The US State Department has greenlit the possible sale of infrared countermeasure systems for Royal Australian Air Force’s air mobility platforms. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has announced the approval of a US$122 million ($168.7 million) purchase request from the Commonwealth government for Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and related […]
Australia; RAAF awards Hawk Mk.127 upgrade contract
Hawk, one of the world’s most successful and proven military aircraft trainer, will continue to train Australia’s frontline fighter pilots through to 2031 after a A$1.5 billion (£794m) commitment by the Australian Government. A Rolls-Royce 951 Adour engine upgrade for the Australian fleet will be incorporated by 2025 and will align the aircraft with the […]
Australia; Navy shows interest in EuroTorp’s MU90 torpedo
According to information published by OCCAR on January 25, 2022, Australia is interested in a number of OCCAR Programes including the Light Weight Torpedo Programme. The LWT Program covers In-Service Support (ISS) for the MU90 torpedoes the Participating States currently have in service. The MU90 Impact is an advanced lightweight anti-submarine torpedo of the 3rd […]
Australia; MoD formally orders M1A2 Abrams tanks from the US
According to information published by the “Defence Connect” website on December 18, 2021, the Australian Government has approved the purchase of 75 M1A2 SEP V3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks under the LAND 907 Phase 2 project. The Land 907 Phase 2 Project of the Australian Army includes the upgrade of the M1A1 Abrams Main Battle […]
Australia; MoD issues forma order for Korean AS9 Huntsman 155mm SPH
Korean owned Hanwha Defense Australia has signed a US$ 721M contract with the Commonwealth of Australia for the supply of its Huntsman AS9 self-propelled artillery system to Australia, a South Korean K9 Thunder 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer tailored for the Australian army. The contract signature was announced on December 13 by the Prime Minister of […]
New Zealand; Army receives Rheinmetall MAN HX 8×8 Heavy Recovery Vehicles
Rheinmetall announced on December 8 the official handover of three HX 8×8 Heavy Recovery Vehicles to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) at an official ceremony held on November 25th 2021 at the Trentham Military Camp in Wellington, New Zealand. The successful delivery of the vehicles to the NZDF provides the New Zealand Army with […]
Australia; Army inaugurates new aviation command
The Australian Army’s aviation capability has been united under a newly formed command. The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, AO, DSC, MVO, has announced the official formation of a new Army Aviation Command at a ceremonial parade and helicopter flyover at Blamey Square, Canberra. Effective from Thursday (2 December), 16th Aviation Brigade and […]
Australia; RAAF retires F-18 Hornets
After more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Royal Australian Air Force, Australia’s fleet of F/A-18A/B Classic Hornets has been farewelled, to make way for the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter. The remaining few active Classic Hornets—that have been employed in the defence of the Australian nation since 1985—were farewelled on November 29 […]
Australia; Army commissions twenty M113’s converted to UGV
According to a Tweet published by BAE Systems Australia on November 22, 2021, the company has delivered 20 M113A4 Optionally Crewed Combat Vehicles to the Australian Army. The M113AS4 is the standard tracked armored personnel carrier in service with the Australian armed and the APC will be replaced by a new tracked IFV (Infantry Fighting […]
Australia; Navy orders 12 MH-60R multi-mission helicopters from Lockheed-Martin
The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters, Related Defense Services, and related equipment for an estimated cost of $985 million. The Government of Australia has requested to buy twelve (12) MH-60R Multi-Mission helicopters; thirty (30) T-700-GE-401C engines (24 installed, […]