It was pretty much a gimmie that the C-130J was going to be the airframe. For the NZDF being a small Defence force one of the key requirements is always going to be that the item is in-service with close coalition partners/Allies. Another is that it has proven service history and both the others are still bedding in to use. Try finding support or parts for the other 2 aircraft types in the Sth Pacific let alone deployments.
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- Thread starter BravoZulu
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Agreed....however the very expensive NH-90(Ferrari) buy over the cheaper(airframe/engine/parts) utilitarian Blackhawk(HILUX) left many wondering if A400M might be another odd expensive decision.
Shame we couldn’t have also bought a single C17 to inject into a mostly Aussie ANZAC heavy lift squadron with one of the last free C17 airframes with some sort of airframe hour share.
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Could have been a chance for French Polynesia.
Yup, except their would likely be very few airframes there so the Kiwi's and the French would spend all their time stealing parts and then stealing them back off each other.Could have been a chance for French Polynesia.
And we're still suffering from that Ferrari too. It isn't a bad idea to buy into an ANZAC Heavy Lift Squadron deal. Greater depth for the Aussies and maintaining a pool of RNZAF Air/Ground crew. The same idea could be applied to an Air Combat capability.
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Australia:
The US Department of State has approved a potential $1.5 billion Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Australia of long-lead items, engineering development activities and other defence services to support the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) Surface Combatant Program, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on January 15.
The government in Canberra had requested to procure these items and services from the United States to support the program, which includes the modernisation of the RAN's three Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers and the construction of the first three of nine Hunter Class frigates, according to the DSCA.
The US Department of State has approved a potential $1.5 billion Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Australia of long-lead items, engineering development activities and other defence services to support the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) Surface Combatant Program, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on January 15.
The government in Canberra had requested to procure these items and services from the United States to support the program, which includes the modernisation of the RAN's three Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers and the construction of the first three of nine Hunter Class frigates, according to the DSCA.
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Australia:
Lockheed Martin won a $185.9 million contract, which provides program management, various levels of maintenance, training and logistics support to sustain the operational capability of 24 Royal Australian Navy MH-60 Romeo aircraft.
The Australian Navy became the second operator of of the MH-60R Romeo helicopter in 2013. Its acquisition program was structured in such a way to allow it to have a say on what new capabilities are added.
The Australian MH-60R is equipped with a highly sophisticated combat systems designed to employ Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and the Mark 54 anti-submarine torpedo. The primary missions of the Romeo is anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare. Secondary missions include search and rescue, logistics support, personnel transport and medical evacuation.
Lockheed Martin will perform work in Australia as well a New York, Connecticut and Florida. Estimated completion will be in January 2024.
Lockheed Martin won a $185.9 million contract, which provides program management, various levels of maintenance, training and logistics support to sustain the operational capability of 24 Royal Australian Navy MH-60 Romeo aircraft.
The Australian Navy became the second operator of of the MH-60R Romeo helicopter in 2013. Its acquisition program was structured in such a way to allow it to have a say on what new capabilities are added.
The Australian MH-60R is equipped with a highly sophisticated combat systems designed to employ Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and the Mark 54 anti-submarine torpedo. The primary missions of the Romeo is anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare. Secondary missions include search and rescue, logistics support, personnel transport and medical evacuation.
Lockheed Martin will perform work in Australia as well a New York, Connecticut and Florida. Estimated completion will be in January 2024.
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Australia:
The Australian Army and the wider Australian Defence Force (ADF) will acquire the Rafael Spike LR2 missile system as its Long Range Direct Fire Support Weapon capability, under the Lethality System project (Land 159).
Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO, DSC, MVO said the acquisition of the Spike LR2 system will contribute to the Army maintaining a competitive edge against evolving threats.
“The Long Range Direct Fire Support Weapon capability will enable our dismounted teams to engage armoured targets faster, at increased range, and with improved accuracy,” Lieutenant General Burr said. “New technology and capabilities enable Army to challenge it’s adversaries in complex, remote and hostile environments. Army must be equipped and always ready to deal with warfare at all ranges, at all times. The alignment with the Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (Land 400 Phase 2), will also enable Army to deliver improved operational effects for the ADF in sustainment, training and maintenance.”
The introduction of the Spike LR2 will ensure that the Australian Army is equipped with a modern and credible dismounted anti-armour guided missile system to target contemporary armoured threats.
The Army in conjunction with the Department of Defence is currently considering options to address a Medium Range Direct Fire Support Weapon capability which will be presented to the Government for consideration in 2022.
https://defpost.com/australian-army...ke-lr2-missile-system-under-project-land-159/
The Australian Army and the wider Australian Defence Force (ADF) will acquire the Rafael Spike LR2 missile system as its Long Range Direct Fire Support Weapon capability, under the Lethality System project (Land 159).
Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO, DSC, MVO said the acquisition of the Spike LR2 system will contribute to the Army maintaining a competitive edge against evolving threats.
“The Long Range Direct Fire Support Weapon capability will enable our dismounted teams to engage armoured targets faster, at increased range, and with improved accuracy,” Lieutenant General Burr said. “New technology and capabilities enable Army to challenge it’s adversaries in complex, remote and hostile environments. Army must be equipped and always ready to deal with warfare at all ranges, at all times. The alignment with the Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (Land 400 Phase 2), will also enable Army to deliver improved operational effects for the ADF in sustainment, training and maintenance.”
The introduction of the Spike LR2 will ensure that the Australian Army is equipped with a modern and credible dismounted anti-armour guided missile system to target contemporary armoured threats.
The Army in conjunction with the Department of Defence is currently considering options to address a Medium Range Direct Fire Support Weapon capability which will be presented to the Government for consideration in 2022.
https://defpost.com/australian-army...ke-lr2-missile-system-under-project-land-159/
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Australia:
The US government has given the green light for Australia to buy up to 200 AGM-158C, Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASMs).
The Foreign Military Sale package is estimated to be worth nearly $990 million and includes eleven ATM-158C LRASM Telemetry Variant (Inert). Australia had requested to buy up to 200 AGM-158C, Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASMs); and up to eleven ATM-158C LRASM Telemetry Variant (Inert). Also included are DATM-158C LRASM, Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM-158C LRASM), containers, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, US Government and contractor representatives technical assistance, engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.
https://dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/australia-long-range-anti-ship-missiles-lrasms
The US government has given the green light for Australia to buy up to 200 AGM-158C, Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASMs).
The Foreign Military Sale package is estimated to be worth nearly $990 million and includes eleven ATM-158C LRASM Telemetry Variant (Inert). Australia had requested to buy up to 200 AGM-158C, Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASMs); and up to eleven ATM-158C LRASM Telemetry Variant (Inert). Also included are DATM-158C LRASM, Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM-158C LRASM), containers, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, US Government and contractor representatives technical assistance, engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.
https://dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/australia-long-range-anti-ship-missiles-lrasms
Interesting to see the move away from the JAV but I guess it means a common system with it also on the CRV. Its got the range advantage over the standard Javelin. Not sure if there's much of a cost difference but it would remove a lot of the red tape in dealing with the US.Australia:
The Australian Army and the wider Australian Defence Force (ADF) will acquire the Rafael Spike LR2 missile system as its Long Range Direct Fire Support Weapon capability, under the Lethality System project (Land 159).
Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO, DSC, MVO said the acquisition of the Spike LR2 system will contribute to the Army maintaining a competitive edge against evolving threats.
“The Long Range Direct Fire Support Weapon capability will enable our dismounted teams to engage armoured targets faster, at increased range, and with improved accuracy,” Lieutenant General Burr said. “New technology and capabilities enable Army to challenge it’s adversaries in complex, remote and hostile environments. Army must be equipped and always ready to deal with warfare at all ranges, at all times. The alignment with the Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (Land 400 Phase 2), will also enable Army to deliver improved operational effects for the ADF in sustainment, training and maintenance.”
The introduction of the Spike LR2 will ensure that the Australian Army is equipped with a modern and credible dismounted anti-armour guided missile system to target contemporary armoured threats.
The Army in conjunction with the Department of Defence is currently considering options to address a Medium Range Direct Fire Support Weapon capability which will be presented to the Government for consideration in 2022.
https://defpost.com/australian-army...ke-lr2-missile-system-under-project-land-159/
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Guys who tested it back in the early 2000s were pretty happy to see it eventually get up.
Yeah I spoke to some guys who were at the sch at the time and they mentioned they quite liked it.
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Australia:
Saab has signed an Enterprise Partnering Agreement with the Australian Department of Defence to provide combat management systems across all the Royal Australian Navy’s major surface ships. Saab has not yet received a new order.
As previously announced by Saab and the Australian Department of Defence, Saab will deliver the tactical interface to the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet of Hunter class frigates. The tactical interface will be based on Saab’s ‘Next Generation’ Combat Management System (CMS), which will become part of all the Navy’s major surface ships.
“This agreement is an important milestone in our long-standing relation with Australia and we look forward to continue building our partnership and supporting the Royal Australian Navy’s capability with our state-of-the art combat management system”, says Anders Carp, head of Saab business area Surveillance.
Saab will deliver the ‘Next Generation’ CMS to Australia’s new Arafura class offshore patrol vessels and the Supply class auxiliary oiler replenishment ships. Saab will also modernise the 9LV CMS currently in use in the Anzac class frigates, and will provide the software for the future tactical interface for the Hobart class destroyer when their current CMS is modernised.
https://saabgroup.com/media/news-pr...ent-of-defence-for-combat-management-systems/
Saab has signed an Enterprise Partnering Agreement with the Australian Department of Defence to provide combat management systems across all the Royal Australian Navy’s major surface ships. Saab has not yet received a new order.
As previously announced by Saab and the Australian Department of Defence, Saab will deliver the tactical interface to the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet of Hunter class frigates. The tactical interface will be based on Saab’s ‘Next Generation’ Combat Management System (CMS), which will become part of all the Navy’s major surface ships.
“This agreement is an important milestone in our long-standing relation with Australia and we look forward to continue building our partnership and supporting the Royal Australian Navy’s capability with our state-of-the art combat management system”, says Anders Carp, head of Saab business area Surveillance.
Saab will deliver the ‘Next Generation’ CMS to Australia’s new Arafura class offshore patrol vessels and the Supply class auxiliary oiler replenishment ships. Saab will also modernise the 9LV CMS currently in use in the Anzac class frigates, and will provide the software for the future tactical interface for the Hobart class destroyer when their current CMS is modernised.
https://saabgroup.com/media/news-pr...ent-of-defence-for-combat-management-systems/
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Australia took delivery of the Royal Australian Navy's third and final Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyer, the future HMAS Sydney, at the Osborne naval shipyard in Adelaide on February 28.
The third Hobart-class destroyer is expected to be commissioned in Sydney on May 20 and undertake work-up activities until the end of the year in preparation for up to six months of US Navy Combat System Ship Qualification trials.
These will include firings over the Pacific Test Range off San Diego of the destroyer's RIM-66 SM-2 Block 3B and RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSMs) air-defense missiles.
First-of-class HMAS Hobart was commissioned in 2017 while the second, HMAS Brisbane , was commissioned the following year: each more than two years behind the original schedule, which itself was re-baselined three times.
The third Hobart-class destroyer is expected to be commissioned in Sydney on May 20 and undertake work-up activities until the end of the year in preparation for up to six months of US Navy Combat System Ship Qualification trials.
These will include firings over the Pacific Test Range off San Diego of the destroyer's RIM-66 SM-2 Block 3B and RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSMs) air-defense missiles.
First-of-class HMAS Hobart was commissioned in 2017 while the second, HMAS Brisbane , was commissioned the following year: each more than two years behind the original schedule, which itself was re-baselined three times.
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Australia has agreed to sell up to 46 of its F/A-18A/B fighters to Air USA, an air combat training company in the United States.
The transfer will take place over next three to four years, the Minister for Defense Industry, Melissa Price said. Air USA is a private contractor.
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) personnel at RAAF Base Williamtown will be responsible for preparing the aircraft for their transfer to the company. The Australian Department of Defense announced the sale on its website.
Williamtown is home to three of the four remaining Australian F/A-18A/B units, No. 3 and No. 77 Squadrons and No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit, the latter of which is responsible for training pilots on the type.
The transfer will take place over next three to four years, the Minister for Defense Industry, Melissa Price said. Air USA is a private contractor.
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) personnel at RAAF Base Williamtown will be responsible for preparing the aircraft for their transfer to the company. The Australian Department of Defense announced the sale on its website.
Williamtown is home to three of the four remaining Australian F/A-18A/B units, No. 3 and No. 77 Squadrons and No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit, the latter of which is responsible for training pilots on the type.
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Fiji:
In the latest milestone for the Pacific Maritime Security Program, Australia has handed over the newest Guardian-class Patrol Boat to Fiji at a ceremony on March 6, 2020, at Austal Shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia.
The vessel, the RFNS Savenaca, was today gifted by the Government of Australia to the Government of Fiji during a handover ceremony at Austal Australia’s Henderson shipyard – attended by the Fijian Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, Australian Minister for Defence Senator the Hon. Linda Reynolds CSC, Australian Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon. Melissa Price MP and Chief of Defence Force, General Angus Campbell AO DSC.
Austal Chief Executive David Singleton said the first Guardian-class Patrol Boat delivery for 2020 highlighted the Australian shipyard’s continuing gains in productivity and efficiency, which is delivering a new naval vessel every 3 months.
Faster, with improved seakeeping, better amenities and an enhanced mission capability – including an integrated stern launch and recovery system – the Guardian-class Patrol Boat(s) provide the Fiji Navy with a much improved naval asset to carry out border patrols, regional policing, search and rescue and many other operations domestically and internationally.
The Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement (PPB-R) Project was awarded to Austal in May 2016, with an additional contract option awarded in April 2018, taking the program to 21 vessels valued at more than A$335 million.
Twelve Pacific Island nations including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Palau, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Timor Leste will receive the vessels through to 2023.
https://www.navyrecognition.com/ind...enaca-guardian-class-patrol-boat-to-fiji.html
In the latest milestone for the Pacific Maritime Security Program, Australia has handed over the newest Guardian-class Patrol Boat to Fiji at a ceremony on March 6, 2020, at Austal Shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia.
The vessel, the RFNS Savenaca, was today gifted by the Government of Australia to the Government of Fiji during a handover ceremony at Austal Australia’s Henderson shipyard – attended by the Fijian Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, Australian Minister for Defence Senator the Hon. Linda Reynolds CSC, Australian Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon. Melissa Price MP and Chief of Defence Force, General Angus Campbell AO DSC.
Austal Chief Executive David Singleton said the first Guardian-class Patrol Boat delivery for 2020 highlighted the Australian shipyard’s continuing gains in productivity and efficiency, which is delivering a new naval vessel every 3 months.
Faster, with improved seakeeping, better amenities and an enhanced mission capability – including an integrated stern launch and recovery system – the Guardian-class Patrol Boat(s) provide the Fiji Navy with a much improved naval asset to carry out border patrols, regional policing, search and rescue and many other operations domestically and internationally.
The Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement (PPB-R) Project was awarded to Austal in May 2016, with an additional contract option awarded in April 2018, taking the program to 21 vessels valued at more than A$335 million.
Twelve Pacific Island nations including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Palau, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Timor Leste will receive the vessels through to 2023.
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I'd say a few soliders are about to do some time and/or get dishonourable discharges.
mobile.abc.net.au
Shocking video of an Australian soldier shooting dead an unarmed man
Extraordinary helmet camera footage of an Australian special forces soldier shooting a cowering civilian in Afghanistan could result in charges of war crimes.
mobile.abc.net.au
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While I'm of the opinion that 4 Corners is a bastard of a current affairs show (priors for manufacturing content) the video makes it looks extremely bad. The 4 Corners program is known for "cherry picking" to give a particular slant to their stories.
The evidence and the footage was available to the inquiry and the shooting was found to be a "good" one (if there is such a thing), the Afghan male was claimed to be a "dicker" for the Taliban and had a 2way radio on him which made him a legitimate target.
I believe the outcome of the inquiry more than the slanted programs of 4 Corners, war is ugly and people die on all sides, having it videotaped just hits it home to the coddled public. If you don't want your troops to kill people then don't send them into harm's way
The evidence and the footage was available to the inquiry and the shooting was found to be a "good" one (if there is such a thing), the Afghan male was claimed to be a "dicker" for the Taliban and had a 2way radio on him which made him a legitimate target.
I believe the outcome of the inquiry more than the slanted programs of 4 Corners, war is ugly and people die on all sides, having it videotaped just hits it home to the coddled public. If you don't want your troops to kill people then don't send them into harm's way
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Yeah i can imagine that the un edited footage could show perhaps some different circumstances, but if that is the case the army should release it immediately.
Cause at the moment it looks like he executed someone that should have become a prisoner.
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Australian SAS veteran says radios were planted on dead bodies to cover up unlawful killings
Braden Chapman thought he had done the best thing for his career by serving in the SAS. Now, he's haunted by the cold-blooded killings he says Australian soldiers committed.
www.abc.net.au
Well, the problem is that apart from the vid there is this guy Braden Chapman (Heh, chap), who is a former serviceman and also claims that there were unjustified killings among other things. This gives much more credibility to the story. There's also more fotage which seemingly portrays SASR operators as "bad guys" in addition to his stories. Quite oversimplified and naive way of thinking if you ask me, especially for a spec op. There's also problem with vid as was said, I mean where's the part before landing? Also there's no way to tell what was on that man because of the tall grass. Other vids seem to be just two operators gossiping quite sensetive staff and other, yeah, being, well let's say, rude while handling the locals and damaging their property. And only the commentary by Braden.
However, considering simular "scandal" with SEALs and just the general rule that something like this happens in every war/conflict, I tend to belive a part of what he says. The issue is perspective and the portrayal as you said. One-sided and unapologetic as news agencies tend to do for hype.
All in all, taking into account the context of Afghanistan, I think that what they were doing is semi-justified or justified apart from that killing episode with a lack of context. The coalition forces are far from welcome there and as a result most civilians either passively support Taliban or actively as it was repeted hundreds of times and there's no way to tell for sure who's who. So over the strech of time such things as killing civilians will happen and for dozens of reasons if the conflict whon't move anywhere as you once again noted.
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