Australian Defence Industry News

CARPENTER CONFIRMS $174M INVESTMENT IN WA SHIPBUILDING

Confirming a major new push for the RAN's amphibious ships project (JP 2048), the West Australian government has outlined the scope of a re-budgeted $174m infrastructure upgrade at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) in Henderson, expected to create up to 3,000 jobs over the next 10 years. According to WA Premier, Alan Carpenter, the revised investment package includes: the construction of a 100-metre floating dock; a new land transfer system; the dredging of a 17m-deep basin to accommodate the floating dock; an extension of the existing eastern wharf; and supporting site works and electricity upgrades. Carpenter said the new infrastructure would enable WA "to bid for a range of other maintenance and construction projects across the marine, defence and resources sectors."

HENDERSON UPGRADE BEING LED BY SUBMARINE SUPPORT

In support of the basic AMC investment package's economics, Premier Carpenter advised that the former submarine corporation - ASC Pty Ltd - "has committed to working at the AMC for the next 25 years. The company is investing $35m in maintenance and upgrade facilities to enable it to meet contracts to service the Royal Australian Navy's 'Collins'-class submarines, based at HMAS 'Stirling'. In this financial year, ASC will undertake submarine work in WA worth $49m." The new floating dock is to be used to lift and transfer submarines and surface ships ashore for major maintenance (a role currently undertaken by Tenix Defence). The submarines will then be moved across the wharf area on the new land transfer system and into ASC's $35m, purpose-built, undercover maintenance facility.

ASC CONFIRMS $35M INVESTMENT IN 'COLLINS' INFRASTRUCTURE

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of ASC Pty Ltd, Ross Milton, has confirmed $35m will be spent constructing a specialist submarine maintenance and upgrade facility (including office accommodation for 185 people) at WA's Australian Marine Complex (AMC). The facility, said Milton, will "consolidate all WA submarine maintenance and upgrade activities, and commit ASC to undertake work in the state indefinitely. ASC will benefit from the WA Government's commitment to additional infrastructure, which includes a floating dock, as part of the Common User Facility (CUF). It will (also) incorporate land transfer capability enabling ASC to move submarines into the new facility ... (meaning) we will be able to carry out maintenance on as many as three submarines at any one time." Tenders were called for ASC's facility in July 2006, with construction expected to take around 14 months to complete. ASC plans to undertake its first AMC submarine maintenance docking in 2008.

HOWARD PROMISES EXTRA $1 BILLION FOR DEFENCE RECRUITMENT

Speaking at Victoria Barracks in Sydney, Prime Minister Howard has committed the Government to spending an additional $1 billion over 10 years to boost recruitment into the ADF, along with the retention of those having already joined the military. Describing his announcement as "the first instalment ... (with) further measures to boost recruitment and retention to be announced in 2007," Howard said the Government would firstly move to streamline the recruitment process, with a $371m programme to effectively to cut it from 30 weeks down to six weeks. The second initiative (as foreshadowed by Dr Nelson), is to introduce a military 'gap year' scheme to provide an opportunity every year for up to a thousand 17 to 24-year-olds (who've finished year 12 in the last two years) to experience military training and lifestyle.

$226M BOOST FOR DEFENCE RETENTION BONUSES & ALLOWANCES

The Prime Minister added the Government's third initiative was to implement revamped ADF retention bonuses and allowances, costing an additional $226m over the next seven years, and targeted at personnel in critical positions and holding key skill sets. Retention bonuses of up to $25,000 will be offered in future for selected Navy and Army employment and rank groups holding high-value skills and experience. An initial one year retention bonus of $10,000 (followed by completion bonuses of $30,000) will be paid for three years additional service for military ranks designated as critical to Army workforce growth. Some $100m has also been specially earmarked for a review of Navy seagoing and submarine service allowances, subject to independent Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal considerations.

BAE SYSTEMS & L-3 COMMUNICATIONS TEAM FOR PROJECT AIR 7000

BAE Systems Australia (BAES) and L-3 Communications Integrated Systems (L-3 IS) have confirmed their signing of a teaming agreement in their quest to become Defence's Industry Capability Partner (ICP) for the unmanned aerial system component (Phase 1) of project Air 7000. Defence is seeking to replace the RAAF's current AP-3C 'Orion' fleet with manned (phase 2) and unmanned assets, and recently decided that for phase 1, the country would join the US Navy's Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) programme - seeking to bring forward a multi-mission unmanned aerial system (MUAS). The teaming agreement is said to combine BAES Australia's in-country expertise in autonomous systems technologies with L-3 IS' large scale systems integration and maritime surveillance expertise. Accordingly, the two companies' joint expertise in complex systems integration, management and support should place them in a strategic position to secure development of the Australian integrated ground environment, along with support for MUAS introduction.

PROVISIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF HMAS 'SYDNEY' AFTER FFG UPGRADE

Thales Australia has confirmed the first guided missile frigate (FFG) to be upgraded under project Sea 1390 - HMAS 'Sydney' - has achieved 'provisional acceptance' by the Department of Defence. The ship was initially handed back to the RAN for operational use in April, and has since spent time at sea participating in a number of exercises and undergoing further trials in various conditions. The 20 year old frigate has been upgraded with a new Australian Distributed Architecture Combat System (ADACS), along with new weapons systems, sensors and machinery. Further upgrades to ADACS software is expected as the full suite of capabilities initially envisaged under the Sea 1390 contract (as subsequently amended) are added. The second FFG into upgrade, HMAS 'Melbourne' is scheduled for provisional acceptance later in 2007.

ANAO TO BE EMPOWERED TO CHASE UP TARDY DEFENCE PROJECTS

The Federal Parliament's Public Accounts and Audit Committee has unanimously agreed to recommend that the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) receive additional funding of $1.5m in the 2007/08 Budget to produce an annual audit on the progress of major defence capital equipment projects (CEPs). Committee Chair, Tony Smith, said the ANAO's recommended report would be based on data supplied by the Department of Defence and the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO), and focusing on the top thirty CEPs, currently valued at $30.2 billion. New Opposition Leader, Kevin Rudd, has picked up on the Committee's recommendations, suggesting that substantial savings could be made available by a better run Department of Defence. The Committee's inquiry is currently reviewing systems used by Defence and the DMO for financial reporting and the monitoring of CEPs, and especially project Sea 1390 (FFG Upgrade) and Air 87 ('Tiger' ARH helicopter). A final report is expected to be released in 2007.

SHORT-FORM SADI APPLICATION CATCHES FIRST-TIME SME

Rosebank Engineering has become the first small to medium enterprise (SME) to join the Department of Defence's Skilling Australia's Defence Industry (SADI) program, benefiting from changes to SADI policy and application methods designed to facilitate the increased involvement of SMEs and open up the programme to companies aspiring to bid into future Defence contracts, or who are on the DMO Support Services and other Defence Support Group panels. Over the next three years, Rosebank/SADI will invest up to $171,000 in critical Project Management and Systems Engineering skills related to maintaining the F/A-18 'Hornet' fleet. Canberra-based micro company, Hallmark Logistics and Engineering, has also recently signed a 'first of type' SADI agreement based on a new short form application and agreement specifically designed for use by very small companies wishing to conduct one-off upskilling activities in the current financial year.

EXTENDED TIME FRAME FOR PIP-ed OFF INDUSTRY TO REVIEW CONTRACTS

The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has extended the deadline for comment on its new Procurement Improvement Programme (PIP) tendering and contracting templates to 12 February 2007. DMO General Counsel, Gillian Marks, completed last month a series of introductory meetings to discuss the PIP with industry representatives in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Darwin. Defence procurement reform initiatives were recently widely criticised by the Australian Industry Group (AiG) in a submission to the Defence Industry Policy Review being conducted by Bruce Billson MP under the authority of Defence Minister Nelson. A draft of proposed new defence-industry policy was released by Dr Nelson on 8 December, with comments due in by 21 December. Surf www.adbr.com.au to download a copy of an article on the AiG submission.

PROGRAMME COMING TOGETHER FOR DEFERRED D+I CONFERENCE

The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has confirmed it will host the 15th Annual Defence+Industry (D+I) Conference from 20 to 23 August 2007, in Adelaide. The SA Government's Defence Unit, headed by Air Vice-Marshal (Rtd) Roxley McLennan, is developing a support programme for the Conference. The 2007 Defence+Industry event will combine a trade exhibition with the conference. In addition to booths displaying Defence and Defence support elements (as undertaken in previous years), defence companies will also be able to exhibit at D+I in Adelaide. The DMO is currently refining the details of the exhibition, and considering a theme. Surf www.defenceandindustry.gov.au for further details.

SOD TURNED ON NEW AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF POLICE MANAGEMENT

The $16.2m redevelopment of the Australian Institute of Police Management (AIPM) at Manly (NSW) has been formally marked with the 'turning of the first sod' for the project by the Minister for Justice & Customs, Senator Chris Ellison. More than 6000 senior police officers are estimated to have attended AIPM executive development programmes in the past, including officers from Australia, New Zealand, the US, UK, the Pacific, South East Asia, Europe and Africa. Courses aim to develop the critical thinking, leadership and decision making skills that police increasingly need to anticipate and respond to current and future challenges in Australian and international law enforcement.

UNIVERSITIES BROUGHT IN TO BOOST LOCAL JSF WORKSHARE

The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has confirmed its New Air Combat Capability (NACC) integrated project team has made financial awards against 10 proposals (out of 121) received from 13 universities and two collaborative research organisations, each relating to an earlier solicitation for the nomination of research having short-term application to the Air 6000 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) project. The NACC team hosted a workshop in Canberra 5 December to provide academic contributors with feedback and discuss options for interaction with local industry to exploit intellectual property being developed via funds set aside to assist Australian industry and research organisations to win work in the F-35s SDD and PSDF components. This workshop will be followed up with a series of briefings in early-2007 to Australian defence industry by nominated universities (as sponsored by their respective state government development organiszations), to explore potential for early utilisation of emerging intellectual property.

US NAVY RECEIVES ITS FIRST MK 48 MOD 7 CBASS TORPEDO

The US Navy has received and loaded aboard the USS 'Pasadena' (SSN 752) in Pearl Harbor (Hawaii), the first 'warshot' MK 48 Mod 7 Advanced Capability (ADCAP) Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (CBASS) Heavyweight Torpedo. The CBASS torpedo is the product of a joint engineering, development, manufacturing and support project between the US and Australia, and will be the primary littoral anti-shipping weapon aboard both navies' submarines. According to the US Navy's Executive Officer for Submarines, RAdm William Hilarides, "the interoperability the CBASS provides is a force multiplier for both of our nations, and a critical factor in the Global Maritime Partnership Initiative." The new MK 48 is coupled with the AN/BYG-1 Combat Control System, also cooperatively developed between the USN and RAN. Sonar enhancements are said to make the torpedo "effective in shallow waters and allow it to defeat all types of countermeasures in all environments."

DEFENCE SIGNS-UP FOR UNSPECIFIED TACTICAL UAV CAPABILITY

The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has confirmed the signature of contracts with Boeing Australia Limited for the delivery and support of a Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) capability for the Army. Initially advertised (via RFT) in July 2004, Joint Project 129 was to see a number of 3-4 aircraft operational group's operated by the Enoggera (Qld)-based 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment, at an estimated cost of $100-150m for an in-service date of 2008-2010. Boeing Australia teamed with Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd's MALAT Division (formerly Israel Aircraft Industries), for provision of the 6.7m wingspan/four hour endurance 'I-View' 250A UAV and supporting control system. Defence says the contracted capability "will enable 24 hour surveillance for the protection of Australian forces and identification of enemy targets," which would require several batteries of TUAV's - now scheduled to commence operational service in late-2009.

PHIL GOFF IN TURKEY TO DRUM UP AFGHANISTAN BUSINESS

Visiting Turkey to sign-off on livestock and education export agreements, New Zealand's Defence (and Trade) Minister, Phil Goff has also met with Turkey's Defence Minister G”n�l, and Foreign Minister G�l. According to Goff, "Turkey's location on the borders of Europe, Eurasia and the Middle East gives it a strategically important (position) and a valuable perspective on trouble spots in which NZ takes a keen interest. I had excellent discussions with both Ministers on the outlook for Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Israel and the Palestinian Territories." NZ and Turkey currently provide Provincial Reconstruction Teams in the neighbouring Afghanistan provinces of Bamyan and Wardak. After Turkey, Goff went on to visit Jordan, Oman and Egypt.

HMAS 'TOOWOOMBA' PREPARED FOR MIDDLE EAST DEPLOYMENT

Recently assessed by Navy officials as 'mission ready', the RAN's 'Anzac'-class frigate, HMAS 'Toowoomba', is to deploy early in the New Year to the North Persian Gulf to assume the duties of HMAS 'Warramunga' in providing (in ADF speak), "an ongoing contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq." As part of the ship's preparations, the 'Toowoomba' made history 25 October when it took part in the first operational replenishment at sea with Australia's newest member of the RAN fleet, the tanker HMAS 'Sirius' (formerly the 'Delos'). In the first 12 months of her service (8 October anniversary), the ship had sailed 41,517 nautical miles, and by the end of her second year will have served in Operation 'Resolute' (Australian border protection) and Operation 'Catalyst' in the Middle East.

AUSTRALIA FIFTH SIGNATURE ON JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER PSFD MOU

The Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson, has officially confirmed his signature in Washington 12 December of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development (PSFD) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Australia is the fourth international Partner to sign the PSFD MoU, following the Netherlands, Canada and the United Kingdom. The four remaining SDD partners (Denmark, Italy, Norway and Turkey) are expected to sign the MoU in the next few months - well past the initial deadline set by the US. Dr Nelson added the MoU and associated documents "guarantees Australia's access to the technology and data it needs to operate and support the JSF to meet Australia's sovereign defence needs."

INDUSTRIAL BENEFITS LESS VISIBLE IN PSFD MOU SIGNING

Unlike other JSF partners - who released details of cost estimates and industrial benefits from their PSFD MoU signatures - Dr Nelson said only that "entering into the MoU opens up billions of dollars in opportunities for Australian industry, building on its success in the development phase." To date, twenty-one Australian companies are said to have won some US$100m worth of work in the SDD phase, to which Australia contributed US$150m. Dr Nelson added, "work is expected to multiply significantly into the production and subsequent sustainment phases." Second pass approval for the RAAF's acquisition of up to 100 F-35 fighters appears to have been further delayed, with Dr Nelson confirming the critical commitment decision is now scheduled "for late-2008."

'SUPER HORNET' PURCHASE SET TO BRIDGE JSF PROGRAMME DELAYS

A new edition of Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) magazine has undertaken a full analysis of three acquisition options currently being prepared by three separate areas in the Department of Defence in order to fully brief Government in late-2008 when Cabinet is scheduled to finally decide on Australia's new aircraft combat capability (NACC). ADBR's analysis comes on the back of media reports of comments in Washington by Defence Minister Nelson that the Government was considering endorsing an A$2.5 billion acquisition of 24 Boeing F/A-18F (dual seat) 'Super Hornet' aircraft to bridge anticipated delays in initial JSF deliveries, as well as open up additional savings from an earlier than planned (ie: pre-2010) phasing down of F-111 aircraft numbers. Surf www.adbr.com.au to download this story.

NELSON CONFIRMS LEADERS MEETING ON NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENCE

Speaking to media separately in Washington after the conclusion of the 12 December AUSMIN talks, Defence Minister Nelson has confirmed - in relation to joint discussions on national missile defence - that "early next year we'll be having a policy leaders meeting to discuss how we can further develop our joint co-operation in missile defence capability. I also spoke to the Americans about the decision we'll make halfway through next year on the design of our (project Sea 4000) Air Warfare Destroyer, and the importance of the 'Aegis' Combat System as being a part of a missile defence capability that Australia may choose to develop. And we also discussed the Global Peace Operations Initiative where Australia will be working with the US to see that we have about 15,000 peace-keepers (that's police and military) trained in our region to provide support where it's necessary."

ACTION COMING ON DELAYS IN ACCESSING US MILITARY TECHNOLOGY

Dr Nelson added that in respect to speeding up approval for access to US military technology, "at the moment we're spending about 144 days a year getting clearance on a number of our ... capability acquisition projects. I'm advised by the US Deputy Secretary for Defense (that this) will be a priority for addressing over the next year. I think it's very important that Australians understand that our alliance with the US has never been stronger ... it's clear that we've got very much (an) open door, significant access to all of the key capabilities and intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and everything we need with the United States."

THALES STEPS UP FOR DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS IT INTEGRATION

ADI Limited (now trading as Thales Australia) has been selected to deliver the integrated suite of command, control, communications, computing and intelligence (C4I) systems for the new $300m Defence Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) facility being constructed under Joint Project 8001 near Bungendore, NSW. Under a $58.3m contract, Thales will be required to integrate at least 45 individual and separate computer network and software systems operating across various security domains and serving around 750 military and civilian Defence staff. The majority of the proposed systems will first be built and tested off-site in the period leading up to the new headquarters being completed in July 2008. The subject C4I systems will then be installed direct into the HQJOC in time for Defence staff to commence work in late-2008. Queanbeyan-based Codarra Advanced Systems was also contracted in late-2005 (under a three-year/$7m arrangement) to provide project management and systems engineering services to assist Defence in delivery of the C4I systems into the facility.

'APEC AUSTRALIA 2007' THREATS BRIEF FOR REGIONAL SECURITY STAFF

Security personnel from across the Asia Pacific region have met in Sydney for briefings on security arrangements for the coming Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) forum. Meetings for now trade marked 'APEC Australia 2007' Security Conference are said by the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, to have "allowed delegates to meet with APEC 2007 Taskforce representatives and discuss organisational, logistical and security arrangements for the 'APEC Australia 2007' year." With 21 member economies taking part in 100 days of meetings, Ruddock described Australia's hosting of APEC in 2007 as the nation's "largest and most complex dignitary protection event in our history." Funding of $167.5m over four years has been provided by the Federal Government to ensure security over the 'APEC Australia 2007' year.

NEW PA CONSULTING GROUP CHIEF TO VISIT AUSTRALIA

The former UK Armed Forces Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Mike Jackson, is to join the PA Consulting Group in February 2007 (after retiring from the British Army), and will function as a Senior Advisor and Chair of PA's Defence Advisory Board. According to company officials, the appointment "further strengthens PA's position as one of the world's leading public sector consulting firms." Jackson is also to visit Australia in 2007 to share his knowledge and first hand experience of key national defence issues with Federal MPs, Department of Defence officials, industry analysts and the media, and including: critical defence capability challenges, improving defence procurement, interoperability with allies and addressing defence skills shortages.

US DEFENSE TRANSFORMATION LOOKED AT THROUGH AUSSIE EYES

A new Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) report authored by Richard Bitzinger (a Senior Fellow with the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies in Singapore), has examined how the US policy of defence transformation will affect leading nations and their militaries in the Asia-Pacific region and, in turn, how countries are responding to a rapidly transforming US military. Bitzinger says that, for Australia, "there might be hard choices to make in how far we should adapt our military capabilities given US transformation strategies and their implications." ASPI's Mark Thomson also takes up this theme in a short counter-point to Bitzinger's writings. Surf www.aspi.org.au for publication details.

JUSTICE MILDREN RE-APPOINTED TO ADF DISCIPLINE APPEAL TRIBUNAL

The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has confirmed the re-appointment of Justice Dean Mildren RFD (of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory) as a Member of the Defence Force Discipline Appeal Tribunal. Justice Mildren was first appointed to the Tribunal in 1996, and was re-appointed for a further term of five years in 2001. He has been a Judge of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory since 1991, and is a former Judge Advocate and Defence Force Magistrate. Ruddock added, "Justice Mildren has been an asset to the Tribunal and I am pleased to announce his re-appointment."

NUCLEAR MISSILE THREAT DOMINATES 2006 AUSMIN TALKS

Meeting in Washington for the 21st Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) held under the 55 year old ANZUS security pact, the US Secretary of State (Condoleezza Rice) and Deputy Secretary of Defense (Gordon England), have met with Australian Ministers for Foreign Affairs (Alexander Downer) and Defence (Dr Brendan Nelson). The meeting's official communiqu‚ confirmed agreement between the two nations that the alliance "has never been stronger ... (and) especially since 11 September 2001 (it) has moved from strength to strength and amply demonstrated its critical importance to both countries." Australia has agreed to host the next AUSMIN meeting in 2007.

TRILATERAL BOOST TO NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENSE CO-OPERATION

The two countries further pledged at AUSMIN to continue to work closely with Japan through the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue on a wide range of issues, and noted their agreement to hold a ministerial meeting in the first quarter of 2007. The US welcomed the efforts of Australia and Japan to develop a closer bilateral security relationship, whilst the two nations undertook to explore with Japan areas for possible trilateral defence co-operation, as an early priority. It was further noted that North Korean and Iranian missile tests in 2006, and the widening proliferation of ballistic missiles, has reinforced the importance of missile defence. As such, they agreed to intensify co-operation under the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on Missile Defence, and committed to further collaboration in coming years. They also welcomed ongoing bilateral work on exploring options for co-operation in this area.

MILITARY CO-OPERATION INCREASINGLY FOCUSING ON INTEROPERABILITY

Also reaffirmed at AUSMIN was the critical importance of strong bilateral defence relations in advancing shared US-Australia strategic objectives. Joint experience in Iraq and Afghanistan was said to have "reinforced the vital importance of interoperability between US and Australian forces." As such, agreement was reach to "continue to strengthen this interoperability," including through information sharing, training and exercises, capability development - involving co-operation in R&D - as well as acquisition and support of materiel, with activity extended to strengthening bilateral defence industry linkages, including through improved access. The two countries also welcomed signing of the Memorandum on Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development for the F-35 JSF, noting that an enhanced Australian air combat capability "will benefit the continued effectiveness of the alliance." Australia's Joint Combined Training Capability (JCTC) was also noted as an important element for training, and the future building of US-Australian interoperability. The two nations also agreed "to intensify co-operation in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, including in the context of acquisitions."

AUSTRALIAN ROLE TO COMBAT THE SPREAD OF WMDs IN SE ASIA

Both AUSMIN nations condemned North Korea's nuclear test on 9 October, along with Iran's failure to comply with international obligations on nuclear activities. This prompted mutual agreement in regard to the potentially devastating consequences of allowing nuclear weapons and materials to fall into the hands of terrorists, and leading to a re-emphasis of their commitment to the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, and continue efforts to build international support for this initiative through outreach activities." The United States welcomed Australia's commitment to outreach in Southeast Asia. They also agreed to promote the goals of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) and to further strengthen their co-operation to interdict the flow of illicit WMD materials.

COUNTER MANPADS INITIATIVE LINKED TO APEC ACTIVITIES

The two countries further agreed that man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) in the hands of criminals or terrorists pose a serious potential threat to commercial aviation and military aircraft around the world. As such, both countries agreed to take concrete steps to counter the emerging MANPADS threat to the international community, such as through Australia's multilateral leadership on the issue as chair of APEC and its role in the Wassenaar Group and the USA's stockpile security and destruction programmes. In regional terms, the two nations also agreed to continue their efforts "to build partnership capacity in key security areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing, disaster relief and emergency response, and counter-insurgency and governance capabilities." They also agreed to continue to work under the Global Peace Operations Initiative to help build peacekeeping capacity in the Asia-Pacific.

RICE WEDDING SHOWER NOT SUFFICIENT TO EMBED ADF IN IRAQ

Speaking at the conclusion of the AUSMIN press conference, US Secretary of State Rice - when speaking glowingly of Australia's role as an ally - said, "this is a country that not only in Iraq, not only in Afghanistan, not only in tsunami relief, not only in support for all that we're doing in the Asia Pacific, but also in taking really primary responsibility in places like the Solomon Islands, Fiji, East Timor, has put its resources and its assets at the disposal of peace and security in the region and in the spread of freedom. And I just can't think of a better friend and a better ally." The words of praise were not sufficient, however, to turn Defence Minister Nelson's view on a US proposal to embed Australian troops with Iraqi combat units. According to Dr Nelson, "in terms of embedding, we are certainly prepared and have already been doing embedded training. But what Australia is not disposed to do is to embed our soldiers in combat units."

NORTH WEST SHELF 'VIRTUAL' UAV TEST RESULTS PRESENTED

Results from the modelling and simulation exercise to support the North West Shelf Unmanned Aerial System trial undertaken at Northrop Grumman's Cyber Warfare Integration Network (CWIN) in San Diego, California, have been presented to the Department of Defence by the company. The CWIN facility was used to simulate and model 'Global Hawk' UAV surveillance missions over Australia's North West Shelf, and assess its ability to operate with RAN 'Armidale'-class patrol boats." The CWIN-based outcomes are to be combined with those of 'live' trials undertaken in September, and involving General Atomics' 'Mariner D' UAV. According to the Deputy Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Ian Sare, the final report on the 'real-world' phase of the trial will be presented to government by the end of the year for use in helping to define requirements for the first phase of the project Air 7000 acquisition.

SAAB FORGES TASMAN LINK TO TARGET KIWI DEFENCE PROJECTS

Adelaide-based Saab Systems (part of the Swedish Saab Group) and Auckland (NZ)-based Beca Applied Technologies have announced their formation of a strategic alliance to win defence systems work in New Zealand. The two firms have been collaborating over the past year exploring opportunities to work together in the defence market, and have identified a number of areas where their skills are complementary and can be focused on NZ Defence Force projects, including: the Joint Command and Control System currently being progressed by the Ministry of Defence; and the self defence upgrade of the RNZ Navy's two 'Anzac'-class frigates, initially built by Tenix Defence. The new collaboration agreement covers the design, development, sale, delivery and support of products and services in New Zealand.

NAVY TO STAY PUT IN VICTORIA AT HISTORICAL HMAS 'CERBERUS'

As part of a review of future RAN training infrastructure requirements - undertaken under the auspices of the Defence Force Disposition Programme - Defence Minister Nelson has confirmed that HMAS 'Cerberus' (at Crib Point in Victoria), and four Sydney bases (HMAS 'Kuttabul' - the primary support base for Fleet Base East; HMAS 'Watson' - Watson's Bay; HMAS 'Waterhen' - Waverton; and HMAS 'Penguin' - Mosman, the latter three being training and operational support bases), will be retained in their present locations. Dr Nelson said that analysis of the implications of closing HMAS 'Cerberus' and relocating those functions elsewhere showed that there would be "no measurable advantage to Navy personnel or to the Defence operating cost budget from such a proposal."

NEW AIRLINE TO SERVICE AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC TERRITORY

Environment & Heritage Minister Campbell has confirmed the Government will lease an Airbus A319 to complement the current $46.3m fleet of Antarctic-based helicopters and CASA 212s which now fly personnel to field locations and between Australia's stations within Antarctica. The A319 will be leased and operated by Sydney-based Skytraders for an initial period of five years, beginning in late January 2007. Construction of a snow-capped ice runway to handle jet flights began in December 2005, and will continue during the 2006/07 summer season. Campbell says utilisation of the A319 "will reduce the time it takes to travel from Australia to Wilkins runway in Antarctica from 10 days to four hours ... (with) its inaugural flight to the new Wilkins runway expected in early February 2007."

PERMIAN ACQUIRED BY SMS MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY

SA-based systems and software engineering firm, Permian, has been acquired by SMS Management & Technology (SMS), Australia's largest publicly listed management services company. Permian aims to benefit from SMS's extensive infrastructure, quality accreditation, and financial strength, whilst for SMS, the acquisition provides a solid footprint into the growing Defence market in Adelaide, including a number of major defence industry clients nationally, including: BAE Systems, Boeing, Defence Science & Technology Organisation, Tenix, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin and Saab Systems. Under the new arrangements, former Adelaide-based Permian MD, Dr Mabbs, will maintain responsibility for managing and growing Permian's existing work scope, and reporting directly to SMS CEO, Tom Stianos.

UPGRADED NAVIGATION SYSTEMS FOR BPC PATROL BOATS

US-based Northrop Grumman Corporation has confirmed that its Sperry Marine division is to supply electronic navigation systems for the 13th and 14th RAN 'Armidale'-class patrol boats being built specifically to protect Australia's Northwest Shelf oil & gas facilities. Sperry Marine will supply the equipment through contracts awarded by Austal (the 'Armidale'-class builders) to Electrotech Australia, which is supplying and installing the complete navigation and communication package for the new vessels. The subject electronic navigation equipment includes Sperry Marine radars with navalised features, as well as steering controls, autopilot, digital GPS, and heading and speed sensors. Electrotech has supplied similar navigation and communications systems for each of the previous 12 vessels first approved under project Sea 1444.

NEW ROUND OF FUNDING OFFERED FOR EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS

Local governments and volunteer organisations are being invited to apply for 2007/08 grants which help communities develop increased self-reliance in the face of disasters. The funding comes through an Australian Government initiative called 'Working Together to Manage Emergencies', which has set aside $49m over four years for projects across Australia. Applications for funding in 2007/08 will close on 2 March 2007. Officials estimate about 500,000 Australians volunteer their services in an emergency management capacity, and 350,000 of those have been directly involved in the first response to an event. Grants are administered by Emergency Management Australia (EMA), a Division of the Attorney-General's Department. Surf www.ema.gov.au/communitydevelopment for further details.

FITZGIBBON TAKES DEFENCE IN RUDD SHADOW GOVERNMENT

Recently elected Opposition Leader, Kevin Rudd, has appointed Hunter (NSW)-based Joel Fitzgibbon as Shadow Minister for Defence (including defence-industry and procurement), replacing Robert McClelland, who moves to the Foreign Affairs Shadow portfolio. Fitzgibbon will be supported by Alan Griffin in regard to Defence Science & Personnel. Arch Bevis will continue as Shadow Minister for Homeland Security, with Kelvin Thomson appointed as Shadow Attorney-General. Joseph Ludwig continues as Shadow for the Justice & Customs ministries.

UK 'TRITON' TESTBED TO POLICE AUSTRALIAN FISHERIES

A former UK R&D trimaran, the 98m 'Triton', is to be leased by Customs for 12 months at a cost of $17m to beef up Australia's response to illegal foreign fishing. Built in 2000, the diesel-electric powered 'Triton' has a top speed of 20 knots and is capable of remaining at sea for extended periods. Customs Minister Ellison says the vessel will sail with a civilian maritime crew of 14, however, can also carry up to 28 armed Customs officers capable of boarding and securing vessels operating illegally in the Australian Fishing Zone. The vessel will also be armed with two .50 calibre machine guns. The 'Triton' was selected for its "range, speed and capability of operating independently or as a command ship, working in tandem with other Customs and Royal Australian Navy patrol boats," says Ellison. [10.12.06]

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