this process, we will assess the ability of the participants to work closely with us, including how each would approach our capability and sustainment needs, and how cost and schedule would be managed throughout the program,” she said.

“For a program of this nature, we need to work closely with the selected international partner to fully develop the Future Submarine. This is going to be very resource-intensive for both Defence and the selected partner.



“Once the partner is selected, there will be about three years of further development work before we finalize the Future Submarine’s capability and cost.”

Australia’s chief defense scientist, Alex Zelinsky, also recently announced that Australia and Japan had signed a cooperative research agreement on marine hydrodynamics.

The agreement is the first joint research project to be undertaken in the defense sector by the two countries and will be conducted by Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group and Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency.

“Understanding hydrodynamics is vital for the future of Australia’s maritime defense and this collaboration will greatly benefit our technology development in this area,” Zelinsky said.

“While the research is not connected to the competitive evaluation process currently underway to assess Australia’s future submarine needs, the results from the research will have a broad applicability to Australia’s future maritime projects.”

(DefenseNews)

http://defense-studies.blogspot.fr/2015/12/submarine-bids-now-in-australian-panel.html

Citation :

09/12/2015

Australie : contrat signé pour les Pilatus PC-21 !




Canberra, le vice-maréchal Leigh Gordon de la RAAF, le PDG de Lockheed-Martin Australie et Markus Bucher, directeur général de Pilatus Aircraft ont signé le contrat pour la fourniture de 49 avions écoles Pilatus PC-21 à la Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

Le contrat de services d'une valeur de 1,2 milliard de dollars verra Lockheed-Martin Australie livrer en partenariat avec l’avionneur suisse Pilatus 49 avions écoles de nouvelle génération PC-21. Le contrat comprend également sept simulateurs de vol, ainsi que l’ensemble des systèmes d’apprentissage au sol et pièces détachées. La Ministre de la défense Marise Payne a déclaré, que le nouveau système de formation assurerait aux pilotes les connaissances et les compétences nécessaires leurs permettant de passer directement sur des avions militaires de pointe, comme le Super Hornet et le futur F-35.

Rappel :

La Force de défense australienne avait lancé un appel d’offre pour remplacer ses actuels Pilatus PC-9M avec un nouveau système de formation dénommé "Air Project 5428" à partir duquel le PC-21 est sorti vainqueur après les négociations et l'évaluation approfondie. Ce paquet va harmoniser la formation avec le PC-21 assurant un système moderne de formation rentable pour la formation de base et avancé des pilotes de la RAAF.



Noël chez Pilatus :

C’est une nouvelle victoire pour l’avionneur suisse avec son PC-21 face à une rude concurrence. La signature de ce contrat démontre une nouvelle fois l’extrême qualité qu’offre le système « PC-21 » et offre un cadeau de Noël avant l’heure à l’ensemble des employés qui forment l’entreprise Pilatus.

«Nous sommes ravis qu’après 28 ans avec le Pilatus PC-9 en opérations au sein du Commonwealth, l’Australie a choisi d'appuyer notre réputation pour la fourniture du systèmes de formation de classe mondiale avec ce nouveau contrat. Je suis également heureux que l'équipe 21 a remporté l'affaire contre tous les concurrents internationaux et que, dans le dernier tour, la Force de défense australienne a choisi le Pilatus PC-21 sur tous les autres aéronefs - Pilatus une fois, Pilatus pour toujours ! " a déclaré Markus Bucher, directeur général de Pilatus.

6ème client :

L’Australie devient ainsi le 6ème client pour le système d’entrainement PC-21, les autres pays sont : la Suisse avec 8 appareils (2 en options), Singapour 19 aéronefs, les Emirats Arabes Unis 25 appareils, l’Arabie Saoudite 55 appareils en commandes et le Qatar avec 24 appareils en commandes.

La génération PC-21:

Le PC-21 permet une formation complète des élèves pilotes et ceci avec des possibilités offrant une nouvelle dimension. En effet, il s’agit là, d’un système d’écolage en vol performant, qui remplace totalement la transition sur avion école à réaction de type Hawk ou Alpha jet. En effet, le PC-21 offre la possibilité unique au monde d’assurer une transition directe vers des chasseurs modernes tels que les F/A-18, Rafale, Gripen, Eurofighter, F-35 pour ne citer que ceux-là. Il est également possible d’opter pour une combinaison en binôme avec un jet école, dans ce cas la formation sur jet peut être réduite en nombre d’heure. Les coûts de formation, de maintenance sont très largement diminués, sans oublier la réduction significative des nuisances sonores et de l’optimisation de la consommation de kérosène. L'avion permet une simulation complète et ceci sans armement, car ceux-ci sont simulés grâce à une interface spécialement développée pour l’avion.


Photos : 1 Pilatus PC-21 au-dessus de l’Australie 2 Projet team 21 3 PC-21 en Suisse @ Pilatus Aircraft J.Zbinden

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2015/12/09/l-australie-contrat-signe-pour-les-pilatus-pc-21-860345.html

Citation :

US oks possible FMS from Australia for three CH-47F Chinook transport helicopters

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for CH-47F aircraft, related equipment and support. The estimated cost is $180 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced today, December 21, 2015. The principal contractor will be the Boeing Helicopter Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.




http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/

..bon prix pour des F

DSCA a écrit:

Australia – CH-47F – Aircraft

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for CH-47F aircraft, related equipment and support. The estimated cost is $180 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 18, 2015.

The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of:

Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
Three (3) CH-47F Chinook Helicopters
Six (6) T55-GA-714A Aircraft Turbine Engines
Three (3) Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade & Below (FBCB2)/Blue Force Tracker
    (BFT)
Three (3) Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS)
Three (3) Honeywell H-764 Embedded Global Positioning/Inertial Navigation Systems
Three (3) Infrared Signature Suppression Systems

This request also includes the following Non-Major Defense Equipment; AN/APX-123A Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Transponders, Defense Advanced Global Positioning System (GPS) Receiver (DAGR), AN/ARC-201D SINCGARS Airborne Radio Systems, AN/ARC-220 High Frequency Airborne Communication Systems, AN/ARC-231(V)(C) Airborne VHF/UHF/LOS SATCOM Communications Systems, KY-100 Secure Communication Systems, KIV-77 Common IFF Cryptographic Computers, AN/AVS-6 Aviator’s Night Vision Systems, AN/ARN-147 Very High Frequency (VHF) Omni Ranging/Instrument Landing System Receiver, AN/PYQ-10(C) Simple Key Loaders, AN/ARN-153 Tactical Airborne Navigation (TACAN) System, Spare Parts, Tools, Ground Support Equipment, Technical Publications, Contractor and U.S. Government Technical Services.

The total estimated value of MDE is $105 million. The total overall estimated value is $180 million.

This proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner which has been, and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress within the Pacific region and globally.

The proposed sale of the CH-47F aircraft will improve Australia's heavy lift capability. Australia will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats. The CH-47F aircraft will replace Australia’s retiring CH-47D aircraft. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be the Boeing Helicopter Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There are no known offset agreements at this time associated with this proposed sale.

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

Wach c'est des neufs ??Aw le prix est trop bas pour des F . Hemza hadi
Les notres on les a presque refurbisher pour ce prix la

Citation :

Submarines Bill Falls $5bn as Nations Compete


28 Desember 2015


Australia’s next fleet of submarines will be considerably cheaper due to a plethora of competing bids, estimated cost
per unit from the bidder is 1.25 bio $ (photo : The Australian)

The navy’s future submarine fleet could cost taxpayers at least $5 billion less than expected, ­according to secret price estimates given to Defence by the three international competitors.

The Australian understands that the confidential bids lodged with the government last month by Germany, France and Japan each offer a dramatically lower cost of building an eight-submarine fleet in Adelaide than was ­anticipated, in the range of $10bn-$12bn. It was previously expected that the project would cost about $20bn, based on a 12-boat fleet.

Even if the government decides to restore its original promise of building 12 submarines rather than eight, the bidders estimate the construction cost will reach only about $15bn, a little more than $1bn a boat, amounting to a potential $5bn saving for taxpayers.

The lower cost estimates reflect the robust competition between the three international bidders to secure the submarine deal, which will be the most lucrative defence contract in the ­nation’s history.

The cheaper than expected estimates for building the new fleet may tempt the government to try to keep its original promise of building 12 submarines, rather than the revised figure of eight submarines with an option for four more that was in Tony Abbott’s draft defence white paper before he was deposed by Malcolm Turnbull in September.

The Prime Minister and Defence Minister Marise Payne have delayed the release of the white paper until the first quarter of next year and have left open the prospect of revising the contents of the blueprint, including the size of the submarine fleet.

The number of future submarines and shipbuilding jobs has been a hot-button issue in South Australia, where the issue contributed to the demise of Mr Abbott’s prime ministership after he backed away from his election promise to build 12 submarines.

Each of the three bidders for the submarine contract — Germany’s TKMS, France’s DCNS and the Japanese government — has refused to disclose publicly their final estimated costs of building the new fleet.

Germany and France have been able to undercut costs more than expected because they are experienced submarine exporters with highly efficient international programs. Last year, Germany’s TKMS publicly estimated that it could build a 12-boat fleet for $20bn, but this figure has since been revised down.

Japan, which has not built a submarine overseas before, has reportedly tried to keep costs down by telling submarine builder Mitsubishi the bid should not be framed with profit as the priority. This could give Japan a cost advantage over Germany’s privately owned TKMS and France’s partly private DCNS, which would both be required to profit from the contract.

The Australian government wants the largest and most sophisticated conventional submarine ever built, a 4000-plus tonne boat with a US combat system and the ability to fire cruise missiles and deploy special forces.

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd decided in 2009 that he wanted to double the size of the navy’s submarine fleet from six to 12 to help combat a rising China, nut this number was driven personally by Mr Rudd without being backed by strategic assessments. Since then the South Australian government has backed the 12-submarine proposal as the holy grail for industry and jobs.

The Abbott government, which initially supported Labor’s 12-boat plan at the 2013 election, came to see it as an unaffordable indulgence and backed away from the plan only to see its poll numbers dive in South Australia.

In February this year, the government announced the three-way, 10-month competitive evaluation process and asked the three chosen international competitors to base their cost estimates on an eight-submarine fleet.

On November 30, each of the competitors lodged their final bids for the project. The initial cost estimates of $10bn-$12bn for an eight-boat fleet will not be the final price. The winning bidder will negotiate a final submarine design with Defence and this will determine the ultimate cost of the submarines.

The government has frequently used $50bn as the projected figure for the future submarine project but this includes sustainment costs through the 30-year life of the fleet, which usually equate to about two-thirds of the cost of construction.

The government says it will choose the winning bidder by mid-next year. Japan is offering a long-range version of its existing Soryu-class submarines, Germany is offering a version of its yet-to-be-built Type-216 design while France is offering a conventional version of its Barracuda-class nuclear submarines currently being constructed in France.

(The Australian)

http://defense-studies.blogspot.fr/2015/12/submarines-bill-falls-5bn-as-nations.html

Citation :

Royal Australian Air Force could receive new Gulfstream G550 aircraft for ISR missions

Australia reportedly launched a project to probably provide the Royal Australian Air Force with new special mission aircraft, according to several sources. The program became public knowledge after the US Department of Defense released few details about a US$93 mn foreign military sale for "Australia Government G550 aircraft procurement and maintenance".



“L-3 Communications Mission Integration, Greenville, Texas, has been awarded a $93,632,287 firm fixed-price undefinitised contract action task order (1648) for Australia Government G550 aircraft procurement and maintenance,” the US DoD announced on Dec. 28, 2016.

“Work will be performed at Greenville, Texas, and is expected to be complete by November 30, 2017.” No additional details were given by the Australian government or the US DoD about the nature of the work, or about the number of aircraft involved. According to sources, the contract could involve two aircraft dedicated to electronic intelligence (ELINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) missions.

The Gulfstream G550 is a jet which is able to fly more than 12 hours nonstop, and over 12,000 kilometres.

L-3’s Mission Integration unit is, among others, specialized “in the modernisation and maintenance of aircraft of all sizes, and the study, design, development, and integration of special-mission systems for military and commercial applications”.

The G550 is already used in various special missions variants, most notably in both Conformal Airborne Early Warning and Special Electronic Missions Aircraft ELINT forms with the Israeli Air Force. Singapore also operates four G550 CAEWs, while the type has also been ordered by Italy for AEW&C missions and the US Navy.



http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-defense-security-news/global-news-2016/january/2267-royal-australian-air-force-could-receive-new-gulfstream-g550-aircraft-for-isr-missions.html

Citation :

L'Australie refuse de mobiliser plus de moyens pour lutter contre l'EI


AFP 14/01/2016

L'Australie a officiellement rejeté jeudi la demande des Etats-Unis d'un accroissement de l'aide militaire pour combattre l'organisation Etat islamique, estimant avoir déjà fourni une aide "substantielle".

En décembre, le secrétaire américain à la Défense, Ashton Carter avait appelé les partenaires de Washington dans la lutte contre les jihadistes à intensifier leurs efforts pour éviter de nouvelles attaques semblables à celles survenues le 13 novembre à Paris, qui ont fait 130 morts.

Alors que le Premier ministre australien Malcolm Turnbull avait déjà fait savoir que son pays n'était guère disposé à répondre favorablement à Washington, la ministre de la Défense Marise Payne a déclaré que l'engagement de l'Australie était suffisant. "L'Australie a examiné la demande du secrétaire américain de la Défense Ash Carter à la lumière des contributions substantielles que nous faisons déjà pour former les forces de sécurité irakiennes et pour les frappes aériennes", a-t-elle indiqué dans un communiqué mercredi soir.
"Le gouvernement a informé le secrétaire Carter que nos contributions existantes continueront", a-t-elle ajouté. La ministre a en revanche indiqué que Canberra allait étoffer son appui aérien aux missions humanitaires.

Cette décision survient quelques jours avant un entretien à Washington entre M. Turnbull et le président américain Barack Obama, à l'occasion d'un voyage axé sur le terrorisme et les conflits territoriaux. L'Australie a déployé au Moyen-Orient quelque 780 militaires. Canberra, qui a mobilisé six avions de combats, participe aux frappes aériennes contre l'EI et aide à la formation des forces de sécurité irakiennes.
Le niveau d'alerte terroriste a été relevé fin 2014 en Australie tandis que les lois sur la sécurité nationale ont été durcies et que plusieurs raids anti-terroristes ont été menés.
Plusieurs attaques ont eu lieu sur le sol australien, dont le meurtre d'un employé de la police en octobre.

http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/964819/laustralie-refuse-de-mobiliser-plus-de-moyens-pour-lutter-contre-lei.html

Citation :

First RAAF pilots start training on  Pilatus  PC-21 trainer aircraft

The first Australian pilots to undertake conversion training on the Pilatus PC-21 recently arrived in Switzerland, the Royal Australian Air Force announces today on its website. These pilots will form the transition team responsible for development of the new training curriculum and PC-21 simulators being acquired under Project AIR 5428 Pilot Training System.




The Pilatus PC-21 is the world’s most advanced pilot training aircraft. As part of the AIR 5428 project the PC-21 will replace Air Force’s current PC-9/A and CT-4B aircraft, and will be based at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria and RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia.

The capabilities of the PC-21 make it ideally suited to a very wide training envelope. It can be used from day one in the training system, eliminating the need for an elementary flying training fleet, but also bridges the performance gap between traditional turboprop trainers and lead-in fighters.The PC-21 is capable of sustained low-level speeds in excess of 320 knots and hydraulically assisted ailerons and roll spoilers can produce fighter-like rates of roll in excess of 200 degrees per second.

Australia is acquiring fourty two PC-21 aircraft and seven Flight Training Devices (simulators) for the new Pilot Training System, with a further three PC-21s being acquired for the Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) and four Forward Air Control variants for Number 4 Squadron.



Project AIR 5428 is scheduled to deliver it's first aircraft and simulators in mid 2017.

http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-defense-security-news/global-news-2016/january/2308-first-raaf-pilots-start-training-on-pilatus-pc-21-trainer-aircraft.html

The Mack MC3 heavy utility truck is still in service with the Australian Army

Citation :

18/01/2016

L’Australie a choisi le G550 de guerre-électronique !




Canberra, l’Australie a choisi son futur avion de guerre électronique, il s’agit du système monté sur deux Gulfstream G550. La nouvelle a été confirmée par le ministère australien de la Défense (DOD. Le contrat est estimé à près de 93,6 millions de dollars.

Les avions de base seront des Gulfstream G550 qui seront dotés d’un système complet de guerre électronique et de renseignement fournit par L-3 Communications à Greenville au Texas. Le système doit fournir le renseignement aérien en matière de surveillance, de reconnaissance et de guerre électronique (ISREW) en vue du soutien des opérations de la Force de défense australienne.

Basé sur une cellule de Gulfstream G550, le système permettra d’analyser les communications adverses et de mener la guerre-électronique. Le G550 permet de patrouiller sur 12.500 km et dispose d’une autonomie de 11 heures de vol. Ce nouveau système viendra compléter la flotte de Boeing P-8A « Poseidon » qui entrera en service en 2017 ainsi que les drone de surveillance de type Northrop-Grumman MQ-4C.

A noter, que ce système est également en compétition aux Etats-Unis dans le cadre du remplacement des actuels E-8C JSTAR. Le Pentagone n’a pour l’instant pas donnée sa réponse en ce qui concerne le choix du système.

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2016/01/18/l-australie-a-choisi-le-g550-de-guerre-electronique-860605.html

Citation :

Une frégate australienne va rejoindre le porte-avions Charles de Gaulle


Par Rédacteur en chef.
Publié le 18 janvier 2016, dernière mise à jour le 18 janvier 2016.

Une frégate australienne, le HMAS Darwin, et ses 200 membres d’équipage vont rejoindre le porte-avions Charles de Gaulle dans la lutte contre le terrorisme de Daesh.


La frégaye australienne HMAS Darwin

Le premier ministre australien, Malcolm Turnbull, l’a annoncé à son arrivée aux Etats-Unis, quelques jours après que le président Obama ait appelé l’Australie et d’autres pays à faire plus contre Daesh.

M. Turnbull a indiqué que l’Australie n’engagerait pas plus de troupes dans la guerre contre Daesh. La demande française était arrivée avant celle de Washington, en novembre dernier.

Le gouvernement australien a confirmé hier qu’il allait envoyer une frégate pour rejoindre le porte-avions français Charles de Gaulle, afin de l’escorter hors du danger à la fin de sa mission.

« La frégate HMAS Darwin, de la Royal Australian Navy, va rejoindre le Charles de Gaulle à son départ du golfe Persique, à partir du détroit d’Ormuz, à la fin du mois, pour participer à son escorte, au soutien de protection de la force et à des exercices communs, » a déclaré la ministre australienne de la défense Marise Payne.

Référence : The Advertiser (Australie)

http://www.corlobe.tk/spip.php?article40351

Citation :

United States to discuss with Australia about defense cooperation and security in Asia-Pacific region

Defense Secretary Ash Carter joined Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery January 18, 2016, before welcoming the prime minister to the Pentagon for a discussion on defense cooperation between the United States and Australia.


In a statement provided by Peter Cook, Pentagon press secretary, Carter and Turnbull discussed recent developments in Iraq and Syria, and the need to continue close collaboration on security issues in the Asia-Pacific region.

Carter expressed appreciation for Australia’s contributions to the counter-ISIL coalition, as well as Australia’s continued support in Afghanistan. Carter said he looks forward to Australia’s participation in the counter-ISIL coalition meeting Jan. 20, in Paris.

Australia, a key ally of the US, in 2014 deployed 400 air-force personnel and 200 special forces soldiers based in Iraq to join President Barack Obama’s coalition against Daesh. A further 300 soldiers left in April 2015 to help train Iraqi troops based at Taji, northwest of Baghdad. It turned down a US request to boost its military commitment in the region last week.

Late last year Australia started carrying out air strikes against Daesh targets in Syria as part of a 60-nation, US-led coalition against the jihadists.



http://www.armyrecognition.com/january_2016_global_defense_security_news_industry/united_states_to_discuss_with_australia_about_defense_cooperation_and_security_in_asia-pacific_region_11901161.html

Citation :

RAN to receive two new Cape-class patrol vessels by mid-2017

Ridzwan Rahmat, Singapore - IHS Jane's Navy International
19 January 2016





The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) will operate two new Cape-class patrol vessels on order from Australian shipbuilder Austal by the second quarter of 2017, a Department of Defence (DoD) spokesperson has told IHS Jane's .

The vessels were ordered by the National Australia Bank under a AUD63 million (USD43 million) contract signed in December 2015. The boats will then be chartered by the DoD for a minimum term of three years and operated by the RAN to meet the service's maritime patrol requirements.

IHS Jane's reported in October 2015 that the Australian Border Force (ABF) has temporarily transferred two other Cape-class offshore patrol vessels to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to enable the navy to meet its border security operations commitments. The measure is being undertaken given the loss of HMAS Bundaberg in an August 2014 fire and the commencement of a structural remediation programme for the RAN's Armidale-class patrol boat fleet.

The two vessels on loan, Cape Byron , which was handed over to the RAN on 24 July 2015, and Cape Nelson , which was transferred on 1 October 2015, will be returned to the ABF by December 2016.

According to IHS Jane's Fighting Ships , the Cape-class patrol boat has an overall length of 57.8 m, a beam of 10.3 m, and a draught of 3 m. The platform is powered by two Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines and has a top speed of 25 kt and a standard range of 4,000 n miles at 12 kt. Each vessel has a complement of 18 and can accommodate two rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) that can be launched simultaneously for interdiction duties.




http://www.janes.com/article/57329/ran-to-receive-two-new-cape-class-patrol-vessels-by-mid-2017

Citation :

Royal Australian Air Force Heads to Nevada for Exercise Red Flag

By Australian Department of Defence -January 21, 2016



The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has deployed 14 aircraft and approximately 410 personnel to Exercise Red Flag 16-1 in the United States.

Held at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada from January 19 until February 13, Exercise Red Flag 16-1 will involve 6 F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft from RAAF Base Amberley, 6 F/A-18 A/B Hornet aircraft from RAAF Base Tindal; a single AP-3C Orion from RAAF Base Edinburgh, and an E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C from RAAF Base Williamtown. It will also include a contingent of Air Battle Management element from No. 41 Wing, conducting surveillance and battlespace management of coalition forces inside the exercise area.

Officer Commanding No. 81 Wing and Exercise Director, Group Captain Phil Gordon, highlighted the importance of Exercise Red Flag for Air Force and its personnel.

“Exercise Red Flag involves a series of air combat scenarios that test operational air and ground crews to the highest level. For members of RAAF, this exercise is the culmination of years of training; it is incredibly challenging and the ultimate test of coalition interoperability.”

There are very few training environments in the world that recreate the complexity and dangers of a modern battlespace like Exercise Red Flag.

“Day and night-time missions at Red Flag will require large numbers of aircraft to work together to complete the assigned mission across a variety of roles. The threats they face range from aggressor F-15 and F-16 fighters and simulated surface to air missile engagements, through to electronic warfare and cyberspace attacks”, Group Captain Gordon said.

“It provides the ultimate environment in which our Air Force personnel can showcase their extraordinary abilities in a deployed scenario.”

From RAAF Base Edinburgh’s No. 10 Squadron, Wing Commander Jason Begley will lead the AP-3C Orion Detachment in conducting overland surveillance in the exercise area.

“The Orion, together with the Wedgetail AEW&C will help build ‘the big picture’ of what’s happening on the ground and in the air within the exercise area at Exercise Red Flag,” Wing Commander Begley said.

“We’re coming to this exercise with considerable experience in this role, especially from Operation Slipper over Afghanistan, where we regularly provided support to combat personnel on the ground. The scale and complexity of Exercise Red Flag makes it quite unique, so we stand to gain a lot of experience in working with allied partners.”



Read more: http://www.defencetalk.com/royal-australian-air-force-nevada-exercise-red-flag-66466/#ixzz3xsEViQqu

Citation :

ADF orders UK-built bridging systems under Land 155 programme

Peter Felstead, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

20 January 2016

   
A WFEL Medium Girder Bridge (MGB) in operation. The ADF has ordered an unspecified number of WFEL MGBs and Dry Support Bridges
in a deal worth GBP53 million. Source: WFEL


The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has contracted UK-based WFEL to supply an unspecified number of its bridging solutions in a deal worth GBP53 million (USD75 million), the company announced on 20 January.

The agreement, which addresses part of the ADF's Land 155 programme following an internationally competed tender, comprises two contracts for the provision of WFEL's Medium Girder Bridges (MGBs) and Dry Support Bridges (DSBs). The bridges provide temporary crossings over wet or dry gaps in complex terrain, either combat situations or in the event of natural disasters. They will be manufactured at WFEL's production facility in Stockport, northern England, with deliveries to begin by the third quarter of 2017.

The MGB, which first entered service over 30 years ago, is used by more than 40 armed forces worldwide. Under the ADF contract WFEL, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Germany's Krauss Maffei Wegmann, will supply double-storey, link-reinforced MGB bridge sets that can span up to 49 m, although additional equipment to be provided will allow bridges of up to 76 m to be constructed.

The DSB, meanwhile, can be deployed by eight people in under 90 minutes, according to WFEL. The systems supplied under the contract will be specially manufactured to be launched from the ADF's Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles 10x10 tactical trucks.

Over 130 DSB systems have been sold worldwide, according to WFEL, with users including the US, Swiss and Turkish armed forces.

Both the MGBs and DSBs will be supplied with additional walkways to facilitate the safe passage of dismounted personnel in addition to vehicular traffic.
 

Citation :

Qinetiq Australia starts field trial tests of Hawkei 4x4 light protected vehicle for Australian army.

QinetiQ Australia has commenced the second phase of full scale fatigue testing on the Hawkei vehicle at Thales Australia’s manufacturing facility in Bendigo, Victoria. The eight week test program involves attaching a Hawkei production-level chassis to a 5 x 8m test rig for a series of tests to validate the predicted life of the structure and to demonstrate several improvements made since QinetiQ did the first phase of fatigue tests on the prototype in 2010.



George McGuire, General Manager Land and Maritime of QinetiQ Australia, said: “During the tests, we push the Hawkei to its absolute limits. We artificially recreate the various stresses the Hawkei might be under in the field by placing a combination of loads on the chassis, which are activated by computer-operated hydraulics powered by 100 litres of oil per minute. It is a very significant undertaking that requires a depth of technical expertise and practical implementation experience.”

Peter Goodwin, Director Operations at Thales Australia, said: “Both phases of this project have involved a high degree of teamwork and commitment between Thales and QinetiQ using a mix of personnel, equipment and facilities. QinetiQ is one of many suppliers that have played a significant role in shaping the Hawkei and contributing to its success. These full scale fatigue tests will ensure the Hawkei performs for the Australian Army over a long period of time during different stages of operation throughout its service life.”

The Commonwealth Government of Australia signed a $1.3 billion contract with Thales in October 2015 for delivery of 1,100 vehicles and over 1,000 trailers to the Australian Army. The three and a half year production phase is scheduled to begin from mid-2017, with first deliveries expected towards the end of that year.

For more than 15 years, QinetiQ has provided fatigue and damage tolerance assessment services to various commercial and Government customers in Australia, building on existing test and evaluation expertise found in the wider QinetiQ Group. In addition to Thales’s Hawkei, QinetiQ Australia has conducted military aircraft full scale fatigue tests and full scale component tests for civil aircraft such as the flaps on the 787 Dreamliner.




http://www.armyrecognition.com/january_2016_global_defense_security_news_industry/qinetiq_australia_starts_field_trial_tests_of_hawkei_4x4_light_protected_vehicle_for_australian_army_12201161.html

Citation :

Australia, France Eye Collaboration on Special Forces NH90 Helicopters


23 Januari 2016


NH90 of the ADF (photo : helihub)

Australia and France are investigating a potential joint requirement for a special forces variant of the NH Industries (NHI) NH90 to trim development costs.

With only a small pool of helicopters requiring modification, France would look to share the financial commitment, says Maj Gen Olivier de la Motte, commander, French army aviation.

“We are speaking about a common version at the moment with Australia,” he said on the sidelines of the IQPC International Military Helicopter conference on 18 January. “We could have the same version for both forces.”

French army aviation operates eight Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracals for the mission. However later this decade the Caracals will transfer across to the air force, potentially leaving a capability gap.

Canberra, meanwhile, relies on a fleet of ageing Sikorsky S-70As to support its special operations units.

Both nations have substantial fleets of NH90s on order: Australia will eventually field a fleet of 47 of the troop transports, while the French army will have a 74-strong inventory, having added a six-unit order in January.

No decision has been made on whether to replace the departing H225Ms – either through new helicopters or modifications to the existing fleet – but the service is keen to ensure “we have the same number of airframes for each command”, says an army source.

Its special forces are in the early stages of drawing up the technical specification for any replacement, with the requirements likely to encompass a central trapdoor for fast roping, a rear door gun and changes to the communications suite.

“It is very early in the process,” says the source. “Our special forces would like the NH90, but want them to a certain specification. They make a request and then there will be an answer – yes to everything, yes to some things, or no to everything. Then [if appropriate] they will have to decide what they can do without."

http://defense-studies.blogspot.fr/2016/01/australia-france-eye-collaboration-on.html

Citation :

Sous-marins australiens : vers un match franco-japonais



TKMS propose à l'Australie une version agrandie de son type 214. Ici, un sous-marin de type 214 en service dans la marine coréenne.
(Photo : DR)

Publié le 22/01/2016 10:51 | Mis à jour le 22/01/2016 17:34


Se dirige-t-on vers un match franco-japonais dans la compétition ouverte pour le remplacement des sous-marins australiens de la classe Collins ? Selon l’agence Reuters, l’offre présentée par le groupe allemand Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) serait aujourd’hui pratiquement écartée pour des raisons qualifiées de techniques.

Reuters affirme s’appuyer sur « plusieurs sources » pour affirmer que le groupe français DCNS et son concurrent japonais ont désormais une longueur d'avance sur Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.

TKMS propose une version agrandie de son Type 214, d’un déplacement de 2 000 tonnes, l’Australie souhaitant un bâtiment d’environ 4 000 tonnes. Or, doubler les dimensions d'un bâtiment pose de sérieux problèmes techniques, selon les experts. « La proposition allemande est une version agrandie d'un sous-marin existant, ce qui est techniquement risqué », a déclaré l'un d'eux à Reuters, sous couvert de l'anonymat.

Réponse dans les six mois

L’Australie ne veut sans doute pas connaître à nouveau les déboires rencontrés avec ses sous-marins de la classe Collins dont le design était fourni par le suédois Kockums. De nombreux problèmes techniques et d’importants retards ont émaillé la construction des submersibles construits en Australie. Par ailleurs, les performances promises n’étaient pas au rendez-vous. Kockums n’avait réalisé jusque-là que de petits bâtiments destinés à opérer dans eaux peu profondes de la Baltique.

L’Australie doit se prononcer dans les six mois sur l'attribution de ce marché d’environ 32 milliards d'euros qui vise à construire jusqu’à douze unités. DCNS propose une version diesel-électrique du sous-marin à propulsion nucléaire Barracuda (5 000 tonnes) construit pour la Marine nationale. Le consortium japonais formé par l'État, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries et Kawasaki Heavy Industries, présente pour sa part une variante du Soryu (4 000 tonnes) déjà en service.

http://www.lemarin.fr/secteurs-activites/defense/24204-sous-marins-australiens-vers-un-match-franco-japonais  

Citation :

Boeing enregistre un contrat pour 20 P-8 Poseidon


Dans Actualité Défense
Publié le 29/01/2016 à 17h23, par Guillaume Belan



Un P-8A Poseidon de l'US Navy en vol © Boeing

L'industriel américain vient de recevoir une commande pour livrer 16 de ses avions P8 Poseidon à la Navy américaine ainsi que quatre pour la marine australienne. Le montant de ces commandes est estimé à 2,5 milliards de dollars.

Le Poseidon est avion de patrouille maritime, basé sur le Boeing 737-800. Lancé en 2013 il remplace le Lockheed P-3C Orion.

L'américain a livré 11 de ces appareils l'année passée. L'Inde est également un utilisateur du Poseidon, renommé Neptune. La Royal Navy britannique pourrait également être un prochain client. Londres, qui ne possède plus de flotte d'avion de patrouille maritime, a exprimé son intérêt pour neuf Poseidon.

http://www.air-cosmos.com/boeing-enregistre-un-contrat-pour-20-p-8-poseidon-61663