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 IMAGE: Australian Army soldier loads rations onto a G-Wagon during a flood-assist operation. Image digitally altered by Contact..

The Australian Defence Force is rolling out a range of purpose-designed combat rations to better serve the needs of the ADF and improve combatant effectiveness in the field.

Head Land Systems Major General Andrew Bottrell announced the awarding of the Combat Rations Pack contract to New Zealand-based Prepack Ltd, a proven supplier with over a decade’s experience in supplying high-quality ration packs to the ADF.

“The new contract, valued at more than $200 million, will enable the ADF to roll out a range of Combat Ration Packs (CRP) over the next eight years,” Major General Bottrell said.

“The ration packs are used by Australian troops deployed overseas, on exercise or domestic operations in Australia.

“In addition to the new Combat Ration Packs, there will also be a Universal Ration Pack (URP) which offers a gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free option for cadets and potentially civilians during disaster-relief or humanitarian-assistance missions.

“Continuous innovation will also be undertaken by Defence’s industry partner to facilitate the development of new products for introduction into our ration packs.”

Major General Bottrell said the contract would include, for the first time, meal options to support the diverse cultural and religious needs of our modern Defence Force.

“Defence is committed to encouraging inclusivity and diversity, and these new Combat Rations support the varied cultural and religious needs of our modern Defence Force,” he said.

“When deployed or on exercise, our personnel are generally living in austere and high-stress environments while undertaking significant physical activity.

“These new ration packs will play a vital role in maintaining the dietary requirements and morale of the deployed force.

“The growing range of innovative products in the Combat Ration Packs will support an advanced force for success on the battlefield.”

Defence orders approximately 400,000 ration packs per year.

 

 

BAE Systems Australia officially unveiled its next-generation, Australian-designed and developed armed VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) uncrewed air system (UAS).

The hybrid, tandem wing, multi-domain and multi-role UAS capability STRIX could be used for a variety of missions including air-to-ground strike against hostile targets and persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) — with the company anticipating that the platform could also act as a “loyal wingman” for military helicopters.

The airframe is designed to carry up to a 160-kilogram payload over 800 kilometres, with STRIX being capable of operating in high-risk environments — the platform incorporates a collapsed footprint of 2.6m x 4.5m, it could be easily transported in a standard shipping container.

STRIX could be ready for operational service as soon as 2026 and work is already underway on a STRIX prototype. We’re excited that this is the first UAS of its kind to be developed in Australia and look forward to working with partners across the country to deliver this capability to customers.

STRIX will look to increase Australian sovereign capability by leveraging domestic expertise, such as Innovaero’s aircraft concept design and rapid prototyping. There will also be opportunities for wider Australian small and medium-sized enterprises and academia to get involved in the development, delivery, and flight test of the prototype.

STRIX will have the capacity to accommodate a range of munition types, including those currently in service with the Australian Defence Force.

BAE Systems Australia will also deliver a new low-cost precision-guided munition, known as RAZER, which could be integrated onto the platform to complement STRIX’s strike capability.

 

Photo: Nearing the Long Hais, the soldiers of 8RAR dismounted from the APCs and advanced in artillery formation with the tanks. The continuing threat of mines meant each soldier wore a flak vest and helmet. Photo: Rod Simpson.

 

Fifty-three years ago eight 8RAR soldiers were lost plus one Sapper (1 Fd Sqn RAE) nine in total to the war in Vietnam, we as a Nation should pause to Commemorate their Ultimate Sacrifice

During the morning of 28 February 1970, Sergeant Bill Hoban, acting platoon commander of 1 Platoon, A Company moved cautiously into an ambush position that he and his men had been ordered to occupy. With the mine threat still a major threat, two engineers with mine-detecting equipment helped the infantrymen into position near a creek line. Once in position, Hoban radioed his company HQ to advise he was in position and to request permission for the engineers to detonate a mine they had discovered.

As the platoon had stopped, men removed their flak jackets in the heat. Around 11am, a water collecting party moved down to the creek and a concentration of soldiers occurred around the platoon headquarters. A moment later, one of the engineers triggered an M16 mine. As the men were bunched in a natural hollow, the effects of the blast were concentrated and seven men, including Sergeant Hoban were killed and 13 others were wounded, one of whom died after being evacuated.

We pause to remember them on this day.

Lest We Forget

===============================

1200097 James Joseph Barrett

Lance Corporal (Temporary Corporal)

8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment

Service Australian Army

War Vietnam, 1962-1975

Date of Death 28 February 1970

Place of Death South Vietnam, Vietnam

Cause of Death Killed in action

Age at Death 24

=============================

15400 William Joseph Hoban

Sergeant

8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment

Service Australian Army

War Vietnam, 1962-1975

Date of Death 28 February 1970

Place of Death South Vietnam, Vietnam

Cause of Death Killed in action

Age at Death 39

==============================

55566 Rodney Noel Hubble

Sapper

1 Field Squadron

Service Australian Army

War Vietnam, 1962-1975

Date of Death 28 February 1970

Place of Death South Vietnam, Vietnam

Cause of Death Killed in action

Age at Death 19

===============================

2783512 Robert James Jackson

Corporal

8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment

Service Australian Army

War Vietnam, 1962-1975

Date of Death 28 February 1970

Place of Death South Vietnam, Vietnam

Cause of Death Killed in action

Age at Death 25

==============================

3795935 Larry James MacLennan

Private

8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment

Service Australian Army

War Vietnam, 1962-1975

Date of Death 28 February 1970

Place of Death South Vietnam, Vietnam

Cause of Death Killed in action

Age at Death 21

==============================

3795712 Barry John Munday

Private

8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment

Service Australian Army

War Vietnam, 1962-1975

Date of Death 28 February 1970

Place of Death South Vietnam, Vietnam

Cause of Death Killed in action

Age at Death 22

==============================

7154 Timo Esko A Pesonen

Private

8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment

Service Australian Army

War Vietnam, 1962-1975

Date of Death 28 February 1970

Place of Death South Vietnam, Vietnam

Cause of Death Killed in action

Age at Death 20

==============================

3796110 Philip Mackay Richter

Private

8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment

Service Australian Army

War Vietnam, 1962-1975

Date of Death 28 February 1970

Place of Death South Vietnam, Vietnam

Cause of Death Killed in action

Age at Death 21

===============================

61912 Garry Maxwell West

Private

8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment

Service Australian Army

War Vietnam, 1962-1975

Conflict Eligibility Date Vietnam, 1962-1975

Date of Death 28 February 1970

Place of Death South Vietnam, Vietnam

Cause of Death Died of wounds

Age at Death 19

 

Australia’s federal government is moving quickly to develop the country’s offshore wind resources after having lagged behind other parts of the world. The government is launching a public comment period for its next designated region near Newcastle on the east coast after having designated the first area near Victoria in the south. Australia has only recently passed the enabling legislation that provided the framework for the industry.

“Despite having some of the best wind resources in the world, Australia doesn’t currently have any offshore wind generation,” the Ministry for Climate Change and Energy noted in announcing the process for soliciting comments from the public in New South Wales. Minister Chris Bowen highlighted the country’s plan to get the national energy grid to 82 percent renewable energy in just seven years by 2030. Australia has set a goal of reducing emissions by just over 40 percent in the same time period by 2030.

The government said it is working to unlock the renewable energy industry citing the jobs and economic contributions that they expect as the industry moves forward. They are forecasting that the new industry could create 3,000 to 8,000 jobs in Australia every year.

The announcement on February 23 centred on an industrial region along the central, eastern coast in New South Wales known as the Hunter – see figure, attached. The minister pointed out that the area is already known for its strong industrial base, with mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. The area is home to the nation’s largest smelter.

Calling for community involvement Bowen said the new priority zone has the capacity to create up to 8 GW of power which he estimated would power more than six million homes. The region has the potential to be the location for hundreds of wind turbines.

The creation of new power sources is said to be especially important in the Hunter. Currently, the region depends on multiple coal-fired power stations. Bowen highlighted that they are however all scheduled to shut down in future years.

A total of seven community consultation sessions were announced. They will run between March 6 and 9. The minister said he was looking forward to receiving input about the best way offshore electricity can be harnessed in the region.

The Hunter becomes the next of six priority regions around Australia designated by the government due to the existence of “world-class offshore wind potential.” The Gippsland region in the south near Melbourne was the first region prioritized by the government. Multiple projects are in the advanced planning stage for the area.

The government previously announced a further four regions earmarked for offshore wind zones. These include the Pacific Ocean region off the Illawarra in NSW, the Southern Ocean region off Portland in Victoria, the Bass Strait region off Northern Tasmania, and the Indian Ocean region off Perth/Bunbury.

In October 1918, during the bloody final weeks of World War I, New York’s 77th Infantry Division became stranded behind enemy lines in France, suffering heavy losses from the advancing German Army. More than half the troops in the unit, known as the “Lost Battalion”, were killed or captured in the ensuing battle of Argonne while the nearly 200 men that remained struggled to alert headquarters for assistance beneath a barrage of artillery. To make matters worse, their location was misreported as an enemy position, exposing them to friendly fire as well.

When other attempts at communication failed, the battalion tried relaying word via homing Pidgeon. A bird was released carrying the message, “Many wounded. We cannot evacuate.” It was cut down by enemy fire moments later. Another pigeon was sent with the message, “Men are suffering. Can support be sent?” but it was shot as well.

As munitions and food dwindled with both friendly and enemy fire continuing to rain down, the imperilled unit turned to their one remaining pigeon, named Cher Ami, in a last-ditch effort to get the word out. Troops watched as that bird too dropped from the sky struck by a bullet, then incredibly take flight once again — successfully completing the 25-mile journey to headquarters even after being shot in the chest, blinded by shrapnel, and losing a leg, delivering the desperate message.

“Our artillery is dropping a barrage on us. For heaven’s sake, stop it!”

Thanks to the pigeon’s dedication in the face of danger, the 194 surviving soldiers of the 77th were saved.

For his show of valour, Cher Ami was awarded the Croix de Guerre, a decoration awarded to foreign troops by the French Army, as well as other honours by the United States. But despite receiving world-class medical attention — including a prosthetic leg — the heroic pigeon died from complications a year later.

Cher Ami’s body was later put on display at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC.

But Cher Ami was not the only heroic bird to save lives. More than 30 pigeons employed during World War I have been hailed for their service, receiving the Dickens Medal — an honour bestowed upon animals that exhibit “conspicuous gallantry” during times of war.

 

Photo: F-35 Lightning II aircraft from RAAF Base Williamtown fly off the coast. (Australian Air Force)

By Colin Clark

The United States is sending a delegation focused on the Indo-Pacific region, including top people from the Navy and Marines, as well as officials with a broader ambit such as the head of DSCA and the F-35 Joint Program Office.

The Avalon Show, which kicks off today, is already slated to be “the largest AVALON ever, with exhibition space sold out for the first time in the biennial event’s 30-year history,” organizers from the foundation that runs the show say. And it appears the US has noticed, with a dozen key officials slated to appear at the conference.

The runways and chalets will be packed with 798 exhibiting companies, which the AMDA Foundation says will be a 14 percent increase over the 2019 show, and will boast nearly 50 percent more industry, government, defence and scientific delegations, with 234 scheduled to attend.

There are expected to be 22 service chiefs, 14 representatives, three space commanders and six national armament directors from more than 40 countries, the foundation says.

The United States, Australia’s most important ally and supplier of much of its material, is not sending the most senior officials who often attend the Farnborough or Paris air shows, such as the secretary of the Air Force and the head of Air Force acquisition. Instead, the delegation is a mix of US officials who deal with Indo-Pacific issues, as well as the head of the F-35 program, the director of the Défense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA, which manages arms sales for the Pentagon) and the Marines’ deputy commandant for aviation.

 

Photo: Ukraine prime minister Denys Shmyhal and Poland prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki share a handshake after the first Polish delivery of Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks arrive in Ukraine (Denys Shmyhal on Twitter)

By Tim Martin

The delivery marks the first foreign gifts of Western-made main battle tanks to Ukraine, a long-sought-after weapon for Kyiv which it hopes to use as part of a planned upcoming spring offensive.

On the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Poland has officially delivered its first tranche of Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine — just as the Swedish government announced plans to supply up to 10 of the same vehicles to Kyiv.

The delivery marks the first foreign gifts of Western-made main battle tanks to Ukraine, a long-sought-after weapon for Kyiv which it hopes to use as part of a planned upcoming spring offensive.

Poland said Friday it had delivered four Leopard 2A4 tanks, coinciding with a visit to Kyiv by Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, according to the Associated Press. That was confirmed by a tweet from Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal, with a photo of him and Morawiecki shaking hands in front of the tanks. Warsaw is expected to deliver an additional 10 units in the future.

Meanwhile, Sweden’s prime minister Ulf Kristersson and defence minister Pal Jonson jointly announced Stockholm’s decision to send up to 10 Leopard 2A5 tanks, as part of a new military aid package for Ukraine.

The Leopard 2A5 tanks, of which Sweden holds 120 units, are in addition to 50 CV90 infantry fighting vehicles previously committed by Stockholm. The latest military aid package for Ukraine, from the Scandinavian nation, also covers the gifting of Hawk air defence system components and ammunition and IRIS-T air defence system components.

“The value of the [Hawk] components and ammunition, if purchased, would be several hundred million euros,” said Jonson in a social media post.

Jonson also said that he had been “inspired” to send more military equipment to Ukraine after personally visiting Odessa and Mykolaiv in December 2022.

An annual report from the Swedish Armed Forces, published Wednesday, revealed that a number of “ongoing renovations” and repairs have forced Swedish Army tanks and combat vehicles to suffer lower availability rates than expected.

Sweden had previously vowed that tanks were not “on the plate” when discussing the matter in January, but pressure from Germany and discussions with the “Leopard family” proved decisive, Kristersson told SVT, Sweden’s public television broadcaster.

The Swedish decision follows German chancellor Olaf Scholz, telling the Munich Security Conference last week that he and other political officials had been “canvassing intensively” to convince more countries to make Leopard 2 donations. He also revealed that Berlin’s gift of 14 Leopard 2A6 vehicles is set to deploy in Ukraine “very soon.”

Around 80 of the main battle tanks, or two battalions, are planned to be delivered, with Canada, Norway, Portugal and Spain also part of the international coalition. Overall, 11 countries have pledged to deliver tanks to Ukraine, according to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

By Captain Annie Richardson

On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine.

On the anniversary of the full-scale invasion, about 200 Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) recruits marched out from the UK-led and based training program under the instruction of the first Australian contingent deployed on Operation Kudu.

The program, which has seen nine partner nations train more than 10,000 Ukrainians, has the recruits undergo intensive combat training to rapidly learn the foundations of warfighting, using realistic and relevant scenarios designed to mimic the conditions in Ukraine.

This rotation of the volunteer force has been taught weapons handling and firing, wooded and urban fighting, trench warfare and medical survival skills by Australian instructors – who arrived in January this year.

Lined up in a hollow square on the parade ground of the camp they have been calling home, the trainees awaited the formal acknowledgement of the conclusion of their training, their graduation from civilian to soldier.

The contingent padre opened the graduation ceremony, recognising the sombre date with a prayer and a minute’s silence to reflect on the human suffering and tragedy of the conflict.

Following the silence, the Commander of the Australian Contingent on Operation Kudu, Major Gregory Sargeant, acknowledged the graduates’ dedication and the spirit they displayed throughout the course.

“Some of this training will be close to what many of you will soon be facing, or have already faced at home,” Major Sargeant said.

“You have had to learn very quickly, covering multiple topics to make you efficient soldiers, and you have all impressed the training team with your dedication and motivation.

“Our involvement is only a small part of your journey, but we take great pride in that small part we play.

“Look after yourselves, your friends and your families. Good luck and good soldiering.”

A Ukrainian National Support Element (NSE) Commander expressed his pride to the new graduates.

“It is a coincidence that you are graduating this day. Throughout this war we haven’t been acknowledging holidays or national days. Until the war is over, all our days are the same,” the NSE Commander said.

“You have done a lot of training in a short period. You have undergone different courses and drills, all of which will motivate you to continue the fighting.

“I am proud of you. You have worked very hard, your progress has been obvious and you have done very well.”

One graduating recruit, speaking in a mix of English and Ukrainian, humbly offered his appreciation for the course and his section commanders.

“Training here is very intense and, with regard to the Australian instructors, they work with love,” he said.

“They understand whom and for what they are teaching.”

The Ukrainian NSE Commander also expressed his hope and gratitude to the Australian instructors.

“Many of us have already seen combat during the Russo-Ukraine war but, no less, we have been so impressed by the level of knowledge from the Australian instructors who came here,” he said.

“We thank you for your motivation to come to help our soldiers and pass on your knowledge.”

“It’s important that we continue to work together. Australia and Ukraine share common values like freedom – which we are fighting for right now.”

The now privates, or ‘soldats’, will return to Ukraine to join their units and commence their new roles in their home country.

Australian soldiers from the 1st Brigade are deployed to the United Kingdom on ADF Operation Kudu, joining partner nations for the UK-led and based training program for Ukrainian recruits.

The contingent of up to 70 personnel is providing critical training to Ukrainian Armed Forces recruits to support their national defence following Russia’s illegal invasion.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles visited Operation Kudu earlier this month and said he was proud of the quality of training being provided to the recruits.

“Our men and women of the Australian Defence Force, alongside our partner forces, should be proud of their efforts to provide a training program that will help the AFU soldiers who they have trained,” Mr Marles said.

“This training is critical and will help the Ukrainian soldiers to continue protecting their country and bring an end this conflict.”

No Australians will enter Ukraine as part of this program.

 

By Mike Hughes

 

Soldiers from the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, conducted live-fire training at Wide Bay and Greenbank training areas in Queensland as part of Exercise Ram Shot in February.

Members completed mounted and dismounted live fire using static and dynamic drills, including section attacks, shooting through obstacles and firing a MAG 58 general purpose machine gun off a Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle.

Lieutenant Daniel Kelleher said it was a good chance to practise getting the basics right ahead of major exercises later in the year, including Exercise Talisman Sabre.

“It’s really beneficial to get the soldiers live-firing, especially ahead of a busy year coming up,” he said.

“It’s part of our bread and butter; it’s incredibly important and it’s great for them to spend some more time in a field environment.”

Companies alternated between Greenbank and Wide Bay, enhancing their capability to quickly adapt to different environments.

Private Shaun Wickham said he enjoyed the exercise and it was a great opportunity to bond with the soldiers he will spend a lot of field time with.

“It’s good to get out at the start of the year and get hands on tools and fire some rounds down range,” he said.

“It’s great to spend some time with everyone; they’re a great group to be around and it’ll bring us closer together ahead of a big few months.”

 

Australia’s Sky News TV News host Andrew Bolt says out of vanity & “wilful ignorance” Australia’s political class has decided to make people “poorer & weaker”.

“They’ve decided to get rid of our reliable electricity, the electricity that used to be about the cheapest in the world, the electricity that made us so rich, that let us set up smelters, and car plants, and factories of all kinds that gave us jobs,” Mr Bolt said. “And they’re going to get rid of this cheap & reliable electricity without – and get this – without having anything reliable to replace it.”

Mr Bolt said the green projects by the government have “blown their budgets or are years behind”. “It’s a farce, except there’s nothing funny about it. I mean look at your power bills, are you laughing? Look at the jobs already lost, is that funny?” he said. “One green scheme after the other, failed or in strife, costing billions more than promised.”