Australian Defence Force

News and discussion threads on defence in other parts of the world.
Cutaway
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Australian Defence Force

Post by Cutaway »

If anyone here is up for discussing anything to do with the Australian Defence Force, post here.

arfah
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Re: Australian Defence Force

Post by arfah »

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Kraff
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Re: Australian Defence Force

Post by Kraff »

A tour of Australia's new LHD was posted a few days ago on the old forum before it closed. I can't find it right now, but it looked pretty neat. Except for the look, I just can't get to like the Juan Carlos I/Canberra design... As ugly as a Mistral.

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xav
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Re: Australian Defence Force

Post by xav »

On what date is first of class Hobart AWD expected to be launched in water ? It should be soon now

R686
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Re: Australian Defence Force

Post by R686 »

Hobart is in the water and not due to be commsioned till 2017, just wish that they would make a second batch to increase the RAN availability for overseas missions and have enough for our own task group concurrently.

http://www.asiapacificdefencereporter.c ... t-launched

R686
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Re: Australian Defence Force

Post by R686 »

Geez I missed this annoucement.
Army received the the first 2 CH47F on May 5, hopefully we can either upgrade the current D's or put in for another 7 would be good. :roll:

http://www.asiapacificdefencereporter.c ... alian-Army

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SKB
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Re: Australian Defence Force

Post by SKB »

BAE Australia promotional video of Canberra class LHD

R686
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Re: Australian Defence Force

Post by R686 »

Another twist in the ongoing saga of the Collins Submarine Replacement Project,
Seems like middle management in Japan are trying to scoop all the work for themselves or distance themselves from the project as they are finding difficult trying to redesign to meet RAN needs.

http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-0 ... ld/6517730

Don't like the assumption that any any infomation they supply us will automatically fall into the hands of the Chinese. Any nation that wants the infomation is going to get it one way or another including Japan.

And the Labour party trying to make out that they will save defence manufactoring in Australia, this from the part that shifted funds for the replacement project into their pet policy like pink batts and not ordering a single ship in 6 years whilst in goverment, talk about the pot calling the kettle black jeez

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GibMariner
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Re: Australian Defence Force

Post by GibMariner »

Strengths & Weaknesses of the Contenders for Australia's Submarine Replacement Programme

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2777

R686
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Re: Australian Defence Force

Post by R686 »

GibMariner wrote:Strengths & Weaknesses of the Contenders for Australia's Submarine Replacement Programme

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2777

I think we can almost certantly rule out the French as the reluctance on part of the US to deal with them in such a sensative area.

Remember the big who ha with Collins and sending the propellers to the US and redesigning them.

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RAAF’s E-7A Wedgetails achieve FOC

Post by R686 »

In other news RAAF’s E-7A Wedgetails achieve FOC, good news for the RAAF would like to see an increase in numbers

http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/0 ... erational/

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50 years service for M113

Post by R686 »

This year marks the M113's 50 years of service in the Australian Army.

From their first service in Vietnam, through to UN deployments and local exercises, the M113 family has protected and transported soldiers for 50 years.

On March 19, 1965, the first M113A1 vehicles were issued to the Royal Australian Armoured Corps. 

That year the Armoured School and 1 Armd Regt were the only regular armoured units. Two Citizen Military Forces (CMF) units had one regular squadron each – 4/19 Prince of Wales Light Horse (Reconnaissance) and 2/14 Queensland Mounted Infantry (Anti-Tank).

1 Tp, A Sqn, 4/19PWLH, was the first unit to receive the new vehicles. The troop had less than two months to train on the new vehicles before five vehicles departed for Vietnam on May 27, 1965. 

The M113A1 family had been ordered in 1963-64, although the vehicles were ordered separately from the radio and harness. This led to different delivery times, causing problems in Vietnam.

Vietnam – the M113A1’s first war

The firepower and mobility of the armoured personnel carrier (APC) element deployed with 1RAR soon proved its worth. 

By September 1965, APC numbers had raised to 13, able to carry an infantry rifle company.  

Meanwhile, 1 APC Sqn had been raised in Australia and relieved the troop in Vietnam in June 1966 as part of the new 1st Australian Task Force. 

1 APC Sqn arrived with only two APC troops, and took over the PWLH vehicles to form 3 Tp.

The squadron’s first major action came on August 18, 1966, when 3 Tp reacted with the task force reserve to relieve D Coy, 6RAR, at Long Tan. 

3 Tp had only seven serviceable APCs – the rest of the worn-out PWLH carriers were in repair. 3 Tp was reinforced by three carriers from 2 Tp, which had no gun shields or intercom. 3 Tp also had outdated radios, which had problems communicating with the infantry and artillery. The radios and harness ordered with the vehicles still had not all arrived.

Long Tan accelerated a search for a protected station for APC crew commanders. 

The US “bathtub” solution was not accepted and Army sought a turret. 

M74C cupolas were acquired and fitted but it was very cramped – only 20 were available and suffered from spares problems. 

In 1966, Army started trials with the T-50 turret, which could be fitted with two .30 machine guns or a .50/.30 combination. This proved an adequate short-term solution, but the decision to fit all APCs with T-50 turrets caused problems for the next 30 years. 

In November 1966, all ARA RAAC regiments were numbered sequentially, so 1 Armd Regt was joined by 2 and 3 Cav Regts. 

3 Cav Regt was raised in January 1967 with two squadrons – one in Vietnam and one training in Australia.
The M113A1s and their crews performed exceptionally well in Vietnam, but the M113A1s were light armoured vehicles. 

During Operation Bribie, in February 1967, one APC was destroyed by three hits from 75mm recoilless rifle and another destroyed by a mine made from a five-inch shell that blew the engine through the driver’s compartment. Mines were to remain the main threat in Vietnam, requiring a belly armour program. 
3 Cav Regt began to withdraw from Vietnam in late 1971, with the last APC troop leaving country in May 1972.
Service in Australia
Back in Australia, the M113A1 became the Army’s light armoured fighting vehicle (AFV). 
From 1967, a unique Australian vehicle had been developed by fitting a Saladin armoured car turret to an M113A1, adopted as the fire support vehicle (FSV). 
Specialist tracked light reconnaissance vehicles (LRV) were rejected and the M113A1 APC became the APC/LRV.
As the ARA adapted to service in Australia, in 1972 the decision was made to equip all CMF units with the M113A1 vehicles.  
The simple and robust M113A1 proved an ideal vehicle for the CMF. Easy to maintain and drive, it permitted part-time soldiers with limited training time an opportunity to focus on tactics. 
In 1973, the CMF became the Army Reserve. 
A new FSV based on the British Scorpion turret was accepted for service in 1976. It was the first RAAC AFV fitted with a passive (image intensifying) night sight. It was soon redesignated the medium reconnaissance vehicle (MRV). 
As well as ARA reconnaissance squadrons, reserve RAAC units were issued MRV or the Saladin FSV to reintroduce full bore gunnery to the reserve force. In 1976, 5/7RAR began trialling mechanised infantry, with such success that the role became permanent and in 1 Bde the infantry operated its own M113A1 vehicles. 
The mechanised role survived the de-linking of the battalions in 2007 but under Plan Beersheba the battalions converted back to light infantry in 2013.  Armoured mobility will now be provided by RAAC APC units.
The focus on operations in Australia led to increasing interest in wheeled AFV. 
In 1980, Project Waler examined replacing the Army’s fleet of Light AFV.  Both wheeled and tracked vehicles were considered. The Defence of Australia paper of 1987 focused on Northern Australia,  leading to plans to relocate 2 Cav Regt to Darwin and re-equip it with wheeled AFV, leaving a reduced M113 fleet of about 600, some of which would be upgraded.  
It was not until 1992 that plans to purchase sufficient ASLAVs to equip 2 Cav Regt were announced. The M113 upgrade project was to see many changes before anything happenedExercises such as Kangaroo ’89 involved 1 Armd Regt, 2 Cav Regt and B Sqn 3/4 Cav Regt deploying to northern Australia with M113A1 vehicles, as well as the 1 Armd Regt Leopard tanks.UN deploymentsIn 1992-93, the Australian Government contributed to UN forces in Somalia. 1RAR Group formed the main part of Operation Solace, including elements of B Sqn, 3/4 Cav Regt. The manning cap meant that only a reduced squadron with two APC troops could deploy. 
The M113A1 family performed well once again, albeit the squadron had serious problems with maintenance, especially the supply of track link, in conditions where RAN sea transport was limited.
In 1994-95, the government accepted a further UN request for assistance in Rwanda. Operation Tamar initially involved a company of 2/4RAR deployed with a section of three APCs, plus a fitters’ vehicle. This was to be the first time RAAC AFVs were painted UN white. 
The second rotation came from 5/7RAR, which took over the vehicles in location.More planningIn 1994, Army agreed on a M113 upgrade to consist of:• Phase 1 – suspension and engine cooling modifications to M113A2 standard. New turret with power traverse and elevation with single. M2HB QCB .50 machine gun. Spall liners and a cooled drinking water system were to be fitted, and the crew commander and driver provided with night-vision goggles.  • Phase 2 – to move to M113A3 standard. This included a new engine and transmission, external fuel cells, appliqué armour and climate control system for crew compartment.In 1996, the MRV was retired. 2 Cav Regt was already equipping with the ASLAV, signalling the end of the M113A1 in the medium reconnaissance role.
In 1998, the first four M113A2 vehicles were delivered from upgrade. At this point, the Phase 1 upgrade was halted and combined with Phase 2, the new vehicle to be known as the M113AS3.  
One more operation for M113A1
In September 1999, the Australian Government sent a force to East Timor to secure the country while the UN prepared a peacekeeping force to take over. The Australian component of Interfet on Operation Warden included 2RAR and 3RAR, supported by B Sqn, 3/4 Cav Regt. After securing Dili, Australian forces moved to the area of the border.2 Cav Regt ASLAVs were deployed but had problems with the narrow streets, tending to damage buildings when going around corners. The M113A1, being shorter and, when necessary, able to skid-turn, had no such problems. The ASLAVs were withdrawn – they were to have their turn in Iraq and Afghanistan – and the M113A1 soldiered on.With the two Australian battalions on the border, a third battalion was required to secure Dili and its surrounds. 5/7RAR (Mech) deployed with its M113A1s and proved the advantages of armoured mobility in the security role. 
When Interfet withdrew, 5/7RAR became the first Australian battalion on Operation Tanager. 
Subsequent Australian battalion deployments were supported by RAAC APC elements until 2002.
Towards M113AS4
The M113AS3 concept was further modified, with a lengthened version to be called the M113AS4, while the short version remained the AS3. 
CO 2 Cav Regt Lt-Col James Davis  said 259 M113AS4 variants were procured as APCs, fitters vehicles and Armoured Logistics Vehicles.  
“The unstretched A3 versions are used as ambulance, command, recovery and mortar vehicles,” he said. 
“The upgraded M113 family have a new engine, drive train, electrical and fuel systems, as well as a redesigned internal layout to accommodate safe stowage in a variety of situations. 
“The APC version has a new electrically operated turret with day/night weapon sights. The AS4 vehicle is lengthened, with the six, rather than five, pairs of road wheels each side providing an instant identification feature.”
The M113AS3/4 is planned to serve until at least 2025.

News and media
LTGEN Morrison hands over Army command
1 RAR recognised for Vietnam service
Army introduces Remembrance Pin
Song commemorates Indigenous service
Gap Year participants march out of Kapooka

R686
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4 Regt RAA reverts to traditional structure

Post by R686 »

After four years of organisational changes and evolution, 4 Regt RAA, which celebrates its 55th birthday next month, will revert to the traditional structure of an artillery regiment.
The recent trial of the three observation post batteries supported by a single gun battery was unsuccessful.
The arrival of eight upgraded guns in July will mark the end of the trial as the regiment commences a return to three gun batteries each eventually with four M777A2s, a battery commander’s tactical party, joint fires teams and a battlegroup Joint Fires and Effects Coordination Centre (JFECC).
Integral logistic support for the regiment will be maintained by the Combat Service Support Battery.
CO 4 Regt RAA Lt-Col Damian Hill said the unit identified there might be a better way to do business, experimented, took the findings and then made the changes.
“The traditional organisational structure is the best means available to incorporate the regiment’s new capabilities,” Lt-Col Hill said.
“I am very happy – it takes time to work out how modernisation will affect an organisation, but what we have done is the right thing.
“A gun battery has been generated for each 3 Bde manoeuvre arms unit, which will help us form relationships and understanding as we train together in combined arms.
“When we do this on operations we don’t have the friction of trying to integrate our staff or capabilities into a battlegroup.”
Along with Plan Beersheba and changes to the structure of 3 Bde, changes were also made to 4 Regt RAA sub-unit structures.
The arrival of 2 Cav Regt to Townsville meant the re-raising of 106 Bty for the fourth time in its history as its supporting sub-unit.
The battery will receive its four guns by 2016, which will complete the planned Land 17 organisation.
The affiliations of 107 Bty to 1RAR and 108 Bty to 2RAR will remain the same while the relatively newer sub-unit of 109 Bty, raised in 2011, will continue to support 3RAR.
At this stage, 108 Bty do not have guns but have a battery commander’s tactical party, a battlegroup JFECC and joint fires teams to support the 2RAR Amphibious Ready Element.
Lt-Col Hill said the regiment had been using the M777A2s for three years and the weapons were approaching its first upgrade.
“The M777A2 Block 2 upgrade will include minor modifications to the battery and digital systems and maintain our compatibility to our coalition partners such as the US Marine Corps,” Lt-Col Hill said.
“The M777A2 is an excellent gun and the regiment is maintaining modernisation in stride with available capabilities.
“But it’s not just the gun – it’s the system built around the gun that enables it to continuously be at the cutting edge of its capability.
“The Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) command and control system is the backbone of our joint fires capability and is in an ongoing modernisation process. We began with AFATDS Version 6, are now using Version 6.7 and the software will soon be upgraded to Version 6.8.”
The manning of 4 Regt RAA is 20 to 30 gunners more than when the regiment used the L119 Hamel Gun. 
The regiment’s strength will increase by about 40 soldiers in early 2016-17 as it grows into a three-gun battery regiment with a posted strength of close to 350.
Lt-Col Hill said the regiment was nearly five years away from having a mature capability.
“By then we will have sergeants and battery commanders in the regiment who have only used Land 17 equipment,” Lt-Col Hill said.
“Another significant change for us is the number of females in the unit.
“In 1997, when I was a lieutenant, we had one female soldier in the regiment. We now have nearly 20 female soldiers, including the second RAA field gunner lieutenant.
“We intend to recruit more females from the wider Army into the unit and other parts of the RAA, as I believe we are a very attractive and diverse career option.
“We offer the flexibility of roles from command post functions, gun numbers and forward observers. The regiment is ready, we have vacancies and I would fill them with females today if I could.”

R686
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submarine saga continues

Post by R686 »

And another advisory panel for the project for which the Labour Party is at fault, taking away funding for the preliminary works whilst they were in government, and then have the hide to say this current government has done too little to late, the bullshit that comes out of there mouths is astonishing

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/natio ... b-project/


R686
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Re: Australian Defence Force

Post by R686 »

Hi Arm chair soldier,
Not sure what's going on with your post if you deleted something or not but it's blank.

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The Armchair Soldier
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Re: Australian Defence Force

Post by The Armchair Soldier »

That's strange. I posted a Tweet of an Australian ship on FOST in Plymouth. I still see it there now.
The Armchair Soldier wrote:
Image

"HMAS Anzac survives FOST off Plymouth"

R686
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Re: Australian Defence Force

Post by R686 »

Yep can see it now, have noticed that when I look on the boards with the mini tablet from Telstra the odd post is blank and if I move from this window to look at something else I have to log in every time even though I have ticked the remember me button( don't bother anymore) but when I use my iPhone i have no problems at all ust a slightly different format on the screen

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RAAF C17 news

Post by R686 »

It appears that the RAAF have completed the first upgrade of C17 with Satcom and Imagery, wonder if all user of C17 will go for this as well?

http://www.airforce-technology.com/news ... em-4593163

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xav
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Re: Australian Defence Force

Post by xav »

My attempt at comparing the 3 contenders for SEA 1000 program (Collins replacement), taking into account open source performance of each submarine as well as political factors.

Strengths & Weaknesses of the Contenders for Australia's Submarine Replacement Programme
Image
Plans to replace the existing Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) Collins-class submarines began in 2007 with the launch of "SEA 1000" also known as the Future Submarine Programme. In February this year, the Australian Government announced the acquisition strategy for the Future Submarine Program and invited three countries: France, Germany and Japan to participate in a competitive evaluation process. Here is our analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each contender:
» The Japanese Soryu class
» The German Type 216
» The French evolution of SSN Barracuda
http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=2777

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The Armchair Soldier
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Re: Australian Defence Force

Post by The Armchair Soldier »

Australia 'Paid Migrant Smugglers to Turn Back'
Migrants on a boat headed for Australia have told the UN that the crew was paid by the Australian navy to turn back.

James Lynch, a spokesman for the UN Human Rights Council (UNHCR), told the BBC that passengers saw smugglers being paid after the boat was intercepted.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Friday admitted using "creative" strategies to stop migrant boats but refused to go into detail.
The country's immigration and foreign ministers denied payments were made.
Read More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-33110575

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Re: Australian Defence Force

Post by R686 »

SOLDIERS from 1CSSB have received the first tranche of new Mack Super Liner prime movers in Darwin.

At a handover ceremony at Robertson Barracks on May 8, CO 1CSSB Lt-Col Mark Baldock accepted delivery of six new Mack Super Liners from Keith Harding, of Volvo Group Government Sales – Oceania.

Twenty Super Liners were delivered in May and June to Army and Air Force units in Darwin, Townsville, Puckapunyal and Bandiana.

They will serve as an interim heavy lift capability to transport the M1A1 Abrams tank, the M88 Hercules heavy recovery vehicle, and the Kalmar roughterrain container-handler vehicle.

The director of the Defence Materiel Organisation’s (DMO) Commercial and General Service Vehicle Systems Program Office, Bob Den Hartog, said the trucks would ensure Army had an ongoing capability that met contemporary standards for heavy haulage.

“I am confident the vehicles will meet Defence’s heavy lift requirements up until the delivery of the new generation of heavy transport vehicles being procured by Land 121 Phase 3B,” Mr Den Hartog said.

Volvo Group Australia will provide driver training at all delivery locations, including familiarisation training for trainers and selected drivers.

Staff from the DMO and fleet management company, sgfleet, will be on hand to address any questions concerning management of the vehicles once they have entered service.

The new Mack Super Liners will replace the in-service fleet of 18 MAN prime movers and two Kenworth prime movers.

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Re: Australian Defence Force

Post by ArmChairCivvy »

xav, thank you for that overview.

Although BMT's Vidar is not a contender (it is only a concept?), I understand that the firm is involved in some advisory capacity. As they have invested in that concept of their own, I guess they would be able to assess the performance of a non-nuclear Barracuda quite accurately.
Ever-lasting truths: Multi-year budgets/ planning by necessity have to address the painful questions; more often than not the Either-Or prevails over Both-And.
If everyone is thinking the same, then someone is not thinking (attributed to Patton)

R686
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Re: Australian Defence Force

Post by R686 »

Hi All

Just a couple bits and pieces, RAAF/RAN.

Looks like RAAF gearing up for the imminent arrival of Growler, AGM88B

http://www.dsca.mil/sites/default/files ... _15-41.pdf

Also an unconfirmed report on possabile moves to stem the so called valley of death in shipbuilding,

http://mobile.news.com.au/national/gove ... 7413429122

My personal take is that we should build a second batch of AWD then wait for Type 26 with upgrades ASMD

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Re: Australian Defence Force

Post by The Armchair Soldier »

Australia Begins Testing Its Largest Warship Ever
Australia is set to begin testing its second Canberra-class Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD), which is also known as a helicopter landing ship.

In a statement, BAE, which helped build the ship, said that the NUSHIP Adelaide, the second of two planned Canberra-class LHDs the Royal Australian Navy is building, left port in Williamstown to begin sea trials.
Read More: http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-bu ... ever-13178

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