The Australian Defence Force is supporting the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) as it conducts air mobility training from RAAF Base Richmond. FILE PHOTO (May 2023): Soldiers from the Australian Army’s 176 Air Dispatch Squadron work with Air Terminal Company, 3 Singapore Armed Forces Transport Battalion, during a Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 training sortie. Photo by Aircraftwoman Maddison Scott. Training commenced on 27 April and will run until 4 June. As part of this now annual RSAF training, a Singaporean C-130H Hercules transport aircraft and approximately 140 Singaporean per ..read more

Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States have released proposed changes to national exemptions to remove export controls between AUKUS partners. ​These changes are designed to enable defence industry across all three countries to work more seamlessly in a license-free environment, while strengthening collaboration and making it easier to develop advanced scientific, technological and industrial capabilities. ​For the first time, this would: ​Remove the requirement for approximately 900 export permits, valued at AU$5 billion per year, which would otherwise be required under cur ..read more

Army parachute training has been authorised to recommence after being paused in March following a fatal accident at RAAF Base Richmond. FILE PHOTO (October 2021): Australian Defence Force special operations force trainees from the ADF School of Special Operations conduct a parachute load-follow jump from a Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules into water off Manly, Sydney, NSW. Photo by Able Seaman Benjamin Ricketts. Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon died from injuries received in the parachute accident on 7 March 2024. The death of Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon – son of former Defence Minister ..read more

A trial is underway to test if dry firing with a ‘Fitbit for shooting’ can improve soldiers’ live-fire skills. CAPTION: A scientist from La Trobe University checks the readout from a MantisX system attached to a shooter’s weapon – and, right, a typical readout from the system (click to enlarge). Story and photos by Corporal Michael Rogers. Personnel from 7 Brigade are undertaking a four-week program using the MantisX training system to test its suitability for Australian forces. The device uses a sensor mounted on a weapon to track barrel movement, trigger pull and weapon stability, then deliv ..read more

The Australian government says it has expressed its concerns to the Chinese government following what they say was an unsafe and unprofessional interaction between a People’s Liberation Army – Air Force (PLA-AF) fighter aircraft and an Australian helicopter. FILE PHOTO: HMAS Hobart’s embarked MH-60R helicopter “Voodoo” returns to the ship during flying operations on her current deployment. Photo by Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall. According to the Australian government official statement, on Saturday 4 May 2024, HMAS Hobart was in international waters in the Yellow Sea undertaking routine activit ..read more

In a significant move for allied air capability, the Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Air Force have re-formed their respective 80 Squadrons. CAPTION: Royal Air Force Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton (L) and Royal Australian Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Robert Chipman shake hands at the 80 Squadron re-formation ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Story by Flight Lieutenant Rachael Blake. Photos by USAF Samuel King Jr. The occasion was marked with a dual squadron parade and re-formation ceremony, attended by Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Robert Chipm ..read more

Flying across the highlands of Papua New Guinea, a RAAF C-27J Spartan conducted airlift operations in support of its close partner, the PNG Defence Force and PNG government. CAPTION: A RAAF C-27J Spartan from 35 Squadron parked at Telefomin Airport, Papua New Guinea, during the Defence Pacific Air Program. Story by Flight Lieutenant Claire Campbell. Photos by Corporal Samuel Miller. Part of the Defence Pacific Air Program (DPAP) 2024, the aircraft from 35 Squadron has supported PNGDF troop movements, delivered essential supplies to remote areas and strengthened this special partnership. D ..read more

Deployed on Operation Manitou in Bahrain, Leading Seaman Tahlia Lemon has been recognised by the Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) for her support of personnel working in the region. CAPTION: Leading Seaman Maritime Personnel Operator Tahlia Lemon recieves a letter of commendation from Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces and Commander US 5th Fleet, US Navy Vice Admiral George Wikoff while deployed on Operation Manitou. Story by Lieutenant Ben Page. In a letter of commendation from the CMF Commander and Commander US 5th Fleet, United States Navy, Vice Admiral Georg ..read more

An excited toddler repeatedly asks, “Is my dad on that ship?” CAPTION: Lieutenant Rene Van Rooyen from HMAS Warramunga embraces her partner on the wharf of Fleet Base East, Sydney, on return from deployment.
 Story by Lieutenant Nicole Gallie. Photos by Able Seaman Lucinda Allanson. Minutes later he’s scooped into his father’s arms, a happy reunion after 96 days away from home. Family and friends crowded the wharf at Fleet Base East on April 29 to welcome HMAS Warramunga home after its regional presence deployment to India, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and the Philippines. C ..read more

A pilgrimage to Anzac Cove prompted Leading Seaman Peta Binns to reflect on the sacrifice and valour etched into her family’s history. CAPTION: Leading Seaman Peta Binns’ great-great uncle, 2nd Lieutenant George Oakley Newton, is circled in a photo of his cadet class. Story by Leading Seaman Peta Binns. Photo supplied by Australian War Memorial (P00864.001). Amid the echoes of haunting bugle calls and the sea crashing against the Gallipoli shoreline, I found myself immersed in a moving Anzac Day dawn service, paying tribute to the sacrifice of those who fought in the Great War. As a recen ..read more