Armée Australienne/Australian Defence Force (ADF)

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Citation :

L’Australie suspend sa participation aux opérations aériennes de la coalition au-dessus de la Syrie

Posté dans Forces aériennes, Moyen-Orient, Opérations par Laurent Lagneau Le 20-06-2017



Après qu’un F/A-18E américain a abattu un avion d’attaque syrien Su-22 Fitter qui venait de bombarder les Forces démocratiques syriennes près de Tabqa, localité que ces dernières ont récemment prise à l’État islamique (EI ou Daesh), le ministère russe de la Défense a réagi coupant le canal de communication établi avec la coalition anti-jihadiste dirigé par les États-Unis pour éviter les incidents aériens au-dessus de la Syrie et prévenu que les « avions et les drones » occidentaux « repérés à l’ouest de l’Euphrate seront suivis et considérés comme des cibles par les moyens terrestres de défense antiaérienne et par les moyens aériens. »

Au États-Unis, estimant que ce canal de communication avec les forces russes en Syrie « a très bien fonctionné sur les huit derniers mois », le général Joseph Dunford, chef d’état-major interarmées, a affirmé vouloir le rétablir au plus vite. Pour cela, a-t-il dit, « nous allons travailler dans les prochaines heures sur le plan diplomatique et militaire. »

En attendant, le Pentagone a précisé que les opérations aériennes ont été « adaptées » en Syrie. « Nous avons par mesure de précaution repositionné nos avions au-dessus du territoire syrien, pour pouvoir continuer de frapper les forces du groupe État islamique, tout en assurant la sécurité de nos équipages », a déclaré le major Adrian Rankine-Galloway, un porte-parole.

« Nous voulons parvenir à une désescalade de la situation » mais « nous garderons toujours notre droit à l’autodéfense », a, pour sa part, commenter Sean Speacer, le porte-parole de la Maison Blanche.

Mais l’annonce russe a visiblement conduit l’Australie à revoir son engagement au sein de la coalition. « Par mesure de précaution, les opérations de frappes des forces de défense australiennes (ADF) en Syrie ont temporairement cessé », a en effet annoncé une porte-parole du ministère australien de la Défense, dans un communiqué.

« Les personnels des ADF suivent de près la situation aérienne en Syrie et une décision sur une reprise des opérations aériennes des ADF en Syrie sera prise en temps voulu », a-t-elle ajouté, avant de préciser que les opérations australiennes en Irak ne sont pas concernées par cette décision.

Actuellement, la Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) déploie, dans le cadre de l’opération Orka (nom de la participation australienne à la coalition), 6 F/A-18F Super Hornet, un avion d’alerte avancée E-7A Wedgetail (c’est à dire un B-737 AEW&C) et un ravitailleur KC-30A (ou A330 MRTT).

http://www.opex360.com/2017/06/20/lautralie-suspend-sa-participation-aux-operations-aeriennes-de-la-coalition-au-dessus-de-la-syrie/

Citation :

7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment a ajouté 9 photos.

Following K12 and K13 participation in Ex Chong Ju, the Platoon’s were able to join B Squadron, 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment, for a some more
combined arms live fire training. The opportunities provided by The School of Armour over this period have been outstanding, ensuring that
7 RAR soldiers remain amongst the best trained in our Army.

PHOTOS:

La marine royale Australienne a annoncé l'entrée en service du tout dernier destroyer Hobart Class sous le nom de HMAS Sydney.

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The Royal Australian Navy has launched its third and final Hobart-class air warfare destroyer (AWD), the future HMAS Sydney (DDG 42) during a ceremony at Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide, South Australia, on May 19, 2018.

The NUSHIP Sydney carries a proud name and is a significant warfighting enhancement to Australia’s fleet. Sydney has now joined the second AWD, future HMAS Brisbane (DDG 41), alongside the wharf at the shipyard.

AWD Program Manager Commodore (CDRE) Craig Bourke congratulated the workforce on achieving this significant milestone. “Over the past ten years, we have seen more than 5,000 people and 1,500 suppliers contribute millions of hours of effort to the AWD program – the most complex defence project ever undertaken in Australia.”

Air Warfare Destroyers like NUSHIP Sydney use a combination of global and Australian technology, to provide defence to a Task Group from air, surface and submarine threats. They are the first Australian ships equipped with the US Aegis weapon system, which significantly enhances Navy warfighting capability and allows them to work more closely with our allies than ever before.

The Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett said the launching of NUSHIP Sydney is a significant milestone for industry and Defence.

“As Sydney floats clear of her synchrolift, she will continue her journey towards decades of service to the nation,” Vice Admiral Barrett told the launch ceremony.

“In the last three years we have seen the launch of the first two Air Warfare Destroyers – HMAS Hobart and NUSHIP Brisbane – and with the launch today of Sydney, the class is now complete. They are powerful, elegant new warships that will serve Australia as a key part of our fleet for decades to come – a fleet that will be strong, agile, intelligent, and lethal.”

NUSHIP Sydney will continue fitting out prior to the commencement of sea trials next year.

The first ship of the class, HMAS Hobart (DDG 39) was commissioned into the Navy fleet on Sept. 23 last year. The second ship of the class, the future HMAS Brisbane (DDG 41) will be delivered to the Navy mid this year, and will be followed in quick succession by the delivery of the future HMAS Sydney (DDG 42), in 2019.

Hobart-class AWD

The Hobart-class destroyers are being built under Australia’s SEA 4000 program, which will replace the Adelaide-class frigates and restore the capability last exhibited by the Perth-class destroyers.

They are being built by the AWD Alliance, composed of the Australian Department of Defense, Raytheon Australia, and ASC (formerly the Australian Submarine Corporation) with Navantia in a supporting role, at ASC’s shipyard in Osborne, South Australia.

The total cost of the program will be over $8 billion, making it the most expensive weapons program ever for Australia.

The ships are based on Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate deployed by the Spanish Navy. It is equipped with the Aegis Combat System (ACS), which integrates with the long-range AN/SPY1 passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar to detect, track, and engage aerial targets. The new destroyer is the first in the RAN to carry the Aegis system.

The destroyers have the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) capable of firing RIM-66 Standard 2 surface-to-air missiles (SAM) or quad-packed RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow missile (ESSM) for air defense role and torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations.

The missiles are supplemented by 2 x 4 Harpoon anti-ship missiles (AShM) in canister launchers and a BAE Mark 45 (Mod 4) 5-inch 62-calibre gun with a range of 23.6 km (14.7 mi).

Two Babcock Mark 32 Mod 9 two-tube torpedo launchers are used to launch Eurotorp MU90 torpedoes for ASW missions. For close-in defense, the ships will carry one aft-facing Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS) and two M242 Bushmasters in bridge wing Typhoon mounts.

The destroyers will carry a single MH-60R Romeo Seahawk helicopter. Two rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIB) are also carried.

The standard ship’s company is 186-strong, plus 16 additional personnel to operate and maintain the ship’s helicopter, with maximum accommodation for 234.

Citation :

Australia Selects Spike LR2 ATGM

23 Mei 2018


Side view of the Spike LR II - full scale development of the new missile is scheduled to be finalised in Q4 2018. The Australian
Department of Defence has selected the Spike LR2 to arm the Rheinmetall Boxer CRV under the Land 400 Phase 2 programme.
(photo : Rafael)


Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has been selected by the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) to supply its Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) for the Australian Army.

Australia becomes the second export customer for Spike LR2, after Latvia ordered an undisclosed quantity earlier this year.

Beating out the MMP (Missile Moyenne Portée or medium range missile) from MBDA in what was a mini-contest inside the competition to supply an 8×8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) under the Land 400 Phase 2 programme, Spike LR2 will arm the Rheinmetall Boxer CRV, itself selected ahead of the BAE Systems AMV35 on 13 March this year under a AUD5.2 billion (USD3.91 billion) acquisition.


Spike LR2 to arm Rheinmetall Boxer CRV (photo : Financial Review)

Whilst both Spike LR2 and MMP met the Land 400 Phase 2 requirement for a missile able to engage main battle tanks at 4,000 m, Jane’s understands that the Spike LR2’s more streamlined integration into the Army’s existing Elbit-sourced battle management system and the technical maturity of the Spike-launcher combination on the Boxer CRV were decisive in the selection. Rheinmetall, in addition, did not include the MMP in its Boxer CRV proposal.

Spike LR2 will be fired from the twin-round ATGM launcher installed on the left side of the Boxer CRV’s two-man Lance turret, with the launcher being almost identical to that on the German Army’s Puma infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). Earlier this year, the German Army successfully completed qualification of the in-service Spike LR ATGM for Puma. Supplied by EuroSpike, the Spike LR is known as MELLS (German acronym for ‘multi-role lightweight guided missile system’) in German service.

The final qualification trials of Spike LR on Puma were undertaken by the German Army and Rheinmetall at the company’s Unterlüss facility and included the live firing of several Spike LR missiles out to ranges between 2,000 and 4,000 m, in both the fire-and-forget and fire-and-observe modes.

(Jane's)

http://defense-studies.blogspot.fr/2018/05/australia-selects-spike-lr2-atgm.html  

Citation :

Australian Army to roll out Black Hornet micro UAVs

Gabriel Dominguez, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

24 May 2018


The Australian Army (AA) will soon roll out the PD-100 Black Hornet Personal Reconnaissance System (PRS) across one of its brigades in Brisbane, the Department of Defence (DoD) in Canberra announced in a 24 May statement.


Australian Army soldiers with a PD-100 Black Hornet UAV during an exercise at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland on 4 May 2018.
(Commonwealth of Australia)

The rollout and sustainment of the micro unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) is an AUD18 million (USD13.6 million) project and a “key capability milestone for the army as it continues to be a technologically advanced force”, said the DoD.

Brigadier Susan Coyle, commander of the AA’s 6th Combat Support Brigade and of the service’s only UAS unit – the 20th Surveillance Target Acquisition Regiment – was quoted in the statement as saying that the rollout is a “significant achievement for the army”.

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Thales obtient un contrat de 150 millions d’euros pour moderniser les sous-marins australiens

Posté dans Forces navales, Industrie par Laurent Lagneau Le 15-06-2018



En novembre 2016, Thales avait obtenu un contrat de « conception et de pré-production » qui, d’un montant de 70 millions d’euros, concernait la modernisation des systèmes sonar utilisés par les 6 sous-marins de la classe Collins mis en oeuvre par la Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

Bien qu’elle a lancé un ambitieux programme visant à acquérir 12 sous-marins Shortfin Barracuda auprès du constructeur français Naval Group, l’Australie doit maintenir ses Collins en service au moins jusqu’en 2030. D’où la nécessité de moderniser leurs capacités.

Aussi, le 14 juin, et dans la foulée de celui obtenu en 2016, Thales s’est vu logiquement confier un nouveau contrat d’une valeur de près de 150 millions d’euros pour moderniser les sonars des sous-marins australiens.

« Dans le cadre d’un programme collaboratif international, les antennes cylindriques équipant les bâtiments de la classe Collins seront remplacées par des antennes modulaires cylindriques (MCA) basées sur la technologie du Sonar 2076 développé par les équipes de Thales au Royaume-Uni. L’antenne de flanc actuelle sera quant à elle remplacée par une antenne de dernière génération développée par les équipes françaises de Thales », a précisé l’industriel.

Il est également question d’une nouveau sonar remorqué, utilisant les technologies développées conjointement par Thales et l’agence Defence Science and Technology, qui dépend du ministère australien de la Défense.

Ce contrat bénéficiera avant tout à l’industrie australienne puisqu’il sera exécuté par le centre d’excellence Thales de Rydalmere, à l’ouest de Sydney, où 50 nouveaux postes seront créés. En outre, Raytheon Australia interviendra en tant qu’intégrateur des systèmes de combat et les entreprises locales, notamment Sonartech Atlas et L3 Oceania, seront impliquées.

« La France et l’Australie collaborent étroitement dans les systèmes sonars des sous-marins de la classe Collins depuis le début du programme, il y a trente ans. Les équipes de Thales en France, au Royaume-Uni et en Australie ont donc œuvré ensemble pour maîtriser cette technologie en Australie et partager leur savoir-faire avec une unique ambition : assurer à long terme la supériorité de la Marine royale australienne dans cette région du monde », a ainsi rappelé Alexis Morel, chargé des systèmes sous-marins chez Thales.

http://www.opex360.com/2018/06/15/thales-obtient-contrat-de-150-millions-deuros-moderniser-marins-australiens/

Citation :

ADF to trial ‘F90-SMASH’ assault rifle

Gabriel Dominguez, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

21 June 2018


The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is set to begin trialling the ‘F90-SMASH’ assault rifle later this year, according to a 21 June joint statement by Israel’s Smart Shooter and Thales Australia.

The weapon, which integrates one of Smart Shooter’s SMASH electro-optical fire control systems with Thales Australia’s EF88 (also known as F90, its export/commercial designation) assault rifle, “dramatically improves the soldier’s ability to hit targets accurately”, said the statement.

According to the manufacturer, the SMASH system is built into a weapon sight, combining real-time image processing with targeting algorithms that calculate impact points “allowing the system to acquire, lock, track, and hit the target precisely, day and night”.

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Australia to boost maritime surveillance with acquisition of six MQ-4C Triton UASs

Julian Kerr, Sydney - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

26 June 2018

   
Australia announced on 26 June that it will acquire six MQ-4C Triton UAVs (similar to this one seen here in US Navy service).
Source: Northrop Grumman


Australia is to acquire six Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton maritime unmanned aerial systems (UASs), with the first platform scheduled to enter service in mid-2023, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced on 26 June.

All six Tritons are planned to be fully operational by late 2025, Turnbull disclosed in a joint statement with Defence Minister Marise Payne and Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne.

“The Triton will complement the surveillance role of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft through sustained operations at long ranges as well as being able to undertake a range of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks,” the statement said.

“Together, these aircraft will significantly enhance our anti-submarine warfare and maritime strike capability, as well as our search and rescue capability.”

Initial spending of AUD1.4 billion (USD1.04 billion) on Project Air 7000 Phase 1B will cover purchase of the first aircraft and AUD364 million will be spent on the construction of new operational and support facilities at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base Edinburgh near Adelaide and RAAF base Tindal in the Northern Territory, as well as on initial ground support equipment, training, and spares.

Total programme cost was not disclosed but is expected to be around AUD7 billion.

The initial amount also includes an AUD200 million investment in the US Navy-led Triton co-operative development programme.

“This co-operative programme will strengthen our ability to develop advanced capability and conduct joint military operations”, the joint statement said.

Together with the P-8A Poseidon multimission maritime aircraft, the high-altitude, long-endurance Tritons will replace the RAAF’s fleet of 19 AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft that entered service in the mid-1980s. The last of the Orions will be retired in 2023.
 

Citation :

BAE Systems livrera 9 frégates de la classe « Hunter » à la marine australienne

Posté dans Forces navales, Industrie par Laurent Lagneau Le 29-06-2018



Outre l’acquisition de 12 sous-marins Shortfin Barracuna auprès du français Naval Group [ex-DCNS], la Royal Australian Navy [RAN] compte également moderniser sa flotte de navires de surface dans le cadre du programme « Sea 5000 ». Ce projet est ambitieux puisqu’il s’agit de remplacer neuf frégates de type ANZAC en service depuis les années 1990.

Plusieurs constructeurs navals européens étaient sur les rangs pour tenter de remporter ce marché. Et c’est finalement le britannique BAE Systems qui a raflé la mise, aux dépens de l’italien Fincantieri [FREMM] et de l’espagnol Navantia [Frégate F-100].

Dans le détail, BAE Systems livrera à la marine australienne 9 frégates de la classe « Hunter », dont la conception sera basée sur celle des frégates de type 26 destinées à la Royal Navy, pour 26 milliards de dollars. La construction de ces navires sera assurée par le chantier naval ASC Shipbuilding, à Adelaïde, dans le sud de l’Australie. Leur mise en service est attendue pour la fin des années 2020.

Les frégates « de classe Hunter fourniront aux forces de défense australiennes les taux de létalité et de dissuasion les plus élevés, dont nos combattants en surface auront besoin durant ces périodes de grande instabilité », s’est félicité Malcolm Turnbull, le Premier ministre australien. Ces navires « auront la capacité de conduire toute une série de missions de manière indépendante ou dans le cadre d’un groupe opérationnel, avec une portée et une endurance suffisantes pour opérer efficacement à travers la région », a-t-il ajouté.



« BAE Systems a été choisi comme enchérisseur privilégié pour l’appel d’offres ‘Sea 5000″ de future frégate. […] L’accord représentera plus de 4.000 emplois en Australie et stimulera les exportations de la Grande-Bretagne pour les générations à venir », a fait valoir le gouvernement britannique.

D’une longueur de 149.9 mètres pour 20.8 mètres de large et déplacement de près de 7.000 tonnes en charge, la frégate de type 26 est mise en oeuvre par un équipage de 118 marins. La version australienne sera dotée d’un radar à antennes fixes CEAFAR de CEA Technologies, du système de combat Aegis avec une interface tactique Saab. Elle pourra embarquer deux hélicoptères MH-60R Seahawk Romeo pour des missions anti-sous-marins ou un seul de ces appareils avec un drone.

Avec cette première commande à l’international pour la frégate de Type 26, BAE Systems apparaît désormais bien placé pour remporter l’appel d’offres lancé par le Canada visant à acquérir 15 nouvelles frégates pour la Marine royale canadienne [un marché estimé à 40 milliards d’euros, ndlr].

Par ailleurs, la modernisation de la Royal Australian Navy passe également par le remplacement de ses patrouilleurs hauturiers. Un marché qui a été confié à l’allemand Lürssen, qui aura à livrer 12 navires de 1.700 tonnes

http://www.opex360.com/2018/06/29/bae-systems-livrera-9-fregates-de-classe-hunter-a-marine-australienne/

Citation :

First Two New RAAF Roulettes Pilatus PC-21s Arrive


25 Juli 2018


The first two aircraft for the RAAF Roulettes (photos : Australian Aviation)

The first two aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) acrobatic display team have arrived in Australia.

The pair of Pilatus PC-21s, with registration HB-HWS and HB-HWT, landed in Darwin on Saturday July 21 from Kupang in Indonesia, as these photographs from Sid Mitchell showed.

On Sunday, the PC-21s flew from Darwin to Adelaide via Alice Springs, according to flight tracking website FlightAware. The following day, the two aircraft reached RAAF Base East Sale.

The Air Force Roulettes are replacing the Pilatus PC-9/A, which have been flown since 1989, with the PC-21s.

The Australian Defence Force is acquiring 49 PC-21s as well as simulators and training devices under the AIR 5428 Pilot Training System.



Under AIR 5428, the PC-21 will replace both the ageing Pilatus PC-9/A advanced trainer, which has been in service since 1988, and the CT-4B Airtrainer, which is currently used for basic training. The PC-9/A is due to be withdrawn in 2019 after 30 years of service and more than 500,000 flying hours.

AIR 5428 is an integrated system designed to train all future Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army pilots. The project spans flight screening through all phases of pilot training from basic flying training at Central Flying School (CFS) at RAAF Base East Sale through to the advanced flying training at 2FTS (No 2 Flying Training School) at RAAF Base Pearce, north of Perth.

Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor with responsibility for delivering AIR 5428 and is providing the ground-based training environment, with Pilatus providing the PC-21 aircraft and Hawker Pacific providing maintenance support.

The first six PC-21s advanced trainers were formally welcomed into service at RAAF Base East Sale in August 2017.

(Australian Aviation)

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2018/07/first-two-new-raaf-roulettes-pilatus-pc.html

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Rheinmetall to supply more than 1,000 logistics trucks to ADF

Gabriel Dominguez, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

25 July 2018

   

Rheinmetall announced on 25 July that it was awarded a contract to deliver more than 1,000 logistics trucks and more than 800
modules to the ADF. Source: Rheinmetall


Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia (RMMVA) has been awarded a contract to deliver more than 1,000 high-mobility logistics trucks and more than 800 modules to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) under the Land 121 Phase 5B programme, which is an extension of the current Land 121 Phase 3B project, Rheinmetall Group announced in a 25 July statement.

Deliveries will start in 2019 and will run to 2024, the company said, adding that it is committed to establishing a “high-quality logistics backbone for the ADF”.

In a separate statement Australian Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne said the country is purchasing 1,044 additional new-generation medium and heavy trucks, 872 modules, and 812 trailers for AUD1.4 billion (USD1.04 billion) to facilitate logistics support and enhance the ADF’s land capabilities. The country is purchasing 1,044 additional new-generation medium and heavy trucks, 872 modules, and 812 trailers for AUD1.4 billion (USD1.04 billion) to facilitate logistics support and enhance the ADF’s land capabilities.

“These modern trucks will be used for a broad range of military contingencies, from resupplying combat operations to supporting the ADF’s assistance to Australian and regional communities after natural disasters such as floods, fires, and cyclones,” said Pyne, adding “We’ve already got more than 1,000 of these trucks in service and they have proved their value, exceeding user expectations in disaster relief, training, and on exercises.”

Pyne also pointed out that this project marks the final government approval for the Land 121 programme designed to replace the ADF’s legacy fleet of ageing vehicles and trailers, many of which are more than 30 years old and becoming increasingly costly and difficult to maintain.

Pyne said that while the trucks are to be manufactured on an existing production line in Austria, Australian industry would play a major role in the project, with RMMVA partnering with a range of Australia-based companies such as Varley in Newcastle, Holmwood Highgate in Brisbane, and ECLIPS in the Australian Capital Territory to supply the modules and trailers.
 

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1st Armoured Regiment - Australian Army  

PHOTOS:

Citation :

Australia orders 211 Boxer wheeled armoured vehicles

Gabriel Dominguez, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

17 August 2018    


Australia awarded Rheinmetall an order for 211 Boxer wheeled armoured vehicles on 17 August worth a total of AUD3.3 billion
(USD2.4 billion). Source: Rheinmetall


Australia has awarded Rheinmetall an order for 211 Boxer wheeled armoured vehicles worth a total of AUD3.3 billion (USD2.4 billion).

The contract was signed on 17 August in Canberra by Australia’s Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, and the Managing Director of Rheinmetall Defence Australia (RDA), Gary Stewart, the company said in a statement, adding that delivery of the 8×8 combat reconnaissance vehicles (CRVs) will take place between 2019 and 2026.

The move comes after Canberra announced on 14 March that it had selected RDA to meet the Australian Army’s requirement for more than 200 CRVs under Project Land 400 Phase 2. In offering its 8×8 Boxer CRV, RDA beat rival BAE Systems Australia, which had proposed the Armoured Modular Vehicle (AMV35) through a partnership with Finnish company Patria.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) will introduce several variants of the Boxer with the reconnaissance variant – accounting for 133 of the 211 vehicles – equipped with Rheinmetall’s cutting-edge LANCE turret system and armed with a 30 mm automatic cannon.

Turnbull had said in March that the new CRVs, which will replace the Australian Army’s ageing fleet of 257 Australian light armoured vehicles (ASLAVs), will undertake a range of missions “from regional stability and peacekeeping through to high-threat operations”. He added that the government is investing about AUD235 million to upgrade Australian Army facilities in Adelaide, Queensland, and Victoria where the CRVs will be operated.

As Jane’s previously reported, RDA’s CRV build programme will focus on the development of a proposed Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Brisbane, Queensland, which will be the hub for the production of the majority of the vehicles.

Rheinmetall is expected to construct an initial batch of about 20 Boxer CRVs in Germany, which will be delivered from 2019. The remainder will be built by the MILVEHCOE following training and technology transfers to Australia.
 

Citation :

EOS Wins LAND 400 Australian Defence Program

29 Agustus 2018


EOS R400S Mark 2 D-HD remote weapon station (photo : EOS)

Electro Optic Systems, (ASX: EOS), acting through its subsidiary EOS Defence Systems Pty Limited, is pleased to announce that it has been selected as the remote weapon system provider for Phase 2 (Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle) of the Australian Army’s LAND 400 program. EOS tendered the R400S Mark 2 D-HD remote weapon station for this acquisition. This latest R400 variant is commencing full rate production to meet existing contracts in early 2019. It is expected that approximately 80 remote weapon stations for Land 400 Phase 2 would enter an existing manufacturing process from 2021.

Additionally, the LAND 400 Phase 3 tender released today requires that all tenderers ‘include the integration / use of’ the EOS Remote Weapon Station in their responses for the next Phase of the program. Phase 3 seeks to deliver 450 Infantry Fighting Vehicles and 17 Manoeuvre Support Vehicles from 2024/25 onwards.

These two events represent a significant step forward for EOS Defence Systems as the primary RWS provider to the Australian Army. Combined with the existing in-service 230+ EOS remote weapon stations these additional systems will create a larger EOS RWS fleet across multiple vehicles and deliver significant improvements in operational effectiveness and cost of ownership for Australia’s combat forces.

The R400S Mark 2 Direct Drive-Heavy Duty (D-HD) remote weapon station is the latest high precision product from EOS Defence Systems and can mount different weapons up to and including the M230LF lightweight 30mm cannon and anti-tank guided missiles.

The LAND 400 program comprises four phases which are summarised below:
- LAND 400 Phase 1 – Project Definition Study (completed);
- LAND 400 Phase 2 –Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle Capability
- LAND 400 Phase 3 –Mounted Close Combat Capability; and
- LAND 400 Phase 4 – Integrated Training System.

EOS Group CEO, Ben Greene, said: “EOS as an Australian defence industry company is enormously proud of being chosen to provide more weapon stations to this important ADF program. Although the vast majority of EOS revenue is derived from exports, meeting the needs of the Australian Defence Force is of utmost importance. This announcement practically demonstrates the commitment of government to Australian Defence Industry.”

EOS Defence Systems CEO, Grant Sanderson, commented: “This is a very pleasing outcome and great recognition for the EOS Defence Systems workforce who have worked exceptionally hard over the last few years to create these world class products.

This new order combined with the AUD$630+mil other orders received over 2017/18 underwrite production growth for the next five years. Such backlog creates opportunity for EOS to continue to provide the highest quality and best value for money technology in the world to the Australian Defence Force and our global customers.”

(EOS)

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2018/08/eos-wins-land-400-australian-defence.html

Citation :

GA-ASI Adds Sentient Vision to Team Reaper Australia

06 September 2018


MQ-9 Reaper UCAV (photo : Ian Trainz)

Melbourne – Sentient Vision Systems and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI), the world’s leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, today announced the further expansion of Team Reaper Australia.

Sentient Vision Systems is the only Australian provider of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconaissance (ISR) solutions that has been an integral part of every Australian Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) program to date. The inclusion of Sentient Vision further reinforces Team Reaper Australia as the only viable solution to meet the Project Air 7003 requirement, which now consists of ten Australian companies providing a range of innovative sensor, communication, manufacturing and life-cycle support capabilities.

“General Atomics recognizes the importance of having a robust team of Australian industry partners to support the Air 7003 requirements,” said Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI. “We continue to be committed to partnerships with Australian industry and to providing a capable, affordable RPA system to the Australian Defence Force.”


Reaper UCAV (photo : AIN)

“Sentient is proud of our close collaboration with the Australian Government. From our foundations of the Defence Science and Technology Group’s Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) program to our proud history of deployments in support of the Australian warfighter, Sentient sees the inclusion of our ViDAR wide area motion imagery payload as a part of Team Reaper Australia in support of the Air 7003 requirement as a reinforcement of Australian leadership in advanced autonomy,” said Simon Olsen, Director of Business Development, Strategy and Partnerships at Sentient Vision Systems.

Team Reaper Australia, originally consisting of Cobham, CAE Australia, Raytheon, and Flight Data Systems, was first announced at the Australian International Aerospace and Defence Exposition (AVALON 2017) by Linden Blue and Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston, AK, DFC of Defence South Australia. Since Avalon 2017, Team Reaper Australia has expanded to ten companies and now includes Cobham Australia, CAE Australia, Raytheon Australia, Flight Data Systems, TAE Aerospace, Rockwell Collins, Ultra Electronics Australia, Airspeed, Quickstep Holdings Ltd and Sentient Vision Systems.

Project Air 7003 will provide the Australian Defence Force with an Armed MALE RPA system that will include aircraft and Ground Control Stations (GCS) that will be fully inter-operable with Australia’s allies.

(Sentient)

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2018/09/ga-asi-adds-sentient-vision-to-team.html

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Australia Retires Kiowa Helicopter

20 Oktober 2018


Bell 206B-1 Kiowa (photo : Jamie C and Tash C)

The Australian Army Aviation Corps today marked 50 years since formation, celebrating with a ceremonial parade, flypast and a variety of displays at the Army Aviation Training Centre, Oakey, Queensland.

In addition to the flypast in Oakey, simultaneous flypasts were held in Sydney, Townsville and Darwin.

Head of Australian Army Aviation Corps Brigadier Scott Benbow said he was proud to join past and present personnel to mark this important milestone.

“Then and now, the corps is committed to helping the Australian soldier fight, survive and win, and be ready to serve wherever needed,” Brigadier Benbow said.

“From a small corps formed in 1968 flying light fixed-wing aircraft, the Australian Army Aviation Corps has grown to be an advanced, state-of-the-art force.

“Today, the Australian Army Aviation Corps flies a variety of capabilities, including the Tiger armed reconnaissance, Chinook medium lift and Taipan multi role helicopters.”

Today’s celebrations also saw the final flight and retirement of the Army’s Bell 206B-1 Kiowa fleet after almost 47 years of service.

“Kiowa has been Army’s primary training helicopter since 1990, and every pilot, groundcrew member and maintainer who has served since that time has one thing in common – Kiowa,” Brigadier Benbow said.

“The Kiowa fleet has provided stalwart service to the Army since 1971, whether on deployment, in disaster relief operations or as a training helicopter.

“All personnel, past and present, who have operated, maintained and supported the Kiowa can be proud of the part they have played in Army’s history.”

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2018/10/australia-retires-kiowa-helicopter.html

Citation :

Australia progresses qualification of Tiger helicopters on Canberra class

Ridzwan Rahmat, Singapore - Jane's Navy International

24 October 2018


A Tiger ARH helicopter conducting first-of-class flight trials on board HMAS Canberra. Source: Commonwealth of Australia


Key Points
•Australia has completed further trials of the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter on board its first Canberra-class vessel
•Aircraft will provide the amphibious assault ship with forward scouting, strike capabilities

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has inched closer towards fully qualifying the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) on board its Canberra-class amphibious assault ships.

The service's aircraft maintenance and flight trials unit (AMAFTU) has been conducting follow-on first-of-class flight trials (FOCFT) with the type from on board HMAS Canberra (L 02) since early September 2018, with the aim of establishing the helicopter as an embarked capability.

The RAN conducted initial trials of the Tiger ARH helicopters in February 2017. Among processes that will be carried out during the latest FOCFT include the establishment of ship-helicopter operating limits (SHOLS) under various environmental conditions, assessment of aviation facilities, and equipment calibration.

To achieve the environmental conditions required to define the operating limits, the FOCFT has been conducted at various locations around the country, including Darwin Harbour, the Arafura Sea, and the Pacific Ocean route between Australia and New Caledonia.

"The geographical variety permitted operations in high temperatures, calm seas, and light winds, along with higher winds and sea states to induce increased pitch and roll," said the service via its official publication, Navy Daily . "This culminated in the validation of proposed wind envelopes in conditions up to Sea State 5 at the end of the trial," it added.

Among Australian Defence Force (ADF) aircraft that can be operated from the amphibious ship include the S-70B-2 Seahawk and S-70 Black Hawk helicopters. In mid-2016, the RAN also conducted deck landings of the US Marine Corps' (USMC's) Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion and MV-22 Osprey aircraft on board Canberra as part of the Rim of the Pacific ('RIMPAC') 2016 international naval exercise in waters of Hawaii.

Citation :

AIR FAN

75 BOUGIES POUR L’ARDU
Histoire de célébrer dignement les 75 ans de l’Aircraft Research and Development Unit de la RAAF, une petite formation a été mis en place avec un PC-9A, un F/A-18B et surtout le vénérable Dakota de l’Historical Aircraft Restoration Society, l’un des quelques exemplaires toujours en état de vol en Australie.
Difficile de maintenir la formation le long de la côte entre Nowra et Shoalhaven avec des avions aux performances si différentes. C’est manifestement le Hornet qui est à la peine, cabré pour tenir sa position mais avec de la marge par rapport à sa vitesse de décrochage.
Le choix des machines s’est fait en fonction de leur relation avec l’ARDU, unité tests et développement de la RAAF chargée notamment de la prise en compte des aéronefs et du développement de leurs systèmes. L’ARDU a quatre détachements basés à Amberley, Edinburgh, Richmond et Williamtown.
L’occasion de voir un « Dak » en vol est toujours un plaisir. Cet avion précis, le C-47B-30-DK serial 44-76774 codé A65-94, a été livré à la RAAF le 2 mai 1945, deux semaines après sa sortie d’usine. Il a fait partie des premiers avions engagés au Viet Nam par l’Australie dès 1963, depuis la base de RAAF Butterworth. Il a été retiré du service actif en 1980 après avoir accumulé 14600 heures de vol. Il a été racheté aux enchères par l’HARS en 2000 et a été remis en vol depuis.

SP

HMAS Adelaide L01

Citation :

First two F-35A Joint Strike fighters arrived in Australia

Dec 10, 2018


Photo by Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP


The first two F-35A Joint Strike Fighters of the Royal Australian Air Force arrived at Williamtown air base in Newcastle.

According to a news release put out by the Royal Australian Air Force, F-35A Joint Strike Fighter jets A35-009 and A35-010 have arrived at their new home Base Williamtown.

They’re the first F-35As to be based on Australian soil and belong to Royal Australian Air Force’s No. 3 Squadron.

The Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, and Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP, were there to welcome the aircraft and RAAF fighter pilots who flew the final leg in the journey from Luke Air Force Base Arizona.

The Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP said the Joint Strike Fighter will be a game-changer for the Australian Defence Force.

“This is the most advanced, multi-role stealth fighter in the world. It will deliver next generation capability benefits and provide a major boost to our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities,” Minister Pyne said.

“The Joint Strike Fighter can get closer to threats undetected; find, engage and jam electronic signals from targets; and share information with other platforms.”

The Government is investing over $17 billion to acquire at least 72 Joint Strike Fighters.

“The Joint Strike Fighter is the largest acquisition in the history of the Royal Australian Air Force, and is a key part of the Government’s $200 billion build up in Defence capability,” Minister Pyne said.

The Lockheed-Martin-built Joint Strike Fighter will be operated by nine partner nations, reaffirming and strengthening Australia’s alliance with the United States and other key international partners including the United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Denmark and Norway.

“In Australia’s immediate region, Japan and South Korea are in the process of procuring the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter, and are closely aligned with Australia’s pursuit of shared strategic, security and economic interests,” Minister Pyne said.



Photo by Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP



https://defence-blog.com/news/first-two-f-35a-joint-strike-fighters-arrived-in-australia.html

Citation :

7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment  

PHOTOS:

Citation :

F-35A Aircraft Scheduled to Begin Flying Operations

22 Januari 2019


Australia’s first F-35A Joint Strike Fighters homeward bound bring refuelled by the KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft (photo : RAAF)

F-35A aircraft scheduled to begin flying operations this week

AAF Base Williamtown is advising Hunter residents that our two F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft are scheduled to begin flying operations this week (from 21-25 January 2019).

The first two aircraft arrived in Australia on 10 December 2018.  

Commander of Air Combat Group (ACG), Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Michael Kitcher said the two aircraft will begin a phase of operations designed to verify and validate the jet’s capabilities during 2019-2020 in the lead-up to the declaration of the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) at the end of 2020.

“At the end of 2019, Air Combat Group expects to have taken delivery of up to eight aircraft,’’ Air Commodore Kitcher said.

“In December 2020, Australia will have up to 33 aircraft, established a sovereign training capability and completed verification and validation of the Australian F-35A capability.

“By the end of 2020 one operational squadron will be proficient in air combat, strike and offensive air support, and ready to deploy in support of Australia’s national interests.”

The Australian Government has approved the acquisition of 72 aircraft and the F-35A fleet will comprise of three operational squadrons.

Numbers 3 and 77 Squadron operate out of RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales, and Number 75 Squadron based at RAAF Base Tindal near Katherine, Northern Territory. Number 2 Operational Conversion Unit squadron will also fly F-35A out of RAAF Base Williamtown.

The majority of the $1.5B invested to house and support the F-35A have been constructed at RAAF Base Williamtown. The facilities include new working accommodation, maintenance hangars, storage, workshop facilities, training facilities, aircraft runway, and pavement works.  

Members of the community seeking further information are invited to call 1800 033 200, or refer to our flying operations page or Defence Aircraft Noise website.

(RAAF)

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2019/01/f-35a-aircraft-scheduled-to-begin.html  

Citation :

Sous-marins : la France et l'Australie vont verrouiller le contrat du siècle

Par Michel Cabirol            |    04/02/2019, 17:08  |  455  mots


Cet accord vise principalement à assurer à (et rassurer) l'Australie que Naval Group sera capable tout au long
de la durée de la vie du contrat des sous-marins (50 ans) de maintenir son outil industriel. (Crédits : DCNS)
     
L'Australie et le groupe naval vont signer l'accord cadre de leur partenariat stratégique (Strategic Partnering Agreement). Naval Group devrait signer avant le printemps un contrat portant sur le design des sous-marins et estimé entre 1 et 2 milliards d'euros.


En Australie, Naval Group va bientôt voir la lumière après un très, très long tunnel de négociations. Lundi prochain, l'Australie et le groupe naval tricolore vont signer l'accord cadre de leur partenariat stratégique (Strategic Partnering Agreement ou SPA) en présence de Florence Parly et de son homologue australien Christopher Pyne, selon l'entourage de la ministre des Armées. Des négociations qui avaient commencé début février 2017. Un accord intergouvernemental entre l'Australie et la France avait été signé en décembre 2016.

Ce contrat "chapeau" intègre toutes les clauses de transferts de technologies, de garanties, de risques et de couvertures notamment sur la durée du contrat (50 ans). Il doit également protéger les propriétés intellectuelles de Naval Group. C'est donc l'aboutissement de négociations tripartites très complexes, qui vont en grande partie verrouiller le contrat du siècle pour Naval Group, sélectionné en 2016 par Canberra pour fabriquer douze sous-marins à propulsion classique pour un montant évalué à 50 milliards de dollars australiens (36,2 milliards d'euros).

Rassurer l'Australie

Cet accord vise principalement à assurer à (et rassurer) l'Australie que Naval Group sera capable tout au long de la durée de la vie du contrat des sous-marins (50 ans) de maintenir son outil industriel. La France a dû donner son assurance à l'Australie que Naval Group existera encore dans 50 ans pour assurer l'entretien des douze bâtiments qui sont stratégiques pour Canberra.

De même, selon l'entourage de la ministre, le résultat des prochaines élections législatives australiennes, qui doivent avoir lieu au premier semestre 2019 afin de renouveler l'intégralité des 151 sièges de la Chambre des représentants et 40 des 76 sièges du Sénat, ne devrait pas changer l'accord entre l'Australie et Naval Group. Des assurances par l'opposition ont été données à la ministre lors de son passage en septembre dernier.

Un deuxième contrat en voie d'être signé

L'Australie devrait signer avant le printemps un deuxième contrat avec Naval Group, qui porte sur le design des sous-marins. le montrant est évalué entre 1 et 2 milliards d'euros. ce contrat lancera officiellement les activités du bureau d'études du groupe naval en matière de design et d'analyse fonctionnelle des futurs bâtiments. Il permettra de définir non seulement les spécificités opérationnelles des sous-marins mais également de déterminer le coût et les délais de fabrication.
Naval Group avait signé en septembre 2016 un premier contrat opérationnel d'environ 300 millions d'euros, dénommé "Design and Mobilisation Contract". Il avait permis de lancer les activités de structuration du programme et de coordination avec le groupe américain Lockheed Martin, l'intégrateur du système de combat et les partenaires australiens.

https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/sous-marins-la-france-et-l-australie-vont-verrouiller-le-contrat-du-siecle-806260.html

très beau contrat

Citation :

L'Australie commande 12 sous-marins à la France dans le cadre d'un contrat colossal
DEFENSE La construction du premier bateau débutera lors de la prochaine décennie, pour une première livraison en 2030

20 Minutes avec AFP
Publié le 11/02/19 à 10h36 — Mis à jour le 11/02/19 à 10h36



Le contrat titanesque reflète les ambitions de l’Australie dans le Pacifique. Canberra et Paris ont formellement signé ce lundi leur « partenariat stratégique » impliquant de 50 milliards de dollars pour la construction de 12 sous-marins destinés à la marine australienne, censé refléter les ambitions de l’Australie dans le Pacifique.

Le Premier ministre australien Scott Morrison a salué un « plan très ambitieux » lors d’une cérémonie à Canberra en présence de la ministre française des Armées, Florence Parly. Il a rappelé qu’il s’agissait là du « plus important investissement consenti en matière de défense en temps de paix par l’Australie ».

500 emplois en France
Naval Group (ex-DCNS) avait été choisi en 2016 pour la livraison de ces 12 sous-marins nouvelle génération, remportant au terme d’années de négociations ce « contrat du siècle » qui est la pierre angulaire de ce partenariat franco-australien. Le groupe naval est chargé de la conception et de la construction des douze navires et du chantier naval. Celle du premier bateau débutera avec la prochaine décennie, pour une première livraison en 2030.

PUBLICITÉ

inRead invented by Teads
Le contrat va créer environ 2.800 emplois en Australie, selon le Premier ministre de l’Etat d’Australie-Méridionale Steven Marshall, et 500 personnes en France. Certains critiques déplorent le fait qu’il ait tardé à être conclu car les eaux au nord et à l’est de l’Australie sont déjà le théâtre d’une âpre bataille d’influence entre les Etats-Unis, la Chine et les puissances régionales.

Une force de dissuasion face à la Chine
Les îles du Pacifique sont petites et moins vitales pour le fret maritime que la mer de Chine méridionale, mais leurs zones économiques constituent une vaste proportion des ressources maritimes mondiales. Les spécialistes australiens des questions militaires espèrent que ces sous-marins permettront à l’Australie d’opposer une force de dissuasion crédible en cas d’action hostile.

« Il faut beaucoup de confiance de la part de l’Australie pour parier sur la France, et beaucoup de confiance de la part de la France pour partager avec l’Australie des compétences qui sont tellement au cœur de notre souveraineté, de notre autonomie stratégique et qui résultent d’investissements immenses pendant des décennies », a déclaré Florence Parly lors de la cérémonie devant le ministère australien de la Défense à Canberra.